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3.0. SR 03-29-1999 rll -\) . ( )j ECitYIl ~/ ~ River TO: Item #3 MEMORANDUM FROM: The City Council and Planning Commission Stephen Wensman, Planner ~J DATE: March 29, 1999 SUBJECT: BMX Bike Facility Proposal Update A BMX bike group has made a proposal to the Park and Recreation Commission and will be working its way through the planning process. The proposal is likely to get a Park and Recreation endorsement next month. . Back1!round On May 13,1998, the Park and Recreation Commission endorsed a plan to make Hillside City Park a "bike park" to conceptually include mountain bike trails and a BMX track on the dump site if feasible. On March 10th,1999, Margo Foster and John Thompson of the BMX bike group made a presentation to the Park and Recreation Commission providing them with information about their non-profit organization and plans for Hillside City Park. The BMX group discussed their efforts to obtain a non-profit status and their affiliation with the ABA (American Bicycle Association. The bike group also discussed the community interest in the facility and those willing to donate time and money. Attachments . Location Map . Park Concept Plans . Park and Recreation Commission Minutes . 1 '"H'h<; n.-,-,nn "P8rl"wclV . PO Box 4QO . Elk River. MN 55330 . TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425 Memo to the City Council and Planning CommissionIBmxudt2 March 29,1999 Page 3 . Recommended Maintenance . Closed for a week after rain . Weekly erosion that requires weekly maintenance by association . Daily inspection of conditions . Frequent modifications in the track Safety Concerns . Only 2 requiring ambulances in 2 years at St. Micheal . Fire, police and ambulance accessibility (Hillside Park will require a wider entrance road and improvements). . police patrol . Phone on site Other Site Reauirements and Concerns . City standards for site: landscaping, improved parking, screening, etc. . City plans and timeline for park development: parking, services, etc. . Lease or mechanism to allow use of park land for track use. . Entrance road width and issues. . Adequate parking arrangements . power source for lights etc. . Water source for track maintenance and park use . Garbage cans and service . Restrooms or portable toilets . Issues Discussed at Park and Recreation Commission . Whether to or not to have the BMX site open to the public or for members only . Whether to or not to have special days open to the public for training, demonstrations, and supervision. . Liability issues . Parking . Fencing . Concessions . Needed structure . Other BMX related structures and activities. . \\elkriver\SYS\ShrdOC\Planning\stevewen\ccmmO\bmxudt2.dOC (J \ ~ \ LOCATION ( 17rn1 ~ ~ , ~\ 178TH ~ ~ 17!TH [ I I i 174TH. ~\ 17:lRD ! 172tlD ~ . r~1 ~\ l )j .ity of ~ Ell{ River LOCATION MAP N \ 13065 Orono Parkway. P.O. Box. 490 Elk River. MN 55330 c.- 0 v,.J-('(" ;z.OA. 9 I z,.... ~ V F'~ f'cwe.,.. U>F-ll-I OO~ 'iZ . . . . 19504 Tyler Street Elk River, Minnesota 55330 612-241-0292 March 10, 1999 Park and Recreation Commission City of Elk River Elk River, Minnesota 55330 Dear Commissioners : I appreciate thIs opportunity to update you regarding the efforts of our volunteers to establish a bicycle motocross track (EMX) at the Hillside City Park location. .,:,~~~~~~~m~t{Ii~:J!evelopment of Hillside City Park into a recreational area, which supports a variety of biking ..,.,.,.,.".,. "':~lf::Wn~~tJ:im.;:"" es, is a concept we support. Both children and adults can make use of the park The hills and .,.~::::;'::::::::;:':: ::";' ...'