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4 Herman Field ParkCITYOF 690 Gty Center Drive, PO Box i47 Chanhassa,, iin,esota ~ 5317 Phone 6129321900 G'ne~l ~k'c 612.9375U9 &~gh~eri,g tSx 612.93Z9152 ISb/h' ~'5' ?ax 612. 93~.2524 ll:~'~ wwt~ ti. cha,h~me,.,m, us MEMORANDUM TO: Park and Recreation Commission FROM: Todd Hoffman. Park and Recreation Director DATE: May 16, 2001 SUB J: Herman Field Park- Response to Neighborhood Mailing On April 24, 2001, the Park and Recreation Commission requested that I mail a letter to the Herman Field Park neighborhood. A cop3' of my letter and distribution list is attached. The commission desired to make an inquiry regarding tile idea of relocating tile park's playground. Responses have been mixed but lean heavily towards a desire to see tile playground remain. Currently there are two slides missing from tile structure. They were burned late last summer after which we removed them and boarded up their exits. We have tile new slides in storage. Since their original construction, these slides have been reconfigured and will require new footings be poured prior to installation. One of these slides was previously burned and replaced. Numerous other repairs to vandalized parts have also been made to the structure. It would appear from the correspondence received that tile extra police patrols, that I and the colnmission routinely call for may not be occurring. If this indeed tile case. removal of the equipment would be premature and the issue of enforcement/neighborhood watch needs additional attention. 1 do not believe anyone will dispute that the secluded nature of Herman Field Park requires special maintenance and enforcement efforts. It appears tile majority of the residents in this area feel these efforts are worthwhile. Attachments Neighborhood mailing dated April 24, 2001 Response letters E-mails Voice ~nail messages g:\park\th\herman lield playground.doc The City qf Chanhassen. A growing, community with clean lakes, quality schools, a chamtin~, downtown, thrivin;~ businesses, and beauti[ul parks. A ~reat p/ace to live, work, and play. CITYOF CHAN EN 690 0O, Center Drive, PO Box 147 Chanhassen, Minnesota 55317 Phone 612.937.1900 Ge,eral lax' 612.937.5739 E, gineering £~¥ 612.937.9152 &tb/ic Sari? Fax' 612.934.2524 Web wwu:ci, chanbassen, mn. us Ma3, 2, 2001 Dear Resident: The Herman Field Park Playground has a history of being vandalized. A neighborhood watch initiative and a higher than average patrol schedule have provided some relief; however, repairs to the playground have cost the city thousands of dollars. Couple this with the fact that the playground is lightly used, and the City's Park and Recreation Commission is left questioning the value of this playground facility. The Commission is considering the possibility of recommending to the City Council that the Herman Field Playground be removed and used at another location. However, prior to giving serious consideration to this thought, the Commission asked that I make an inquiry with the neighborhood. If you have comments on this topic or on other issues relating to Herman Field Park, please contact us. You may write a letter to the attention of Jan Lash, Park and Recreation Commission Chair, call me at 952-937-1900, extension 121, or send an email to me at thoffman~ci.chanhassen.mn.us. Sincerely, Todd Hoffman Park and Recreation Director TH:gmb c: Scott Botcher, City Manager Mayor and City Council Park and Recreation Commission G:\park\t h~qermanField ParkResident s The City oflChanhassen. A ~rowing community with clean lakes, tlualin, schools, a charmin¢ downtown, thrivin~ businesses, and beautifid ,arks. A vreat o/ace to/ive. ~,,ork. and ,/av BENJAMIN & H GOWEN 6440 HAZELTINE BLVD ~.~.XCELSIOR MN 55331 RICHARD G & K SCHMIDT 5136 WILLOW LN HOPKINS MN 55343 MICHAEL P & JULIANNE F CHAPMA 2831 NORTH MANOR EXCELSIOR MN 55331 RICK G BATESON 6440 ORIOLE AVE EXCELSIOR MN 55331 LAWRENCE & PAM FREIBERG 2730 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 DAVID E & COURTNEY L H OLSON 2820 TANAGERS LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 JODY BERNADETTE MAJERES 6450 ORIOLE AVE EXCELSIOR MN 55331 WILLIAM G & SUZANNE M JOHNSON 2670 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 IVAN D MIELKE 2830 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 AGNES ANDERSON 6470 ORIOLE AVE EXCELSIOR MN 55331 PATRICK & VIRGINIA HANILY 2660 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 LESLIE M MICHEL 2840 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 DALE JAMES & KELLY LEE HANCE 6480 ORIOLE AVE EXCELSIOR MN 55331 W SCOTT III & SUSAN M LONG 2511 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 JAMES P & SUZANNE M SENST 2820 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 WILLIAM M & DOLORES M ZIEGLER 6441 ORIOLE AVE EXCELSIOR MN 55331 DANIEL M RATHMAN & L1NDA L CONNER 2521 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 ALAN KRUTSCH & SUSAN M PRINCE 2950 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 ELSBETH D REUT1MAN 4523 SHORELINE DRAPT 121 SPRING PARK MN 55384 STEWART R & MARILYN J PETERSO 2810 TANAGERS LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 PHILLIP & MARSHA TOUHEY 2851 NORTH MANOR RD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 STEPHEN M & KATHRYN M MACH 6451 ORIOLE AVE EXCELSIOR MN 55331 DEAN R & JUDITH M BERS1E 2800 TANAGERS LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 WILLIAM JOHN KILB~.y._..