A-1. Athletic Field Use and Facility Expansion StudyA-1
MEMORANDUM
CITY OF TO. Todd Gerhardt, City Manager 1��r
FROM: Todd Hoffinan, Park & Recreation Director
CHANHA F cVi
DATE: November 9, 2015 o
7700 Market Boulevard
PC Box 147 SUBJ: Athletic Field Needs Analysis
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Chanhassen is a Community for Life - Providing for Todayand Planning forTomorrow
One of the 2015 Key Financial Strategies is the completion of an Athletic Field Use and
Administration
Facility Expansion Study. In May of this year, the City retained Hoisington Koegler
Phone: 952.227.1100
Group to conduct and prepare a thorough and well -supported needs analysis and
Fax: 952.227.1110
recommendations for public athletic and recreational facilities for the City of
Building Inspections
Chanhassen. The tasks in the study include:
Phone: 952.227.1180
Fax: 952.227.1190
• Data Gathering and Facility Inventory
• Needs Analysis
Engineering
. Cost -Benefit Analysis
Phone: 952.227.1160
Fax: 952.227.1170
• Preparation of Recommendations and Report
Finance
The City Council and Park and Recreation Commission presentation/interaction schedule
Phone: 952.227.1140
includes:
Fax: 952.227.1110
• Monday, August 24, 2015, City Council Work Session — Project Update
Park & Recreation
Phone: 952.227.1120
• Tuesday, September 22, 2015, Park and Recreation Commission Meeting — Draft
Fax: 952.227.1110
Report Submittal - At the conclusion of the Park and Recreation Commission
meeting, Carron moved, Echternacht seconded that the Park and Recreation
Recreation Center
2310Coulter Boulevard
Commission recommends�' Councilaccept the that the Ci t findings and
g
Phone: 952.227.1400
recommendation of the City of Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study and
Fax: 952.227.1404
directs the Park and Recreation Commission to initiate a referendum task
force. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of
Planning &
Natural Resources
7 to 0.
Phone: 952.227.1130
Fax: 952.227.1110
• Monday, November 9, 2015, City Council Work Session — Final Report
Presentation
Public Works
7901 Park Place
Tonight we again welcome Paul Paige, Principal Planner from HKGi to provide the
Phone: 952.227.1300
Athletic Facilities Study final report to the City Council.
Fax: 952.227.1310
ATTACHMENTS
Senior Center
Phone: 952.227.1125
1. Athletic Facilities Study — Report
Final R ort
Fax: 952.227.1110
2. Park and Recreation Commission Report dated September 22, 2015
3. Park and Recreation Commission Minutes dated September 22, 2015
Website
wwaci.chanhassen.mn.us
c: Paul Paige, HKGi
Kevin Clarke, HKGi
Amy Bower, HKGi
Park and Recreation Commission
Chanhassen is a Community for Life - Providing for Todayand Planning forTomorrow
CITY OF
CIIANHASSEN
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Administration
Phone: 952.227.1100
Fax: 952.227.1110
Building Inspections
Phone: 952.227.1180
Fax: 952.227.1190
Engineering
Phone: 952.2271160
Fax: 952.227.1170
Finance
Phone: 952.227.1140
Fax: 952.227.1110
Park & Recreation
Phone: 952.227.1120
Fax: 952.227.1110
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone: 952.227.1400
Fax: 952.227.1404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone: 952.227.1130
Fax: 952.227.1110
Public Works
7901 Park Place
Phone: 952.227.1300
Fax: 952.2271310
Senior Center
Phone: 952.227.1125
Fax: 952.227.1110
Website
www.d.chanhassen.mn.us
MEMORANDUM
TO: Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
FROM: Todd Hoffinan, Park & Recreation Director
DATE: November 9, 2015
SUBJ: Recommendation to Initiate a Referendum Task Force for Park,
Recreation and Trail Improvements
On Tuesday, September 22, 2015, Commissioner Carron moved, Commissioner
Echternacht seconded that the Park & Recreation Commission recommends that the
City Council accept the findings and recommendations in the City of Chanhassen
Athletic Facilities Study and directs the Park & Recreation Commission to initiate a
referendum task force. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a
vote of 7 to 0.
On Tuesday, October 27, 2015, the Park & Recreation Commission met in a work
session and developed the following list of initial project ideas for a potential future
park and recreation referendum.
• Chanhassen Recreation Center expansion and remodel;
• Complete the Bandimere Community Park expansion plan including ball field
lighting, hockey, open skating, parking lot expansion, tennis court, picnic
shelter, and restroom building;
• Construct Bluff Creek Drive trail connection to south LRT trail;
• Construct Highway 7 trail connector to north LRT trail;
• Chanhassen splash pad aquatic entertainment center including 2 -acre parcel
acquisition from Doug Hansen;
• Holasek property soccer/lacrosse fields cooperative development project;
• Playground rejuvenation and replacements;
• Community park improvements including restroom facilities;
• Neighborhood park improvements;
• Drinking fountain installations;
• City Center Park concert series venue improvements.
In the event that the city moves forward with a park, recreation, and trail
improvement referendum, this list of ideas will assuredly be refined, added to, or
trimmed before reaching a final slate of improvements.
g:\Park\Sh\referendum\memo to gerhard[ 11-9-15.docx
Chanhassen is a Community for Life - Providing for Today and Planning forTomorrow
A
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
Athletic Facilities Stud
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Executive Summary
ATHLETIC FACILITIES STUDY
Access to quality athletic fields is an important element of quality of life, community health and economic development.
Through this study, the City of Chanhassen is evaluating the adequacy of the athletic fields within the city and to develop
recommendations to ensure access to quality fields in the future within the most efficient fiscal process.The study was
completed in four steps: data gathering and field inventory, needs assessment, cost benefit analysis, and recommendations,
The City of Chanhassen provides athletic facilities, primarily in community parks.The study examines in detail; Lake Ann Park,
Lake Susan Park, Bandimere Park, Chanhassen Recreation Center, and City Center Park.The study also recognizes that the
City's parks exist as part of a larger network that includes schools, other southwest metropolitan cities, counties, and private
recreation providers.
Needs Assessment
Year 2013 2020 1 2030
The City of Chanhassen is generally meeting the needs of the community today with regards to ballfields and multi -use
(rectangle) fields. Based on projected growth in the community and the expansion of soccer and lacrosse there will be a
shortfall of up to 3 fields within 15 years. There is also a need to expand capacity for 75'and 90'ballfields.
Cost Benefit Analysis
Because the City has no Immediate plans for expansion of the park system, it is worth exploring other methods for
expanding capacity within the syster is includes any potential mix of flexible field design, lighting, artificial turf, and
indoor athletic facilities. Each improvement provides unique benefits with additional cost.
Key Findings
Fields are subjected to an intense pressure fora relatively short period every year
» The pinch point for desired field space is seasonal (May -July) and in the evenings. During these periods, demand far
exceeds capacity, even if additional fields are brought on-line. During non -prime times, there is excess capacity.
» Even with increased capacity, the City of Chanhassen alone will not be able to meet all desired demand at peak times.
• The City is a partner in the provision of athletic fields along with the school districts and neighboring cities.
• The City's current inventory of fields (including school fields) meets national minimum standards, but capacity could be
increased with improvements such as lights and/or artificial turf.
Based on population growth and increasing sport popularity, soccer/lacrosse fields will be a shortage in the near future.
The fields provided by the City are valued for their high quality, maintenance level, and effective reservations process.
Recommendations
» Explore partnership opportunities for capital improvement costs and life -cycle system costs.
Maintain current high quality management of fields as demand continues to increase.
Continue to support the stated goal of parks in Chanhassen to reasonably meet City needs and promote a sense of
community by expanding the capacity of the athletic facilities through improvements and efficiencies within existing
community parks.
>> Based on current trends and projected demand, plan for new multi-purpose fields (1-3 fields) in the next 15 years.
Explore "Flex -field" baseball layouts at Bandimere to accommodate Multiple age groups.
Provide lights at Bandimere Park's baseball and soccer fields to expand capacity and Flexibility.
Provide an artificial turf field at Bandimere Park to expand capacity, ensure playabilty, and allow for more resting of grass.
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
City of
School Fields in
Total Fields in
1 Field
Need
(Surplus/
Need
(Surplus/
Need
(Surplus/
Chanhassen
Chanhassen
Chanhassen
per
deficit)
deficit)
deficit)
4
4
8
3,000
8(+0)
9(-1)
1 1(-3)
2
1
3
10,000
3(+0)
3(+0)
3 (-0)
2
0
2
10,000
3H)
3(-1)
3H)
25
3
28
2,500
10(+10)
11 (+9)
13(+7)
The City of Chanhassen is generally meeting the needs of the community today with regards to ballfields and multi -use
(rectangle) fields. Based on projected growth in the community and the expansion of soccer and lacrosse there will be a
shortfall of up to 3 fields within 15 years. There is also a need to expand capacity for 75'and 90'ballfields.
Cost Benefit Analysis
Because the City has no Immediate plans for expansion of the park system, it is worth exploring other methods for
expanding capacity within the syster is includes any potential mix of flexible field design, lighting, artificial turf, and
indoor athletic facilities. Each improvement provides unique benefits with additional cost.
Key Findings
Fields are subjected to an intense pressure fora relatively short period every year
» The pinch point for desired field space is seasonal (May -July) and in the evenings. During these periods, demand far
exceeds capacity, even if additional fields are brought on-line. During non -prime times, there is excess capacity.
» Even with increased capacity, the City of Chanhassen alone will not be able to meet all desired demand at peak times.
• The City is a partner in the provision of athletic fields along with the school districts and neighboring cities.
• The City's current inventory of fields (including school fields) meets national minimum standards, but capacity could be
increased with improvements such as lights and/or artificial turf.
Based on population growth and increasing sport popularity, soccer/lacrosse fields will be a shortage in the near future.
The fields provided by the City are valued for their high quality, maintenance level, and effective reservations process.
Recommendations
» Explore partnership opportunities for capital improvement costs and life -cycle system costs.
Maintain current high quality management of fields as demand continues to increase.
Continue to support the stated goal of parks in Chanhassen to reasonably meet City needs and promote a sense of
community by expanding the capacity of the athletic facilities through improvements and efficiencies within existing
community parks.
>> Based on current trends and projected demand, plan for new multi-purpose fields (1-3 fields) in the next 15 years.
Explore "Flex -field" baseball layouts at Bandimere to accommodate Multiple age groups.
Provide lights at Bandimere Park's baseball and soccer fields to expand capacity and Flexibility.
Provide an artificial turf field at Bandimere Park to expand capacity, ensure playabilty, and allow for more resting of grass.
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
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O 1. PROJECT BACKGROUND
4 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
Understanding & Approach
STUDY INTRODUCTION
Access to quality athletic fields is an important element of quality of life, community
health and economic development. Through this study, the City of Chanhassen
is evaluating the adequacy of the athletic fields within the city and to develop
recommendations to ensure access to quality fields in the future within the most
efficient fiscal process.
PROCESS OF THE STUDY
This study is being completed as a 4 part process:
Data Gathering and Field Inventory
The data gathering and field inventory phase is a comprehensive inventory of City
of Chanhassen athletic facilities, athletic association partners, field use levels, and
facility conditions.
Needs Assessment
The needs assessment is an overview of needs and desires for athletic fields. These
are based on demand forecasting, demographic and use trends, and projected
changes.The needs assessment also incorporates input from stakeholders including
the existing and potential athletic association partners and the City of Chanhassen.
Cost Benefit Analysis
The cost benefit analysis looks at a series of future project scenarios for evaluation.
Alternatives for capital improvement projects Included in the analysis are the
conversion of natural turf field(s) to synthetic turf, installation of field lighting, and
the potential addition of a seasonal or permanent field house dome at a new or
existing site.
Recommendations
The recommendations identify priority projects, improvements and actions to
improve the athletic facilities in the City of Chanhassen and meet forecasted
demand. Recommendations are based on the Needs Assessment, Cost Benefit
Analysis, and City, partner, and public input.
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
0 Z . EXISTING CONDITIONS
6 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
THE CITY OF CHANHASSEN SYSTEM
Chanhassen Parks
Chanhassen's Park and Recreation System is a source of community identity and
pride and greatly contributes to residents'quality of life. The City has historically
and will continue to place a strong emphasis on parks and recreation. With 28
parks, miles of trails, hundreds of acres of preserves and stunning natural amenities,
Chanhassen is widely recognized for its parks.
Athletic Facilities
As a policy, the City has focused active, programmed recreation in community parks.
This means that development of athletic facilities has largely been occurring at
Bandlmere, Lake Ann, Lake Susan, Chanhassen Recreation Center, and City Center
Park.
School Facilities
In addition to City facilities, Independent School District 112 and Independent
School District 276 own and operate athletic facilities within the boundaries of
Chanhassen.The City has partnered with ISD 112 to support the development of
joint facilities. City Center Park and Chanhassen Recreation Center both share a
campus with elementary schools. In addition, the City partnered with the ISD 112 to
develop fields at Chanhassen High School, and has access to them after the school
is finished with their practices and games.
A Role in the Region
In many instances Chanhassen's parks are not the only facilities used by athletic
groups. Athletic associations may also be using school facilities, other cities fields,
and private enterprises for training, practice, and games.
Teams are made up of players from Chanhassen, but also Minnetonka, Eden
Prairie, Chaska, Hopkins, and a multitude of other cities.The City of Chanhassen
generally tries to allocate field space based on the percentage of team members
that are residents. The City recognizes that people from other cities will be using
Chanhassen's facilities, but there will also be Chanhassenites using the fields of other
cities and schools.
What percentage ofyour overall field use is on City of Chanhassen Fields?