~~'R,~~j4.eal for mountain biking and the open space you have designated for our use will support a ...,::~@@@@HrtH16m a local to a national level. The ABA has nearly 200 sanctioned tracks and 60,000 active racing members in 44 states. Many of the BMX racers who live in and around Elk River are already ABA members. This was a major factor in our selecting the ABA. Our volunteers have also been working to form community based partnerships with our police, the schools, city staff, civic organizations aI)d other groups interested on the bike park The results have been particularly positive from local youth, their families and Elk River business owners. We have also provided an addendum to this letter that includes: . answers to questions we think the Park and Recreation Commission may have regarding the BMX track and its operation; . what we need from the City of Elk.River to make the BMX track a success; . BMX track construction costs; . a sample of the ABA insurance coverage; , ~B~~~.~~~~~~:; . . . . . . . . . . HELP FROM THE CITY Our organization wants to assist the Park and Recreation Commission in making this bike park a reality, but it will require the City's help as well. Things required of the City -Lease agreement -Maintain walking and biking paths & road entrance into the park -Bring in electricity and electrical lights -Provide water near track -Landscaping, outside track -Maintain portable toilets -Road signs Things Elk River Bike Park BMX will assist with. -Pay for lease agreement with City -Maintain and create BMX track -Provide light fixtures and poles -Pay monthly utility bills -Water track periodically -Pay for monthly rental of toilets -Provide dirt/fill for track creation -Provide earthmovers, bobcats -Provide starting gates -Provide fencing -Provide P.A. System -Provide bleachers Bleachers: Not mandatory, these would be aluminum or steel frame with wood seating. These would be made per code. Two to ten sets would be sufficient. Each set seats about 50 people, should not exceed 5 rows in height, this eliminates the need for railings and stairways. $2,100 . Restrooms: Rental of two (men & women) portable toilets $ 500 . . ~!~!!~I!;I_~_!~.~.~~=- PRODUCER " . . .... ................. ..... .... ........ ..... ................"..,................ THIS CERTIFICATE IS ISSUED AS A MATTER OF INFORMATION ONLY AND CONFERS NO RIGHTS UPON THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER. THIS CERTIFICATE DOES NOT AMEND. EXTEND OR ALTER THE COVERAGE AFFORDED BY THE POUCIES BELOW. CK PILCHER INSURANCE 2 E. Highland Suite #202 Phoenix, AZ 85016-4665 INC. COMPANIES AFFORDING COVERAGE COMPANY A SPHERE DRAKE mSURANCE P.L.C. LEliER ~- .~. INSURED COMPANY 8 lETTER American Bicycle Association P.O. Box 718 Chandler, AZ 85244 COMPANY C LEliER COMPANY D LEliER COMPANY E lETTER :@:9Vgm\$.g~tm:tfftirftt:::itf@ttf@tft@}:::::ffittfiWNlli!iiWffitttlIl:1II1Mmmt:I1I:ti=ttf&1l11iliiEiIIliI::II:!}f:: THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE POLICIES OF INSURANCE LISTED BELOW HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO THE INSURED NAMED ABOVE FOR THE POLICY PERIOD INDICATED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY REQUIREMENT, TERM OR CONDITION OF ANY CONTRACT OR OTHeR DOCUMENT WITH RESPECT TO WHICH THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE ISSUED OR MAY PERTAIN, THE INSURANCE AFFORDED BY THE POLICIES DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO ALL THE TERMS, EXCLUSIONS AND CONDITIONS OF SUCH POLICIES. LIMITS SHOWN MAY HAVE BEEN REDUCED BY PAID CLAIMS. CO TYPE OF INSURANCE POUCY NUMBER POUCY EFFECTIVE POUCY EXPIRATION UMITS LTR DATE (MMJODIYY) DATE (MMJO::' ~ A GENERAL LIABILITY GENERAL AGGREGATE S 1,000,000 X COMMERCIAL GENERAL UABIUTY SDM00911-01 02/02/97 02/02/98 PRODUCTS-COMPIOP AGG. $ 1,000,000 ClAlMS MADE [!:] OCCUR I PERSONAL & ADV. INJURY S 1,000,000 OWNER'S & CONTRACTOR'S PROT., EACH OCCURRENCE S 1,000,000 PARTICIPANT LEGAL I FIRE DAMAGE (Anyone lire) S I . MED.EXPENSE(Anyoneperson S MOBILE LIABILITY COMBINED SINGLE Is 8 ANY AUTO UMIT -.