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Park & Recreation Minutes September 13. 2000 Page 4 . Other funding sources suggested included contributions from groups, clubs and churches, as well as partnerships with developers. He cautioned the city of falling into the "trap" of partnerships which include a fitness center. He stated that the developers usually end up with the fitness center which can be a tremendous income generator and the cities get the athletic fields or some other type of amenity which they need. but generates no revenue. Mr. Gurban stated that fitness centers are a good facility to consider because of the revenues. Fitness centers do not require the staff that a community center or a pool requires. Mr. Gurban also discussed the trend away from small neighborhood parks because of the fact they are very maintenance-intensive and provide benefit to so few residents. The Commissioners discussed having Mr. Gurban set up meetings with a few communities which have developed a separate park or park/recreation department. Mr. Gurban will be providing job descriptions for park directors from other cities, and set up meetings with representatives from some cities. He suggested scheduling these meetings during the State Conference in St. Cloud, November 6, 7 and 8, 2000. 10.A.2. Sara Zimmer Reauest . Mr. Roland Ring-Jarvi of the Nordic Ski Club reviewed the 2000-2001 schedule for the Commissioners. He noted that all races are contingent upon there being enough snow. This schedule will be presented for approval at the October or November Park and Recreation Commission meeting. Mr. Ring-Jarvi also presented a request by Sara Zimmer of the Gitchi Gummi Sport Association in Duluth, Minnesota. Ms. Zimmer asks that the Commission consider their request for a two-day dry land training clinic at Woodland Trails Park. The group would use an approximately V:z to 1 mile section of the bituminous trail. The first day they would be roller skiing and the second day would be on foot, using a portion of the trail and an open area. Students from Elk River. Coon Rapids, Anoka, Blaine, Roseville and other cities would be participating. Mr. Ring-Jarvi stated that he did not feel the event would interfere with the use of the park by the general public. Commissioner Westrum expressed his concern that eventually they may have to put some type of control on the number of requests they can accommodate. The Commissioners also discussed the possibility of charging a fee for groups to use the trails for events or practices. Mr. Ring-Jarvi stated he was not opposed to the city charging some time of fee. He explained that the Gitchi Gummi group has limited resources, and that they conduct this event as a fundraiser to pay the salaries of their full-time staff. Commissioner Peterson asked if the groups at Woodlands are using carbide tips on their ski poles. He explained that the State is now requiring that the carbide tips be covered when using State trails. because of damage to the bituminous surfaces. .