2 ■
0% 1-25%
•C3 Lacrosse •Mntka Girl's
•CCFA Softball
•CC United
Soccer
•Tonka
United
Soccer
26-50%
51-75%
•Mntka
•American
Baseball
Legion
•Mntka
Baseball
Lacrosse
•Chan High
School
•CAA -Baseball
•CAA -Softball
76-99% 100%
•CAA - Soccer
•Chapel Hill
Soccer
Existing Conditions
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
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Athletics Parks Overview ®Focus Parks —Trails Lakes
Oth er G ty P ar ks Streams _ Wetlands
8 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
Existing Conditions
Adult Softball (60')
3
0
3 shared with YBB/YSB
Youth Softball (60)
15
3
4 shared with ASB, 15 shared with YBB
Youth Baseball (609
17
3
2 YBB dedicated fields
Int./Adult Baseball (75'-90)
4
1
1 shared withYBB/YSB/ASB
Adult Soccer (Full Sized)
4
4
Youth Soccer (Smaller Sized)
10
0
Add]. fields can be accommodated in ballfields
Football
0
4
Lacrosse 1 4 City lacrosse field is temporary
Many of the fields are shared between multiple sports. Other fields in Chanhassen neighborhood parks are only used for
recreational (pick-up) and not programmed for organized athletics. For these reasons, counts in this table may vary from the
tally used for measuring national standards and peer communities.
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 9
Park Lake Ann O Park Boundary Lakes Wetlands
K i — Trails Streams — 2' Contours
10 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities study
Existing Conditions
LAKE ANN PARK
Athletic Facilities
Lake Ann Park contains six ballfields and one full sized soccer held. Two of the
ballfields are dedicated for youth baseball with 60 foot basepaths and 210-225 foot
outfields. Four of the ballfields can be used for youth baseball, youth softball, and
adult softball. Basepaths can be adjusted to 60; 65; and 70' and the fences are at 300
feet. Field 1 can also accommodate 75'and 90'basepaths, allowing for intermediate
baseball games if necessary.
Batting cages are incorporated outside the outfield of field two. All ballfields and the
soccer field are lighted.
A tennis court is also located at the park and is not programmed for formal athletic
competition.
Support Facilities
Lake Ann Park also includes a playground and concession stand with close proximity
to the ballfields. Permanent restrooms are not installed by the ballfields at Lake Ann
Park, but water and sewer infrastructure is in place. Currently, porta-potties provide
restroom facilities for athletes, coaches, and spectators.
The park also includes waterfront, a boat launch, picnic shelters, natural areas, and
parking (429).
Fields Uses Dimensions Notes
1 Softball/Little League
60'-90'IF
2 Little League
60'IF
3 Little League
60'IF
¢ Softball/Little League
60'-70'IF
5 Softball/Little League
60'-70'IF
6 Softball/Little League
60'-70'IF
7 Soccer
60 yds
96 •1
220'RF/CF,210'LF
225'OF
300'OF
300'OF
300'OF
110 yds
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 11
oMMMMMV
25��
Ort
P
Chanhassen Recreation Center ark Boundary
Lakes
Wetlands
— Trails
Streams
2' Contours
i7 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
Existing Conditions
CHANHASSEN RECREATION CENTER
Athletic Facilities
Chanhassen Recreation Center houses 6 youth softball/baseball fields with ag-lime
infields.The basepaths are set for 60 and 65 feet.There are no outfield fences. In
addition to the ball fields, nine youth soccer fields are painted onto the fields and
can change configurations.
Athletic facilities that are not programmed forformal competition include tennis
courts (2), pickleball courts (6) and ice rinks (2).
Support Facilities
The Chanhassen Recreation Center shares a campus with Bluff Creek Elementary. On
the campus is a playground, basketball courts (2), and parking (255)
Fields
Uses
Dimensions Notes
1
Softball/Little League
60' IF
2
Softball/Little League
60'I1F
3
Softball/Little League
60'I1F
4
Softball/Little League
60'IF
5
Softball/Little League
60'IF
6
Softball/Little League
60'IF
7
Soccer
40 yds
70 yds
8
Soccer
25 yds
30 yds
9
Soccer
25 yds
30 yds
10
Soccer
25 yds
30 yds
11
Soccer
25 yds
30 yds
12
Soccer
25 yds
30 yds
13
Soccer
25 yds
30 yds
14
Soccer
25 yds
30 yds
15
Soccer
40 yds
70 yds
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 13
Saratoga Cir
l
74'
Coulter Dr
IN 78th St
City Center Park
-11 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
76th St w
Chanview St
a
m
v
! L
25 250 500
OPark Boundary Lakes Wetlands
Trails Streams 2' Contours
Existing Conditions
CITY CENTER PARK
Athletic Facilities
City Center Parkin clucl youth softball/baseball fields with ag-lime infields. The
basepaths are set at 60 feet and there are no outfield fences. In addition to the ball
fields, youth soccer fields are painted onto the fields and can change configurations.
Athletic facilities that are not programmed for formal competition include an
outdoor ice rink, lighted tennis courts (4), basketball courts (3), and a skate park
(19,000 SF).
Support Facilities
City Center Park also contains a trail system, and serves the City as the home of
events such as the 4th of July festival. Restrooms are provided by temporary porta-
potties.
City Center Park also includes facilities that are shared with Chanhassen Elementary
School, including a playground and parking (114).
Parking lots at the Chanhassen City Hall also provide additional spaces for park users
Fields
Uses
Dimensions Notes
1
Softball/Little League
60'IF
2
Softball/Little League
60'IF
3
Softball/Little League
60'IF
4
Softball/Little League
60'IF
5
Soccer
35 yds 45 yds
6
Soccer
35 yds 45 yds
7
Soccer
40 yds 70 yds
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study IS
r _
r ,
I 3
0' 40' 160'
Lake Susan Park Park Boundary Lakes - Wetlands
Trails Streams 2' Contours
16 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
Existing Conditions
LAKE SUSAN PARK
Athletic Facilities
Lake Susan Park is home to a full sized baseball field that is used by the Chanhassen
Athletic Association, the Minnetonka Baseball Association, and Liga Latina adult
baseball league. The field has 90'basepaths and the outfield fence ranges from 320-
360 feet.
A small bleacher section and batting cages also serve the baseball field. A new
scoreboard was installed with the support of the CAA Baseball program. The
baseball field is not lighted.
Lake Susan Park also contains informal recreation facilities for tennis (2), sand
volleyball (2), and basketball (1).
Support Facilities
In addition to the athletic facilities, Lake Susan also includes a trail system, lakefront,
a boat launch, playgrounds (2), a picnic shelter with restrooms, and parking for 112.
Fields Uses Dimensions Notes
Baseball 90'IF 320'RF/LF,350'CF
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 17
Entry road relocated
Houses
have been
removed
a
m
c
a
4,,�
m
0
Bandimere Park
18 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
ti
0 125 250 Soo it
Park Boundary Lakes Wetlands
Trails Streams - 2' Contours
Existing Conditions
BANDIMERE PARK
Athletic Facilities
Bandimere Park is home to a 3 full sized soccer fields used by the CC United and
Tonka United Soccer Clubs, as well as Chanhassen High School. Each field runs
north/south and have backstops behind the goals. A fence runs around a portion of
the west field to create separation from the playing surface and the road.
Bandimere Park also includes 3 ballfields of varying size. Field 1 is used for softball
and little league baseball. It has an ag-lime infield that can accommodate 60 and 65
foot basepaths. The outfield fence is at 220 feet.
Field 2 has 90' basepaths and the outfield fence is 300-330 feet. Batting cages are
also attached to Field 2.
Field 3 is an intermediate baseball field with 75' basepaths and 250' outfield.
Other athletic recreation facilities include a disc golf course and half court
basketball.
Support Facilities
In addition to the athletic facilities, Bandimere Park also includes a trail system,
playgrounds (2), natural area, and parking for 260.
Fields
Uses
Dimensions Notes
1
Softball/Little League
60'IF 220'OF
2
Baseball
90'IF 300'LF/RF,335'CF
3
Baseball
75'IF 250'OF
4
Soccer
80 yds 120 yds
5
Soccer
80 yds 120 yds
6
Soccer
80 yds 120 yds
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 19
O 3 . NEEDS ASSESSMENT
20 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
PROCESS
Site Visit
A site visit was undertaken with The City of Chanhassen, the consultant Hoisington
Koegler Group Inc., and members of athletic associations, This allowed for in person
discussion of needs, as well as a look at the conditions of the facilities.
Survey
As part of the needs assessment, feedback was solicited from athletic user groups.
The survey had respondents from 11 organizations representing 8,946 players in 13
different user groups, and 5 different sports.
As part of the needs assessment process, all athletic association user groups were
Invited to fill out a survey covering questions including:
Past and projected participation rates
• Facilities used and the amount of time used
• Perceived limitations to practice times and amount of time desired
Opinion on conditions of the facilities
Feedback on the reservation process
Benefits of this data are a much more localized look at demand and desires for
teams to give a specific reading of what is going on within the boundaries of
Chanhassen. It also allows for a closer look of how associations are using facilities,
what times they are using facilities, and a narrative of what is working well and
what can be improved. It gauges interest in improvements based on financial
partnerships and donations.The survey also listens to the user groups that are using
the facilities and strengthens the relationships between them and the City.
Drawbacks of this data include a level of interpretation involved in the surveys.
Additionally, projections for growth may represent a best case scenario. Additionally,
some user groups did not fill out all questions on the surveys. The analysis has tried
to address ambiguities and missing or incomplete data as well as possible.
National Standards
NRPA National Standards
The National Recreation and Park Association maintains an analysis of park and other
local facilities across the nation. Based on this data, they provide recommendations
about the number of facilities that should be present at a minimum In a city, based
on a population ratio (i.e. one 60 foot ballfleld diamond per 2,500 people).
Benefits of this data are that it provides cities and school districts a way to measure
how they stack up against other cities. It shows If an area is lacking facilities, or has a
surplus based on population.
Drawbacks of the data are that it cannot account for specific local conditions.
Some cities are "Soccer Cities"while others may have exceptionally strong
participation in softball. This may mean that a city or area are meeting national
standards, but are not keeping pace with local demand. The NRPA also focuses
on park needs, so It may not adequately address desires for athletic complex
style facilities, because it counts 8 neighborhood softball fields the same as two
Needs Assessment
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 21
pinwheels in one location. Lastly it may not entirely reflect the interconnected
nature of regional suburban athletics where a renowned program located in one
city or area draws users from outside of the boundaries that are being measured.
Use Trends
City of Chanhassen Participation Rates
Participation data from some of the local sports associations has been gathered
both as reported by associations and from the City's data. Associations also provided
their own projections for the future.
High School Participation Rates
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) collects annual
participation data for every sport they regulate. It Is also broken down on a state -by -
state basis.The data shown includes national and Minnesota annual participation.
Benefits of the data are a look at some of the trends affecting sports participation.
For example the rapid growth of lacrosse over the past ten years is quite evident in
the data. Similarly the decline of football In the past few years is evident as well.
Drawbacks of this data are that the NFHS does not provide reasons for the
changing trends. For example, it is possible to Infer that the decline of football
matches the highly publicized concussion concerns that have arisen recently, but it
does not conclusively state it as such.The other major drawback is that it does not
measure some specific trends in youth sports such as the specialization in one sport,
or the rise of outside of school athletics In some sports such as AAU Basketball or
club soccer, softball and volleyball. Lastly it is only measured at the high school level
and therefore must serve as an imperfect proxy for participation at the younger
levels.
22 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL FIELDS
Needs Assessment
City of
School
Total
1 Field
Need
Need
Need
Chanhassen
Fields in
Fields in
per
(Surplus/
(Surplus/
(Surplus/
1,771
Chanhassen
Chanhassen
14
deficit)
deficit)
deficit)
2
1
3
10,000
3(+0)
3(+0)
3(-0)
2
0
2
10,000
3(-1)
3(-1)
3(-1)
25
3
28
2,500
10(+18)
11 (+17)
13(+15)
National Standards
Based on National Standards, the City of Chanhassen has a surplus of 60-65'
ballfields to meet the minimum service level for softball and youth baseball.
— Some of these fields are in neighborhood parks and are not programmed for
organized athletics.
The City isjust meeting the minimum needs for high school/adult baseball with
3 fields.
Chanhassen is lacking a 70'-75'Baseball field based on national standards.
Community Comparisons
Examining the nearby communities, the City of Chanhassen has similar to higher
numbers of ballfields on a per capita basis as other southwest metro cities.
Chanhassen
24,432
29
4
740
Eden Prairie
62,603
49
8
1,098
Minnetonka
51,368
13
16
1,771
Chaska
24,444
14
10
1,019
Victoria
8,030
7
2
892
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 23
BASEBALL TRENDS
Nationally, baseball has bee experiencing growth at the High School level nationally and a slight decrease in
Minnesota.
Baseball participation is anticipated to remain steady in Chanhassen among community athletic groups.
BASEBALL DESIRES
» Baseball associations have noted the desire for additional larger 75'and 90'fields.
>> Upgrades to fields such as improved dugout floors are also desired.The City is working with the CAA to improve
facilities at the fields, including concrete dugoutfloors and scoreboards.
If additional available time were available, the following teams reported they would use:
— CAA Baseball: 100 hours/week
— Chanhassen High School Baseball: 2-5 hours/week
— Minnetonka Baseball Association: 10-20 hours/week
YOUTH BASEBALL/SOFTBALL
3000 .
2438 2450 2375
2500 2275
i 2000 1700 1750 1775 IB50 170.9-1.1.1800•
Q 1500
...
u 1500 1050 1150 ...............
..............
1000
6
500
0
1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014
YEARS
Baseball
Baseball — Linear (Baseball)
"', 110 -5s" 41 0.P 10
Baseball
10 Year Annual % Change:
40% Baseball
10 Year Annual % Change: -.32%
HS National
5 Year Annual % Chang
.55°k HS Minnesota sota
5 Year Annual % Change: -.90%
Baseball
_
Baseball
+avaaall—wa.INvbm
—.1 — 11.aaral
24 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
+� 10� 4s°, "', 4('. 4„ 40, -r 4e' 4', 4y 49'
Needs Assessment
SOFTBALL TRENDS
» Nationally, high school softball has been generally stable. Minnesota high school softball has been declining slightly.