--. ~ ALL OWNED AUTOS laoDIL Y INJURY IS l-.J SCHEDULED AUTOS (Per person) I ; ~ HIRED AUTOS I r-------.. --- I BOOIL Y INJURY _J NON-QWNED AUTOS I (per accident) ~ GARAGE L1ABIUTY I PROPER~ DAMAGE I is I EXCESS LIABILITY EACH OCCURRENCE $ UMBRELlA FORM AGGREGATE S OTHER THAN UMBRELLA FORM STATUTORY LIMITS WORKER'S COMPENSATION EACH ACCIDENT S AND DISEASE..POUCY UMIT S EMPLOYERS' L1ABIUTY DISEASE..EACH EMPLOYEE S A OTHER (X]DEDUCTIBLE SDM00911-01 02/02/97 02/02/98 $500 PER CLAIM DESCRIPTION OF OPERA TIONS/LOCA TIONSNEHICLES/SPECIAL ITEMS CERTIFICATE HOLDER, TRACK OWNERS, OPERATORS, LANDLORDS AND PARTICIPANTS ARE 'ADDITIONAL INSUREDS FOR ALL OPERATIONS ARISING OUT OF SANCTIONED ABA RACING EVENTS AND/OR TRACKS. SgmlflgA!g:H9W~.g.l~!ff:::=1::JIJ:::t::1:}f::I\:.%t:t::f:::@}::m%::/:/t:::://e::t}@i?1J:gAN91;@AT@!ii::j::::::i1t:j:?::}=!':@:::=V'. ... SHOULD ANY OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED POLICIES BE CANCELLED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE THEREOF. T:-iE ISSUING COMPANY WILL ENDEAVOR TO MAIL~ DAYS WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE CERTIFICATE HOLDER NAMED TO THE LEFT. BUT FAILURE TO MAIL SU:::H NOTICE SHALL IMPOSE NO OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY OF ANY KINO UPON TH: COMPANY, ITS AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES. AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE. . 7 I~/ .~ /'/, ~ '-r iXA'.( ~~/Vu~t__ __MMH~'_.. ,___ ." SAMPLE CERTIFICATE ACOR[)25~Sr7/90\'" BMXtra Track Guide Minnesota Page 1 of 1 :, ,.; . @j Q~~:W~ ~~,~.~ . ..TII.&. aQU~ FO!l.~INf:0P41IO"'.O_1\ TNa. ~T. MINNESOTA BMX TRACKS ME RICAN BICYCLE ASSOCIATION rainerd :MN 04 Brainerd Lakes BMX Loius & Barbara Anderson (218) 829-0491 ilworth :MN 04 Dilworth BMX Dick Bowman (701) 235-9892 aribault :MN 02 Faribault BMX Mike Arndt (507) 332-8200 Fe us Falls:MN 04 1-94 BMX Dave & Amy Tho e (218) 739-4802 Ribbing :MN 04 Hull Rust BMX Kermit & Sharon Schleicher (218) 63-4139 ino Lakes:MN 02 Rehbein Arena Indoor BMX Nancy Rivard (612) 784-9514 (612) 784-5824 (track) uverne:MN 02 Riverside BMX Ken Peterson (507) 283-8154 Mankato :MN 02 Mankato Area BMX Lynn & DarIa Austin (507) 625-1232 Milaca:MN 04 R-Place BMX Donna Olson (320) 679-4937 (320) 983-6550 (track) ew mm:MN 02New U1m Area BMX Tom Bastain (507) 354-2643 ochester :MN 02 Southside BMX Scott Dingfelder, Kevin Guy (507) 81-3233 Shako ee:MN 01 Minnesota Valley BMX John Primrose (612) 881-5580 St. Michael:MN 01 Crow River BMX Sheryl Kraft (612) 497-1348 . . [ Back to Track Directory ] BMXtra is produced by XTRA Productions Copyright@ 1996 XTRA Productions All rights r~served. .". ,/ Park & Recreation Minutes May 13. 1998 Page 4 . PORTION OF THE PARK. N. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. ridges for discussion at a 3. Hillside City Park Steve Wensman indicated that Hillside Park. the former city dump. is approximately 80 acres of rolling, wooded Maple and Oak forest with some lowland trees. Steve explained the location of existing accesses and possible trail corridor locations. He reviewed the following concepts: . Conceot A -Active use concept -Baseball/soccer field -Sand volleyball court -Picnic area with play structure and picnic structure: -Tennis courts -Bike trails down center of park and in southern half -Pedestrian trails -Entrance roadway would be widened to 25' -Parking area near baseball field, tennis courts and picnic area -Would require removal of some of the lowland trees to accommodate the tennis courts and parking -Trail connections off site on both powerline corridors -North end would be less active, primarily walking mulch trails .. .. Conceot B -Interpretive center combined with picnic shelter -Biking trail down center of park -Parking close to trees and picnic shelter -Off site trail connections on south powerline corridors only -Identified overlooks -Entrance drive terminates into a one way loop with parking . Conceot C -Accommodates a BMX track site in dump area -Track would be approximately 1,500 feet -Bleachers, 20 foot hill for starting tower, finish markers, concessions -Path up to concession -Two parking areas; one for BMX and one in the north half -BMX site would be fenced with a locking gate -Mountain bike trails through and around remainder of site f' , . i Pori< & Recreation Minutes May 13. 