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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 11If possible, please bring holiday goodies to share. PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MAINTENANCE CENTER ...................................................... ......................................................... . , Call to Order Approval of Meetinq Minutes a. October 9, 2000 Minutes b. November 13, 2000 Minutes Staff Reports a. Park Dedication Fee Study- Park and Trail Plan b. Knob Hill Park Neighborhood Meeting c. Band Shelter Update d. Lakefront Park Entrance Monument e. Wilds Park f. Park Referendum Update g. Recreation Program Update h. Skate Board Request 4. Old Business 5 New Business 6. Future Meeting Dates - January 8, 2001 7. Adjournment 16200 Eagle Creek Ave. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 9, 2000 The Parks AdviSory Committee meeting was called to order by Ron Ceminsky at 6:30 p.m., on Monday, October 9, 2000. Members present were Ron Ceminsky, Thea Fluhrer, Pat Heaney, Kathy Smith, Tom Schutz and Chad Storley. Sandi Fleck was absent. Also in attendance were Public Works Director Bud Osmundson, Assistant City Manager Susan Walsh, Parks Supervisor Al Friedges, and Recreation Supervisor Chris Esser. Mayor Mader and Councilmembers Gundlach, Ericson, Petersen and Zieska were present. September 11, 2000 Park Advisory Committee Meet Minutes: MOTION BY STORLEY, SECOND BY SMITH TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 11, 2000 MEETING MINUTES. Motion carried unanimously. Joint Meeting with City Council Assistant City Manager Walsh informed the members that a joint meeting with the City Council is scheduled for December 4, 2000. This will be held prior to the regular City Council meeting. Mayor Mader addressed the Park Advisory Committee members at this time. He pointed out that the members of the Parks Advisory Committee were appointed to support the City Council and were not appointed to work as a political action committee or to undermine the City Council or staff. He went on to state that the role of the appointed members is to work with the Council, support Council decisions whether they agree or disagree and to represent the facts accurately. Mayor Mader referred to letters and faxes that contained incorrect information that dance classes would be cancelled, that the Mayor had voted for a 50% salary increase for himself and that the Mayor fired the Parks and Recreation Director. He also voice objection that members of the Parks Advisory Committee were circulating a petition to overturn decisions made by the City Manager during Lakefront Days. The Mayor stated that it is unacceptable for a member of this committee to come to the City Council meeting and be disruptive, and is in violation of the bylaws, respectful behavior and rules of decorum by slamming doors and pounding on the podium. The Mayor requested that the members of the Parks Advisory Committee decide whether they wish to be a member of the PAC or a member of the political action committee. Discussion ensued between the Council and the Parks Advisory Committee with regard to past conversations that had taken place with each other. Members of the Parks Advisory Committee noted their hard work and dedication to the City park system. The Mayor requested that the PAC members discuss these issues and advise the City Council at the December 4, 2000 joint meeting of the actions they intended to take to correct the situation. With the exception of Councilmember Ericson, the members of the City Council left the meeting. Playground Equipment Bids Councilmember Ericson stated that this matter was deferred from the October 2nd Council meeting to the October 16, 2000 meeting so Council would have time to review the proposals received from the four venders on the playground equipment. Members of the PAC felt the criteria used for selecting the two recommended vendors were appropriate. There was a consensus of the members that if the Council agrees to go with the lowest bidder that the matter should be referred back to the PAC prior to City Council approval. ~ Councilmember Ericson left the meeting at this time. Park Fee Study Assistant City Manager Walsh advised that the City Council awarded the contract to complete the park fee study to Ingraham & Associates in the amount of $14,305. This study is being conducted since the City's park dedication fees have not been adjusted from the $13,000 per acre for many years while land sales are going for $30,000-$50,000 per acre. Thomas Ryan Memorial Park Concession Stand Parks Supervisor Friedges updated the members on the bid opening for the restroom/concession building. Bids were received in the major categories (earthwork, concrete, carpentry, electrical, painting) but not for some of the smaller categories. Friedges is currently seeking quotes for the smaller categories. It was noted that the original estimate of $145,000 is quite lower than what the total costs will most likely turn out to be. The architect claimed he had estimated $225,000, and Friedges informed the members that it could be built for approximately $176,000 if the City was the general contractor. Public Works Director Osmundson advised that he is working with the Metropolitan Council to receive approval to extend sewer to serve the new facility. Fall Program Review Recreation Supervisor Chris Esser reviewed the recreation programs for the fall and winter. The dance programs are going very well and enrollment is at 399 which is up from 351 students last year. Old Business Osmundson informed the members that a yield sign will be installed on Ponds Parkway where it intersects with Toronto. Staff is checking into having a stop sign placed on Busse Boulevard. Thea Fluhrer requested that staff look into having a "no in-line skating or no skate boarding" sign placed at the library. New Business - None The next meeting will be on Monday, November 13, 2000, at 6:30 p.m. Members requested that the meeting be held at the library if a room is available. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Susan Walsh, Assistant City Manager PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 13, 2000 The Parks Advisory Committee meeting was called to order by Ron Ceminsky at 7:45 p.m., on Monday, November 13, 2000. Members present were Ron Ceminsky, Thea Fluhrer, Pat Heaney, Kathy Smith, Tom Schutz and Sandi Fleck. Chad Storley was absent. Also in attendance were Assistant City Manager Susan Walsh and Recreation Supervisor Chris Esser. Approval of October 9, 2000 Meeting Minutes: There was a consensus of the members that the October 9, 2000 meeting minutes contained many inaccuracies and did not represent what was said at the meeting. It was requested that a recording secretary be assigned to attend the meetings and take the minutes or at least have the minutes recorded on a tape recorder. MOTION BY SCHUTZ, SECOND BY CEMINSKY TO TABLE APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES AND MEMBERS SHOULD REVIEW THE MINUTES AND MAKE COMMENTS AND BRING BACK THEIR CORRECTIONS AT THE NEXT MEETING. Motion carried unanimously. Chair Ceminsky announced that Sandi Fleck resigned from the Parks Advisory committee effective this date. All of the members thanked Sandi for her hard work and dedication. Sandi Fleck left the meeting at this time. Park Fee Study: Assistant City Manager Walsh provided an update on the status of the study. She advised that staff members met with the consultant this date and reviewed the existing inventory of parks and trails and provided input on possible areas for future parks and trail development. The next steps in the process will be: meet with the finance director and county assessor to determine land valuations and prepare neighborhood park prototype and budget. The study is to be completed by the end of this year. Members requested that the updated park and trail plan be provided to them for their review at the next meeting. Walsh advised she would try to get the new plan to them on December 4, 2000. Walsh further advised that funding for this study would be expended from the capital park fund. Discussion ensued on the park referendum bond proceeds. There were questions on what will happen to the remaining balance from the bond proceeds once all the referendum projects are completed. Members of the committee requested that they be provided with the referendum tracking form that is produced by the finance director and agreed it would be a good idea if he attended one of their meetings to review this form with them. Thomas Ryan Memorial Park Concession Stand: Walsh informed the committee members that the City did not receive approval to install a septic system at the park. Therefore sanitary sewer will have to be installed and approvals obtained from the Township Board. Since there may be approximately $5000 in fees charged by the Township and County for the City extending the sewer line into the park, annexing the parkland may be a viable alternative. City staff will continue working with the Township Board on this matter. At this time the members discussed a recent article in the local paper with regards to a Councilmember criticizing the former parks and recreation director's cost estimate for the concession stand at Thomas Ryan Memorial Park being too low. They were offended by the article, and they felt that indicating the cost estimate as grossly under cost was a misrepresentation. Fall Program Review/Winter Program Preview: Recreation Supervisor Chris Esser advised that the fall trips to Tropics Park and Camp Snoopy were well attended and felt the direct marketing with the schools contributed to the high participant rate. December trips will include going to the Imax Theatre, Dayton's and Holidazzle Parade. Skating rinks will open when weather permits. PAC Membership: Walsh informed the members of the City Manger's recommendation to the City Council to reduce the membership of the Lake Advisory and Park Advisory Committee from seven to five. She advised the City Manager initiated this recommendation since there were no applicants to fill the vacancies on these committees. Reducing the membership from seven to five would also reduce the quorum requirement from 4 to 3. She advised the Park Advisory Committee will be reduced to five through attrition on October 30, 2001 when three terms expire and only two new members will be appointed. Joint Meeting with City Council on December 4, 2000, at 5:30 p.m.: Discussion was held regarding the agenda for this meeting. It was the consensus of the members that the first agenda item, PAC Action Steps in Response to Councilmembers concerns be removed from the agenda. They felt this issue had been discussed at their October meeting, and the matter should be over and not discussed and that Council and PAC members should focus on the accomplishments to date and what their visions are for the future. The PAC members would like to learn from the Council as to what they envision as the future needs for city parks. Chair Ceminsky requested that each member be prepared to explain their visions to the City Council for the parks and trail systems. Assistant City Manager Walsh provided an update on the City Council discussion of the playground equipment at the November 6, 2000 meeting advising a motion to reconsider the playground equipment bids failed. At this meeting the council agreed contracts should be awarded to the lowest bidder if the bidder complies with the criteria in the specifications, such as number and types of events. This item was included on the December 4, 2000 agenda so Council can discuss this matter with the Parks Advisory Committee. December 11, 2000 Regular Meeting: It was requested that this meeting be held at the Library and that members will review the proposed park and trail plan. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. ' sar~Walsh, A~~st-ant City 1V~nager PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 13, 2000 The Parks Advisory Committee meeting was called to order by Ron Ceminsky at 7:45 p.m., on Monday, November 13, 2000. Members present were Ron Ceminsky, Thea Fluhrer, Pat Heaney, Kathy Smith, Tom Schutz and Sandi Fleck. Chad Storley was absent. Also in attendance were Assistant City Manager Susan Walsh and Recreation Supervisor Chris Esser. Approval of October 9, 2000 Meeting Minutes: There was a consensus of the members that the October 9, 2000 meeting minutes contained many inaccuracies and did not represent what was said at the meeting. It was requested that a recording secretary be assigned to attend the meetings and take the minutes or at least have the minutes recorded. MOTION BY SCHUTZ, SECOND BY CEMINSKY TO TABLE APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES AND MEMBERS SHOULD REVIEW THE MINUTES AND MAKE COMMENTS AND BRING BACK THEIR CORRECTIONS AT THE NEXT MEETING. Motion carried unanimously. Chair Ceminsky announced that Sandi Fleck resigned from the Parks Advisory Committee effective this date. All of the members thanked Sandi for her hard work and dedication. Sandi Fleck 'left the meeting at this time. Park Fee Study: Assistant City Manager Walsh provided an update on the status of the study. She advised that staff members met with the consultant this date and reviewed the existing inventory of parks and trails and provided input on possible areas for future parks and trail development. The next steps in the process will be: meet with the finance director and county assessor to determine land valuations and prepare neighborhood park prototype and budget. The study is to be completed by the end of this year. Members requested that the updated park and trail plan be provided to them for their review at the next meeting. Walsh advised she would try to get the new plan to them on December 4, 2000. Walsh further advised that funding for this study would be expended from the capital park fund. Discussion ensued on the park referendum bond proceeds. There were questions on what will happen to the remaining balance from the bond proceeds once all the referendum projects are completed. Members of the committee requested that they be provided with the