Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/11/2003

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Ms. Barrels noted Minneapolis Park and Recreation used to have a lot of outdoor basketball courts and there were many complaints from residents around the courts with people feeling hassled and with drug dealing. The City has gone to a lot of half courts. A lot of people are afraid of the intensity on the courts and the City responded by putting those parks inside. Commissioner Shryock stated there is a basketball court at Coon Creek Park that is very active with all different ages of men playing, and it is also the most popular park in the area for kids due to the multi-age equipment. There is a pathway and bermed plantings that separate the areas. They do not hear anything going from the courts and the kids do not bother to go over there with the right barriers. Commissioner Lelnnan suggested they eliminate the water at the Skate and Sports Park and focus on the teens with something they may use more. Commissioner Ostrum commented the water feature would be difficult to change or modify. Ms. Bartels explained as far as water in the overall park system there would be a swimming hole in the centralized park, storm water moving through, and some water in Town Center. Commissioner Ostrum suggested the water features from the Skate and Sports Park be included in one of the other parks. Ms. Bartels noted they had discussed a wading pool and spray deck in the downtown area. The interactive fountain would be a shallow depression with jets underneath the paving in the Civic Square. Commissioner Shryock suggested fn addition to the interactive fountain there be a sculpture with a water spray that would only operate at certain times of the day. Commissioner Lehman suggested some of the family water features be incorporated into the concept plan for the west end. Commissioner Shryock commented they have been trying to keep that area fairly natural and this would be inviting more activity there. Chairperson Jolms inquired if there would be enough space for miniature golf at the Skate and Sports Park. Ms. Barrels responded she thinks there would be enough room. It might be too small for street hockey. Commissioner Lehman suggested they ask teenagers what they would like to see at the park. Ms. Bartels inquired if the skate park would be geared toward boys. Park and Recreation Commission/August 19, 2003 Page 7 of 10