~~ 2930 WASHT~..~SA~tTrY RD E~ MN 55331 WILLIAM M & DOLORES M ZIEGLER 6441 ORIOLE AVE EXCELSIOR MN 5533 ERiC D & DAWN R RYNDERS 2821 NORTH MANOR EXCELSIOR MN 55331 WILLIAM J & MARY JANE KILBY 2930 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 kRY BETH G MOZE 6461 ORIOLE LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 NEWTON A & LINDA S BRISLEY 2811 NORTH MANOR EXCELSIOR MN 55331 GLADYS FERM 2920 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 RALPH & EDITH LIVINGSTON 2631 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 WILLIAM & PATRICIA WISNIEWSKI 6340 MINNEWASHTA WOO EXCELSIOR MN 55331 KATHRYN F KLADEK 7217 WEST 114TH ST BLOOMINGTON MN 55438 DUANE & SANDRA JOHNSON 2621 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 DOUGLAS R & KATHLEEN M ROPER 2751 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR MN 55331 JEFFREY L & WANDA G KAMRATH 2731 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 JOHN F & MARY C SCHUMACHER 428 S MISSISSIPPI RIVER ST PAUL MN 55105 JOHN T & BARBARA N NEVIN 636! MINNEWASHTA WOO EXCELSIOR MN 55331 CHESTER BUTTERFIELD 2671 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 DENNIS L HANSEN & KATHLEEN A CALDWELL 2841 NORTH MANOR RD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 ROBERT L ALFORD 6355 MINNEWASHTA WOO EXCELSIOR MN 55331 HAROLD F & TERRY J JANECKY 2661 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 ROBERT A & JENNIFER BUSHWAY 2721 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR MN 55331 PAUL R & CAROLINDA PRENEVOST 6351 MINNEWASHTA WOO EXCELSIOR MN 55331 KELLY R & LISA A LEWIS 2651 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 MICHAEL P RENNINGER & MICHELLE R WALONICK 6310 MINNEWASHTA WOO EXCELSIOR MN 55331 THOMAS E FISHER 6349 MINNEWASHTA WOO EXCELSIOR MN 55331 GAlL C KNUTSON 2641 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 JEREMY & BETH CONE 6320 MINNEWASHTA WOO EXCELSIOR MN 55331 THOMAS R & BARBARA J HARER 6347 MINNEWASHTA WOO EXCELSIOR MN 55331 ROBERT A & JOAN M RIESSLEMAN 6320 FOREST CIR EXCELSIOR MN 55331 TODD P LABEREE & MELISSA A PODLOGAR 2731 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR MN 55331 DARRELL W & JUDY E HINKLIN 6345 MINNEWASHTA WOO EXCELSIOR MN 55331 TERRY W STODOLA 6330 FOREST CIR EXCELSIOR MN 55331 STEPHEN T & MARY A HUGHES 2741 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR MN 55331 EARL E & JUDITH A ERICKSON 6341 MINNEWASHTA WOO EXCELSIOR MN 55331 WARREN & MARY LOU OLSON 6340 FOREST CIR EXCELSIOR MN 55331 JAMES F & MARY ELLEN JESSUP 6350 M1NNEWASHTA WOO EXCELSIOR MN 55331 MARK W & CYNTHIA P KELLY 6331 MINNEWASHTA WOO EXCELSIOR MN 55331 KINGSTON SPURBECK 6350 FOREST CIR EXCELSIOR MN 55331 ROBERT J & S JUNE BAUER 2700 SANDPIPER TRL ~..,XCELSIOR MN 55331 CHARLES K VOMACKA & MARK REKOW 2837 TANAGERS LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 HERBERT J & PATRICIA L PFEFFER 2850 TANAGERS LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 KERI J FREIENMUTH 2720 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR MN 55331 KATHERINE T OLSEN 2821 TANAGERS LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 ESTATE OF HARRY/LOUISE AHRENS C/O JERRY TESCHENDORF 14010 CENTER DR W LAKEWOOD CO 80228 ALBERT W & CYNTHIA A WILL 2730 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR MN 55331 JEROME E COVENY 2921 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 C E JR & MARJORIE M WOOSLEY CHARLES E III &CORRINE WOOSLEY 4783 HAMILTON RD HOPKINS MN 55343 HARLAN C & BETTY NINOW 2740 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR MN 55331 WAYNE A HOLZER TRUSTEE OF TRUST 2911 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 TRENT S C & NANCY J FRAZIER 2540 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 RODNEY G & ELISA J DOOP 2750 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR MN 55331 DONALD M NICHOLSON 2901 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 OBED LUKE & MILDRED E MELOM 3166 120TH AVE CLEAR LAKE MN 55319 RAYMOND L HINDERAKER & KIMBERLY D BECKER 2800 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR MN 55331 HAZEL P ANDERSON 2851 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 RICHARD J & YVONNE A BROWN 2630 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 HOWARD & RUTH M SCHMIDT 2810 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR MN 55331 BRUCE J & JEANNINE T HUBBARD 2841 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 GEOFFREY POPE 2740 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 GREGORY A & JESSICA L GLOVER 2820 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR MN 55331 KRISTEN L ORTLIP 2831 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 KENNETH J & BETTY L LANG 2631 FOREST AVE EXCELSIOR MN 5533 t CHRISTOPHER A 8,: JULIA S HOLDEN 2851 TANAGERS LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 GENE & ANN M FURY 2821 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 JOHN & RENA DRAGSETH 3501 XENIUM LN APT 177 PLYMOUTH MN 55441 )NEY LOREN LEVIN & CHRISTINE M LEVIN 2841 TANAGERS LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 PER & E LAURIE JACOBSON 2840 TANAGERS LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 DEAN W PAXTON 2611 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 JAMES & CANDACE STORM 6360 FOREST CIR EXCELSIOR MN 