referendum tracking form that is produced by the finance director and agreed it would be a good idea if he attended one of their meetings to review this form with them. Thomas Ryan Memorial Park Concession Stand: Walsh informed the committee members that the City did not receive approval to install a septic system at the park. Therefore sanitary sewer will have to be installed and approvals obtained from the Township Board. Since there may be approximately $5000 in fees charged by the Township and County for the City extending the sewer line into the park, annexing the parkland may be a viable alternative. City staff will continue working with the Township Board on this matter. At this time the members discussed a recent article in the local paper with regards to a Councilmember criticizing the former parks and recreation director's cost estimate for the concession stand at Thomas Ryan Memorial Park being too Iow. They were offended by the article, and they felt that indicating the cost estimate as grossly under cost was a misrepresentation. Fall Program Review/VVinter Program Preview: Recreation Supervisor Chris Esser advised that the fall trip to Tropics Park and Camp Snoopy was well attended and felt the direct marketing with the schools contributed to the high participant rate. December trips will include going to the Imax Theatre, Dayton's and Holidazzle Parade. Skating rinks will open when weather permi;[s. PAC Membership: Walsh informed the members of the City Manager's recommendation to the City Council to reduce the membership of the Lake Advisory and Park Advisory Committee from seven to five. She advised the City Manager initiated this recommendation since there were no applicants to fill the vacancies on these committees. Reducing the membership from seven to five would also reduce the quorum requirement from 4 to 3. She advised the Park Advisory Committee will be reduce to five through attrition on October 30, 2001 when three terms will expire and only two new members will be appointed. Joint Meeting with City Council on December 4, 2000, at 5:30 p.m.: Discussion was held regarding the agenda for this meeting. It was the consensus of the members that the first agenda item, PAC Action Steps in Response to Councilmembers concerns be removed from the agenda. They felt this issue had been discussed at their October meeting, and the matter should be over and not discussed and that Council and PAC members should focus on the accomplishments to date and what their visions are for the future. The PAC members would like to learn from the Council as to what they envision as the future needs for city parks. Chair Ceminsky requested that each member be prepared to explain their visions to the City Council for the parks and trail systems. Assistant City Manager Walsh provided an update on the City Council discussion of the playground equipment at the November 6, 2000 meeting advising a motion to reconsider the playground equipment bids failed. At this meeting the Council agreed contracts should be awarded to the lowest bidder if the bidder complies with the criteria in the specifications, such as number and types of events. This item was included on the December 4, 2000 agenda so Council can discuss this matter with the Parks Advisory Committee. December 11, 2000 Regular Meeting: It was requested that this meeting be held at the Library and that members will review the proposed park and trail plan. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Susan Walsh, Assistant City Manager I-- Z ttt ! By Ilm Harlow Star Tribune Staff Writer Ben Musgjerd was all smiles last week after zooming down a 7-foot-high ramp on in-line skates, then completing a head-over-heels tlip. "I kind of blanked out when I was upside down, but I landed it on my first try.," said Ben, 13, of Eden Prairie. "It was a rush." One flip led to another. Then another. Soon Ben had whiled away another summer afternoon at the Overpass in Hopkins, the newest skate park in the Twin Cities area. The Overpass will lose that dis- tinction soon: Two more parks ~vill open in the metro area in the next few weeks. Their arrival continues a trend s~veeping the nation. Why the sudden explosion of skate parks? First, television cover- age, particularly on ESPN, has led legions of boys ~'md girls to take up 'he sport. Second, skaters -- as many as 9 million in ~he United States at last count -- Ye tired of being kicked out of parking lots and chased offcity sidewalks, and are joining forces to lobby government agencies for places to practice their sport. As a result, park and recreation directors, citv councils, even the Hopkins Iaycees, are doing 180- degree tums of their own. Consequently, parks such as the Overpass are becoming as common as water parks and soccer fields. In the past two strmmers, half-pipes, spines and mini-ramps -- the tech- nical names for rnmps -- have popped tip in Coon Rapids. Brooldvn ['ark, Maple Grove, Bumsville and Shoreview. Even Fulda, Minn.. popu- lation 1,300, has joined the ranks. SKATE PARKS continues on E3 ~LSO INSIDE: A sampling of metro-area skate parks. =.ES 41ne skater Ben MusgJerd, 13, of Eden Prairie. does a forward flip off a ramp =t the Overpass. "~t was a rush," he says of the move. Skateboarders and in-line skaters are doing flips over a new trend sweeph g the nation: skate parks. to mainstream Star Tribune photos by David Brewstr ,¥1att Sherbon, 16, of Hopkins, performs a move on a half-pipe at the Overpass skate park in Hopkins. "This is a ~,ooa place to make 'the right kind of friends," Matt says. SKATE PARKS from E1 ~ Firm will build up to 45 parks this Summer, doubl 1999's rate 'The sport is growing, and not just in suburbanareas," said Dave Benson, chief financial offi- cer for True Ride Inc., the Du- luth-based firm that built ramps at the OverPass and several other area skateparks. "It's like bees coming to honey.,. Benson said True Ride will build as many as 45 ,parks nation- wide this summer, twice as many as it did in 1999. This week, it will deliver equipment to Chanhas- sen, which is expanding its exist- lng park. True Ride also is taking the sport to the Marshall Islands in the South PacifiC, where it will set up a park this year. There are more than 300 skate parks in the United States, with 300 more on the way, according to the SkateparkAssociation of the United States, founded by the mother of a teenage skateboarder in Santa Monica, Calif. (http://www. spausa, org). Locally, St. Anthony and Oakdale will open parks in early September. And Richfield, Edina and Bloom- ington park departments are jointly exploring the possibility of building a skate park in coopera- tion with the Southdale YMC~ Skeptics become supporters Once leery of providing play- ~grotmds for skaters, partly be- cause of the fear of multirnillion- dollar personal-injury lawsuits, and partly because of public backlash against promoting what some see as a sport for troubled young people, commtmity lead- ers are now bestowing their blessings on the activity. Some are even pledging financial support. In Hopkins, for example, the city