1998 Page 5 Commissioner Huberty indicated a property owner expressed concern to her that the BMXers may go onto adjacent property. Commissioner Anderson indicated he felt there is a significant number of mountain bikers in the community who would be willing to build a mountain bike trail, with very little disturbance to the existing trees. John Thompson, Brian Page and Mark Griswold were present to discuss the BMX proposal. He stated the BMX Association would be a non-profit organization and plans to raise funds themselves to build the track. Mr. Thompson noted there are approximately 75 individuals who are either registered with the American Bicycle Association (ABA) and/or are active BMXers. Mr. Thompson explained the property owner mentioned by Commissioner Huberty probably was thinking of motorized vehicles. and did not feel there would be any problem with BMX bicyclists going off the site since the track would be fenced. Chair Anderson indicated the intent of the City is make the park usable for all its residents. Mr. Thompson noted the track would be available for fun. in addition to scheduled events. Brian Page indicated BMXers range in age from 3 years to 40+. Mr. Thompson indicated they will be looking for a source for the dirt to build the track. Discussion followed regarding development of the BMX site and possible lease options. Phil Hals. Streets/Parks Superintendent. indicated a major expense would be improving the access to the site. Phil stated he will try to provide an estimate for the road and parking lot improvements for the June meeting. He also suggested a practice/warm-up area be provided for younger children to use at no charge. Mr. Thompson indicated the ABA membership fee is only $35 per year. He stated they were willing to work with the city to plan for an area that could be used free of charge. .. Commissioner Anderson suggested that Steve Wensman work with Mike Niziolek on plans for a potential mountain biking trail. CHAIR ANDERSON MOVED TO ACCEPT OPTION C (BIKE PARK) FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE HILLSIDE PARK, INCLUDING A BMX BICYCLE TRACK LOCATED IN THE FORMER DUMP SITE AND MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAIL THROUGHOUT THE SITE. COMMISSIONER ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Ed Hasek. of Westw d De'i !opment Corporation. representing Contractor Properties Developm nt C mpany, was present to review the proposed park for the Trott Brook Farms p He noted Steve Wensman walked the property with him to investigate the p ssibility of a trail along Trott Brook. Amenities of the park include: d east in the park . . . . . . Pork & Recreation Commission Minutes July 8. 1998 Page 3 northern area without going on his property. mmissioner Anderson explained that the park property would need to be su yed and wetlands would be delineated befo the location of the trail stem could be laid out. A resident questione hen the pa will be approved and also. when it is proposed to be develo d. Chai I\nderson explained that the concept of this park has been endorsed the ommission and that development would depend on available fundi eds and the priority of this park compared to other parks. He added that cept plans for each of the city parks are being reviewed and no improvem for this park are being included in the planned upcoming park referendu .' A resident asked if this p was pi ned to serve the Hillside Estates area and whether or not a playgr und would included. She also questioned whether a larger playground like e one in Otse is being planned for Elk River. Steve Wensman indicated at Hillside Estates 'II have their