55331 OLIVEWOOD HOMEO~_~ER-S ASSN C/O BRIAN FAL~I~ 64?5 TAN~a~wRS PT EX--OR M]q 55331 CHARLES ROSENBERGER III & CLAIRE ROSENBERGER 2727 PIPER RIDGE LN EXCELSIOR MN 5533 MICHAEL B & SUSAN J STEADMAN 6455 TANAGERS PT EXCELSIOR MN 55331 MICHAEL L & SUSAN FAULK 2791 PIPER RIDGE LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 GERMAINE E GRANT TRUSTEE OF TRUST 2782 PIPER RIDGE LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 BRIAN D & TRICIA J FALK 6475 TANAGERS PT EXCELSIOR MN 55331 WILLIAM J JR & TERESA A GREER 2771 PIPER RIDGE LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 RANDOLPH H & KELLY A HERMAN 2792 PIPER RIDGE LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 PAUL R & MARY K JOHNSTON 6485 TANAGERS PT EXCELSIOR MN 55331 THOMAS M & KIMBERLY A MCREAV 2751 PIPER RIDGE LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 GARY G & JANET REED 2461 64TH ST W EXCELSIOR MN 55331 NARR CONSTRUCTION INC 15005 LYNN TERR MINNETONKA MN 55345 DARRELL & LAURICE JOHNSON 273 ! PIPER RIDGE LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 GARY S & PENN1E K REED 2471 64TH ST W EXCELSIOR MN 55331 STACEY R & MICHELLE R RICKERT 6440 TANAGERS PT EXCELSIOR MN 55331 MICHAEL P & TERRI A MASON 2711 PIPER RIDGE LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 MARK B & DANIELLE S STEELE 2451 64TH ST W EXCELSIOR MN 55331 WILLIAM C & JUDITH L BRITT 27700 BRYNMAWR PL EXCELSIOR MN 55331 TERRY A & MELISSA J CLAUS 2701 PIPER RIDGE LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 SHAWN P & JOANNE K KILLIAN 2449 64TH ST W EXCELSIOR MN 55331 DAVID J & STEPHANI P LIND 5400 MOUNT NORMANDA BLOOMINGTON MN 55437 HENRY & DONNA BECHTHOLD 2722 PIPER RIDGE LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 RUSSELL J & LYNN F PAULY 2447 64TH ST W EXCELSIOR MN 55331 MARK D & CHRISTINE J LUDTKE 6480 TANAGERS PT EXCELSIOR MN 55331 KEVIN & IVY PETTIS 2742 PIPER RIDGE LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 HOWARD G & MICHELLE N NELSON 2445 64TH ST W EXCELSIOR MN 55331 OLIVEWOOD HOMEOWNERS ASSN C/O BRIAN FALK 6475 TANAGERS PT EXCELSIOR MN 55331 JAMES H & ALICIA M JOHNSON 2762 PIPER RIDGE LN EXCELSIOR MN 55331 FRED C BRITZIUS & SUSAN M STEWART 2444 64TH ST W EXCELSIOR MN 55331 MICHELLE M CURTIS 2446 64TH C1R ~..XCELSIOR MN 55331 7 & 41 LLC C/O PBK INVESTMENTS 4969 OLSON MEMORIAL H ROBBINSDALE MN 55422 NANCY JO PERKINS-BROOKS 2448 64TH ST W EXCELSIOR MN 55331 7 & 41 CROSSINGS CENTER LTD 4969 OLS~ORIAL H GO--ALLEY MN 55422 CITY OF CHANHASSE~ C/O SCOTT BO,T. GHER' 69O CIT~¥CE~I'~ER Dl~O BOX 147 CH. AN~HASSEN MN 55317 SPEEDWAY SUPERAMERICA LLC C/O PROPERTY TAX RECORDS 539 MAIN ST S FINDLAY OH 45840 ROR INC 2461 64TH ST W EXCELSIOR MN 55331 ROBERT J & ANNE L CHRISTIAN 2971 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 ALAN & MARTHA J TOLLEFSON 2931 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 PETER J BOYER 19685 EXCELSIOR BLVD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 KELLY J & PAMELA SHEEHAN 2951 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 MARK A & YOMARIE OLSEN 2961 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 ,-1N F & MARY C SCHUMACHER 2941 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR MN 55331 I Ill erman Field Park Messages Hi Todd. My name is Teresa Falk and I received a letter from the city about the Herman Field Park playground that has been vandalized. We are new to the area and were very excited to see that the park was so close that we are able to use it and not have to drive across the highway. We have young children so we were very disappointed to see that it was vandalized and would love to be able to see the park stay there. It is a very convenient location for those people that live around the area and I too have witnessed that kids being there, just kind of hanging out and possibly were the ones doing harm but when an adult arrives they usually left the scene. We really enjoy the park and when I go with my kids we clean it up and try to get rid of the glass so it is safe. We'd really love to see it repaired and stick around because it's a really good location for kids and a soccer ball and flying a kite and if there is anymore information I can give you or more names of people... . I know of two other families that really like to use the park but they are uncomfortable going there because it is a little secluded and maybe don't feel safe being by themselves if there are people there and don't really belong there. So if I can help out in any way or give any more comments or feedback, please give me a call. My name again is Teresa Faulk and my husband is Brian and we are at Tanagers Points in Chanhassen and our phone number is 952-380-0807 and thanks for taking our comments. Hi Todd. My name is Christine Levin and I live at 2841 Tanagers Lane in Chanhassen and we got the letter for the Herman Field Park playground and I think it is a great idea closing it down unlbrtunately. We have lived in the neighborhood for about 4 V2 years and actually one of the reasons we liked the neighborhood so much was because of Herman Field Park and the playground and we thought it would just be a wonderful area for a family because xve have two kids and one on the way. But it has been really disappointing because the layout of the playground and the access to it is so far back. It's the perfect place for different kinds of inappropriate