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2003-09-16RICHHELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION 7 AGENDA Tuesday, September 16, 2003 7.00 p.m. Wood Lake Nature Center (6710 Lake Shore Drive) Commission Members Regular Staff Liaisons Robert Dietl Rodney Schmidt Jim Topitzhofer (Staff Liaison) John Enger (Council) Gloma Hamernick Chad Sharkey John Evans (Secretary) Mark Tolvstad (Planning Com) Rick Jabs Linda Slocum Barb Kritzman Gordon Vizecky Gary Ness 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Minutes ❑ Regular Meeting: July 15, 2003 3. Public Comment ❑ Opportunity to discuss items not printed on the agenda 4. Program Spotlight ❑ Richfield Outdoor Pool/Adventure Gardens Mini -Golf (Jim Topitzhofer) S. Staff Reports ❑ Recreation Services • Community Center Remodeling • Tri-CityNMCA Skate Park 6. Discussion Items ❑ Park Names • Del Meyer Fields at Roosevelt Park • No Name Park ❑ First -Tier Trails Plan (Topitzhofer) 7. Action Items 8. Committee Reports ❑ Transportation Committee (Kritzman) ❑ Ballfield Improvement Task Force (Jabs and Kritzman) ❑ FOWL (Died) ❑ Planning Commission (Kritzman) ❑ Richfield Community Human Services Planning Council [RCHSPC] (Slocum) 9. Other 10. Next Meeting Tuesday, August 19, 2003 7:00 p.m., Wood Lake Nature Center 11. Adjournment DRAFT MINUrIES UNTIL APPROVED BY jSC July 15, 2003 RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES ® 'aDuly tcod Lake Nature Center Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. Approval of Minutes Motion and second to approve the minutes of June 17. Approved, ayes all. No Name Park Following this meeting, Topitzhofer summarized in a meeting to the neighborhood: We had a good showing of neighbors at the meeting last Tuesday, July 15 regarding No Name Park. Over thirty residents were present to express their opinions regarding a request to remove two signs prohibiting ball play. Members of the Community Services Commission listened to testimonies for and against the removal of the signs. Afterwards, the Community Services Commission conducted their regular meeting and took action regarding the sign request. The Community Services Commission concluded that the main issue was not with the actual activity itself (hitting a tennis ball with a bat), but rather the undesirable behavior of individuals taking part in this activity. Some of this behavior included foul language and occasionally urinating in the bushes. There was one incident where some individuals cut a tree limb to gain better access to their playing field. The Community Services Commission observed several individuals at the meeting who apologized for their behavior, promising to work hard to regain the respect of the neighborhood by cleaning up their act. The Commission decided to give these young people a chance and remove the "No Ball Playing" signs for the remainder of this year. However, if undesirable behavior persists, the signs will be reinstated. The neighborhood is asked to monitor the activity at the park during this probationary period and report any observations. The Community Services Commission will formerly evaluate the situation in November to determine the final fate of the signs. The existing signs will be removed immediately and replaced by the standard sign found in all Richfield parks. Some of the rules pertaining to all City parks address golf play, drug and alcohol use, pet clean-up, and park curfew (the standard park -rules sign is on the back of this letter). The Commission is also interested in considering a name for this park and would welcome recommendations from the neighborhood. IMY1 September Regular Meeting Tuesday, September 16, 7:00 p.m. Wood Lake Nature Center WAVIM M Motion and second to adjourn. RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION �.yir�����■ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Ili I u n Agenda Item Park Naming Attachments None Meeting Date: September 16, 2003 Agenda Section —� Discussion Items Contact Rick Jabs The Community Services Commission may choose to consider the naming of a park and a set of ballfields. At the July meeting, the CSC and neighbors of No Name Park met to discuss the rules and regulations that may be established for the land. Recreation Services Director Topitzhofer said that the land is classified as park land and could, therefore be subject to the same rules as other parks. It was decided by consensus that the park would have a standard park -rules sign posted for a trial period. This "new park" could also be subject to a new name. The President of Richfield Baseball, Inc., Steve Klopp, approached staff with the following e-mail: Del Meyer is a Board Member & Tournament Director with Richfield Baseball. I have had a few people come to me and inquire about dedicating the 4 fields at Roosevelt Park to Del Meyer for all his work with Richfield kids since the 1960's. Is that possible and what is the procedure to do such a thing? Staff has referred him to the CSC to consider this request. In some cases, a public entity might sell the "naming rights" to a park or field, just as benches and tables are purchased as personal dedications. This is one option for the CSC to consider. Recommended Action Discuss and suggest possible courses of action for the naming of parks and fields. J RICHFIELD COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION �..,.,....._.. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Meeting Date: September 16, 2003 Agenda Item Agenda Section Richfield/Edina Regional Trail Cooridor Discussion Items Attachments Staff Contact: Maps and Narrative from Three Rivers Park District Summary Jim Topitzhofer Bike Trail Plan Map: Richfield Comprehensive Plan The City of Richfield was first approached by Hennepin Parks (now called Three Rivers Park District) in 1999 about an initiative to identify and develop trail corridors through first -tier communities. Work then progressed to complete the First Tier Trails, Greenways & Parks Master Plan. Representatives from Three Rivers Park District presented this plan to the CSC. Bike boosters from the area (participants from City bike programs and others who had expressed interest) were invited to attend. Richfield City Council approved a resolution supporting the plan on April 24, 2000. The First Tier Trails, Greenways & Parks Master Plan includes a trail corridor that passes through Richfield, connecting Richfield to the cities of Edina, Minnetonka and Hopkins to the west, and the MSP International Airport and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge to the east. A complete description of this Richfield/Edina Corridor is attached. The proposed route through Richfield begins at Adams Hill Park, near the location of the new YMCA/Tri-City ikate Park. The trail progresses south on Upton Avenue to 75th Street and east through school property, to the controlled intersection at 75th and Penn Avenue. The trail passes Richfield Middle School property and turns south on Logan Avenue to 76th Street. The trail is accommodated by a new bridge design over Interstate 35W and continues eastward on 76th Street to Cedar Avenue. The trail is accommodated by a new underpass at Cedar Avenue connecting to the Airport frontage road to 34th Avenue and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The trail is also identified in the Richfield Comprehensive Plan (see attached) A portion of the trail on 76th Street will be constructed this fall, from Lyndale Avenue to Emerson Avenue, converting this four -lane segment into a two-lane road with two bike lanes. City Council approved this project following a public meeting with the CSC in June and some neighborhood answer -van appearances. Now that the trail location is more defined, Three Rivers Park District is once again requesting a formal resolution from the City Council to support the Richfield/Edina Regional Trail Corridor. If approved and constructed, Three Rivers Park District will be managing and serving as operating authority of the trail. Three Rivers Park District will fund construction, operations, and maintenance. City or other agency assistance in funding construction may accelerate project implementation. Recommended Action i 1 Recommend City Council approval of a resolution supporting the Richfield/Edina Regional Trail Corridor. Chapter 3: Preferred Scheme Edina/Richfield Corridor (see Figure 8) This proposed trail corridor could begin where the Southwest LRT Regional Trail crosses 1 Ith Avenue in Hopkins. Trails exist along a portion of I1th Avenue leading south to Westbrook Way. At Westbrook Way, the trail could progress eastward, following existing city trails, into a City of Hopkins park. Existing trails lead through this park, cross 2nd Avenue, and lead toward US 169. The trail could then pass underneath -US 169, which is opkin,dtywihle`US , Hopkins rity nnif m patible US tbg vmdn pazr, elevated in this area, and enter Edina roughly following looking eatt Nine Mile Creek. The trail could then proceed southward along the Nine Mile Creek floodway, within a city -owned parcel, until it reaches a town home development near Londonderry Road. This town home development has steep slopes and is heavily wooded. Trail implementation would be difficult in this area, but could generally follow the creek to Walnut Ridge Park. Multiple creek crossings in this area may be necessary. From Walnut Creek Park, the trail could cross Vernon Avenue at Gleason Road and follow Gleason Road all the way across TH 62, using existing trails associated with Bredesen Park on the east side of the roadway. The F crossing of TH 62 on Gleason Road is not ideal, consisting of narrow sidewalks on the bridge. A supplemental non- A r motorized crossing of TH 62 would be preferred. Another option would be to construct a new pedestrian •' bridge over TH 62 further east in the vicinity of the creek. s " a . . r The trail could then depart from Gleason Avenue, pass a through Bredesen Park, cross the highway, and touch @dine dty mil at Gl,a , Road, foukmg down in Creek Valley Park. This could serve not only as a `O ah tamard Nine Mde Creek regional connector, but as a local connection between the schools on the south side of the expressway and the nature area on the north. South of TH 62, the trail could enter Creek Valley Park and progress eastward past Creek Valley School and Edina High School all the way to Tracy Avenue. This segment is comprised entirely of city -owned land. From here, the trail could cross Tracy Avenue at