own park and a playground is not being planned to be inc d in the Deerfield 2nd park. Steve indicated a playground structure is being planned for the Hillside Estates park but not on the scale of the Otsego Park. He indicated there may be a need for a larger scale play structure in a more centralized location in the city at some point 7.b.l. Hillside Park Steve Wensman. Planner. indicated that he visited Hillside Park with Mike Niziolek to determine how the site could be used for mountain biking. Steve then reviewed the following proposals for the Hillside Park: Ootion A -Demonstrates development of the park as a bike park -Center dump site utilized as an open green area with picnic shelter and parking -20' wide improved entrance road to minimize tree removal. walls and grading -12' bituminous trail adjacent to entrance drive. winding in and out of woods to parking lot and southern power line corridor (trail connector for County Road 13 and Kliever's Marsh) -Unimproved mountain bike trail which utilizes existing trails. ridges and slopes Ootion B -Bike park including mountain bike trails -BMX biking located in center dump site -Quantity'andlocation of parking for BMX and mountain biking to be established -12' bike trail connecting County Road 12 to the power line corridor. Members of the Commission expressed their support for the bike park concept, They felt that in addition to the fenced BMX track. it was important to provide an area for BMX type biking that would be accessible to the public at any time. Commissioner Kuester expressed concern that the park not be limited to biking only and that the city maintain control of the park. .... . ..,. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes July 8. 1998 Page 4 Commissioner Anderson noted that an Eagle Scout was present in the audience who was interested in developing the mountain bike trails as a merit project. . . Discussion followed regarding leasing and insurance liability. It was the consensus of the Commissioners that the BMX group should proceed with establishing their non-profit status. provide more formalized plans for the site and work with city staff to resolve the issue of liability. COMMISSIONER WESTRUM MOVED TO APPROVE CONCEPT B WITH REVISIONS TO INCORPORATE THE BMX SITE MODIFICATIONS AS PROPOSED. COMMISSIONER OLSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 7.b.2. Lafayette Woods Steve Wens man, Planner, described La a acre site with extreme elevation changes, consisting of both high ground and wet swampy ground. Steve reviewed the amenities and the restrictions for development of the site. The following options were proposed: Conceot A -Gravel or wood chip path connecting the east and west halves to trail, to outlot on 1951h with a switch-back -Walking. nature watching, skiing .Play structure shown would require tree removal and located 600 feet from street Conceot B -Same as Concept A, without play structure . Conceot C -Left as is for conservational purposes -May require seasonal maintenance to remove unwanted trees and weed species CHAIR ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE CONCEPT B AS PROPOSED BY s.TAFF FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE LAFAYETTE WOODS PARK. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 7.b.3. Mississiooi Oaks 5lh Addition Steve Wensman reviewed the concept for the Mississippi Oaks 5lh Addition Park: -Main focus on river -Gravel path looping around site with spur to Riverview Drive -Small identification sign at street with flowering shrubs -Mowing of weedy grass and planting of shade grass around looped trail -Removable benches at river bank and picnic tables where there is some sun COMMISSIONER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONCEPT PROPOSED BY STAFF FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI OAKS STH ADDITION PARK. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. . ..