» Adult softball has declined significantly in Minnesota as a long term trend.The Minnesota Sports Federation identified
a 50% decrease in adult participation over the past two decades. The City of Chanhassen has seen a more recent slide
with teams going from 70 in 2008 to 30 in 2013.
» Youth softball in Chanhassen saw a brief spike, and is projected to stay stable.
SOFTBALL DESIRES
» If additional available time were available, the following teams reported they would use:
— CAA Softball: 100 hours/week
— Minnetonka Girls Softball Association: 8-12 hours/week
Softball
ti Softhall—Linear(Softball)
ADULT SOFTBALL
g0
60
0
69 10
4)
So
60 ....
s] 55 56
.. Sa ..._........ Sa
57 55
>a0
-..._ __..........._.._....
73
a0
.AS..
.4b......
2
40
3p
no
30
Ja0
20
690
10
680
0
670
1998 2000
200x zoos 2006 2008
2010
2012 2014
YEARS
660
Softball
10 Year Annual % Change:
.06%
Softball
HS National
5 Year Annual % Change:
-.24%
HS Minnesota
Softball -- Fast Pitch
_
Softball
ti Softhall—Linear(Softball)
'Lby^ 'l.yP 'L,� '40yb 'yoa1 'Lb.�O
10 Year Annual % Change: .25%
5 Year Annual % Change: 2.58%
Softball — Fart Pitch
— u�mnl:onmi-kr«, P:nl
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 25
RECTANGLE MULTIUSE FIELDS
City of School Total
Chanhassen Fields in Fields in
Chanhassen Chanhassen
1 Field Need Need Need
per (Surplus/ (Surplus/ (Surplus/
deficit) deficit) deficit)
4 4 8 3,000 8(+0) 9H) 11 (-3)
National Standards
Based on National Standards, the City of Chanhassen is just meeting the
minimum needs for full sized rectangle fields.
» Based on projected growth, Chanhassen will be undersupplying full sized fields.
According to national minimum standards, there will be a need for 1-3 fields
within the next 15 years.
Community Comparisons
Looking at the nearby communities, the City of Chanhassen has fewer full size
fields than neighboring cities on a per capita basis.
Chanhassen
24,432
4
4
3,054
Eden Prairie
62,603
25
12
1,692
Minnetonka
51,368
5
18
2,233
Chaska
24,444
6
17
1,063
Victoria
8,030
1
4
1,606
26 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
Needs Assessment
SOCCER TRENDS
» Nationally, high school soccer has been increasing. Minnesota high school soccer has been generally stable with a slight
increase.
» Soccer in Chanhassen has been growing slightly. Associations project a significant increase.
SOCCER DESIRES
» Soccer associations appreciate the high quality fields available through the City of Chanhassen.
» If additional available time were available, the following teams reported they would use:
— CC United: 40 hours/week
— Tonka United: 10 hours/week
YOUTH SOCCER
6000
8000
4800 4900 6800 6900 5100
5200
6500 4]00
6300 6400 6400 6300„9�QO..Q200” ....... .............
6000
Z
a
3000
u 2000
1000
0
1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008
YEARS
Soccer 10 Year Annual % Change: 1.87%
HS National 5 Year Annual % Change: 1.69%
Soccer Both USA
/tF" Fd'
2010 2012 2014
Soccer
HS Minnesota
57M
Soccer
ti Sa r Wean(S—)
10 Year Annual % Change: .55%
5 Year Annual % Change: -.22%
Soccer Both MN
e, e 40, e +y 40, e, 'Or r'V 4:, 411, P'
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 27
FOOTBALL TRENDS
Nationally, high school football had been growing, although it has seen a decline since a peak in 2008/09. Minnesota
high school football has seen decreasing participation numbers.
n Football in Chanhassen has been decreasing slightly. Associations project a stabilization in participation numbers.
FOOTBALL DESIRES
o The artificial turf fields at the high school work well for football's needs.
» If additional available time were available, the following teams reported they would use:
— CCFA: 20 hours/week
28 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
Needs Assessment
LACROSSE TRENDS
» Nationally, high school lacrosse has been growing. Minnesota high school lacrosse has seen rapidly Increasing
participation numbers.
» Lacrosse in Chanhassen has been increasing. Associations project a continued growth in participation numbers.
LACROSSE DESIRES
» Artificial turf fields are desired.
» If additional available time were available, the following teams reported they would use:
— G LAX: 10 hours/week
— Minnetonka LAX: 12 hours/week
YOUTH LACROSSE
900
800
690 .700
700 650 .....
F 600 533 550
570 600
a Soo 450
0
F 400
.................
275.
s 300
200 150
100
0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
YEARS
Lacrosse 10 Year Annual % Change:
HS National 5 Year Annual % Change:
Lax Both USA
—u.siu.aa,nm.i
No
wo
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Lacrosse
eamae�mc,ome— Linear rec,eum
.0P 41 .005 10 .00+' .0d4
Lacrosse 10 Year Annual % Change:
N/A
HIS Minnesota 5 Year Annual % Change:
12.72%
Laz Both MN
—u�.�na.�eanrnxi
am
B
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 29
V �'._ — i►.. , Lit: � ...' ...,i - „�, '�..�y.=: �. f
• M 1111
y
1 _♦ �k3_ e.
Ji �T
l
i •
O 4. COST -BENEFIT ANALYSIS
30 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
Cost -Benefit Analysis
APPROACH
For this process, changes to the multi-purpose fields at Lake Ann (1) and Bandimere
(3) were examined.
The following scenarios were considered:
Maintain Status Quo.
Provide Lighting on an existing field.
- At Bandimere (Lake Ann is already lighted).
Change an existing grass field to artificial turf.
Change an existing grass field to artificial turf and light it.
Develop an indoor facility with artificial turf (seasonal or permanent).
Prime Time
One of the bigger desires for almost all groups, across all sports is a desire for more
"prime time"field reservations. This is typically the 6:00-9:00 PM time slot, especially in
the first half of the summer. While it would be ideal to be able to provide this time slot
for all user groups, it is not necessary, or wise for the City to provide or maintain the
quantity of fields necessary to meet all of the prime time demand.
Currently there are open fields at non -prime times.This implies that weekday prime
time use is the "pinch point"in terms of field capacity. Even if additional time is
desired at prime times, associations are not using all the available Saturday evenings
or time slots in the second half ofthe summer.
Anecdotally, though teams have reserved many of the fields, it is estimated that
about 20% of that time goes unused.This may happen for a number of reasons
including weather, letting kids rest after a later night game, or having an away game
somewhere else.
This is not meant to imply there Is something wrong with not using the fields all the
time. Indeed, if the fields were being used more heavily, they would certainly degrade
at much faster rates, potentially rendering them unusable.
SCENARIOS
Use/Desired Use Analysis Graphs
In the following pages, scenarios for improving the capacity of the fields in
Chanhassen are considered.The graphs show the current and desired levels of use
in hours per week for evenings, Monday through Friday.The dashed red line shows
the capacity of the fields under each scenario. In each case, the costs and impact is
shown for changing one field.The benefits and costs could be expanded if multiple
fields were upgraded or added.
Combining Scenarios
The following scenarios are presented as improvements to one field to examine what
the effects would be.These scenarios could be mixed and matched any number of
ways. All soccer and ballfields at Bandimere could be lighted. Multiple new fields
could be added.They might be artificial turf. Understanding the impacts of each
action Is key to deciding how to meet the immediate and long term needs of the City.
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Stud), 31
Maintain Status Quo
What is provided?
Continue to provide fields at the current level with grass fields at Bandimere and
grass and lights at Lake Ann.
Benefits
» The fields are currently maintained at a high level, and the quality was noted by
multiple user groups.
Drawbacks
» Fields are subject to weather conditions, especially in the spring.
» Fields at Bandimere are not lighted and subject to natural light, especially in the
spring and fall.
» Fields must be rested on a rotating basis to maintain high quality.
Costs
The City currently spends around $25,000 per field in annual maintenance costs.
Currently all ofChanhassen's fields are grass. Lake Ann is the only City owned facility with lights.
32 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
1 500
51400
0
J F M A M J J A 5 O N D
Desired Minnetonka Baseball Association
Desired Chanhassen High School Baseball
Desired Chanhassen American Legion Baseball
Desired Chanhassen Baseball
Desired Chanhassen Softball
Desired Minnetonka Girls Softball Association
• Adult Softball
• Minnetonka Baseball Association
•Chanhassen High School Baseball
• Chanhassen American Legion Baseball
• Rec Center Sports Softball/Baseball
•Chanhassen Baseball and Softball (CAA)
• Minnetonka Girls Softball Association
--Prime Time Weekday Capacity
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 33
160
140
Y
jdJ
120
Desired Minnetonka Lacrosse
■Desired C3 Lacrosse
__100
D
O
Desired Tonka United Soccer
L
U
80
- Desired CC United Soccer
v
.�
■ CCFA Football
60■
Minnetonka Lacrosse
v
■ C3 Lacrosse
4D
_
■Tonka United Soccer
iiw
v
E
■ CC United Soccer
i
20
--PrimeWeekday Capacity
D
J F M A M J J A S O N D
1 500
51400
0
J F M A M J J A 5 O N D
Desired Minnetonka Baseball Association
Desired Chanhassen High School Baseball
Desired Chanhassen American Legion Baseball
Desired Chanhassen Baseball
Desired Chanhassen Softball
Desired Minnetonka Girls Softball Association
• Adult Softball
• Minnetonka Baseball Association
•Chanhassen High School Baseball
• Chanhassen American Legion Baseball
• Rec Center Sports Softball/Baseball
•Chanhassen Baseball and Softball (CAA)
• Minnetonka Girls Softball Association
--Prime Time Weekday Capacity
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 33
Provide Lighting on an Existing Field
What is provided?
Light a field at Bandimere Park (as Lake Ann Field is already lighted).
Benefits
Lights allow for longer play.
In instances where there are games, lights may double the number of games
that can be played.
Allows more flexibility to makeup weather delayed games.
Qualitative Drawbacks
While light pollution has been greatly reduced, it is still a perceived issue,
especially when adjacent to residential land uses.
Fields are subject to weather conditions, especially in the spring.
Fields must be rested on a rotating basis to maintain high quality.
— This is even more important if additional lighting is put in place leading to
additional use of the field(s).
Costs
Installation of lights could cost as much as $200,000 per field.
If bonded for over 30 years at a 3% rate, the annual cost would be around $10,000.
Operations, maintenance, and replacement costs would cost about $35,000-$40,000
per year.
Lights expand the playable capacity of fields. Lake Ann Park is the sole lighted facility for the City.
34 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
Cost -Benefit Analysis
Multi -Purpose Rectangle Fields
Baseball and Softball Fields
ouu
Q 1400
0
O
300
L
I
200
100
0
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Desired Minnetonka Baseball Association
Desired Chanhassen High School Baseball
Desired Chanhassen American Legion Baseball
Desired Chanhassen Baseball
Desired Chanhassen Softball
Desired Minnetonka Girls Softball Association
.Adult Softball
-Minnetonka Baseball Association
.Chanhassen High School Baseball
• Chanhassen American Legion Baseball
• Rec Center Sports SoftballlBaseball
• Chanhassen Baseball and Softball (CAA)
• Minnetonka Girls Softball Association
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 35
160
140
Y
N
N
120
Desired Minnetonka Lacrosse
v
�-
■ Desired C3 Lacrosse
100
o
Desired Tonka United Soccer
S
a
80
Desired CC United Soccer
LT
■ CCFA Football
T
�
a
60
■Minnetonka Lacrosse
_ ,
v
Field Resting 0 C Lacrosse
i�:
40
■ Tonka United Soccer
Q)
E
■ CC United Soccer
CL
20
••Prime Weekday Capacity
D
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Baseball and Softball Fields
ouu
Q 1400
0
O
300
L
I
200
100
0
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Desired Minnetonka Baseball Association
Desired Chanhassen High School Baseball
Desired Chanhassen American Legion Baseball
Desired Chanhassen Baseball
Desired Chanhassen Softball
Desired Minnetonka Girls Softball Association
.Adult Softball
-Minnetonka Baseball Association
.Chanhassen High School Baseball
• Chanhassen American Legion Baseball
• Rec Center Sports SoftballlBaseball
• Chanhassen Baseball and Softball (CAA)
• Minnetonka Girls Softball Association
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 35
Change Existing Grass Field to Artificial Turf
What is provided?
Conversion of a grass field to an artificial turf field.
Benefits
» Play can typically begin at the beginning of April.
» Artificial turf is not degraded by play when wet.
» Artificial turf provides a more consistent playing surface.
— Not degraded by high impact sports.
— Would allow football to take place at City of Chanhassen Parks.
» Artificial turf provides a more consistent appearance.
» Artificial turf does not need to be rested.
— Utilizing artificial turf could improve the conditions of the remaining grass
fields by allowing them to rest more.
» Reduced (but not eliminated) maintenance costs.
» Potential for rental revenue.
Drawbacks
» Field life is only guaranteed for 10 years (will need to be replaced).
» Hotter playing surface.
» May require additional staff time to manage rentals.
Costs
An artificial turf field costs around $1,000,000 to install. After initial installation, it is
important to budget $600,000 for replacement of the turf and fill every ten years.
If bonded for over 30 years at a 3% rate, the annual cost would be $50,000-$55,000.
Operations, maintenance, and replacement would cost about $85,000 peryear.
As a policy decision, the City may consider charging a rental fee to cover the cost of
replacement. Based on comparable rental rates, $50-75/hour could cover $25,000-
$45,000 per year.
160
140
v Desired CCFA Football
120
Desired Minnetonka Lacrosse
v
�- ■ Desired C3 Lacrosse
100
M
o Desired Tonka United Soccer
-a 80 Desired CC United Soccer
v
ii ■CCFA Football
� 60 ■Minnetonka Lacrosse
Y L_
v ■ C3 Lacrosse
v
a0
v ■Tonka United Soccer
__
E MCC United Soccer
CL 20
--Prime Weekday Capacity
D J F M A M J J A S O N D
36 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
Cost -Benefit Analysis
Change Existing Grass Field to Lighted Artificial Turf
What is provided?
