Your attendance needed for the future of Theo!

[Trevize1138]

There are some crucial dates coming up that everyone who cares about trails needs to be aware of (information below taken from www.MinneapolisParks.org (http://www.minneapolisparks.org/)):

Community Review Meeting on the Theo Wirth Trails:

Date: Monday, Nov. 28, 2005
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Type: Public Meeting
Location: Theodore Wirth Chalet
Address: 1301 Theodore Wirth Parkway in Minneapolis


MPRB Board Meeting - This one you CANNOT miss!

Date: Wednesday, Dec 7, 2005 (Don't let this be a date that will live in infamy for us!)
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Type: Regular
Location: MPRB Administrative Offices, Board Room Suite 255
Address: 2117 West River Road, Minneapolis


The MPRB will host a community meeting to review the draft evaluation report and recommendations for the Theodore Wirth Park Off-road Cycling demonstration project. The meeting will be conducted as an open house. The subject of off-road cycling will be taken up by the board's Planning Commintte at its meeting December 7. Public comment on the demonstration project, the evaluation and recommendations will be taken at that time.



This meeting will be very crucial for all of us. The board is allowing the public to comment on the project and the master plan. Those opposed to sustainable, legal mountain bike trails and those in favor of them are included in this usage of the term "public."

The more people we have show up the better the future of MORC, MOCA and trails in the metro area. This is a big meeting and potential milestone for our organization, so you are strongly encouraged to attend! We've been told that there will be a lot of weight given to us depending on the support shown at this meeting, so feel guilty if you can't make it!

We had a great showing at the last meeting we asked everyone to show up at, but we may need even more people. And, at the Dec. 7 meeting public comments will actually cary more weight than they did in that last meeting.

On Dec. 21 the board will hold another meeting and actuall vote on this issue. You are certainly encouraged to show up to that meeting as well. But, it is the Dec. 7 meeting where your attendance is most needed!

Thank you in advance for showing and speaking up for legal, safe, sustainable and fun off-road cycling trails in Minneapolis.

[berrywise]

Would it help if we all wore bicycle helmets to make us stand out even more as bike supporters?

[ppgc]

Would it help if we all wore bicycle helmets to make us stand out even more as bike supporters?

To be true to the sport we should have beer in hand also, don'tchathink? Speaking of beer anyone want to meetup after one of these meetings for a beer or three?

-p

[Elkman]

Are they most interested in input from Minneapolis residents, or will they consider anyone's opinions? I just want to make sure that as an "outsider" from Bloomington that they're interested in what I have to say. I'll tell them that even though I can ride the Minnesota River bottoms, I've enjoyed Theodore Wirth much more lately because it's so well-designed.

[noise_is_life]

Are they most interested in input from Minneapolis residents, or will they consider anyone's opinions? I just want to make sure that as an "outsider" from Bloomington that they're interested in what I have to say. I'll tell them that even though I can ride the Minnesota River bottoms, I've enjoyed Theodore Wirth much more lately because it's so well-designed.

You are mostly just there for body count, you might have to be a MPLS resident if you want to get up and speak.

[Trevize1138]

Are they most interested in input from Minneapolis residents, or will they consider anyone's opinions? I just want to make sure that as an "outsider" from Bloomington that they're interested in what I have to say. I'll tell them that even though I can ride the Minnesota River bottoms, I've enjoyed Theodore Wirth much more lately because it's so well-designed.

Even if you can't speak, just being there helps a lot. Not only does body count matter, but you may think of a point and mention it to an MPLS resident/MORCer who can speak on it.

[Tim Wegner]

Chris and all

I will not be able to be at the meeting. I have to be in San Diego for a sales meeting. Is there somewhere I can send and e-mail from IMBA speaking in support? I am sure I can get Mike Van Able, IMBA ED, to send a letter of support for the project. Let me know what I can do to help your efforts.

Erik, Will you be able to attend the meeting representing IMBA locally?
Tim

[thebionicman]

I plan on being there. As for not being a resident that shouldn't matter. Theodore Wirth is a regional park.

Come out and support our trails!!!