Valley View Road, upgrade an existing bridge over Nine Mile Creek at Valley View Road, and then follow Valley Lane eastward. Valley Lane has a very wide right-of-way and an existing narrow sidewalk. A regional trail facility would be easily implemented in this area. Nine Mile Creek at TnnyAcmue, loeking ava 1 29 FIRST TIER TRAILS, GREENWAYS PARKS MASTER PLAN Chapter 3: Preferred Scheme Farther along on Valley Lane, an existing trail easement provides access to Heights Park. The trail easement is narrow, but it leads to a high quality existing bridge over Nine Mile Creek. The trail could then follow the creek in Heights Park southward. akin at f/n/lryVno Road, looking earl oking enn From Heights Park there are two possible options for continuing the trail eastward lo across Edina: 66th Street and 70th Street. • 66th Street Route: The connection between Heights Park and 66th Street would be difficult, requiring a railroad crossing, a steep grade change, and an easement on private property. Once across the railroad, however, the trail could connect to 66th Street via a utility storage facility at the western end of the street. 66th Street is a narrow residential street between Ridgeview Drive and TH 100. The eastbound lane is slightly wider than the westbound, however, and roadway - narrowing may be possible as far as Normandale Park which lies on the north side of the roadway._ After the park, however, 66th Street has steep inclines and adjacent stone walls that could make trail implementation difficult as far as West Shore Drive, where an existing trail 661b Street at Ridgeoiem Drive, looking roar within Lake Cornelia Park on the north side of the road leads as far as Valley View Road. The trail could then progress southward along the west side of Valley View Road, where there is a wide right-of-way and an existing sidewalk. The trail could then cross to the east side of Valley View Road at 69th Street and proceed south to It 70th Street. Malley rim road at 68tb Street, looking tooth At the intersection of 70th Street, Valley View Road, and Lynmar, the trail could proceed south on Lynmar to Hazelton Road. Lynmar is a wide residential street which is blocked to through vehicular traffic at Mavelle Drive. South of Mavelle Drive, there is an undeveloped green space which could provide additional space for trail implementation. The trail could then proceed east along Hazelton Road and connect to existing trails within Centennial Lakes. Hazelton Road has existing sidewalks which could be widened, and offers access to commercial uses. Lynntar atMaodle Drive, looking with ParksHennepin 30 FIRST TIER TRAILS, GREENWAYS PARKS MASTER PLAN Nine vile Creek at 70tb Sneer, looking wen Chapter 3: Preferred Scheme 7otb Street at Lyawa,, !.king west • 70tb Street Route; The trail could continue south within Heights Park to Brook Drive, where there is a small parcel of privately owned land between the park and another city -owned parcel along the creek to the south. Trail implementation could be difficult in this segment, and public support would be crucial. The trail could then enter the aforementioned city -owned parcel and follow the creek south and east to 70th Street. A crossing of the CP/Soo Line Mainline would be required in this segment. The trail could then follow 70th Street eastward to Lynmar. 70th Street has the width of a four -lane roadway, but is striped as a two lane roadway. Sidewalks exist on both sides. It is possible that this roadway corridor could be reconstructed to accommodate a regional trail. At Lynmar, the trail could proceed into Centennial Lakes as described above. Once in Centennial Lakes, the trail could follow existing trails into Yorktown and Adams Hill Parks, taking advantage of an existing trail underpass of York Avenue. From here there are two possible routes through western Richfield: 72nd Street and 73rd Street. Centrnnial Lnkei, !.king.,t Adam's Hill Pork, l.king wen 73rd Street CorTidor: Adams Hill Park has existing trails that access 73rd Street. The trail could then follow 73rd Street eastward, dipping south into Richfield Junior High School and Donaldson Park at Newton Avenue. 73rd Street is a residential street with narrow right-of-way and numerous trees. Trail implementation could be difficult in this segment. 731d Street at Newton Avmie, !.king west iHennepin Parks 31 FIRST TIER TRAILS, GREENWAYS ` PARKS MASTER PLAN Chapter 3: Preferred Scheme 7271d Strceq n[ThmruuAvrnve, _ - - lookingenst 72nd Street Corridor: Adams Hill Park also allows access to 72nd Street. The trail could follow this residential street as far as a cemetery located between Upton and Penn Avenues. Whereas the western end of 72nd Street is much like 73rd, the right-of-way adjacent to the cemetery offers a better opportunity for off -road trail construction. The trail could then head southward into Richfield Junior High School at Newton Avenue. The trail could progress through Richfield Junior High School and Donaldson Park and then follow Humboldt Avenue southward to 76th Street. Humboldt Avenue has ample right-of-way for trail construction. The trail corridor could follow 76th Street eastward the entire length of Richfield. This roadway is likely to be narrowed from four lanes to three lanes, due to