activities and we've gone down there many times and found broken glass all over the place, cigarette butts everywhere. We found shell casings, paint ball splatters that we've had to call into the police to get cleaned up and then more recently the burns which resulted in the slide being closed and this is really disappointing for my kids and also for me, it just makes the area feel more unsafe and this is really shame. My husband has attended meetings in the past about how to improve the situation as far as putting gates or putting locking pillars, concrete pillars so that cars can't drive there but then the residents down the road were concerned about they didn't want people parking and walking there. This is just really a bad layout and so while I really desperately want a playground in my neighborhood so that we can actually walk to the playground with the children and see the neighborhood and have more of a community feel, we don't go there anymore. There is nothing to do. We can't walk in the gravel because there is glass in it and cigarette butts and shell casings and the only thing to do there is swing in then you're standing in that gravel. There is nothing else to do because the rest of the equipment is trashed and trees have been damaged and all that stuff. So anyway I would like it if the playground be relocated to a better location. I'm not sure what other locations you are thinking of or there is based in the community but I agree that it should be... recommending that it be removed and used in another location, I definitely agree with that and I'm not sure how you can redo that area to make it more conducive to families or make it less appealing to those who want o vandalize it but I think you're on the right road in this vein unfortunately. But if you have any other questions, please call me at home, my number is 952-470-8148. Thanks Todd. offman, Todd From: Sent: To: Subject: Joanne Killian [josie@visi.com] Wednesday, May 16, 2001 4:29 PM thoffman @ ci.chanhassen.m n. us Herman Field Park Card for Joanne Killian Todd Hof fman: I received the letter regarding Herman Field Park and it's possible relocation. In the letter, you stated that the city has spent thousands of dollars repairing the playground equipment. I fail to see where this money has been spent. Since last summer, both slides have been boarded up since there are holes burned in them and they are unsafe. Each time I am at the park, I spend the majority of my time there picking up broken glass so my children don't have to wear shoes or worry about playing in the rocks with their hands. I do not want to see this playground equipment removed. The vandalism and broken bottles will remain until there are serious consequences to these actions. Just because the park is used lightly (I'm sure due to the fact that it is in poor condition) it should not be removed for those of us who do use it. If the decision is made to remove the equipment, I would like to suggest some sort of access for our neighborhood to get to Excelsior Commons park safely. Crossing two highways with children is not an acceptable ~., option for getting there. Thank you for letting me voice my opinion. Joanne Kiltian 2449 W 64th St Excelsior, MN 952-474-4364 josie~visi.com 55331 offman, Todd From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Jessica Paxton [jpaxton @ blakeschool.org] Tuesday, May 15, 2001 10:34 AM thoffman @ci.chanhassen.mn.us dpaxton @ allina.com; jlash @ ci.chanhassen.mn.us Herman Field Park Dear Todd, I am sending this email in response to your recent letter regarding the possible removal of the Herman Field Park Playground in Chanhassen. My husband, Dean Paxton, and I live at 2611 Orchard Lane in Chanhassen, just north of Herman Field Park. I'm sure you're familiar with our names: we have committed ourselves to assisting the city in improving the conditions of this park -- for both those that use the park and those that live nearby. In addition to attending city council meetings and distributing flyers to the neighborhood on the city's behalf, our daily "park patrol" continues. We are the ones (and to be honest, it seems like we're the only ones) that make a point of walking down to the park to pick up garbage (broken beer bottles, cigarette butts, fast food wrappers and the occasional used condom) and continue to put ourselves on the line by calling the police to investigate underage drinking, broken curfews and reckless driving. I can not keep track of the number of times during the afternoons and evenings (and I'm not talking about weekends) that cars go whipping down to the park -- so fast that they literally can not stay on the winding curve of the access road to the park, and I watch in fear that a small child on a bike or neighbor walking their dog will find themselves in the path of these extremely reckless drivers. It is with regard to this situation that I agree with the reasoning behind the city's proposal: Herman Field Park does indeed continue to be vandalized and to be a destination for illegal and inappropriate behavior. But I do not believe your proposal is the answer. I strongly disagree on two points. First of all, we rarely -- if ever see any sort law enforcement patrol at the park. Now, obviously we're not always home nor are we always watching who drives down to the park. But what you refer to in your letter as a "higher than average patrol schedule" simply does not happen. And it's certainly not happening during times when there's high activity in the park (for example, right after school gets out and later in the evenings after curfew). The only "regular" patrol at Herman Field is provided by my husband and I. As mentioned before, we make a point of cleaning up and checking out suspicious behavior. And we also simply want to establish a presence in the park and send a message: it's not just a place to hang out and drink or smoke; it's a recreational park used by the families and children of the neighborhood. (I must let you know that these efforts on our part make me very uncomfortable because it puts my family and home in a vulnerable position. But at the same time, we can't just sit there and do nothing and witness the overtaking of this park by a handful of disrespectful teens. For the record, it's the same kids and the same cars that we see almost daily, and in spite of the fact that we've provided license plate numbers and car descriptions to the police, the same cars and the same kids continue to frequent the park and threaten us and our neighbors with their dangerous driving and verbal abuse.) Even more disturbing is that in the instances when we do witness illegal behavior, every time we call 911 to report this suspicious activity (as we have been encouraged to do by the city), the operator answering the call never even knows where Herman Field Park is! Each and every time we have to explain where the park is located and literally have to give directions to the park. And even then, no one comes in any sort of timely manner. It's ridiculous -- and frightening. What if there was a serious medical emergency? If this park is truly on a regular patrol schedule and the police have been alerted to the ongoing problems in this park, how can mo one seem to know what it is or where it is or who these perpetrators are? Secondly, I also disagree with your statement that "the playground is lightly used." Yes, it could (and should) be used more but the neighbors want to use Herman Field Park and, even with the existence of a dangerous and destructive element in this park, they make the effort to do so. I see mothers with strollers, young children on bicycles and scooters, and people walking their dogs on a regular basis. More and more families with young children are moving into the neighborhood and I've spoken with many of the mothers. Time and again I am told that one of the reasons they've chosen this neighborhood is because of the close proximity to the park. Unfortunately, though, once they've lived here for a while and witnessed the ongoing problems in the park and seen the cars driving recklessly in and out of it, many parents (especially young mothers) feel intimidated and threatened and don't want themselves or their children down there alone. On a related note, I believe the current condition of the playground equipment is a deterrent for children and keeps them from using it. For example, following an arson incident on the slide almost a year ago, the slide was boarded up rather than being immediately repaired. Granted, I'm sure this was initially done to avoid another attempt at arson or vandalism but it has been months and the slide is still boarded up. Obviously this prevents play. My greatest fear is that the removal of the playground equipment from Herman Field Park will be the next step toward the ultimate decline of this beautiful park. In addition, by doing so, you'd be letting the teenage kids that are destroying this park "win." Our neighborhood truly eeds your help in bringing this area back to the people and taxpayers that live there. We need more patrol and more interaction with law enforcement personnel. We need to know and feel your presence! I believe that if families and children felt comfortable and safe, they would use the park and playground more often. But until the city of Chanhassen really makes a commitment to law enforcement in Herman Field Park, the citizens of the neighborhood will continue to feel threatened and intimidated by those that feel they can get away with anything down there (and for now, they seemingly can and are). Thank you for asking for our input and feelings regarding this issue. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or for additional information and assistance. We continue to be committed to our neighborhood and sincerely appreciate the ongoing efforts by the City Council and the Park and Recreation Commission in helping to make Herman Field Park a better place for all to enjoy. Sincerely, Dean & Jessica Paxton 952/470-5894 age 1 of 1 Hoffman, Todd From: Your Name [HANILY@worldnet.att.net] Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2001 9:11 AM To: thoffman @ ci.chanhassen.mn.us Subject: Herman Field Park To: Cityof Chanhassen Attn: Jan Lash Re: Herman Park Herman Park is our neighborhood playground. It is not the neighborhood kids that are vandalizing the equipment, leaving used condoms, seringes, beer bottles etc. strewn about. The neighbors originally did not want this park to be developed due to the location and the fact that we do not get city services out this way as you do closer to the downtown area. You are not talking about a great deal of equipment. We suggest to you that you leave the playground equipment in Herman Park