[Tim Wegner]

Erik
I don't think Wirth is a regional park. I am certain that it is a city park. I do wonder if they get money from the met council. If they do then input should be welcomed from all residents in the 7 county metro area. I would also think they would be interested in comments from the IMBA representative. This trail system is designed to IMBA standards. IMBA also recommends that trails like the one at Wirth be multi-use. That certainly applies to the users of the Wirth system.

Erik, I think you should not be too concerned about being a non Minneapolis resident. After all you contributed a lot of hours to the construction of this trail and I don't think being a Minneapolis resident was a qualifier applied to volunteers that helped construct Wirth.

Does anyone know if MPRB recieves any met council funding for their park system?

TW

[thebionicman]

If you look on the Minneapolis Parks website it does list Theodore Wirth as a Regional Park. I am not sure where all of there funding comes from.

I would attend either way. It is important for the Park Board to know that this is a good user group that is interested in the Parks well being.

[stoneage]

I don't think Wirth is a regional park.
Yeah, it was pointed out by Jennifer Ringold that it was a Regional Park when the Friends came after us a few months ago. She is a little perturbed that the Bryn Mar folks think they own the area.

[Pete Hamer]

I know that the Dec. 7th meeting is the big one, but I was curious how important it is for people showed up for today's (Nov. 28th) meeting? If we show up for today's meeting will it have any impact?

[mara]

I know that the Dec. 7th meeting is the big one, but I was curious how important it is for people showed up for today's (Nov. 28th) meeting? If we show up for today's meeting will it have any impact?

It might. If you can attend both the December 7th meeting and tonight's, please do. It's always good for the Park Board and neighborhood groups to see that there are a lot of people who are standing behind these trails. It is an open house format, so show up any time for as long as you'd like.

We'll be sending out official propaganda on this shortly. Thanks!

[jitterjepp]

How do I get on a notification list for this stuff so I wont forget or can see that it's happening? Do I have to be an official MORC member to get the on the email list. I've been sitting here typing away and didn't even know until just right now.

[Tim Wegner]

Shawn

I don't know if being a MORC member will the information to you but being a MORC member is always a GREAT idea!!! Will be looking for your membership card in the mail. (while you are at it, joining IMBA is also an excellent idea)
Tim

[jitterjepp]

Shawn

I don't know if being a MORC member will the information to you but being a MORC member is always a GREAT idea!!! Will be looking for your membership card in the mail. (while you are at it, joining IMBA is also an excellent idea)
Tim
Well....I was an IMBA member. They keep sending me membership info. What they've sent me in the mail in the last year in membership requests probably costs more than a standard membership. As for the mORC and MOCA memberships I Don't think I am on right now. I rent out my bike box and make people send a check to MORC for $25 and become a member for a two week rental. I feel like I'm doing my part with that and getting out to trail work when work allows. I havent' even been in Minnesota for most of the last year also. I was in Florida for alomst eight months over the last year.
Anyway ...I'll send it off...

[jitterjepp]

By the way I did make it to the open house meeting.

[mara]

Thanks to everyone who made it to the open house last night. Your presence and comments did indeed make a difference.

I hope to see you next Wednesday. Bring everyone you know :D

[mara]

How do I get on a notification list for this stuff so I wont forget or can see that it's happening?

Send me an email or pm with your email address and I'll add you to the list, or if you prefer, you can sign yourself up at mocatrails.org.

[Aaroneous]

So what happened at the meeting? Good things? Please tell me it was good things...

[manual63]

It wasn't really a meeting. It was like an open house. It showed the history of the project and a bunch of data collected about the pilot project. Quite a few people came in looked and filled out a survey. I think it went fairly well. The meeting on Dec 7th is the really important one. Please show up for that one if at all possible....thanks.

[mara]

The MPRB meeting is tomorrow ( Wednesday ) at five. The show of support we present to the board may make the difference in whether the Wirth project is able to continue moving forward. Every person who shows up to support mountain biking will make a difference!

The people who don't yet understand what we're all about will be there to speak against the project. We need you to help show the Park Board, the Council, and our Minneapolis neighbors that there are a lot of good people who stand behind legal, sustainable mountain biking in Theodore Wirth Park.

( steps off soapbox )

I hope to see so many of you tomorrow they have trouble fitting us all in the meeting room! :D

[Rocky Mountain]

The Schedule from MPRB's Website:

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3" width="400"> <tbody><tr><td colspan="4" align="center" bgcolor="#006699">Schedule</td> </tr><tr> </tr><tr> <td colspan="4" align="center">Start times and agendas are subject to change.

