For your information. Jason Stone Diamond Lake
* * * PARK BOARD INVITES NEIGHBORHOOD TO HELP PLAN THE FUTURE OF EDWARD C. SOLOMON PARK MINNEAPOLIS, MN�Monday, September 27, 2004�The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board invites area residents to join in planning the future of Edward C. Solomon Park. The first of two community meetings has been scheduled for Monday, November 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Pearl Park Recreation Center. The new forty-acre park, bounded by Cedar Avenue on the east, 58th Street on the north, 13th Avenue on the west (actually an alley, not a thoroughfare) and 60th Street on the south, was recently acquired through a trade with the Metropolitan Airports Commission. Located in the Fifth Park District, the newest addition to Minneapolis�s internationally renowned park system encompasses open fields, wetlands, and hilly wooded areas. It was named Edward C. Solomon Park to honor the late Park Board commissioner, who represented the Fifth Park District from 1996 until his death in December, 2002. This park and its future prospects are generating more than the usual interest, which is not surprising as it is not everyday that an established, urban park system acquires a new park, especially one with so much space and potential. In addition, the park�s connection to the well-loved Solomon makes it especially significant to those who knew him. Having held Solomon in such high regard, many people are eager to show their appreciation for his years of dedicated public service by working to create a park space that will do justice to his memory. Exactly how the park will be developed has not yet been determined, but MPRB believes this park offers some unique opportunities and won�t necessarily model it after any other parks in the system. Any improvements, however, are likely to be low impact and require minimal maintenance, and they will need to be considered within the context of safety and resource management. Staff will work with area residents to develop alternative recreation opportunities; possibilities include facilities for disc golf and archery, and fields suitable for lacrosse, ruby, and soccer. The presence of wetlands and a significant portion of urban forest in the park may offer opportunities for environmental education as well. No funding has yet been allocated to the development of Solomon Park, but a concept plan will be helpful in procuring appropriate funding. The second meeting has not yet been scheduled, but will most likely take place next January or February. Those attending these planning meetings will have an opportunity to share their vision for the park and influence the way the design concept takes shape. To be sure Edward C. Solomon Park will be developed to be compatible with the community, citizen participation is key; park staff strongly encourage all those with ideas and concerns to attend these planning meetings. For further information, contact Jennifer Ringold at 612-230-6472 or [EMAIL PROTECTED] REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