the intentional shifting of traffic to 77th Street. Such a reconstruction would provide excess right-of-way for trail construction. The trail could then cross Cedar Avenue on a proposed new bridge, and access existing on -road facilities leading to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. These on -road facilities follow the north frontage roads of I-494, cross the expressway at 34th Avenue, and then follow 80th Street into the refuge. The airport and the wildlife refuge seem to both be committed to improving bicycle access to and through their facilities. The airport has commissioned a study of possible bikeway improvements and relocations ; associated with airport expansion (BRW, Inc., 1999). t It is possible that these on road facilities could be77, 1 upgraded with cooperation from the City of _ 4 Bloomington, the Metropolitan Airports Commission and the National Wildlife Refuge.-���- ;: 76tb Snve; Richfield Alternate Routes: • The trail could begin in Minnetonka just west of Shady Oak Lake. Existing city trails lead from the Southwest LRT Regional Trail eastward into the Opus 11 Office Park. Within this office development, existing sidewalks could be upgraded and the trail could proceed across US 169 on Bren Road. This would allow access into the forested townhome development and Walnut Ridge Park in Edina. Fred Richards Golf Course/76th Street: From the intersection of Nine Mile Creek and 70th Street in Edina, the trail could continue south along the creek, cross TH 100, and enter Fred Richards Golf Course. The trail could then skirt the northern edge of the course and access Parklawn Avenue and 76th Street. The trail could proceed eastward along 76th Street into Centennial Lakes. Another option here would be for the trail to continue along 76th Street all the way to I-35W. �Hennepin Parks 32 FIRST TIER TRAILS, UREENWAYS PARKS MASTER PLAN Chapter 3: Preferred Scheme The majority of the Nine Mile Creek Corridor south of 70th Street is privately owned, requiring significant landowner cooperation. In addition, this route would require a new crossing of TH 100 and placement of a trail within an existing golf course. Parklawn Avenue and 76th Street offer existing sidewalks that could be widened. Instead of following Humboldt Avenue south from Donaldson Park, the trail could cross I-35W on the existing pedestrian bridge at 73rd Street. This bridge would have to be reconstructed with ramps to accommodate bicycles. On the east side of the expressway, the trail could follow the frontage road south and connect to 76th Street through an existing break in the noise wall. This route offers a safer crossing of I-35W, but there is little room for trail implementation between the frontage road and the existing noise wall on the east side of the expressway. ,Hennepin Parks 33 FIRST TIER TRAILS, GREENWAYS PARKS MASTER PLAN John Evans From: Jim Topitzhofer Sent: Friday, November 14, 2003 10:21 AM To: John Evans Subject: FW: Follow up to CSC meeting and discussion of Del Meyer tribute FYI ---Original Message ----- From: Rick Jabs [mailto:RJabs@aandl-labs.com] Sent: Friday, November 14, 2003 8:19 AM To: Steve Klopp Cc: Jim topitzhofer[JTopitzhofer@ci. richfield. mn. Us] (E-mail) Subject: Follow up to CSC meeting and discussion of Del Meyer tribute Good Morning Steve. As I was reading through my minutes of the last CSC meeting, I realized I was to follow up with you on the CSC (Community Services Commission) direction on Park naming/re-naming. I apologize for not getting to you sooner. Jim Topitzhofer, Linda Slocum and myself met as a sub -committee to discuss options to bring back to the CSC for discussion. We looked at what standards were in place for Richfield and other communities. Jim presented an article that was published by the National Recreation and Parks Assoc. that recommends Park naming stay with themes and recommends against changing Park names. Since the name of a Park is a reference point for many activities in a community, it causes confusion if it is not stable. As the CSC discussed the re -naming, we considered all of the other individuals and groups who have come and gone, leaving the programs better and more meaningful to youth/adult development. The CSC does not want to slight anyone, and yet recognizes that many have made a difference (Del being one of many). The CSC concluded that staying with the current park names was an important location finder. We also, discussed the possibility of naming fields within parks, but concluded that it would cause confusion with the park name. Hence, the CSC has recommended no park renaming take place. The CSC felt it is more appropriate for the organization to name a tournament(or a team/event) for a person that the group would like to recognize. This could be done with an opening ceremony on the first day of the tournament, a plaque and an official of the City of Richfield present. There could also be a proclamation done by the City Council to designate the Opening day of the tournament as the (Del Meyer Day). Again, I want to state that individuals like Del are very important to our community and our youth/adult community based programs. And we thank him for his contribution in making youth sports in Richfield the best! Regards, Rick