Conversion of a grass field to an artificial turf field with lights.
Benefits
See above for benefits of lights and artificial turf.
Lights have biggest return when used in early and late season conditions when
there is less natural light.
Artificial turf would hold up better to the increased use allowed by lights.
Drawbacks
See above for drawbacks of lights and artificial turf.
Costs
Artificial turf and lights would cost $1,200,000. As noted above, considering the
replacement costs of the turf is important as well.
If bonded for over 30 years at a 3% rate, the annual cost would be $60,000-$65,000.
Operations, maintenance, and replacement costs would cost $95,000-$100,000 per
year.
As noted above, the City may consider rental fees for artificial turf. With lights, at
$50-75/ hour, revenue could range from $30,000-$55,000. Collecting revenue may
add some staff time and costs as well.
160
140
Y
� Desired CCFA Football
2� 120
Desired Minnetonka Lacrosse
v
C-
100ROW ■Desired C3 Lacrosse
'^
D e Desired Tonka United Soccer
0
x
-0 80 e' Desired CC United Soccer
iFD
r — — — — — 1 ■ CCFA Football
a
M 60 r — t--� _ ■Minnetonka Lacrosse
a ,
Q) I ■ C3 Lacrosse
Q)
40 ■Tonka United Soccer
0
E ■ CC United Soccer
a 20
•• Prime Weekday Capacity
D i F M A M i i A S O N D
Artificial Turf and Baseball/Softball
In some places, artificial turf is being incorporated into baseball and softball fields.
Sometimes the infield is also turfed over which allows for more flexible use of
the field converting to soccer, lacrosse, or football. In this study's survey, only one
baseball team reported desiring turf.
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 37
Change Existing Grass Field to Lighted Artificial Turf
with a Seasonal or Permanent Dome
What is provided?
Indoor artificial athletic fields through the winter months. Seasonal or Permanent
options have been considered. Seasonal domes are typically up November through
April.
Benefits
» See above for benefits of artificial turf.
» Consistent play surface throughout the winter.
Bring users from out of Chanhassen Into the city.
Drawbacks
There are potential aesthetic concerns.
The City of Chanhassen has typically provided recreation services free or with
limited costs. Providing an Indoor turf facility could be a departure from the
approach to provision of recreation services.
A higher cost facility and reliance on revenue represents a significantly higher
financial risk.
Costs
Seasonal domes typically cost in the range of $4-6 million and permanent indoor
facilities for a full size field may cost $7-10 million.
If bonded for over 30 years at a 3% rate, the annual cost would be $255,000-$510,000.
Maintenance and Operations are significantly higher for indoor facilities as more
staffing and utilities such as heating must also be included. Maintenance, operations,
and replacement costs would likely run between $400,000-$600,000 per year before
rental revenue. Rental revenue may cover some of those costs, but if revenue falls
short, the City may be liable for a significant amount of money.
If the City wants to further pursue the idea of an indoor facility, additional study
should be undertaken to refine costs, and agreements for rents should be finalized.
Inside the Savage Dome
38 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
Multi -Purpose Rectangle Fields
160
140
Y
v Desired CCFA Football
120
Desired Minnetonka Lacrosse
v
a a Desired C3 Lacrosse
100
0
0 Desired Tonka United Soccer
-a 80 Desired CC United Soccer
v
■CCFA Football
T
m 60 ■Minnetonka Lacrosse
v
v ■ C3 Lacrosse
40
v r_ - ■Tonka United Soccer
E ■ CC United Soccer
Q_ 20 ______—
••Prime Weekday Capacity
D J F M A M J J A S O N D
Baseball and Softball Fields
'0.1400
0
O
L
O 300
N
i
1200
N
100
i
0
J F M A M J J A 5 0 N D
Desired Minnetonka Baseball Association
Desired Chanhassen High School Baseball
Desired Chanhassen American Legion Baseball
Desired Chanhassen Baseball
Desired Chanhassen Softball
Desired Minnetonka Girls Softball Association
•Adult Softball
•Liga Latina
• Minnetonka Baseball Association
,Chanhassen High School Baseball
•Chanhassen American Legion Baseball
• Rec Center Sports SoftbalpBaseball
Chanhassen Baseball and Softball
• Minnetonka Girls Softball Association
--Prime Time Weekday Capacity
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 39
Build a New Grass Field
What is provided?
Build a new grass field within the system. (This would be in addition to Instant Web
Field which is utilized fully by St. Hubert's Soccer and Minnetonka Lacrosse).
Benefits
Adds additional capacity.
Drawbacks
See above in the "Status Quo" scenario for drawbacks to grass fields.
Costs
Assuming the need to purchase 5 acres per field and build a new grass field, the
capital cost of the field would be about $1 Million excluding other support facilities
such as parking and restrooms.
If bonded for over 30 years at a 3% rate, the annual cost would be $50,000-$55,000.
Operations and maintenance costs would run about $25,000 per year.
Unlike the above"replace' scenarios, in this instance it is important to remember this
is on top of maintenance costs at other fields and would likely require additional
labor resources on top of what is already provided in the existing park system.
Construction ofnewfields in Rosemount
40 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
Multi -Purpose Rectangle Fields
Baseball and Softball Fields
Y 500
N
N
p_I 400
1 200
N
E
c 100
1
0
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Desired Minnetonka Baseball Association
Desired Chanhassen High School Baseball
Desired Chanhassen American Legion Baseball
Desired Chanhassen Baseball
Desired Chanhassen Softball
Desired Minnetonka Girls Softball Association
• Adult Softball
• Minnetonka Baseball Association
• Chanhassen High School Baseball
• Chanhassen American Legion Baseball
• Rec Center Sports Softball/Baseball
• Chanhassen Baseball and Softball (CAA)
• Minnetonka Girls Softball Association
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 41
160
140
Y
dl
v
120
`v
Desired Minnetonka Lacrosse
Q-
Desired C3 Lacrosse
100
D
O
Desired Tonka United Soccer
S
a
80r
_ _ _ Desired CC United Soccer
■ CCFA Football
T
@
60
— ■Minnetonka Lacrosse
Y
_
1
<U
Field Resting ■ c3 Lacrosse
40
■Tonka United Soccer
v
E
■ CC United Soccer
a
20
--Prime Weekday Capacity
0.
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Baseball and Softball Fields
Y 500
N
N
p_I 400
1 200
N
E
c 100
1
0
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Desired Minnetonka Baseball Association
Desired Chanhassen High School Baseball
Desired Chanhassen American Legion Baseball
Desired Chanhassen Baseball
Desired Chanhassen Softball
Desired Minnetonka Girls Softball Association
• Adult Softball
• Minnetonka Baseball Association
• Chanhassen High School Baseball
• Chanhassen American Legion Baseball
• Rec Center Sports Softball/Baseball
• Chanhassen Baseball and Softball (CAA)
• Minnetonka Girls Softball Association
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 41
6.
• :ter 4 x +�i
J6 AO
t ,
A .
r
r t `k..
414
ys .: t.
Y s�� �"
O S . RECOMMENDATIONS
42 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
Based on findings that:
u Fields are subjected to intense pressure for a relatively short period every year
There is a pinch point for desired field space, especially in the evenings from May
to July.
There Is far more demand than capacity within the City's system during peak
times.
It would not be prudent for the City to try to meet all of the demand for athletic
facilities by itself.
The City's parks exist in a network, including partner school districts and
neighboring cities, to provide recreation facilities for local athletic associations.
Athletic associations would like additional and upgraded facilities, but will utilize
the facilities that are available and supplement them with other fields and indoor
space provided by partners.
The City's current inventory of fields (including school fields) meets national
minimum standards, but capacity could be increased with improvements such
as lights and/or artificial turf.
Based on population growth and increasing sport popularity, there will be a
shortage of soccer/lacrosse fields in the near future.
The fields provided by the City are valued for their high quality, maintenance
level, and effective reservations process.
Access to quality athletic fields is an important element for quality of life,
community health and economic development in Chanhassen.
The City should:
Explore partnership opportunities for capital improvement costs and life -cycle
system costs.
» Maintain current management of fields as demand continues to increase:
— Rotational resting of fields based on a schedule/level of use.
— Postponement of use during and after significant rain events.
Continue to support the stated goal of parks In Chanhassen to reasonably meet
City needs and promote a sense of community:
— Expand the capacity of the athletic facilities through improvements and
efficiencies within existing community parks.
Based on current trends combined with projected demand, Chanhassen should
plan for new multi-purpose field construction (1-3 fields) in the next 15 years.
n Based on national standards and desires of the baseball community, the City
should continue to emphasize flexibility in the ballfields with basepaths and
moveable pitching rubbers or mounds to better meet the demands for 75'and
90'basepath ballfields.
Provide lights at Bandimere Park on baseball and soccer fields to expand capacity
of fields and improve scheduling flexibility.
— Light baseball fields.
— Light soccer fields.
Provide a lighted, artificial turf multi -use field at Bandimere Park to expand
capacity, ensure playability, provide a premier field, and protect and allow for
more resting of grass fields.
Recommendations
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 43
f*
O 6 . APPENDIX
The Following Pages Contain:
Cost Estimate Spreadsheet
» 2015 Field Schedules
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 45
Capital Cost
Annual Debt Service Cost
(Capital Cost Bonded over 30
years")
Replacement Costs
(Money to replace at end of
life cycle)
O/M Cost
Per Year
Total Revenue
Per Year
Total Cost
Per Year
$0' $200,000 $1,000,000 $1,200,000 $5,000,000 $8,000,000
$0 $10,204 $51,019 $61,223 $255,096 $408,154
$0 $1,667 $60,000 $61,667 $161,667 $160,000
$25,000 $35,000 $24,125 $34,125 $204,600 $335,100
$0 $0 $30,6243 $35,5393 $225,6084 $225,6085
$25,000 $46,871 $104,520 $121,475 $324,414 $606,305
Total Cost above Status Quo N/A $21,871 $79,520 $96,475 $299,414 $581,305
Per Year
1. Assumes all existing fields are paid for
2. Assumes 3% Bond Rate
3. Assumes $50/hour rental rate at 75% utilization of prime weekday and weekend hours
4. Assumes $325/hour indoor rental rate, a $50/hour outdoor rental rate both at 75% utilization
5. Assumes $325/hour indoor rental rate, a $50/hour off season rental rate both at 75% utilization
4-C Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
Capital Cost $1,000,000 $1,200,000 $1,625,000 $1,825,000 $5,625,000 $8,625,000
Annual Debt Service Cost
(Capital Cost Bonded over 30 $51,019
years')
Replacement Costs
(Money to replace at end of $0
life cycle)
O/M Cost
Per Year
Total Revenue
Per Yea r
Total Cost
Per Year
$61,223 $82,906 $93,110 $286,983 $440,041
$1,667 $60,000 $61,667 $161,667 $160,000
$25,000 $35,000 $24,125 $34,125 $204,600 $335,100
$0 $0 $30,624' $35,5393 $225,608" $225,6085
$76,019 $97,890 $112,007 $122,868 $324,414 $606,305
Total Cost above Status A new field scenario would include costs above, as well as labor and equipment to
Quo maintain additional facilities, basic site prep, getting utilities to the site, other support
Per Year
facilities (parking, restrooms, trails, etc.), and potentially the removal of property from
the tax rolls.
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 4 7
2015 Spring/Summer Field Schedule - Soccer/Lacrosse April 20 — July 24, 2015 (As of 3-11-15)
Fields
Monday
Tuesda
Wednesda
ThursdaV
Fridav
Saturday
Sunda
Bandimere #1
CC United
CC United
I CC United
CC United
CC United
CC United 9am-4pm
CC United 12-5pm
Bandimem #2
CC United
TU
CC United
TU
CC United
CC United 9=-4pm
CC United 3-8pm
Bandimere #3
CC United
CC United
CC United
CC United
CC United
CC United 9am-4 m
CC United 3-81)m
City Center #1
CC United
CC United
CC United
CC United
CC United
CC United 9am-4 m
CC United 12-5 m
City Center #2
CC United
CC United
CC United
CC United
CC United
CC United 9am-4 m
CC United 12-5 m
Instant Web
MLA
MLA
MLA
MLA
MLA
MLA 8am-5pm
Lake Ann
TU
TU
TU
TU
CC United
TU 6-9pm
North Lotus
TU
TU
TU
TU
H
I
CC United: CC United Soccer Club
MLA: Minnetonka Lacrosse Association
TU: Tonka United Soccer
m:\c hassm\015-023 mhldicf ilitia sNdy\i projal documwh\ScheialingVeld schaulc soccer- lacrosse 2015.doc
48 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
2014 Fall Field Schedule (Master) Football/Soccer/Raseball
Fields
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Bavdimere $1 Soccer
Chan HS
3:30-6p
CC United 6-9P
Ch. HS
3:30fip
CC United 6-9p
Ch.. HS
3:306p
CC United 6-9p
Chars HS
3:30-6p
CC United 6-9p
Chan HS
3:30-6p
CC United 6-9
CC United
Sam -6p
CC United
12-6p
Bundimere#2 Soccer
Closed
For
Fail
Season
Bandimere #3 Soccer
Chan HS 3:30fip
CC United &9P
Chun HS 3:30-6p
CC United 6-9p
Chan HS 3:30fip
CC United &9p
Chau HS 3:304p
CC United 6-9p
Chan HS 3:30-6p
CC United 6.9p
CC United
a.. -6p
CC United
12 - ]
City Center Ml Soccer
CC United
CC United
CC United
CC United
CC United
CC United Safi
CC United 12-5
City Center #2 Soccer
Closed
For
The
Fail
Sunni.
