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July 6, 1983 Park Board Minutes <br />Page 4 <br />Anderson said he dug up some figures .and found in 1976 the <br />registered slow pitch'softball teams in Minnesota numbered 3,000. <br />In 1981 the numbers rose to 8,000; about 1,000 teams/year increase. <br />In a short survey it was found that most leagues were at capacity <br />and are increasing .each. year, Most communities are turning away <br />teams because we don't have enough fields to accommodate the teams. <br />Anderson said he is interested in lighting fields at Irondale. <br />Coaches are currently upset with the field conditions. They <br />would be willing to come up with a labor contract. Anderson <br />talked with Superintendent Nygren who stated he would not rule <br />out the possibility of an agreement with the City. A Lawcon <br />grant has recently been received and it could be used for this <br />kind of improvement. Just need a letter from Nygren stating it <br />may be possible. This is a way of lighting more than one field <br />at a time. <br />Gunderman expressed concern .that the school district wouldn't <br />maintain it and would let other communities use it and New <br />Brighton wouldn't have a chance to use. It happened with football. <br />Anderson said there would have to be a tight agreement! <br />Anderson stated at Freedom only one diamond could be done and it gets <br />very expensive.. At Hansen #3 the outfield is sinking and has to <br />be filled every year. <br />Dahl said Vets might be a good location for the lights. <br />Gunderman said a feasibility survey should be done, <br />Hogan said the cost would be about $25,000 per pole. <br />Anderson said we need more fields and baseball playing areas. <br />Motion by Gunderman, seconded by Johnson, to address the lighting <br />pros and cons with a feasibility survey. <br />Hogan `said in St. Paul Parks they have two ..poles with 8-10 lights. <br />on each pole; some are used for one sport some for another: <br />Blomquist asked how lights at Vets would help solve the problem <br />of not enough fields. <br />Anderson said 2 more games could be played per nightR Could add <br />10 more teams with one lighted field. <br />Blomquist said without the fence the- lights could also be used <br />for soccer, <br />Motion passed. <br />Anderson asked if the lights should be moved up a year. <br />Motion by Gunderman, seconded by Johnson to approve the 1984 CZP <br />as is and add Pike Lake trail and light and grade .athletic fields <br />and change community involvement program from $15,000 to $1Q,000. <br />