created a task force two years ago, comprising young people and Park Board members. In March, the task force received a $135,000 boost from the laycees for equipment. Insurance was se- cured, the Minnesota Depart- ment of Transportation offered free use 'of land under the Hwy. 169 bridge near Excelsior Boule' vard, and the City Council signed off on the deal this past spring. The park opened in June. Places such as the Overpass are changing the way some view the sport. "I had ~ose thoughts of kids being chased from the parking lots and library,"' said Chuck Plante of Maple Plain as he watched his son, Austin, skate at the OverPass one recent weekday afternoon. He no longer has those thougbts..i'This provides safety,:physical fitness and ca- maraderie. I love it." . Still somei like 16-year-old Matt Sherbon of Hopkins, feel that skateboarders get a bum rap. "This is a good place to make the fight kind of friends," said Sherbon, we .aring an earring, "Admittedly, our City Council was apprehensive and didn't know how to respond. Everybody understands ball fields, but what is a skate park? I think there is some prejudice against skateboarding. What I have found is that adults don't want a spot for kids I0 to 16 to gather." -- Todd Hoffman, Chanhassen's director of parks and recreation. tongue ring and baggy Tommy Hilfiger shorts. "Just because of the way we dress, we are made to be the bad guys, and that makes me mad. I'm here to have fun, and this keeps me off the streets and out of trouble. People just don't understand." Todd Hoffman, Chanhassen's director of parks and recreation, said educating people was a big issue when 'talk of a skate park came up there. "Admittedly, our City Council was apprehensive and dictn't know how to respond," Hoffman said. "Everybody understands ball fields, but what is a skate park? I think there is some preju- dice against skateboarding. What I have found is that adults don't want a spot for kids 10 to 16 to gather." Yet the suburb's skate park has been so popular that the city recently scrapped plans for a second outdoorhockeyrink and used the $15,000 budgeted for it to buy more equipment for its- skate park. A new spine and haft- pipe ramp should arrive this week. Hoffman said that as many as 200 kids use the park near- Chanhassen City Hall on weekends. "It has the highest user rate of any facility in the city," Hoffman said. To each his own park Skate parks differ from one an- other. Most, like Chanhassen's, are Tier I parks, meaning they have no ramps higher than 3 feet. Cities with Tier I facilities don't need to have extra insurance to operate and, in many cases, don't charge user fees. Parks such as the Overpass that have ramps higher than 3 feet must be fenced in, have supervision during all hours of operation and obtain insurance through the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust. Annual premiums range from $2,500 to $7,500, said Lourdes Sanchez, the trust's communications coordinator. Safety is also non-negotiable. At the Overpass, for example, skaters -- in-line and boarders -- must wear helmets and other protective gear. They also must sign a waiver promising to abide by facility rules and pay $9 daily to skate, or a reduced rate if they have season passes. Ray Vogtman of the Hopkins Parks and Recreation Depart- ment said there have been few problems at the Overpass. The most serious was graffiti, whi;h was quickly cleaned Up, albr[g' with a few injuries common to the sport: cuts, scrapes, sprains and broken wrists. For Sherbon, who has broken an ankle, a wrist and three ribs in the year since he started skate- boarding, places such as the Overpass and his favorite park in Chanhassen have been a boon. "I've found friends. I've found my thing and this has given us a spot in the community. I hope there is one [park] in every city." WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23 · 2000 Variety Star Tribune photo by David Brewster Angel Snetsinger, 1,3, of Chanhassen, skateboards on a half-pipe at the Overpass in 'Hopkins. -- * STAR. TRIBUNE · PAGE E3 CoOn ~S~udcreek Park; I008~N~iNorth- · dale BIV'd~i: 763!~7~67:6462. ShoreVi~;;:Shoreview COmm~C~ilter;:: 4600:N~~: St:-: ' ~}~:::Bm~Ci~e. center ~','~op~}~:~'O~e~aSs;..': Center;:,i2951:.Weaver:(.':.:': .. New Coverage Options for Skate Parks could help your ci~' defend claims of ~ l[ youth ~pproached your city, k t,~~l injury,. Therefore, such thcilities must ' ~ council requesting a skate par ? document and continue a formal main- il il As many local governments off:i- . ...... tenance program: perform daily inspec- [ [ cials may already know, corn- All skate parks should reqmre mat tions of the skating area to identify il ~ munities across Minnesota are skatcn wear personal protecuve equip- potential hazards; and complete a re- .~..t receiving complaints about ment such as helmets, wn, st ~ards: port t'ollo,~ang any accident or injury. skateboarders and ag~essive in-line elbow and knee para. ano appropriate Skaters (or their parents or guardian it' skaters. The scenario seems to be the shoes. Signage must indicate that per- under t8 years of age) should be re- same regardless of community size or lbcatioh----cities' business dismcts are suffering damage to both private and public property.. The League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) has received an increasing number of inquiries about ..... ggressive skate parks. These inquiries prompted us to look at the issues sur- rounding such facilities and their cov- erage options, Jn the past. LMCIT offered liability, coverage for aggressive skate parks, but required that all t~tcili- ties be fially fenced and coneinuously supervised. Since many smaller cities could not afford to continuously super- vise a skate park, LMCIT re-examined its loss control requirements. To equi- tably under~vrite risk exposures for 'all members, LMCIT has devised a two- tiered coverage appr. oach. The two tiers are detemlined by the height of the skating structures. Tier l facilities. Skate parks xvith all structures generally h'ss fha, thn'c.ti'er in 'total Imigfit will not be charged an addi- ' tional premium for insurance coverage. Such facilities can be treated like other playga'ound equipment: they do not need to be f~nced or continuously supervised. To reduce thc likelihood of collisions and injurs.' to skaters, struc- tures must be fixed in place and sepa- rated by a minimum ll}-t~ot use zone. In addation, skating structures must have structural inteb'x'ity, and youth may not bring their own ramps into the skating area. sonal protective equipment is required in order to use the park's facility.. To ensure that youth follow the posted rules, the police and/or parks depart- ments should enforce rebmlations. During peak usage, a weekly inspec- tion and maintenance program must be in place. Because skating structures can rapidly deteriorate with use or by van- dalism, it may be necessary to perform daily inspections. Inspectors should check skate parks for excessive xvear and for tripping hazards such as loose. sand, branches, or rocks. Tier II