City Center #3 Soceer
CC United
CC United
CC United
CC United
CC United
CC United Sit-up
CC United IM
City Center M Soccer (40x70)
Ice Rink
SL Hubert's
St. Hubert's
St. Hubert's
St. Hubert's
SL Hubert's
St. Hubert's BaJp
CRC 41 Soccer 40x70
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA -8:30a-12
CRC M2 Soccer 25x30
CAA
Her Cie Sins
Her Ch, Spun
CAA
CAA - 8:30a-12
CRC 0 Soccer 25x30
CAA
Use Ctr Sins
Rec Cur S is
CAA
CAA- 8:30a-12
CRC "Soffer 2500
CAA
Her CirSpit
Her Cies is
CAA
CAA -8:30a-12
CRC45SOceer 25x30
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA -8:30.-12
CRC 46 Soccer 2500
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA -8:30.-12
CRC N7 Soccer 25x30
CRC B8 Soccer 25x30
CRC 49 Soccer 40x70
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA -8:30a-12
lake A.. pl
CAA SB
CAA SB
CAA SB
CAA SB
CAA SB l0afi
Lake Aun #2
CAA BB
CAA BB
CAA BB 10afi
Lake Ann #3
CAA BB
CAA BB
I CAA BB 10a-6
Lake Ann W4
CAA SB
Adult SB
CAA SB
Adult SB
CAA SB 1Oafi
Lake An. #5
CAA SB
Adult SB
CAA SB
Adult SB
CAA SB lOafi
Lake Ann #6
CAA SB
CAA SB
CAA SB
CAA SB
CAA SB 10a -6p
Lake Ann Soccer
TU See 11-5
Mdw Gm pl (65x110)
Chapel Hill
4-7p
Chapel Hill
4-7p
Chapel Hill
4-7p
North Lofts
Chapel Hill 3:30-5p
TU See S 11
TU See 5 -Sp
TU See 5 -Sp
Chapel III]] 3:30 -Sp
TU See 5.8
TU See 10.4p
Sunset Rid e
Instant Web
St. Hubert"
St. Hubert's
St. Hubert's
I St Hubert's
St Hubert's
Tonka LAX
Ba.dimere lil
Bkmrd SB/CAA SB
CAA SB
Bumrd SE/CAA
SB
CAA SB
CAA SB
Blizeard SB
9:30-11:30a
Barsdimere 02
Address.." BB
Mivasuo.ka BB
Mivvetorska BB
Safi
Miunew.ka BB
]2-6
Bandimere #3
I
Mhosetovka BB
Mivvetorska BB
Tell nka BB
Safi
Min.e[onks BB
llfi
Luke Susan
I
I Mivvem.ka BB
Minnetonka BB
Adult BB
Fall Field Schedule13
CAA SB=Cha.hassm AMletic Association (Softball) Rce Center Sporn-(PreSchool Sower) himeronka BB Chanhassen Bier SB
CAA= Chanhassen Athletic Msociadon(S.) Adult SB=Adult (Soaball) Chapel Hill Soccer Miroeteeks LAX
CAA BB -Chanhassen Aibletic Assocl4oa(Baseball) CC United =CC United (Soccer TU=TONm United Soccer St R.ben's(Sower)
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study 49
2015 Spring/Summer Field Schedule—Baseball/Softball April 20 - July 24, 2015 - (As of 3-11-15)
Fields
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Bandimere #1
CAA
CAA
CAA/Blizzard SB
CAA
CAA
Chao HS
Bandimere #2
Mtka BB
CAA.
CAA
CAA
Mtka BB
Mtka BB
Mika BB 9a -6p
9a-6
Bandimere #3
CAA
CAA
Mtka BB
CAA
Mtka BB
Mtka BB
Mika BB 9a -6p
9a -6p
City Center#1
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
MNSO
City Center 42
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
MNSO
City Center #3
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
MNSO
City Center #4
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
MNSO
CRC#1
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
CRC#2
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
CRC #3
CAA
RCS (4-7:30 pm)
RCS (4-7:30 pm)
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
CRC #4
CAA
RCS (4-7:30 pm)
RCS (4-7:30 pm)
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
CRC #5
CAA
RCS (4-7:30 pm)
RCS (4-7:30 pm)
Blizzard SB (5-7pm)
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
CRC#6
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
Lake Am #1
CAA 5:30-7:30
CAA 5:30-7:30
CAA 5:30-7:30
CAA 5:30-7:30
CAA 5:30-7:30
(Lighted)
CAA 7:30-9:30
CAA 7:30-9:30
CAA 7:30-9:30
CAA 7:30-9:30
CAA 7:30-9:30
Lake Ann 92
CAA 5:30-7:30
CAA 5:30-7:30
CAA 5:30-7:30
CAA 5:30-7:30
CAA 5:30-7:30
(Lighted)
CAA 7:30-9:30
CAA 7:30-9:30
CAA 7:30-9:30
CAA 7:30-9:30
CAA 7:30-9:30
Lake Ann 43
CAA 5:30-7:30
CAA 5:30-7:30
CAA 5:30-7:30
CAA 5:30-7:30
CAA 5:30-7:30
(Lighted)
CAA 7:30-9:30
CAA 7:30-9:30
CAA 7:30-9:30
CAA 7:30-9:30
CAA 7:30-9:30
Lake Ann #4
Adult SB
CAA 5:30-7:30
CAA 5:30-7:30
Adult SB
CAA 5:30-7:30
(Lighted)
6:00-7:00
CAA 7:30-9:30
CAA 7:30-9:30
6:15-7:15
CAA 7:30-9:30
7:00-8:00
7:15-8:15
8:00-9:00
8:15-9-15
9:00-10:00
Lake Ann #5
Adult SB
CAA 5:30-7:30
CAA 5:30-7:30
Adult SB
CAA 5:30-7:30
(Lighted)
6:00-7:00
CAA 7:30-9:30
CAA 7:30-9:30
6:15-7:15
CAA 7:30-9:30
7:00-8:00
7:15-8:15
8:00-9:00
9:00-10:00
Lake Am #6
Adult SB
CAA 5:30-7:30
CAA 5:30-7:30
Adult SB
CAA 5:30-7:30
(Lighted)
6:15-7:15
CAA 7:30-9:30
CAA 7:30-9:30
6:15-7:15
CAA 7:30-9:30
7:15-8:15
7:15-8:15
Lake Susan
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
Mtka BB
Mtka BB
Adult BB 10a —
8a -]2v
Meadow Green #1
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
Mtka BB
Meadow Green #2
CAA
CAA
CAA
CAA
Mtka BB
North Lotus
Toulon United
Tonka United
Tonka United
Tonka United
MGSA
Sunset Ridge
CAA
MGSA
CAA
MGSA
MGSA
After School Programs April 6 -May 22
Bmdimere #1
St. Hubert's
St. Hubert's
St. Hubert's
St. Hubert's
St. Hubert's
St. Hubert's
Bandimere #2
Chan HS
Chan HS
Chan HS
Cban HS
Chan HS
Chao HS
Lake Susan
Chan HS
Chan HS
Chan HS
Chan HS
Chan HS
Chm HS
CAA'. Clb.ah. nAtM1letic Association CbaMassen High School Mtka BB. Mi.xabka Baseball Axn. S[ Hubert's Sofibalbaeseball Chaa Blaoa,ISoftball
R.Cmter Sporb: Cityofcho Adult SB: Adult Sofball(Chn MGSA: MmnGnka Girls Softball Assn. MNSO: MN Special Olympics Tonka UNtM Soccer
50 Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study
CITY OF
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Bax 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Administration
Phone 952.227.1100
Fax: 952.227.1110
Building Inspections
Phone: 952.227.1180
Fax: 952.227.1190
Engineering
Phone: 952.227.1160
Fax: 952.227.1170
Finance
Phone: 952.227.1140
Fax: 952.227.1110
Park & Recreation
Phone: 952.227.1120
Fax: 952.227.1110
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone: 952.227.1400
Fax: 952.227.1404
MEMORANDUM
TO: Park and Recreation Commission
FROM: Todd Hoffman, Park and Recreation Director
DATE: September 22, 2015
SUBJ: Athletic Field Use and Facility Expansion Study; Receive Draft Report
from HKGi and Make Recommendation to City Council
PROPOSED MOTION
"The Park and Recreation Commission recommends that the City Council accept the
findings and recommendations of the September 2015 City of Chanhassen Athletic
Facilities Study and directs the Park and Recreation Commission to initiate the
formation of a recreation facility improvement referendum task force."
Approval requires a simple majority vote of the Park and Recreation Commission.
BACKGROUND
One of the City Council 2015 Key Financial Strategies is the completion of an
Athletic Field Use and Facility Expansion Study. In May of this year, the City
retained Hoisington Koegler Group to conduct and prepare a thorough and well -
supported needs analysis and recommendations for public athletic and recreational
facilities for the City of Chanhassen. The tasks in the study include:
Planning &
• Data Gathering and Facility Inventory
Natural Resources • Needs Analysis
Phone: 952.227.1130 . Cost -Benefit Analysis
Fax: 952.227.1110 . Preparation of Recommendations and Report
Public Works
7901 Park Place On Monday, August 24, 2015, Paul Paige of HKGi provided the City Council with a
Phone: 952.227.1300 detailed update on some of the initial findings of the study.
Fax: 952.227.1310
OVERVIEW
Senior Center
Phone: 952.2271125 Tonight staff will present the full report to the Park and Recreation Commission.
Fax: 952.227.1110 Upon receipt of the report the Commission has the opportunity to modify any
Portion
Website of the study prior to making a recommendation of action to the City Council.
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us
g:\park\th\athletic field study\pre report 9-22-15.doex
Chanhassen is a Community for Life - Providing for Today and Planning for Tomorrow
Park & Recreation Commission
September 22, 2015
Page 2
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Park and Recreation Commission recommend that the City
Council accept the findings and recommendations of the September 2015 City of
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study and directs the Park and Recreation Commission
to initiate the formation of a recreation facility improvement referendum task force.
ATTACHMENTS
1. September 2015 Athletic Facilities Study
c: Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
Jerry Ruegemer, Recreation Superintendent
Paul Paige, HKGi
Kevin Clarke, HKGi
Amy Bower, HKGi
CHANHASSEN PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 22, 2015
Chairman Kelly called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Cole Kelly, Steve Scharfenberg, Brent Carron, Luke Thunberg, Rick
Echternacht, and Jennifer Hougham. Lauren Dale arrived during discussion of the Athletic Field
Use and Facility Expansion Study.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jim Boettcher
STAFF PRESENT: Todd Hoffman, Park and Rec Director; Jerry Ruegemer, Recreation
Superintendent; Katie Favro, Program Specialist; Adam Beers, Park Superintendent; Jodi Sarles,
Rec Center Manager; and Sue Bill, Senior Center Coordinator
VISITORS PRESENT:
Matt Walker
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Minnetonka Baseball Association
Kelly: Luke you want to add somewhere and tell us about your 5K?
Thunberg: Sure, I can give you a recap down in J. I don't really have a presentation.
Kelly: Right okay. Let's do recap on 5K under J. Luke. Any other additions or subtractions?
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: None.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS. None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Echternacht moved, Thunberg seconded to approve the
verbatim and summary Minutes of the Park and Recreation Commission meeting dated
August 25, 2015 as presented.
ATHLETIC FIELD USE AND FACILITY EXPANSION STUDY: RECEIVE DRAFT
REPORT FROM HKGI AND MAKE RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
Kelly: We got a big handout with a lot of interesting things. A lot of numbers on the athletic
field use and facility expansion study draft report from HKGi and we may be looking to make a
Park and Recreation Commission — September 22, 2015
recommendation to the City Council tonight. Todd you want to give us a little background on
the report.
Hoffman: Thank you Chair Kelly. I would love to and this evening Jerry invited all of the, well
sent the report and agenda to all the associations so they have the information if you happen to
hear from them. Hear what they have to say about the report. We've not received any formal
comments as of yet from the folks. They may or may not at 36 pages plus they may or may not
have delved into the report as of last weekend so we may hear from them in the future and if we
do we'll pass on those comments to you. Primarily we're going to go through, talk about some
of the take away's out of the report but if you recall there's a variety of reasons that this field
report, field study is before you. The Park and Recreation Commission has been talking about
athletic field improvements for quite some time. You also hear from athletic association
representatives, parents about you know we need more of this. We don't have enough of that.
We think we should change how we do field allocations. We want you know more of
Chanhassen people in town. Less Minnetonka people in town or vice versa so we hear a lot of
things about athletic fields and so we wanted to distill down, the council is very interested in
understanding specifically before they move forward is that reality. You know are we short
fields? Do we need more of one particular type of field and so they really wanted to seek some
overall information about what's out there today. How many users do we have? How many
field users do we have and you know what should be built in the future as we move forward. So
but coming out of that, you know we were going to talk about should we be building something?
What should it be? And really there's been some discussion on the City Council that to move
forward with anything that we talk about as a part of the study we may want to consider a 2016
fall referendum as a part of the presidential election for athletic field improvements in our
community and that could include a variety of things. It could include athletic field
improvements. Neighborhood park improvements. There's discussion of bringing back a
conversation about a splash pad or a water amenity for all families and people in our community
so that's the presentation that you have. Once we get through the ballfield conversation the
motion tonight is that you as a commission consider making a recommendation to the City
Council that they again direct you to facilitate a referendum conversation. If that would happen
we would have basically about 6 months to get a task force in place and up and running with a
recommendation for what would be on that referendum. You would want to have that by early
spring and so you can get the information published and out and then plan for a fall referendum
in 2016. So keeping that in mind I'll go through.
Kelly: Todd, can I interrupt you for a moment?
Hoffman: You can.
Kelly: So if we send down a recommendation to the City Council for a task force, typically a
task force would be what, 10 to 12 people?
Hoffman: Something like that.
2
Park and Recreation Commission — September 22, 2015
Kelly: And the City Council would appoint everyone who's on the task force?
Hoffman: They would. They would set the number. They would set the composition of the task
force and then they would solicit for members.
