9.A.1. PRSR 10-11-2000 ..,Q .-_\
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Item #9.A.1.
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.lk River MEMORANDUM
TO: Park and Recreation -Commission-
60
FROM: Michele McPherson, Director of Planning
DATE: October 11, 2000
SUBJECT: Biathlon Fall Festival
We received the attached request from Piotr Bednarski regarding a fall festival
event to be conducted on October 19th' 21St, and 22nd. Training is also proposed
for October 20th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Representatives from the Minnesota Biathlon will provide a brief(less than five
minutes) presentation, either via video or PowerPoint for the Commission to
review.
IIIRecommendation
Staff recommends that the Park and Recreation Commission support the request
for the Minnesota Biathlon fall festival, with the requirement that they provide
proper signage.
•
S:\PLANNING\MICHMC\PARKNREC\BIATHLN2.DOC
13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • TDD &Phone: (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425
Minnesota Biathlon Fall Festival
Woodland Trails Park,Elk River,MN
• October 19,21,22
The Minnesota Biathlon Fall Festival is a series of 3 races. Held on the paved loops in Woodland Trails
Park and on the Elk River Biathlon Range on the east side of the railroad grade. Last years event
attracted 56 athletes from around the state,as well as several from New York,Alaska,and Colorado.
Who is Competing?
The athletes competing cover a variety of skill levels- much of the youth category are first and second
year competitors. At the top end we have the US Junior National Team and many of the top Minnesota
senior athletes. The US Junior Team is base in Duluth and includes Elk River resident Chris Gadacz,
now ranked 4th nationally. The senior fireld includes Kara Sahnela- '98 Olympian and National Team
member since '96, and Andy Erickson- '98 Olympian. Kara is a Elk River High School graduate and
Andy is from Minnetonka. Between the juniors and senior fields there are 8-10 bonifide Olympic
hopefuls. The Manitoba Biathlon will also be sending 7 athletes and 2 coaches to compete in the
weekend races. In total we expect 60 competitors for each race day,many of which are coming from out
of town and will be patronizing Elk River restaurants, stores,and hotels.
Spectators:
Last year we had approximately 80 spectators at the biathlon range. This year we have cleared additional
area so spectators can safely watch. We encourage spectators to come watch at the range or on the
course. The pursuit race on Sunday is the most exciting and spectator friendly. We anticipate 80-100
spectators for the weekend races.
Signage and precautions:
111 We plan to put signage up at the parking lot and on the north and south ends of the railroad grades. Signs
would caution park users to stay to the edge of the pavement during the hours of 9am-12pm and use
special caution during the actual race times-approximately 90 minutes each race day. We will also have
3 course marshalls out on the course-near the parking lot and on the railroad grade-to caution park users
during the races. The biathlon range is has no less than 12 range officials scoring and maintaining safety
standards during the race.
Paved Trails:
We would be using the the paved loops in the park itself,though this would not include the western most
loop,the Prarie Loop.
Race Categories
Seniors-age 20+ Juniors-age 17-19
Juniors-age 17-19 Youth-age 14-16
Air rifle Youth-age 13-16
Race Schedule:
Thursday,Oct 19 Saturday and Sunday,Oct 21,22
Registration and bib pick up 9:30am Registration and bib pick up 8:30am
Rifle Zeroing 10:00am Rifle Zeroing 9:00am
Race Start 11:00am Race Start 10:00am
Racers over: 12:45pm Race over 11:45am
Awards and Annual Banquet:
• Satuday,Oct 21 at 1pm at Sauk Jr High School
Chief of Competition: Piotr Bednarski, 612/924-0381. 5032 28th St. St Louis Park,MN 55416
Michele McPherson
• =rom: MNbiathlon @aol.com
Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2000 1:10 PM
ro: mmcpherson @ci.elk-river.mn.us
Subject: Fall Festival Competition-Oct 19,21,22
Dear Michelle-
Minnesota Biathlon would like to hold our Fall Festival in Elk River again
:his year. It is a big event that would be made up of 3 races Oct 19, 21,22.
Events would begin at gam and to until 1 pm each day. Actual racing on the
Paved loops would begin at 10am and finish at 1pm. We would also schedule
raining for approx 20 athletes on the 20th from gam-12pm.
_ast year we had 50-55 competitors each day and over the weekend some 60-80
spectators per event. This event will be much higher profile than the event
Manned for the end of July. Also, being on rollerskis, the athletes move at
iigher speed and take up much of the trail as they compete. This year I
Mould anticipate 60 competitors and 80-100 spectators each day on the
Meekend. This event will be primarily for local athletes, though we will
• a craw the junior national team from Duluth and various Olympic hopefuls from
around the country.
Ne took lots of photos and video of last years races, so I can make a
Presentation to the plannng commission (park and rec board?). I suppose we
seed to bring this befor the commission as soon as possible.
So when is the next meeting, and what do I need to bring with me? Thanks in
advance for your advice.
•
• Sincerely
'iotr Bednarski
•
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