and take care of the problem people coming to the park for the wrong reasons. By removing the equipment, you are not solving the problem, which will continue. We need more police patrols, for one. Maybe gates. Do NOT remove the equipment. Pat and Ginny Hanily 2660 Orchard Lane Excelsior, MN. 55331 5/17/01 offman, Todd From: Sent: To: Subject: Kelly R. Lewis [kellylisal @juno.com] Monday, May 14, 2001 1:05 PM thoffman @ ci.chanhassen, mn. us Herman Field Park Playground Kelly and Lisa Lewis 2651 Orchard Lane Excelsior Mn 55331 (952)380-3409 May 14, 2001 To whom it may concern: We are writing this letter in order to voice our concerns concerning the Herman Field Park Playground. We are strongly in opposition to the removal of the playground equipment. We recently moved into the area and were dismayed to find the park had been vandalized. While we recognize that the vandalism is a problem, we feel that removing the playground equipment will not be a solution and may enhance the problem. We wish for the park to remain for the following reasons: 1) The park is not as lightly used as one would presume, and if the park were a little more attractive, it's use would increase. We have two children, 3 and 2 years old, and are expecting another. We use the park frequently, at least 3 times a week. There are also a number of other young families that have recently moved into the area who would use it more frequently if it were not damaged. In addition to my family's use, I teach piano lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and there are parents of my students who take their other children to the park while they are waiting for the lesson to be completed. I also watch three other children during the week, and they come with me to the park as well. 2) If the playground equipment were removed, this would reduce the number of families that vendure that way, thus there would be less people in the area to discourage negative behavior. Whenever we walk down there, people who are not there to use the park immediately leave. We will not be going down to the park if there is no playground equipment. 3) Neighborhood watch, awareness, and other initiatives are a better solution to keeping the park safe and free from vandalism. Simply removing the park only hurts those who have done nothing wrong. It is our neighborhood's park, let us help to keep the park safe and child-friendly. We are more than willing to participate in neighborhood programs in order to make good things happen at Herman Field Park and reverse the negative onslaught of vandalism. We urge you to consider our requests and to give us that chance. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully Submitted, Kelly, Lisa, Jonathan and Katie Lewis GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: ~ http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. offman, Todd From: Sent: To: Subject: Jstormcodl @ aol.com Friday, May 11, 2001 3:43 PM thoffman @ci.chanhassen.rnn.us (no subject) Having been close to the plans for the development of Herman Field Park from its inception, the results to date are of no surprise. You simply cannot develop a project such as the Herman Field one without either providing much better security or engaging the neighborhood in the over all care of the park. How often we invest resources in capital projects without really thinking through the possible outcomes. The obvious concern now is what happens once the playground equipment is removed? I can almost guarantee you that other objects of vandalism will be found. By removing the equipment you treat only a symptom. The city created the park and it must insure its upkeep and safety with or without the playground equipment. As a resident who lives near the park and observes the activities in the park I believe that we all have a problem which was very predictable from the outset. age 1 of 1 Hoffman, Todd From: AMVJohnson @ cs.com Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2001 8:04 PM To: thoffman @ ci.chanhassen.mn.us Subject: Herman field Park Playground Dear Mr. Hoffman, First of all, thank you for your inquiry regarding Herman Park. I will try to respond to your letter of May 2, 2001 as well as ask for clarification. My husband and 1, along with our 2 children, have lived in the neighborhood less than one year. We have visited Herman Park w times this winter and 3 times this spring just to check it out and see what is there. Our discovery regarding the park is significant and this leads me to a point of clarification. Much to our delight we discovered that Herman Park gives safe, walking access to Minnewashta Regional Park. To the credit of the city, Hermann Park always looks clean and tidy. As the marsh makes it impossible for residents to boat or walk to the Regional Park it was great to discover a public access. To clarify your note to residents, do you mean to remove just the playground equipment and leave the field as a public space? Was the land given in public interest by Mr. Herman? If the playground equipment is the only issue at hand, I would defer my opinion to my other neighbors who know the use and history better than I do. In the case of the area remaining a public space for the future (with no equipment), but open and accessible and connected to the Regional Park, I support this safe, green open space in the area very enthusiastically and feel that maintenance of the grass, or at least pathways, is well warranted in the summer. 