facilities. Facilities with structures generaii), more than three.l'eet in total height will be charged a premium for insurance coverage. Premium rates tbr Tier II skate parks range ti'mn $2,$00 to $7,300. Factors affecting the prenfium charge include: anticipated attendance levels, the size and number of structures, and the hours of opera- tion of the facility. (i.e., open a few days a week versus open daily). To receive LMCIT coverage for Tier II skate parks, a number of loss control meztsures must be imple- mented. Tier Il parks mt,st be continu- ously supervised during hours of opera- tion. and t~nced and secured when supen'ision is unavailable. Skate park plans must address: envmm,nental con- trois: continuous supervision: thcility rules', regulations, and sibmage: rebmlar maintenance and safety inspections: and enforcement of the wearing of personal protective gear. quired to sign waivers of liability. Children younger than 10 years of age should not be allowed into the skate park. (The American Academy of Pe- diatrics tbund that 50 percent of skate- boarding related injuries for children ages 5 to 9 are head and neck injuries.) Because aggressive skating can result in serious inju~', a Tier II ficility must have the ~bllowing items readily avail- able: telephone or radio communica- tion to emergency services: a complete medical tint-aid 'kit: and ice packs and sanitary toxvels. Skaters with be~nmng to intemae- diate experience should first develop their skills before attempting advanced equipment. Large advanced ramps should only be accessible to skaters with advanced experience and superior athletic abilit3.'. Competitions at these ~cilities must be restricted to those sponsoring organizations that are able to provide separate insurance coverage and a contract holding the cirv ham~less and indemnified. ~' "l]tla Folch-Freicnmt#~ is loss ,'ontwl assis- with the [.xaguc ot'.~limwsota Cities [,~sm'ance Trust. To receive a ,ietailot menm- tm aqqrcssil'c skatc ?arks, ctmraa Tina al (612) 215-4069. ~k,,r city's LMCIT loss COtltrol rt~rcscntam'c c, ttt ,th'o assist in ld, mni~q a skate park: atll ~612) 376-4266. Direct all qucstions about iltsunutcc coverqqc to L¥1CIT's u,~dcm'6ting department at (6121 281-1200 ,,r tS00) 925- 1122. May. 8. 2000 4'23PM BRAUER & ASSOC. CITY OF PRIOR LAKE PARKS AND RECREATION REQUF~T FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT I. GENEI~ GUIDEL~S. A. REO~ESTS FOR COMPET~TrVE I~OPOSALS. The City of Prior Lake is seeking competitive proposals from entities for the design and installation of playground equipment park sites as listed. B. OWNER AND SUI~MISSION INFORMATION. Interested entities should submit ONE COPY of their compefitiw City of Prior Lake City Park and Recreation Dept. 16200 Eagle Creek Avenue S.E. Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372 No. 5866 P. 1/15 ~terested and qualified. PRO~IECT") at various proposals to: Competitive proposals shall include all of the items set forth in Section H. B. below. Any questions regarding this Request for Competitive Proposals should be directed to the City's design consultant, Mr. Jeff Schoenbauer, Brauer & Associates at 612-832-9475, between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm. ~ Ali Competitive Proposals Must Be Sealed, Accompanied by a Bid Bond and Submitted to the Office of the Director of Parks And Recreatio~ at the above address by 2:30 p.m. on September 3, 1997. Proposals will be opened in Conference Room B at City Hall (address above) at 3:00 p.m. Late Submissions Will Not Be Considered. Ho Each proposer will be required to make a presentation to the Park on Thursday, September 4. 1997. Proposers will be notified as tc Cotmcil approval is scheduled for Monday, September 15,1997 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND SCOPE. h. · Advisory Committee the time ami location. (~ElVlgI~ PRO. CT SCOPE. The City of Prior Lake Parks and Recreation Department is seeking competitive proposals for the design and installation of playground equipment for nine (9 ~play areas in seven (7) parks in the City. The largest play area projects are The Ponds am Memorial Park. Each of these parks will have two (2) separate play areas; one for pre-School age children and the other for elementary school age children. May. 8. 2000 4'24PM BRAUER & ASSOC. · REQ~ FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS Pt,A¥C~OU~ No. 5866 P. 2/15 B, The play areas at Boudins, Willows, Cardinal Ridge and The Wilds parks will have play areas for elementary school age children. Wilderness Ponds Par~:, the smallest site, will have a play area for pre-school age children. The budget for each park and play area is depicted below in an. amount not to exceed. Design, installation and equipment should not exceed the amount budgeted for each play. area. Each play area is a independent element of the overall Project and the sum of all of the play areas is not intended to reflect a "total" for the Project. AIVIO~T NOT TO EXCEED $50,000 $17,000 NAM~ O~' PLAY AREA Ponds Ponds Memorial $37,000 Memorial Boudins $10,000 $18,000 $18,000 Cardinal Ridge The Wilds $18,000 Willows $18,000 $8,000 Wilderness Ponds Tv~ oF ~PLAY AREA Elementary School Age Pre-School Elementary School Age Pre-School Age Elementary School Age Elementary School Age Elementary School Age Elementary School Age Pre-school Age Ce Cos'r I~OPOSACS. Each competitive proposal submitted should reflect, by itemi the total cost for the installation and purchase of all play component equipment; including surfacing necessary to provide accessibility to the structure as warranted by the pr0poser's design. Costs should be broken down into logical categories to aid the City in evaluation and include: i. All soft costs; including design, overhead, insurance and bid and performance bonds. . All hard costs; including play components and installation. (Costs for play equipment borders and sand/surfacing should not be included. These items will be provided by the City.) 2 May. 8. 2000 4'24PM BRAUER & ASSOC. REQUgST FOR COMPET~TWE PROPOSALS PLAYOROUND ~~~.~ No. 5866 P. 3/15 . Ali costs for safety surfacing necessary to provide accessibility to the structure as designed and installed within the park. Safety surfacing shall be poured-in-place type. The proposer must provide the City with a written assurance that the safety surfacing and play area components meet all applicable U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Guidelines, ASTM standards and other applicable state and federal requirements. D. Srm R~v~w. Each proposer is encouraged to visit the various parks and familiaxi~ themselves with th~ play areas. A city map is included that illustrates the location of each park. Each proposer shall provide a list of five (5) municipal references. Each reference must include the name and address of the jurisdiction where the proposer has installed equi~ similar to the equipment proposed for Prior Lake, and the name and day time telephone' number of an individual, who still works for the jurisdiction, that the Design Consultant can contact. Municipalities should be within the metropolitan area and the installation should not be more than five (5) years old. III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION. A. DESlC~N CONSIDERATIONS. The design proposed for the play area and the proposed play area components will be a key factor in the selection process. The City encourages innovative, interesting and exciting designs that will distinguish Prior Lakes parks. All final color selections will be made by the City. Each proposal should consider the following design issues: . 