Kelly: Would you typically have what, 2 or 3 people from the park and rec commission on
there?
Hoffinan: They would make that designation. They may serve. They may put a council
member on it. They may not. They don't have to. Athletic association people. General
citizens. People interested. The last committee in '97, '96-'97 worked for a couple of years and
then there was some turnover in that task force. That referendum took about 2 % years to get to
the vote which was June 14`x' of 1997 so it's been 18 years since the last park referendum.
Kelly: Thank you for the interruption.
Hoffman: You're welcome. So we'll go through this page by page and we're not going to talk
about every page. This is a draft and so as you read it if you notice things that you question,
please take a look at those for clarification. I will point some of those corrections out this
evening and then we want to finish this up. Paul Paige, the President of Hoisington Koegler was
at the council meeting in August at their work session. They wanted to get kind of a pre -look
before their budget conversations took hold so Mr. Paige presented then. He'll be back to
present the final report in November. November 9' to the City Council and this was part of the
KFS, key financial cities, or key financial strategies study for 2015 so. If you've read through it
you know what it's about. There's an executive summary. The background of what the project's
about. Existing conditions. Needs assessment. Cost benefit analysis which is one of the things
the council really wanted to see is you know, so what kind of benefit do we get for what inputs
the community would make. Recommendations and then the charts and appendices. First page,
which is number 3 and then we have the first corrections and so before we move on, you want to
look at the bottom row in the chart. There's 28 fields. Currently per national standards we need
10. That means we're plus 18. Not plus 10 and that continues on in that same row so the second
column 2020 we're plus 17 and the third column we're plus 151 believe are the numbers.
Correct. Oh, so the bottom column 10 and then it's plus 18, plus 17 and plus 15. Plus 18, plus
17, and plus 15 so that's a correction. And what that's telling you is the need is 8, 3, 2 and 10 so
we need 10-60 to 65 feet softball fields and we have 28 of them so we're way ahead in that
category. The one you're going to see that you're short in is the 70 to 75 foot baseball field.
We're short I throughout that entire timeframe. Part of that is there's just no school fields in that
distance in our community. We have 2 and then soccer by 2030 you'll be 3 soccer or multi -
soccer lacrosse fields short by 2030 and we'll talk a little bit about an opportunity. There is an
opportunity at the Holasek site to potentially take a look at anywhere from 1 to 3 soccer fields as
a part of that development of the Holasek property. So that's one opportunity and I think we've
talked about that in the past as well. Cost benefit analysis. Because the City has no immediate
3
Park and Recreation Commission — September 22, 2015
plans we don't have any immediate plans for expansion of our park system. It's worth exploring
other methods and we've talked about this for a number of years and those would be mix of
flexible field design. You could light. You could put in artificial turf which extends your
season. Provide an indoor athletic facility and then each improvement provides unique benefits
with some additional cost or significant additional cost depending on what you're considering.
Cutest picture in the presentation so I'm going to go with that. Rec center sports?
Sarles: Yep.
Hoffman: Did you take that Jodi?
Sarles: I believe I did.
Hoffman: Yeah I like it. It's very nice. So the basic components. We did a data gathering and
field inventory phase where we reached out to all the associations and received their input. The
needs assessment. The cost benefit analysis and then the recommendations that we have tonight.
Existing conditions. I'm not going to spend a lot of time on it. If you look at the bottom graph
you can see there's a broad spectrum. Anywhere from zero percent of the fields were satisfying
for C3 lacrosse or Chan Chaska Football. They're not playing in town so we don't provide any
of their fields to 100 percent. We provide all the fields for CAA soccer. Chapel Hill soccer and
anywhere inbetween and that comes, rings true in this report many times throughout is that we're
not everything in the mix. All these associations go to other cities. They go to school districts.
They go to private businesses for their field needs so we're just part of the puzzle. If this was
Marshal, Minnesota and we're standing out in the middle of you know an independent city it
would be a much different look. The city would be the primary, probably the primary provider
along with the school district and then that's it. You don't have neighboring communities.
Suburbs to fall back on. Map of our community parks. Pretty well distributed throughout our
center core area. City Center, Lake Ann, Chan Rec, Lake Susan and Bandimere. I think the
important distinction here is that Chan Rec Center and City Center Park are coops. They're
owned and operated in cooperation with school district, both District 112 facilities and at both
sites they're shared land and then shared maintenance responsibilities. Primarily on the City's
side for the outdoor and then scheduling is primarily the City as well. And those are the large
sites. I think it's also interesting to take a look back at how these were acquired based on the fact
that we are potentially discussing a referendum. If you were to start with City Center, City
Center was incorporated as a part of our city. Downtown you know rec center with City Hall
and the school. There have been no specific referendums but the last '97 referendum did buy the
north 2 fields on City Center Park so when there was dollars for athletic fields, their open space
acquisition, those 2 fields were purchased with referendum dollars so it does have some
referendum action going on. Lake Ann Park was started with a referendum in 1969 and so the
acquisition was the brain child of some local community members. It was a primarily
agriculture. A very small community at the time and they said you know Lake Ann Park is, or
Lake Ann is so special, the swimming beach there. You know parts of our community already
are able to go and utilize it. Let's make it available for the whole community in the future and
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Park and Recreation Commission — September 22, 2015
they passed a referendum for a half a million dollars in 1969 which is just forward thinking.
Might have been a quarter of a million dollars. One of the two. It seemed like, not a lot of
money but at the time it was a lot of money. The brochure's upstairs. Chan Rec Center
purchased outright and the Chan Rec Center was in response to all of our schools going to
Chaska. All of a sudden city of Chanhassen residents woke up and they said you know what,
they're building all the schools in Chaska which means all the athletic facilities that go along
with the school are going to Chaska and the reason why is because Chaska was either negotiating
with developers for land for schools or they were setting aside land themselves and so the
Chanhassen elected officials woke up and they said whoa, we've got to get in to the same game
if that's the game. Let's buy some land so they bought 40 acres. The City bought 40 acres at the
intersection and invited the school district to build a school there and pay for half the land which
they did. Lake Susan Park acquired as part of a development of the business park in that area.
Very key acquisition early on in our development and then Bandimere again purchased with
referendum dollars and then developed with referendum dollars so there's quite a history of
referendum activity in our community to make sure that these facilities are available to the
public. Existing conditions. This is just nice documentation for now and into the future so we
use this for a variety of things. We have this in our inventory already so when we're trying to
decipher what's what and what do we have in the ground we know what they are so not going to
go through each one. 7 fields at Lake Ann, all lit. All our fields are turf. Lots of activity at the
Rec Center with the small, all the numbers off the diamonds. Our soccer fields. Small, a lot of
small soccer fields for our smaller aged kids. Under aged children. That facility works out very
nice as a coop with District 112. City Center, the north 2 fields are the ones we talked about
where these were purchased with referendum dollars. The school owns the center parcel. The
City owns the bottom parcel so the school is the primary owner in the facility. Hi Lauren,
welcome. You can add her. Lauren has arrived.
Kelly: Welcome Lauren.
Hoffman: Nann knows you're here now. City Center Park, just talked about that. Lake Susan,
one baseball field. Nice facility. And then Bandimere, again a couple different acquisitions
going on there. The original referendum purchased fields, the space for fields 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Fields 5 and 6 were acquired as a part of Springfield. That was this module right up here and
then these 2 single family homes were recently acquired to make Bandimere a full 40 acre site
which once you acquire 32 acres you might as well just keep going. It's the same theme as we're
doing here at City Center. Just keep expanding as much as you can if you can. Lake Ann was
expanded on 2 occasions. The Rec Center's not been expanded. There's no further expansion at
most of these sites but as long as you've got it going on you might as well expand it and
maximize it as much as you can. Needs assessment, this is where we get down to talking about
numbers. So the benefits. The drawbacks. There is benefits and drawbacks to each but we'll
talk about some of them specifically. Participation rates. There's all sort of graphs showing you
know what's going on with real numbers at our school districts. In our associations. Baseball
and softball fields. National standards. So here's the chart again. These are the correct numbers
so these same charts that are on page 3 and 23 shows the total fields in Chanhassen, 3, 2 and 28.
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Park and Recreation Commission — September 22, 2015
What the national standard is or what the need is per the national standard. What the excess,
either surplus positive or negative would be. And then you see some community comparisons
down below. And again on a neighbor to neighbor basis we stack up very good so you know we
provide sufficient fields for the basic recreation needs. Outdoor recreation athletic field needs of
our community and our citizens. All the different trends. Youth baseball is increasing. We've
heard that many times. Softball the same. Numbers continue to climb. Adult softball has
declined and has leveled off at some level but it's certainly, was probably about half of what it
was 15 or 20 years ago. And we see that in how Lake Ann is laid out. Where it was primarily
adult softball in the early days and now it's primarily youth softball and baseball. The adults still
play there but it's a smaller percentage. Total fields for a rectangle multi -use, that's a soccer/
lacrosse field. We have 8 and the need is 8 but then as our population continues to grow you see
by 2030, 31,000 people we're short soccer fields because we currently have no other soccer
fields in the system. Soccer/lacrosse or rectangle multi -use fields so we've had a conversation
with a developer that's working on the Holasek site and there is a potential there. You know
what that future deal could look like through park dedication acquisition. Fee purchase. They
have got some poor soils. Well how poor are they? Are they so poor that they will not support a
soccer field? Can we get a cross use agreement for parking? That would be the best thing where
the developer pays for the parking lot development and they use them during the daytime for
their business and then the public can use them at night for the soccer fields so there's a lot of
things to work through but they're being very upfront with us and we are with them. If you look
at the other chart, population per field so we are a little bit higher in this area so rectangle multi-
use fields, we're at the 3,000 mark where most of the other cities in our area, you know they
have close to double that number of fields per resident in Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Chaska, and
Victoria. But if you look, that school number really skews it. We talked about it earlier. You go
to Chaska they have 6 city fields. We have 4 but they have 17 school fields. We have 4 and the
important thing to remember is that same conversation just because those 17 fields in Chaska
doesn't mean that our Chanhassen associations don't have access to them. They're just not
physically right here in Chanhassen but they are in our school district and they are being used.
Soccer trends, again that's an upward trend. Football declining or flat. Lacrosse is a big upward
trend again. They're out playing lacrosse tonight at City Center Park if you noticed on your way
in. There's a lacrosse camp going on. Cost benefit. Prime time, that middle paragraph. One of
the bigger desires for almost all groups across all sports is the desire for more prime time
reservations. That 6:00 to 9:00 especially on weekdays and you'll see that when we go through
the graphs. You hit May and June and that's when people want to be out on the ballfields.
Monday through Friday, 6:00 to 9:00 and then what we're going to find I think is that you just
can't build enough fields to meet all the demand during that prime time. It's just one of those
things where there is demand at that time of the season and during those times of the day and the
week are always going to out strip what you have for field availability. So if we do nothing, we
maintain the status quo the benefits are that the fields we currently have are maintained at a high
level. That high quality was noted by multiple user groups. You know they're not perfect. They
would certainly, they'd always like more. They'd like more striping. More lining. More final
touches and details to make those look like tournament fields on a daily basis. If we're not able
to provide that they do some of that on their own as associations. Drawbacks of our current
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Park and Recreation Commission — September 22, 2015
system. Our fields are subject to weather conditions, especially in the spring so if you have a lot
of wet weather you're just not going to be out playing. We see that. We saw that last spring.
We had a huge backlog. Probably more rain dates than we've ever seen. Fields at Bandimere
are not lighted. Subject to natural light especially in the spring and fall. Fields must be rested on
a rotating basis, primarily our soccer lacrosse fields. In the city we currently invest about
$25,000 per year in an annual maintenance cost for one field so that's how much we're spending
to maintain a field on an annual basis. Includes all of the functions. Mowing, fertilize,
fertilization, field dragging. If you would stop in any day, stop in on a June morning and then
track our folks when we have you know our 15 or 16 seasonals. Many of them are primarily
doing field maintenance for much of the day during the summer months. So this is maintain
status quo. The top is talking about lacrosse and soccer. Important thing when you study these
graphs is that red line. That red line is prime weekday capacity so that's what we currently have
in this system is that red line. You see we don't meet all of the demand or the desire in April,
May and June and then once we hit July -August we have excess and so that's pretty easy to see
if you drive around Chanhassen in late July or August, you're going to see a lot of fields that are
empty because things are over. Families are off doing vacations and other things and there's
excess time. Field resting is noted there because it is important. They don't have to always be
full because you'll just wear them right out but it does show that one of the things we could work
with the associations with is trying to push some of that demand later. Could you do that?
Instead of building more fields or adding more lights or adding turf could you change a season?
Could you push one of these programs out a little bit to take some of that excess capacity? And
the same goes for our baseball groups. It's even a little taller graph in they have out stripped
demand there in May, June and July. You also want to watch the figures on how many you're
talking about on the left. 200, 300, 400 versus the 40, 60, 80 so you've got to take a look at the
hours per week. Basically we have a lot more hours in baseball than we do in multi -use fields.
Lacrosse and soccer. So needs assessment. What do you do if you have, you provide lighting on
an existing field. You have longer play. You pretty much double your ability to have a field.
Drawbacks, you know there is some light pollution that goes with it. The fields are still subject
to weather conditions and the fields must be rested and the cost, $200,000 per field. Bonded for
at 30 years at a 3 percent rate, your annual cost around $10,000. Operations and maintenance
about $35,000 to $40,000 per year. So O & M costs you know need to be considered as well
once you, anything you build something new you have additional cost to maintain it and operate
it over time.
Scharfenberg: Todd question. In the green box it's got associations that have expressed interest
in partnership or partnering in lighting. Was that obtained through the survey?
Hoffinan: Correct. It was asked in each one of these cases would you be willing to partner and
at what level.
Scharfenberg: Okay.
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Park and Recreation Commission — September 22, 2015
Hoffman: Those aren't dollars in the bank but they're just pledges that they would be interested
in working at those kind of levels.
Scharfenberg: Thank you.