1 think it is very important for Chanhassen Park and city leaders to reaffirm that this piece of land is the only access we have to public space in our neighborhood because of the marsh on one side and Highway 7 and County 41 on the other. We may see a lake, but we don't have access except through the park links. Thank you for allowing me to voice my opinion and I look forward to your clarification. Alicia Johnson 2762 Piper Ridge Lane 952-401-0632 5/10/01 elephone Calls Regarding Herman Field Playground May 9, 2001: Hello Todd, this is Bob Bushway calling and I live at 2721 Sandpiper Trail. I got your letter on Herman Field Park playground. Just to kind of let you know, we use that park a lot and we haven't been able to use the slides because they've been wrecked. I have two young kids and I know that in this area there are a lot of young kids that do use the park. We walk to it and it is the only park that is accessible from our area without getting onto Highway 7 or what not. It is the only park that provides access for about 200 residents in this area, 200 homes--maybe that's a little high, but if you drive on Highway 7 there you'll see the three exits and then the others are landlocked. So anyways, I would not like to see that park go away, we do rise it, I know our neighbors use it and they have young kids, and there are quite a few young families in this neighborhood, so I see the park getting used a lot more. Hopefully it does not get closed. Hello Todd, this is Lisa and Jerry Claus. We are responding to the letter we received from your office regarding Herman Park and we live behind the vark at 2701 Piper Ridge Lane and we have called the police numerous times because of disruptions during the middle of the night and because of the destruction tkat has gone on at the park. We 100% agree that the park should be closed, moved, whatever, sold to a developer, whatever, but should not be in existence. It's too enclosed, there is only one exit. we feel it is not safe for families to be down there with the kids and activities that are going on. You have our whole-hearted blessing to get rid of the park and if this helps at all, we are happy to give you our input and like I said, we live in the cul-de-sac behind the t~ark. Our number is 952-474-1826 if you have any additional questio.~s. Otherwise-g~, for it! Todd, this is Tom Fisher, I live on Minnewashta Woods Drive, my number is 474-3481. I couldn't agree more. Get rid of that park. All tt does is provide the teenagers around here a place to drink beer, raise hobs. and hoot at~d holler all ever!:ng. Not only should you remove all of the stuff from it, you should m~ke it impossible for those kids to go in there and drive all over the place and raise hobs. tfyou want to ce. Il me, feel free to do so, but that's how I feel. I thought about writing you a letter about it some time ago. I should have done it, I guess. I'm sure every neig!:0or feels exacliv as I do. It is just a place for the teenagers to drink beer. Thanks. gSpark\th\herman field calls.doc offman, Todd From: Sent: 'To: Subject: RnEmail@aol.com Wednesday, May 09, 2001 9:10 PM thoffman @ ci.chanhassen.mn.us Herman Field Attn: Jan Lash We are disappointed to learn of the consideration to close the Herman Field Playground. Since we do not have any walking trails in this area, it is the one place Senior Citizens could safely walk. Many young people of this area push their baby strollers down there during the day. The vandalism most likely occurs late at night when we hear the cars roaring down Orchard Lane and Forest Avenue. When the park was first proposed, we asked that it be gated at sundown, as most parks are. We still feel that this could be the solution. Our newest neighbors, the Dragseths even offered to close the gate each evening it it is too much trouble for the local authorities. Who locks the other park gates? We too, have been concerned about the vandalism, noise and cigarette butts which we frequently pick up. Mrs. Hermann made a very generous gift to the city and we would like it used in the way she intended. Sincerely, Edith and Ralph Livingston offman, Todd From: Sent: To: Subject: tmcreavy [tmcreavy@ email.msn.com] Wednesday, May 09, 2001 2:02 PM thoffman @ ci.chanhassen.mn, us Herman Field Park Playground Hi Todd, Thanks for your letter. We live at 2751 Piper Ridge Lane and used to go down to the park once or twice a week. Since it has been vandalized, we have gone down there a lot less. I understand the problem the City is having with the area, and would be in favor of moving the playground to a new location, as long as it remains in our neighborhood (Minnewashta Manor). If you cannot find a location in our neighborhood, then I would like the playground equipment to remain, simply for the fact that it is close enough for us to walk to, and really serves as our only neighborhood park. Perhaps if the equipment was moved closer to the road there would be less of a problem with vandalization. Thanks for your letter, and for taking the time to review my comments. Kim McReavy offman, Todd From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: RDoop @ ontrack.com Wednesday, May 09, 2001 12:37 PM thoff man @ ci.chanhassen.m n. us rdoop@ usfamily.net Herman Park City