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Physical play area. Social and social interaction play zones. Creative play zones. Quiet play zones. Open and transition areas. Accessability May. 8. 2000 4'24PM BRAUER & ASSOC. · REQ~ FOR COMI~E'ITrlVE PROPOS,~I,S PLAYGROUND ~~~ No. 5866 P. 4/15 Ce EVALUATION CRITERIA. Each proposer will be required to make a presentation to the City's Parks Advisory Committee. The Park's Advisory Committee will evaluate each proposal against the following criteria: . 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Design Safety Quality and durability of equipment components. CosdValue. Delivery and Installation time frame. Warranty provisions. Review/inspccQon of previous installations. (Optional/Discretionary) The reconunendation of the Park's Advisory Commission will be provided to City Council. The City Council will select the successful vendor. CONTRACT REOUIREMENTS. The successful vendor will be required to enter into a contract with thc City, provide the City with a performance bond (or in the discretion of the City an irrevocable standby letter of credit) to assure the timely performance of the work proposed, and assure their availability to have the Project completed by October 31, 1997. D. I~I~_slEIRVATIONS AND OTteR CONSIDERATIONS. 1. Thc City reserves thc fight to cancel thc request for proposal at any time or for any reason which serves the best interest of the City of Prior Lake. The City also reserves the right to reject proposals that do not meet the minimum evaluation criteria set out in Section RI B above. . The City reserves the right to accept proposals based upon factors other than thc lowest bid price. . Thc City will not be responsible for any costs incurred by those submitting or preparing competitive proposals. At the request of the proposer, proposals will be returned after the selection process has been completed and a vendor selected. . The City reserves thc right to revise thc scope of the project based on budget limitations and other relevant considerations. The proposer will be expected to assist the City and any consultant it may retain to redesign the play area or play structures. 4 May. 8. 2000 4'25PM BRAUER & ASSOC. i~Q~0~.~r ~'OR CO~,~,~.Ul'r~ l~oPos~a,s 1~0. 5866 P. 5/15 E. , Thc City reserves thc right to select more than one provider. Thc City may' (1) usc different providers for different park areas; (2) within and individual park area, use a provider fo.-. pre-school age equipment, and a different provider for the elementary school age equipment. . Each proposer must meet thc City of Prior Lake's standard contract requirements. A copy of the City's standard contract is available upon request. Th~ City reserves the fight to reject proposals that cannot meet contract requirements. ' ATt~ACHMENTS AND REFERENCE MATERIAT-~ AVAILABL~ FOR REVIEW. Attached is a park location map and base map for thc area in Prior lake that the play structures will be built. Please use it as you see fit for your proposal. May. 8. 2000 4:25PM BRAUER & ASSOC. _i~,_~_~ for Coml~etitive Proposals for Pia~round Equipment No. 5866 P. 6/15 ~ o,f e~or Lak. Date: September 4, 1997 Project: Request for Competitive Proposals for Playground Equipment ~ of Prior Lake To: ALL PROPOSERS From: Jeff Schoenbauer, Vice President, Brauer & Associates, Ltd. Notification of Date and Time for presentation to the Parks Advisory Committee First, I would like to thank each proposer for submitting a proposal for this project. The city d Prior Lake recognizes and appreciates the effort that went into each and every submittal. As you are aware, the Parks Advisory Committee will be conducting the interviews on the identified date. The presentations will be held at the Maintenance Center which is located at 17073 Adelmann Street (see attached map). Please call if you have concerns about the location. The following establishes the schedule of presentations for the evening. Date: Monday. September 8. 1997 Presentation ~hedule: 4:00 Minnesota Wisconsin Playground 4:30 Midwest Playscapes 5:00 Flanagan Sales 5:30 St. Croix Recreation 6:00 Miracle .... it 6:30 Earl F, Anderson Each proposer will have e~actly twenty minutes to present. Be concise and direct your time toward the key strengths of your proposal. Refer to the RFP for specific criteria that will be used for the selection. Ple~e do not be late for your presentation time slot. We will not interrupt the schedule for those that are late. Once again, thank you for your proposal. The Advisory Committee and myself look forward to your presentation. Sincerely, Jeff Schoenbauer Vice President Brauer & Associates, Ltd. I May. 8. 2000 4:25PM BRAUER & ASSOC. Fteq,_~ f_or _.Competitive Propo~ls for Play, round Equipment Date: September 8. 1997 Project: Competitive Proposals for Playground Equipment City of Prior Lake To: Parks Advisory Committee From: Jeff Schoenbauer, Vice President, Brauer & Associates, Ltd. No. 5866 P. 7/15 ~ of Prior Lake Evaluation Matrix for Selection of Playground Equipment Overview:. The intent of the evaluation matrix is to provide focus and scaling/ranking of the proposals being presented. Evaluation criteria have been defined, as well as a few questions to ask each proposer during the interview. Im'tructions: Listen to the proposers presentation, pencil-in your scorn, and write down any comments about each proposer's presentation that may help in your final ranking. Ranking scale is I (lowest) - I O (highest). Please keep in mind that ranking is relaEve to other proposers. A matrix is provided for each of the play areas and age groups as identified in the RFP. Selection procedura: l) Interviews and scoring on evaluation criteria. 2) Consultant review of scoring and evaluation of warranty, product specifications, and installation for acceptability. 3) Final review of selections with Parks Advisory Committee. ; i~.~ .. 4) Recommendations to Council by mid-October. 5) Notification to proposers of selection. Brauer & Associates, Ltcl. I May, 8. 2000 4'26PM BRAUER & ASSOC. _FI_~L'_.~_, for Competit~, Pm _~_~ for.Pla)ground Equip,.ment Memorial - Elementary Age (~-12) Mat~|x No. 5866 P. 8/15 Evaluation Minnesota Midwest Ranagan St. Croix Miracle Earl F. Criteria Wiscomin Playsr.~oes Sales Recreation Anderson ! Play fun ...... Flow .. .... Safety between equip. H.C~ccess _ General Access ... Total Score Memorial - Pre-School Age (2-5) Matrix wl=,lawq,.,, w~. - - ......... -.