</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">5:30 p.m.</td> <td valign="top">Planning</td> <td> </td> <td>Agenda (http://www.minneapolisparks.org/documents/meetings/agendas/uploaded12-07-05planning.pdf)</td> </tr> <tr><td colspan="4"><hr color="green" size="1"></td></tr> <tr><td valign="top">4:00 p.m.</td> <td valign="top">Regular</td> <td> </td> <td>Agenda (http://www.minneapolisparks.org/documents/meetings/agendas/uploaded12-07-05Regular.pdf)</td> </tr> <tr><td colspan="4"><hr color="green" size="1"></td></tr> <tr><td valign="top">7:00 p.m.</td> <td valign="top">Standards & Conduct</td> <td> </td> <td>Agenda (http://www.minneapolisparks.org/documents/meetings/agendas/uploaded12-07-05SAC.pdf)</td> </tr> <tr><td colspan="4"><hr color="green" size="1"></td></tr> <tr><td valign="top">5:45 p.m.</td> <td valign="top">Committee of the Whole</td> <td> </td> <td>Agenda (http://www.minneapolisparks.org/documents/meetings/agendas/uploaded12-07-05cow.pdf)</td></tr></tbody> </table>


AGENDA FOR 5:30 PM PLANNING MEETING:

MINNEAPOLIS PARK AND RECREATION BOARD
PLANNING COMMITTEE
B. Fine, Chair; J. Erwin, W. Dziedzic,
M. Hauser, and A. Young
AGENDA
DECEMBER 7, 2005 5:30 P.M. 2117 WEST RIVER ROAD
I. ROLL CALL
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
III. PUBLIC HEARING (5:30 P.M.)
Jordan Park Improvements
IV. ACTION ITEMS
4.1 THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE SCHEMATIC DESIGN FOR JORDAN
PARK IMPROVEMENTS.
Related Files: Staff Report
4.2 THAT THE BOARD ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2005-117, CAPTIONED AS
FOLLOWS:
RESOLUTION NO. 2005-117
APPROVING OFF-ROAD CYCLING ON DESIGNATED,
SUSTAINABLY-BUILT TRAILS IN THE MINNEAPOLIS PARK SYSTEM
Related Files: Staff Report Resolution Project Page
V. STUDY/REPORT ITEMS
VI. ADJOURNMENT

[bpblondie]

i really wish i could make it to the meeting tonight, but i can't because of work. :embarass:

however, i was able to make it last week to the open house where i filled out a questionaire. but, i know tonight is really important and i still want help out. is there anyway i could still show my support. would emailing the MPRB help/ hurt?

i hope that there is a really good turn out tonight. and i encourage those that aren't busy to show up for those that can't make it.:)

[Aaroneous]

I'll be there...

Here's a link to a map (http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=2117+West+River+Road,+Minneapolis,+MN). Looks like you go up past Broadway Pizza and it's on the left.
Does anyone know how/where you get into the building, and where the boardroom is? I've never been there...

[mara]

I have a horrible spatial memory, but I remember there being main and somewhat obvious doors in front of the building by the parking lot. From there, the board room was up the stairs and to the left. It should be fairly well marked.

A few of us are planning on getting there a little bit early, so look for us milling about before the meeting.

[Trevize1138]

Yeah, you'll see plenty of familiar MORC/MOCA faces there, so just follow the crowd like a good sheep and stop asking questions, OK? :)

[seberly]

Maybe I missed it but what is the result of the meeting?

[soupboy]

Maybe I missed it but what is the result of the meeting?

Shad and Buck were banned from ever discussing freeriding or tricks again and forced to thumb wrestle to exhaustion. One of them forfeited due to a sprained groin. I'll let them fess up.

On a less serious note, I think we achieved nearly all of the goals.

[FSSS]

For those that didn't attend the meeting (or Mpls residents that don't have cable), here is a link to the webcast:

http://shows.implex.tv/Qwikcast/Root/minneapolis/339/preflight.htm

Item 4.2 (Wirth MTB Trails) starts at 1:32:30 and runs to 2:43:34.