Hoffman: So again the top is lacrosse and soccer. If you add lights your capacity does go up.
Your prime weekday capacity. What you're going to notice when you compare these is it's, it's
typical to see simply because you light one field or you put one field in at turf your capacity
doesn't jump huge. The primary capacity is what we already have out thereon the ground. We
can't add some additional capacity but it's going to be incremental in nature throughout the
entire presentation. So you add some and as you add capacity what you'll also see is that field
resting or the white space on the right just continues to grow larger because as you increase your
capacity in May -June to fill that desire mode, then once the teams are gone you just have that
much more additional capacity that's not being used. Not necessarily a bad thing. It's just
something you want to keep track of. If you change existing grass field to artificial turf the costs
continue to go up so you look at the cost column. Artificial turf field about a million dollars to
install and then you have to budget the $600,000 for replacement of the turf every 10 years. If
you bond for it it's going to cost you about $50,000 to $55,000 a year for 30 years. Operation,
maintenance and replacement cost about $85,000 a year and so O & M budgets operation and
maintenance budgets go up you know right along with these improvements. If you put them in
the ground then you have to finance those other things to make sure the costs are covered. This
one does talk about, we currently do not charge for field reservations. We don't charge a per
athlete rate for fields. For field maintenance or long term field acquisition but here it's talked
about. If you start to put in turf are you going to start to charge per hour? $50 to $75 per hour
so you'd get you know for one field about $25,000 to $45,000 per year. If you add up just that
over the 10 years you're not even going to pay for your turf replacement and that does not
include your operation and maintenance cost so there's still additional costs. If you put down
artificial turf you're going to have to generate some additional cash to make sure you can operate
it, maintain it, schedule it on an annual basis. You do see that now desire fills in because people
want to use this. It's a more attractive amenity so they want to use it earlier and longer and so
you're prime weekday capacity fills up just about uniformly throughout the season. People want
to be on that and they can be on it in any weather. The sites we're talking about, potentially
Lake Ann. The soccer multi -use field could be turned into turf and then Bandimere could be
turned into turf. Any of the fields at Bandimere but, well probably the first soccer field going up
in the main which is number 4. Field 4, soccer 1. Right? And then to Commissioner
Scharfenberg's note, here they start to lay out that they're willing to invest anywhere between 1
to 25K for all of the organizations with the exception of lacrosse and soccer have more interest
because they are primary users at $50,000 to $75,000. That if you said I'm going to put turf in at
Lake Ann soccer, both of those potentially could come to the table for $100,000 to $150,000
between the two of them to be a partner in the process.
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Park and Recreation Commission — September 22, 2015
Kelly: Todd? On that survey where we picked up these numbers did they, did the organizations
also, was there anything in there that said if we go to turf fields how do you feel about being
charged for that? Was that in that survey also?
Hoffman: It was not.
Kelly: Not, okay thank you.
Hoffman: Change existing grass field to alighted artificial turf. Again you just gain even more
red line prime week capacity and it's filled up so once you put turf in you may as well light it
because it can be used. You know right now it's dark out. If you didn't have lights you
wouldn't be using it. If you had lights on it they'd be using it right up until 10:00 in these kind
of weather so if you're going to put artificial turf you should add lights as well. The costs go up
for the lights but you already have the turf May as well use the space. And again everybody's
willing to contribute once you get into these kind of questions. If you do a dome, either a
seasonal or a permanent dome and one thing to consider is there's a referendum in Eastern
Carver County Schools in November that's going to have a dome on it. If that passes there's
probably less appetite to take a look at one in the Chanhassen city park system. The costs go up
significantly and really when we take a look at the graph, people don't want to be in a dome if
it's seasonal. You'd want to take it down in the summer. They don't to be in there in the
summer and so really what you're doing is extending the season and you're extending that
season for a lot of traveling or competitive teams and as a park and recreation commission, as a
city you want to kind of think about what is our mission? Is our mission as a city to maintain
and operate facilities for more competitive leagues or are we more general recreation provider in
our community so that's one thing to consider but it was worth taking a look at. The dollars 4 to
6 million for a temporary. 7 to 10 million for a permanent facility. That's a picture of the one
down in Savage which they went ahead and built because they got donated land and so they had
donated land with the thought that then the city would put up a dome, which they did and it's
very popular. Teams from Chanhassen travel there quite often. Commissioner Echtemacht's
talked about it. Look familiar? You've been there many times.
Echtemacht: I have.
Hoffman: It's a big dome.
Kelly: A question.
Hoffman: Yep.
Kelly: If you get one that's not a, that's a seasonal dome, what are the costs to put it up and take
it down?
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Park and Recreation Commission — September 22, 2015
Hoffman: I don't know the specific cost but there's operations and maintenance go into that so
you take it down in the spring. You put it back up in the fall. Don't know what those costs are
specifically. Lots of the infrastructure stays there on the outside of it so lots of the concrete.
Lots of the framing stays right there. And then, but at least it's in the open air during the summer
and people continue to use it.
Kelly: Thank you.
Hoffman: Plymouth does that. Who else does that?
Ruegemer: Edina.
Hoffman: Edina, yeah. Minnetonka.
Echtemacht: Maple Grove does it. They have a dome they take down.
Hoffman: So you know there's a lot of curiosity on what's going to happen in November.
There's 2 questions in that referendum and the first one has to pass in order for the second one to
be considered. You know there's probably good reason to think those are going to be pretty
successful and that dome, when that would go up behind the middle school down at Chaska on
top of the hill so it's not too far away for all of our different. Much closer than Savage and it
would be in one of our districts. These graphs are interesting because what they do is really
bring that season out to 12 months a year and so you have some capacity you know all the way
into January, February and March but the capacity is not huge because it's a single facility. You
know depending on how you chop up the field inside of it so you're using it just about 12 months
out of the year. Those later season months and in the summer again there's a little bit of excess
capacity. Build a new grass field. It does add capacity but you need to buy land but this is what
we would be talking about at the Holasek site. Could we add additional property there for
soccer/lacrosse at the Holasek property? Community Development Director Kate Aanenson has
given an update to the council on next Monday about our large parcels that are left for
development. If you study them, you know could you visualize a future athletic complex on any
one of those? Gorra? Prince? You know Gorra is right next to Lake Ann. Then down south
you have the Holasek piece. Then you move over to the tree nursery. The Wilson tree nursery.
The Erhart piece. The golf course. Halla and that's about all that we have left. And then the
Quadrant, the piece for the mail so not a lot of areas left. 18 years ago during the last referendum
everybody thought there was plenty of land left for just about any dream that anybody would
have. Housing development. Commercial development. Malls. Parks. Soccer fields. Roads.
Land was pretty unlimited 18 years ago and so that's changed and it's changed pretty quickly.
And that shows if you add a field you basically go back to the same chart that you started with.
You fill a variety of capacity. You add 1 one field but it still sits somewhat dormant in the later
half of the year.
Carron: Hey Todd one question here.
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Park and Recreation Commission — September 22, 2015
Hoffman: Yeah.
Carron: Sorry, back to page 39.
Hoffinan: Yep.
Carron: Just so I can understand these graphs in regards to the capacity.
Hoffinan: Yep.
Carron: For the dome, why would the prime capacity only be at 20 during the winter months?
Hoffman: 20 games per week and so you take Monday through Friday. I'm not sure if they're
adding in the weekends and how many games can you do during that prime time, 6:00 to 9:00.
It's 20 games.
Carron: Why would that be any different than May?
Hoffman: Oh the capacity?
Carron: Yeah.
Hoffman: That's a good question.
Carron: I'm wondering why that line is down by 20 where you'd think at a dome that would be
consistent.
Hoffman: I'll ask that question. Until I have a answer I don't know what it is.
Carron: Okay, thanks.
Hoffman: It may be that the prime time hours switch. What they consider prime time once you
get, you take the home down. They may be considering different prime time hours during the
play time. I'll get that explanation. Email it to you. These recommendations are worthy to just
read and understand. There's more demand than capacity when the city's park systems during
peak times. Hoisington-Koegler does not believe it's prudent for the city to try to meet all the
demand for athletic facilities by our self. The City's parks exist in a network of recreation
provider that we talked about and access to quality athletic fields is important qualify of life,
community health and economic development. We love what our Chanhassen athletic fields
bring to the community, both for our all levels of sports. For our tournaments that we host here.
We like what it does to our downtown you know as far as an economic driver in our community
so we feel even though there's a significant investment in both acquiring and maintaining and
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Park and Recreation Commission — September 22, 2015
operating those that it brings back many dollars and many life satisfaction qualities to our
community so we're not afraid about that. But if you add up, if you just take a look at the
investment, it's a 50 to probably a 50 to 100 million dollar investment in athletic fields you know
in all the things that go along with land values and those type of things and you compare that to
the cost of a high school, our high school's $100 million dollars. You know these things are
public investments in our community that if you add them up they're significant and so. It's also
important to consider those numbers when you're talking about, okay you're talking about a
million dollar improvement or you're talking about a $500,000 improvement or a $400,000
improvement to $200,000 for lights and it seems like a big number but when you consider you're
working on a 50 to 100 million dollar piece of infrastructure, you know the numbers kind of
come into focus a little bit better. The City should explore partnership opportunities, which you
have. You know we've talked about these associations are willing to partner. That's not always
been the case. 20-25 years ago athletic associations were most of them were not that well
organized and financed that they could come to the table with those kind of dollars so that's a
new I think component in moving forward. Seek to maintain the current management of fields
as demands continue to increase. So we rotate fields as we need. Postponement of use after
significant rain events. That's critical. One single rain event, one Saturday rain event at Lake
Ann we lost a field for a over and a half because they played a tournament on it on one single
day, on a rainy type of event so that's a significant take down for one day's activities for a year
and a half to get a field back. That was a natural turf field so we have to do that and Jerry in his
position and others do a nice job. It's kind of interesting on a rainy forecasted afternoon to
decide should we cancel? Should we not cancel? Or the morning after a rain, should we cancel
or should we not cancel? We don't let Adam chime in. We just tell him if we want them dry or
not and make it happen. We should continue to support the stated goals of the parks in
Chanhassen and reasonably meet the city needs. Promote a sense of community. Expand the
capacity of athletic facilities through improvements and efficiencies within the current
community parks. Based on current trends combined with projected demand we talked about
this, we're going to be a multi -use field short in 1 to 3 fields in the next 15 years but we're really
not short anywhere else so that's a good take away from the study. And then based on national
standards and desires of the baseball community the City should continue to emphasize
flexibility in ballfields with basepaths and moving pitching rubbers or mounds to better meet the
demands of that 75 foot basepath fields so we can do that. We saw we're one short we can do
that through some modification on how we operate these fields and that's been a consistent
message. Fields used to be a field and now they're much more multi with different base peg
lengths and how many do we have on any given field? Three different lengths?
Ruegemer: Base?
Hoffman: Yeah.
Ruegemer: Yeah 3 to 4.
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Park and Recreation Commission — September 22, 2015
Hoffman: So there's lots of information in there. If you have any additional input at any time
before November send it to us. We'll have Hoisington-Koegler take a look at it. They want to
incorporate this in and then come back with a full report to the City Council on November 91.
City Council is then going to decide you know what does this information mean as far as future
capital improvements for our community? What does it mean when they hear from residents or
from associations? You know much of this is driven because the council is always hearing that
you know we need more. We don't have enough of this. We would like more of that and so
they said let's really find out. Let's get to the bottom of this. What's real and what's not real
and what this study is telling you is that you know we're in pretty good shape and it's going to be
a challenge to meet all of the desires during that peak time and that you probably shouldn't do it
all alone and so you know if you move forward. Do it with a referendum. That's a question, do
you want more? Do you want to have either better or more capacity during your prime time
hours as a community? If you are, are you willing to pay for that? Are you willing to pay for it
during the development? Through a referendum and then the future operations or maintenance.
If that's a yes vote then you understand that people are, as you talk about a commission, a
referendum would open up a whole variety of other conversations. Playgrounds for you know
aging park settings. Finishing our trail system and so if you got into that question everything
would go into the conversation. You know what do we want to finish? We're building out our
community. We have lots more residents here than we did in 1997. People have a desire to have
things complete and finished for their families and for property value, all those different type of
things so everything would go into the mix and the task force would make a recommendation
back to this commission and then you would either approve or make a recommendation to the
City Council for a referendum. And when you do that at a Presidential ballot, that's a pretty true
test. Lots of voters. You know you're going to get a good representation of your community
whether or not they approve what you're proposing to them as a park referendum or not. Dollars
have been tossed around so you know $5 to $10 million. $5 to $8 million. You know it all
depends on what gets brought into the conversation and what sticks. People have always asked
for an expanded Rec Center. Do we come out towards the parking lot with an expanded Rec
Center facility? You know is that part of something that we want to do. You have that space
there. We could certainly add onto that building and change up what you've got going on there
so that's all good things to talk about as a community and it all started from a baseball study.
That's the curious thing so thank you for your time. I'll be happy to answer any questions. We
do have a guest in our audience tonight and if they would like to talk about what they provide as
an association. It's Minnetonka?
Matt Walker: Yes. Matt Walker.
Hoffman: Yeah, come on up.
Matt Walker: Matt Walker with Minnetonka Baseball Association. I might be able to answer
the question that you had. I believe that the red line, the reason the red line is flat is because that
would be the capacity for the winter months. If you looked at the, some of the summer months
there's no red line in January, February and December so that indoor facility provides prime time
13
Park and Recreation Commission — September 22, 2015
capacity during those 3 to 5 months or whatever they are. Whereas, and then it lowers the
amount of prime time capacity because you've got more fields to use in those other months but
that's my assessment on that.
Hoffman: It's taking into consideration all fields.
Matt Walker: Right, right. So you're adding another field but that field you can use year round
which is why the red line goes, it's flat for those.
Hoffman: Because it's winter and you can't use an outdoor field.
Matt Walker: Right.
Hoffman: Yeah. You understand that Commissioner Carron?