of Chanhassen Park and Recreation Commission 690 City Center Drive P.O. Box 147 Chanhassen, MN 55317 May 9, 2001 Dear Jan Lash and Todd Hoffman: In regards to your letter dated May 2, 2001 on the use and misuse of Herman Park, I have some concerns of my own. I agree that the park is lightly used and certainly abused by vandals and the likes. But, I think that removing the park and relocating the equipment is a bad idea. Myself and other neighbors would certainly frequent the park more often if it was of more recreational use, such as having a multi-functional field for baseball, soccer, softball, and football. I believe that if the large grass area (preserving the playground equipment area) was turned into at least a functional practice field for multiple sports, the park would be in high demand and definitely used. If the park is in constant use, this would reduce, if not eliminate the vandalism of the park. As a coach for baseball (STLL), softball (CAA Youth), and football (LMAA & Pop Warner), practice fields are hard to find. Herman Park is an ideal area for the Chanhassen and South Tonka area residents involved in these sports. But, the park is currently a very limited use park and focused towards younger children (ages 4 - 8) that need supervision and I have found that parents of younger children are not going to frequent the parks as much as the next older generation or involved in the sports programs. Sure, it will cost a little more money to develop this park into what I have described, but so is relocating or repairing the vandalized equipment each year. I think the investment will certainly be well worth the money for the community and I believe others will agree with me. And not only in the immediate neighborhood, but stretching the entire Lake Minnewashta area. My son had proposed the same request to Mayor Jansen during her visit before last election, but at 12 years old, was not sure how ~o accomplish this task. So, I have decided to take an active interest in this issue and hope to keep our park. Please listen to us and guide us in the right direction to save the park. As Director of Parks and Recreation, what advice can you give us in considering this request? I am not sure that enough residents will speak up or even read the letter and that concerns me too. So, if there is anything we can do, we will surely attempt it. Thanks for hearing us and hopefully we can do something. Sincerely, Thanks, Rodney G. Doop 2705 Sandpiper Trail Chanhassen, MN 55331 KELLY LAW OFFICES Established 1948 351 SECOND STREET EXCELSIOR, MINNESOTA 55331 MARK W. KELLY WILLIAM F. KELLY (1922-1995) (952) 474-5977 FAX 474-9575 May 1 O, 2001 Jan Lash Park and Recreation Commission Chair 3.1aver aud City Council members City of Chanhasscn Gg0 City Center Drive i-'.(). Bo.,, Chanhassen, MN 55317 RECEIVED MAY 1 5 2001 CITY OF CHANHASSEN Re: Proposal to remove Herman Field playground l)car Chair ofd~c Park anct Rccrcatio~ Commission, Mayor and City Council members: I read with dismay the notice from Mr. Hofl¼tan that in the wisdom of thc Park and Recreation Commissiou Herman Field park is a candidate for disinelnl)crment. I am appalled. 1'hc ])ark is die only Git)' amenity in o~!r ncighl)orhood ami my children use and enjoy its ,,wings and slides. The park is a very pleasant oasis. Utffortunately, its peaceful se('lusion has made it the choi('t, of vandals and youths seeking a place to drink and carry on undisturbed. For these reasons I canuot allow nay children to visit tl~c park without the company of an aduh. Worse, the behavior I bare observed displayed by these youths has l)een threatening and deplorable. Enter thc Sherit]: Four years ago I never saw a patrol ('ar in my neighborhood. In the last ,,,'car Sheriff' patrol cars have been observed from time to time. That these occasional visits, and a lame neighborhood watch sign, have not stemmed park vandalism is obvious. Now in the disguise of efficient usc of resources, it is proposed that all family amenities be removed and thc park abandoned to the delinquents. While all can applaud efficiency, this proposal ignores the legal duty of thc City to protect thepublic health, safer)' and welfare. Therefore, if thc park is plagued by criminals police it. Iustall video cameras, telephones, and gate it after hours. Make the delinquclas uncomfortable and lhey will go away. This will improve public safety and protect the previous invest:ncnt of public funds in Parkland and playground cquil)ment. The true steward of tile public assets first protects and maintains existing improvements. If that n,'m~s investing in security measures bcfbre nc~ park equipment, so be it. In any (went, the City sho~dd invest and maintain its estal)lished parks in a manner that benefits the surrounding lhmilies cquital)ly. Nc) neighloorhood should be iml)ovcrishcd or allowed to be a haven fbr t riminals })e('attse the City is unwilling to l)oli('e itself. Thc proposal to dismantle Herman Field would never have bccn floated had it been located ill a more politically significant neighborhood. The demand for park equipment in new subdMsions KELLY LAW OFFICES -2- must not be met by cannibalizing established parks. Moreover City policy should be adopted that would obstruct such efforts. Doing so will avoid thc politicization of Park aud Recreation ass('t management. Sincerdy, ~lark W. Kelly MWK/m~