~-- q,,-- · Evaluation Minnesota Midwest Ramgan 'St. Croix:, Ir',Mi~a:le Fad F. Criteria Wisconsin Playscapes Sales Recreation Anderson ii i i Creativity Play fun Row Safety between equip. Cost-Value _ H.C.Access General Ac:ce_~s , , , Total Score Brauer & Associates, Ltd. 3 May. 8, 2000 4'26PMBRAUER & ASSOC. _l~_e~ for Competitive PropoPJs for ~ygro~ Equ~p~ Boudins ~Cardinal Rid e~lds~ll~ - Elemen~ ~e (~-12) M~ No. 5866 P. 9/15 ot~ of Prior Lake ~u~on Min~so~ M~ FI~ St. Cmix Mi~de ~ F. CH~Hi ~o~in Pla~s S~ ~cma~on ~en~ Pla,/fun H~ ~fe~ ~en equip. - H.C~c~s _ Ta~ Scorn Wilderness - Pre-School A~e (2-S) qatrix WWll#Wll. l ImlJ,~.Wll · lql. lllq. l.----..~-- %~ --I -- EvalualJon Minnesota Midwest Flanagan ~' '~;t. Croix} [% Miracle Ead F. Criteria Wisconsin Playscapes Sales Recreation Anderson Crea_~y Play fun Flow Safety between equip. C'ost_ -Value H.C.A,'~',~ Access Total Score Brauer & Assodates. Ltd. May. · 8. 2000 4'26PM BRAUER & ASSOC. _l~q,_--~_-~ for Com~:~i~ive Prol~oSa!-~ for Pla~round Ecluipment No. 5866 P. 10/15 Cit~ of Prior Lake. General Comments: Minnesota Wisconsin Playground Midwest Playscapes Ranagan Sales St. Crc)ix Recreation Miracle Earl F. Anderson Questions: ~r~ you responsible to ensure that all equipment is installed as per manufactures specifications? ~Yes C! No - Minnesota Wtsconsin Playground .~es El No - Midwest Pla/scapes es CI No - Ranagan Sales es CI No - St. Croix Recreation LCI No - Miracle CI No -Ead F. Anderson Can our inspection of past installations be used as a-~neans to j ,,ud~e, the overall quality of the product you are offering./ ~a'Yes C3 No - Minnesota W~sconsin Playground ~li~Yes C3 No - Midwest Playscapes Yes CI No - Flanagan Sales Yes CI No St. Croix Recreation ,;s C3 No -Mirade s C3 No - Earl F, Anderson Does ali .of your equipment meet current industry standards for safety - CPSC, etc.? 'l~LYes CI No - Minnesota VVisconsin Playground ;:s CI No - Midwest Playscapes s n No - Flanagan Sales .eS I'1 No - St. Croix Recreation s CI No -Mirade ~ les l-I No - F_ad F. Anderson ~ Can you er'~ure us that your equipment can be installed by June I, 1998, assuming you get the go ahead by Noveml~e~l, 19977 .~l. Yes [q No - Minnesota W~sconsin Playground '~'Yes C3 No - Midwest Playscapes · ~il, Y_es El No - Flanagan Sales ~'~'es Ci No - St. Croix Recreation ~'es CI No - Miracle '~i~Tes CI No - Earl F. Anderson Brauer & Assodates, Ltd. May. 8. 2000 ~:2?PM BRAUER & ASSOC. Recommendations for PI;~ground Ecluipment Selection Oat. e: October 20, 1997 Project: Competitive Proposals for Playground Equipment - City of Prior Lake To: Prior Lake City Council Prior Lake Parks Advisory Committee Prior Lake City Staff From: Jeff Schoenbauer, Vice President, Brauer & Associates, Ltd. Re: Recommendations for Playground Equipment Selection No. 5866 P. 11/15 C~ of Prior Lake Overview Competitive proposals were requested and received for playground equipment for four categories of parks. A total of six (6) vendors submitted as listed: · Minnesota Wisconsin, Inc. · Midwest Playscapes . · Flanagan Sales · St. Croix Recreation · Miracle Equipment · Earl F. Anderson Proposal Requirements The legally advertised Request for Competitive Proposals for Playground Equipment was provided to all interested vendors of playground equipment. The proposal defined the requirements and parameters for submitting proposals for each of the four play equipment categories. Each proposer was asked to consider the following design issues: I. Physical play area. 2. Social interaction play zones. 3. Creative play zones. 4. Quiet play zones. 5. Open and transition areas. 6. Accessibility Evaluation and Selection The Parks Advisory Committee, in concert with the Consultant and City staff, participated in interviewing proposers, evaluating their presentations and submitted materials, and selecting the ones that they felt best addressed the following criteria: I. Design 2. Safety 3. Quality and durability of equipment components. 4. Cost/Value. 5. Delivery and installation timeframe. 6. Warranty provisions. 7. Review/inspection of previous installations. Brauer & Associates, Ltd, I May. 8. 2000 4'27PM BRAUER & ASSOC. RecOmmendations for Play, round Ec~uipment Select~on No. 5866 P. 12/15 C~ of Prior I~e · Are you responsible to ensure that all equipment is installed as per manufactures specifications? · Can our inspection of past installations be used as a means to judge the over-all quality of the product you are offering? · Does all of your equipment meet current industry standards for safety - CPSC, etc.? · Can you ensure us that your equipment can be installed by June I, 19c)8, assuming you get the go ahead by November I, 19977 The Park Advisory Committee held the interviews dudng their September meeting, with a follow up meeting held on October 13~ to make the final selections. The consultant presented field inspection results during the October 13~ meeting. Selected Vendors After consideration of the proposals and review of pe~nent field inspection findings (Appendix A), the Parks Advisory Committee selected the following vendors for the various parks as defined in the table below. ..AGE G..aOUP Ponds Park - Bementary Age (6-12) Ponds Park - Pre-School Age (2-5) Memorial - Elementary Age (6-12) Memorial - Pre-School Age (2-5) Boudins - Elementary Age 9(6-12) Ordinal Ridge - Elementary Age 9(6-12) W~lds - Elementary Age 9(6-12) W~llows - Elementary Age 9(6-12) Wilderness Ponds - Pre School Age (2-5) AMOUNT NOT To EXCEED $50,000 $17,000 $37,000 $18,000 $18,000 $18,OOO $8,000.00 SELECTED VENDOR Ranagan Sales - Little Tikes Series (s .0 St. Croix P.~-c.m~on - Kompan' Series (5 - 0 vote) Earl F. Anderson - Landscape Structures Series (3.:,2. vote) St. Croix Recreation - Kompan Series (5 - 0 vote) Flanagan Sales - UtUe Tikes Sedes (,5 - O vote) Earl F. Anderson - Landscape Smuctures Series (5 - O vote) Earl F. Anderson - Landscape Structures Series (5 - O vote) Ranagan Sales - Little Tikes Series (s- 0 ~e) St. Croix Recrea'don - Kompan Series (5 - O vote) In the context of the evaluation criteria, the Parks Advisory Committee specifically cited the following points as some of the key rational behind the above selections: · Design -the design features of the selected play equipment impressed the Committee. After reviewing all of the submittals, the Committee simply preferred the ones that were selected. · Cost./Value - the Committee felt that the play equipment selected offered the best value with respect to the overall quality of the play experience within the context of budget lim~tions. · Quality (Product/Inst~llation/Service) -the Committee felt that the selected vendors have a proven histo~/ of carrying an excellent product, taking responsibility for assuring installation was properly done, and had a solid history of service follow-through and standing behind the equipment warranties. Brauer & Associates, Ltd. z May. 8. 2000 4'27PM BRAUER & ASSOC. Recommendations for Playground ~uipment Selection ! II No. 5866 P. 13/15 c.