Carron: Yeah.
Matt Walker: But that's just my guess.
Hoffinan: Yeah I would tend to see that. We're not just talking about that one facility
Matt Walker: No but I would, I mean I would agree with what Todd has said with regards to the
baseball and even though I'm not representing soccer or soccer you know, our need from a
Minnetonka association is you know in that prime time window so whether it be lights. Whether
it be additional fields or whether it be a turf, you know that would be something that Minnetonka
would definitely partner with the City of Chanhassen. I guess for the council to consider every
community that we participate in is a little bit different. Like Shorewood they do charge a
nominal fee. It's like $7 a kid that's in the Minnetonka baseball program that's got that address
so, and you know some charge us like Big Willow they charge us for field, actual field usage
similar to the time that was proposed in here. And then some like Chanhassen and like some of
the other Minnetonka parks or like Deephaven, some of those, I mean there's no charge. It's part
of the I guess the community life. I guess our, you know as a Minnetonka Baseball Association
one of our big concerns would be is if this was opened up to the private sector so that you know
some of the more, I don't want to say professional but some of the more elite training then that
would put a lot of our community, you know our community leagues, that would put us out of
space real quick because they have the dollars behind them and they could partner up more than
what like a Chanhassen or a Minnetonka Baseball Association or a Tonka United could so.
Scharfenberg: So Matt are you referencing places like Hit Dog?
Matt Walker: Yes.
Scharfenberg: Okay, alright.
10
Park and Recreation Commission — September 22, 2015
Matt Walker: But no I appreciate being included in the and being able to participate in the study
and as I'm needed going forward I would love to provide input or help out in whatever way I
can.
Kelly: Matt got a question for you.
Matt Walker: Oh oh.
Kelly: So let's say we build a turf baseball field, so that's going to cost us a million bucks. Put
in lights for $200,000 so we've got a million two and your association has agreed to put in
$100,000. Let's just say a twelfth of it. How would you feel then if we're going to comeback
and charge you each time you use the field since you already put money towards it? And again
we're talking maybe $50 a game or something like that. Nothing earth shaking but.
Matt Walker: You know I would say the initial reaction might be.
Hoffman: You might want to negotiate that point as a part of your million dollar investment.
Kelly: Right.
Matt Walker: Well right but then.
Kelly: I mean obviously if we have associations that are going to use it that didn't put money in
it would be, that type of thing would be unfair. Obviously if you put money in.
Matt Walker: Well what I was, sorry to interrupt. What I was just going to say, the expectation
would be is that you know we would be able to reserve it or schedule it more and that's you
know one of the down sides of you know providing a field to the community like if it were to be
turf and whatever. The associations that commit to it would want to know that if they have
practice or if they have those prime time hours they can use those prime time hours and that there
aren't just the random family you know at the park and out there you know squatting because
those associations have committed dollars and they want to know that they've got a committed
time slot.
Kelly: Okay thank you. Any questions for Todd? Anybody?
Hoffman: Real quick for Matt. Prime time, are you using weekends for your prime time as
much or not? So during May and June, are you playing weekends as well?
Matt Walker: Oh yeah. Most of our games, yeah. Or yeah, we have a lot of games on the
weekends. A lot of, or some of our teams that are in, some of teams are traveling on the
weekends but some of our in house teams that might have games during the week will have a
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Park and Recreation Commission — September 22, 2015
practice or two on the weekends. Especially maybe a Sunday afternoon or something like that
but no, our prime time like at Bennet right now, our weekends are booked solid with games.
Hoffman: And it starts as soon as we can mid-April, first of May and then how fast is the drop
off the end of your season. When does that happen?
Matt Walker: So our season typically starts, our practices usually start around the 15th of April
where we like to get out on the fields if we can, if the snow's gone. And then our games usually
start around that first weekend of May so May I'`. May 5th, somewhere around that time period.
And then a lot of our younger leagues or our younger kids, so let's say 9, 8-9 and under, they'll
end around that week before, the week after the 41 of July so let's say July 15' at the latest and
some of our other teams that have maybe some tournaments or some other, I don't know yeah I
guess tournaments in the area or other in house tournaments or kind of city wide tournaments
where they're getting ready for maybe the state or the, you know the potential of the Little
League World Series sort of thing. That would go through the end of July so typically our
seasons are done by the end of July.
Hoffman: Thank you.
Matt Walker: Sorry, and then the one last thing like right now we have fall ball going on where
our fall ball leagues started around the 15th of August and then this year that goes to October l lth
or 12th so usually the middle of August to the week before MEA where for fall ball we have
games every weekend. Saturday and Sunday and then teams have one practice a week so but
you know again looking at the capacity schedule like we're not stretched for capacity at those
times other than on the weekends for games but like during the week for a practice you know
we've got plenty of space where we can get a practice in but on the weekends we are kind of
tight on games partly because a lot of the leagues and fields and parks are doing fall maintenance
or resting certain fields and rotating things out and fixing it from the beat up that it took over the
summer and the spring so. Thank you.
Kelly: Thank you Matt. Questions, discussions on sending a resolution to the City Council to
look at putting a task force together to possibly do a referendum. Thoughts.
Thunberg: I have a couple questions just on the data from the study. Todd it's probably for you.
With the pretty large surplus of the smaller 60 foot softball and baseball fields, is there any
potential for taking I or 2 of those fields and repurposing that land into a larger rectangular
multi -use field? The location possibly would be the Rec Center or I don't know what the other
one. City Center Park but I didn't know if just because we have such a large surplus of that and
then also with the smaller baseball fields, this is obviously a focus on the community parks. Not
the neighborhood parks but some of that overflow some of the neighborhood parks have the
smaller baseball field so if some of that could shift to that which then the second question is, is
there any consideration to neighborhood parks ever being a part of this to help facilitate or meet
any of the city's needs.
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Park and Recreation Commission — September 22, 2015
Hoffman: I'll answer the second one. Jerry can answer the first one.
Ruegemer: So the question was as far as repurposing more the kind of the multi-purpose fields
at the Rec Center and to kind of make it a bigger field?
Thunberg: Some of the smaller baseball fields. So I didn't know if the land of like 2 smaller
baseball fields could be repurposed and turned into one larger rectangular multi -use field since
we have a surplus in that.
Ruegemer: Potentially. You know if you look at the Rec Center. If you look at between Fields
2 and 3 that could accept kind of a larger rectangle, it wouldn't be a full sized field but it would
be a larger soccer field with that. You're certainly limiting you know the uses of the ballfields if
you do it that way. That would be a really, the only kind of biggest possibility you could have at
the Rec Center. This works out better for doing the smaller ones because we could put them on
the outfields of the ballfields for fall only so we don't play any soccer there in the summertime at
the Rec Center just because it is a capacity issue and the sizing issue with that so you could
potentially get probably one larger field kind of in the middle.
Hoffman: Part of the challenge with that Commissioner Thunberg is that I think you're going to
cash in more chips than you get back and that's because of the remodel factor and so you're
going to throw what you currently have and try to get something back and in an area like this
drainage is going to be an issue because you've got a drainage pattern right now that you really
would not accommodate a large soccer field. You don't want a soccer field draining from one
side to the other because then somebody's always playing uphill and so you want that ground
decent and so there's some of those factors. But it's something we could certainly take a look at
and I think there has been ongoing modifications at Lake Ann. We had Fields 1, 2 and 3 which
were primarily all adults. You rarely saw a youth at Fields 1, 2 and 3 at Lake Ann. Then we
added Fields 4, 5, 6 and 7. Then the youth started being introduced and part of that was your
second question is that in the early days of Chanhassen many athletic sports at the youth level
were played in neighborhood parks. People tolerated it but they really didn't like it primarily
because of the parking issues and so as we continued to add Bandimere, Lake Ann our pledge
back to the neighborhood parks was we're going to take organized sports out of your parks so
you as a neighborhood do not have to deal with parking issues and then you can also go down to
your park and use it on your own and you're not going to run into organized youth sports there
so we've gone through that cycle where 25 years ago there was many organized sporting
activities in community parks or neighborhood parks. The smaller parks. They've mostly been
taken out with the exception of North Lotus and Meadow Green and that's it.
Ruegemer: And probably Sunset Ridge maybe.
Hoffman: Sunset Ridge doing a little bit out there so we've, I don't think we want to go back to
where we push people back out to the neighborhood parks so.
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Park and Recreation Commission — September 22, 2015
Scharfenberg: Jerry going back to your, you know you talked about the Rec Center but then at
City Center Fields 3 and 4 look like the possibility of something that could be repurposed into
one multi -use large field.
Ruegemer: Yep and we definitely have played soccer in the past up on that north field. When
you get to, when it kind of gets to be a larger soccer field some of the soccer purist don't like
playing on ag lime infields.
Scharfenberg: Right.
Ruegemer: So you know if we make it kind of a larger field, more than likely the lines would be
on those kind of dirt infields and that happened up at North Lotus. We made that field a little bit
smaller to get it off that ag lime surface.
Hoffinan: But you could take out 3 and 4 ag lime and make it one soccer field.
Scharfenberg: Right, that's what I was thinking about
Kelly: So Todd let's say we get to the point where the City Council appoints a task force, at
some point when the task force is doing their research and figuring out you know what do you
put into the referendum. What don't you put into the referendum. We'd be hiring some kind of
firm to make phone calls to see if that type of thing.
Hoffman: That's a choice but a firm like Decision Resources that does a telephone survey.
Kelly: And so, so if a task force would find out then if they're barking down the right tree or the
wrong tree and this is pretty much what the citizens want or don't want.
Hoffman: Correct and that's based on cost and then also facilities and so they'll test a variety of
things. Primarily the tolerance for the cost or the investment's going to take per household and
then are we proposing the right components in a referendum that the citizens would find
attractive.
Kelly: Thank you. Other questions or thoughts?
Carron: I think, I think we have a pretty good list of, or I should say a wish list otherwise known
as our CIP and looking at that and the discussion that we've had this past year on what we're
going to prioritize and looking at our budget and how we're going to fit things in to make it most
valuable for our citizens and residents of the area. And good discussions that we've had on that.
I think we have an obvious need for some more money and we've got projects lined up that we'd
like to get done and like to see, especially with spending that kind of money on Bandimere and
moving forward with Bandimere and those sort of things and not just to take away from the
Park and Recreation Commission — September 22, 2015
athletic fields and stuff but all the things that we do as a commission with trail improvements.
Splash pad. Shelters. There's a lot of things I think that a referendum could address and a task
force would be good to sit through this and find what actually might work for us and what the
community wants and maybe get some money and get the flow of this going a little bit faster
than our $300,000 per year that we're kind of budgeted at. So with that I think it's my
standpoint is I think it's a great idea and seize the opportunity if the City Council's asking for
what we think of this. I think it's a go.
Kelly: Other thoughts.
Thunberg: I'd agree with Brent and the other thing I'd just add is Todd you had mentioned a
month or two ago in our meetings with recently Chanhassen being voted number 7, which is
awesome but also I think the council had kind of asked the question of you know can we as one,
at least one body look at why we slipped and what other communities that are raising up the
ranks are doing so it'd be a good opportunity that if, to do a task force that that could also be a
part of it is to just make sure we're tying in and looking at what other communities are doing so
that if there is a comprehensive list of other things being added to that it'd be a chance to review
and see what other opportunities are out there.
Kelly: Anybody else like to weigh in?
Carron: I'll make a motion.
Kelly: Okay.
Carron: I'll make the motion that the Park and Rec Commission recommend to the City Council
accept the findings and recommendations of the City of Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study and
that they direct the Park and Rec Commission to initiate a referendum task force.
Kelly: Is there a second?
Echtemacht: I'll second.
Kelly: We have a motion put forward and a second and Brent I'll have you re -read the motion
one more time.
Carron: That the Park and Rec Commission recommend to the City Council to accept the
findings and recommendations of the City of Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study and direct the
Park and Rec Commission to initiate a referendum task force.
Carron moved, Echternacht seconded that the Park and Recreation Commission
recommends that the City Council accept the findings and recommendation of the City of
Chanhassen Athletic Facilities Study and directs the Park and Recreation Commission to
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Park and Recreation Commission — September 22, 2015
initiate a referendum task force. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously
with a vote of 7 to 0.
ESTABLISH 2015/16 ICE SKATING AND HOCKEY RINK LOCATIONS
Kelly: Katie, I think we're going to talk about ice rinks for this winter.
Favro: Thank you Chair Kelly. Every year staff closely monitors the outdoor skating rinks and
identifies how to the best service skating needs of the residents. For the season of 2015-16 the
staff recommends to flood 8 ice rinks at 4 locations and maintain 4 warming houses. This is very
similar to what we have done in the past and listed below are the locations and the type of
skating rinks we have. Whether they are pleasure rinks or hockey rinks. The times that the
warning houses are open and then the last column or the last little graph is the skating counts
during the supervised hours of last season. If you flip it over we have those totals for the past 4
years as well.
Kelly: So Katie basically are we following pretty close to what we had last year? Are we
changing the hours at all or are we keeping the hours we've had in the past?
Favro: We are keeping the hours that we've had in the past.
Kelly: So they've worked quite well.
Favro: Yep. They are mainly the same. There are a few times when they're closed like on
Christmas it's closed and then when there is winter break they are open for a longer period of
time.
Kelly: Okay, other questions for Katie?
Thunberg: Have there been any locations, other locations considered in the last few years just
looking at where we're at. They're all at Highway 5 or north but for the southern half of the city
are there other parks that have ever been considered or used before?
Scharfenberg: Chanhassen Hills.
Hoffman: Yep Chanhassen Hills had a family rink and then there was actually a light added to it
in 1997 as part of the referendum. Then the use just flew by the wayside so Bandimere would be
the next hockey and ice skating rink location constructed...
Scharfenberg: And the only other location is at Rice Marsh Park. I remember there was a family
that had come to us several years ago and asked that we flood that park. Flood the baseball field
and we did it at that time but after that we had also looked at, wasn't Pleasant View.
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