¢,t, of Prigr L~e Consultant Recommendations Brauer & Associates, Ltd. recommends that the City of Prior Lake accept the proposals of the selected vendors as defined above for each of the listed parks. It should be noted that Brauer & Associates will continue to work with City staff and the selected vendors on specific design issues and product warranties prior to ordering equipment to ensure that all of the City's specific requirements and expectations are clearly defined and appropriately addressed. Installation It is expected that all of the play equipment will be installed in the spring of 1998, with 100% completion expected to be by July I, 1998. Brauer & Associates, Ltd. 3 May. 8. 2000 4:28PM BRAUER & ASSOC. RecOmmendations for Pla,yground Ec~uipment Selection No. 5866 P. 14/15 Cit~ of Prior Lake Appendix A - Summary of Field Inspection Findings The following provides an overview of the findings related to the Consu~nt's field inspections of the play equipment associated with the vadous venders. Please note that the intent of the inspections was to gain some assurance prior to final acceptance that the general quality of the play equipment products being offered and their installations were found to be acceptable.. The Consultant's's field notes, both pro and con, were presented to the Parks Advisory Committee ~er they made their initial vendor selections. This approach helped ensure that play equipment selections were based pdmadly on the medts of each proposer's presentation and submittals, with the field inspections serving to highlight any concerns about installation quality and vendor follow-through. It should be noted that the quality of the selected products, their safety, product warranties, and the quality of their installation will continue to be scrutinized until installation is complete and accepted by the City. Minneso~ Wisconsin - Game Time Series Equipment Parks RevieWed: Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Comments: Large sedes of play structures that are bdghtly colored. Installation appears to meet industry standards. Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community contact indicated that they were pleased with the product and service of Minnesota Wisconsin. Their playground safety inspector also had high praise for the product and service, Largely due to the owner's diligence, the safety surfacing under the structures was generally kept in place. Bright color scheme probably not appropriate for some of the parks. Midwest Plays~pes - PlaywoHd Series Equipment Parks Reviewed: Glendale School (Savage), Five Hawks Elementary and Westwood Elementary (Prior Lake) Comments: The structures reviewed were ali built within the last few years. Some of the play equipment was fairly extensive. The equipment product itself appeared to be reasonably solid, although the structures using smaller posts seemed too light for a public park setting. (It should be noted that the vendor did not propose the smaller pipes.) A number of areas of concern arose during a cursory review of the equipment installation, including: · Entrapments: Areas in which a young child could get their neck or other body part caught. Example: A handrail location where it appeared that the structure was not assembled correctly and thus created an entrapment concern. · Connections: Loose pieces were found in several locations. Example: A loose pipe f~ting that holds the tic- tac-toe panel in place. Also, rivets or bolts were missing that hold the arch members in place. In one case, a slide bed was not bolted down to the main play structure. Bolts in a deck appeared to be missing. · Installation of Slide Bed: Concerns about unevenness of slide bed seam. Also, a string entrapment, where string from a hood gets hooked on slide section, appeared to exceed standards. · Sharp Protrusions: Tabs on bolt connections were improperly aligned and thus protrude out, leaving a sharp edge protruding from the structure. In addition, the play area safety surfacing under a couple of the structures was either not yet in place (new structure) or displaced dudng use, Based on a discussion with facility staff, however, it was learned that the safety surfacing material was the responsibility of the owner. Br'auer & Associates, Ltd. 4 May. o 8. 2000 4:28PM BRAUER & ASSOC. F~cornmendatjons for Pla~,~round Ecluipme, nt Selection No. 5866 P. 15/15 C~ of Prior LaM FlaP.=~an Sales - Lj_l~l_e Tikes Series Equipment Parks Reviewed: Highlands (Edina) and Garden (Edina) Comments: New structures installed summer of 1997. The structures appeared properly installed according to manufacturer's specifications, with one notable exception: The entire structure was set too Iow in relationship to the surrounding ~rade and curb line. Based on a discussion with the owner, the contractor is scheduled to raise the structures to their appropriate elevation in the spring of 1998. Otherwise, the structures appear to meet industry safety requirements. Safety surfacing in the play areas seemed adequate and in place. SI; Croix Recre~_h_'~_n'- Kompan Series Equipment Parks Reviewed: Linden Hills Park (Minneapolis), Shriners Hospital (St. Paul), Community Park (Eden Prairie) Comments: The structures appear to be very popular with the young children (2-5 year olds) in the park. Overall, the structures appear to be durable enough for heavy use, with one exception: The deck on the Sand Works structure and, to a lesser degree, the Adventure House structure have shown considerable wear do to sand being ground into the surface as children play. Called the vendor to discuss and he assured me that the manufacturer was aware of the problem and are developing new ways to eliminate it. He also assured me that the manufacturer would replace any part that failed to meet the warranty provisions. Otherwise, the structures appear to wear well. This issue was not as big of a problem with the structures at the Shriners Hospital and a park in Eden Prairie. A key observation with respect to Kompan is the extent of heavy use the equipment was getting at each of the parks visited. This was a common observation of park supervisors in communities where the equipment is installed. '-' Mir=_r_le Recrp~_~_ion of Minnesota - Miracle Equipment Series Parks Reviewed: Efta Playlot (Bloomington) and Valleyview Elementary (Bloomington) Comments: Aside from some disbursement of play area safety surfacing, the structures appear to meet indust]7 safety requirements. No specific entrapments were found during a cursory review. These particular structures appeared several years old yet still in good shape with respect to paint fading and structural integrity. _~=_ri F. Anderson - I ~ndscape Structures Equipment Series Parks Reviewed: Linden Hills (Minneapolis) and Arden (Edina) Comment~: Aside from some disbursement of play area safety surfacing, the structures appear to meet industry standards. No entrapments we found during a cursory review. The structure in Edina is new, with industry standards appearing to be strictly adhered to with respect to installation. The Linden Hills structure is 5 years old, with no noticeable deterioration. It should be noted that in each case, the park supervisors were pleased with the installation and professional manner of the vendor representatives. Brauer & Associates, Ltd.