MPRB Planning Committee approves new Keewaydin master plan

by Tesha M. Christensen

The master plan for Keewaydin Park is one step closer to completion.

It was reviewed by the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board Planning Committee during a public hearing on Nov. 7, and unanimously approved. There were no public comments made at the hearing.

The plan will go before the full park board for action on Nov. 28.

“It’s a great amenity to that area,” stated MPRB Commissioner Carol Kummer, who represents the Nokomis neighborhood.

“Based on community feedback and insights, the plan strives to meet the park and recreation needs of youth, young adults and adults through a wading pool, playground, enhanced field design and retention of the treed area,” stated Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board Manager of Public Engagement and Citywide Planning Jennifer Ringold.

“We are deeply appreciative of the time community members contributed to participate in this design process,” added Ringold. “The value of a master plan is that the community and MPRB have a shared vision for the future of the park.”

ABOUT THE MASTER PLAN

Parks staff and community members began meeting about Keewaydin Park shortly after the school district announced  late last year that it would be investing $16 million into the Keewaydin campus of Lake Nokomis Community School. The expansion of the school building to the south required the removal of some playground equipment. While the larger playground structure and wading pool are still in place, the park board intends to relocate them to allow for additional expansion of the school if needed in the future.

The parks department intends to move the playground and pool to the east side of the recreation building, an idea that was supported by community members. The mature trees in the area will be saved, and other items planted near the new features. Following the last community meeting in September, designers added additional screening to enhance the buffer between the neighbors across the street and the playground, noted Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board architect Deborah Bartels.

One of the key issues the parks department recognized early on was that it would not be able to fit everything in at the park site, noted Ringold. Some community members had requested that tennis courts be returned to the park, but planners weren’t able to accommodate that. However, Bossen Park is a nearby alternative.

The new playground will have a low visual impact while providing a high play value for children, Ringold told planning committee members. It will have a nature play theme with subtle colors, and a net structure.

A shade structure similar to what has been used at other parks will be installed over the pool to provide instant shade.

A highlight of the playground is a water play area that includes a hand pump, steam bed and boulders. Bartels noted that a similar feature at Lake Harriet is very popular.

The total cost of the project is $1,272,000, which includes upgrading the bathrooms in the rec center, relocating utilities, and renovating the playing fields.

The parks board has slated the Keewaydin project in its 2018 capital improvement plan.

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SIDEBAR

Community members favor:

· A zero depth entry wading pool with spray feature

· A themed structure and equipment for pre-schoolers

· A farm pump and dry stream bed for water play

· A contemporary style structure with nets for elementary school-age children.

Messenger launches new web site

Events calendar offers one-stop glimpse of community, advertisers can create synergy between print and online campaigns

by Tesha M. Christensen

Newspapers aren’t dying.

That’s the news Messenger Co-Publisher Tim Nelson wants to spread.

While the business has changed since the advent of the Internet and the nationwide recession, it is not dead but evolving, just like radio. Just like network television. Just like cable.

“It’s a very exciting time,” said Nelson.

To move forward in this digital age, the Messenger is launching a new web site. Along with an updated look, the site features a community events calendar, multimedia section, news, marketplace, classifieds, archives, and community information page.

With this update, Nelson knows things will change for the newspaper he co-owns with Calvin deRuyter. “We’re going to become a much more important resource to our community,” he said.

Messenger Editor Denis Woulfe acknowledges that this marks a whole new paradigm for the newspaper. “It’s about reinventing the business model for the industry,” said Woulfe.

A BALANCING ACT

Part of the reinvention is recognizing the myths that surround newspapers and the Internet. Senior citizens are not lost using the Internet, but regularly use it for email, shopping and more. Sure, young people might ignore the news now, but that changes when they buy a home, begin a family and start to see how it affects their lives. And while most people go online these days, not everyone has access even in urban areas. For these residents and others, the print editions continue to be their primary source of information about their community.

The new paradigm requires that newspapers find a balance between being community journalists and business people, something Nelson works to achieve every day. “We are business people first,” said Nelson. “We don’t do anyone any good if we go bankrupt.” Yet, it is the community journalism piece that marks the Messenger as a niche publication, one specifically focused on the Longfellow and Nokomis neighborhoods of Minneapolis.

SIMPLE TO ADVERTISE ONLINE

For advertisers, having an online presence on the Messenger web site is simple. Pick one of three sizes, and your ad will rotate with three others across the site. Advertisers may also opt to sponsor the events calendar. Or for higher visibility, buy the top banner ad spot or web site sponsor, and your ad will appear at the top of all the site pages.

Anyone who purchases a classified ad will continue to have double exposure for one price.

Businesses may pick from packages that include print and digital ads. “This is a great complement to the print ads they’re already doing,” said Woulfe. “The appeals and features of each are different.” With the online ad, businesses and nonprofits can do things a print ad can’t, such as provide a link directly to their own web site to boost traffic. Those who buy space in the What’s Cookin’ ad campaign get the best of both worlds: a print ad and a custom video.

FOR AND BY THE COMMUNITY

With the web site, Facebook and Twitter, “We can get more news out there in a more timely manner than before,” said Nelson.

Under the “multimedia” tab on the new web site, users can find video and photos created both by newspaper staff and readers.

One of the biggest features of the new site is its community events calendar. “It’s a one-shot glimpse of what’s going on in the area,” said Nelson.

On the calendar, readers can find detailed information on community events, from school concerts to organized bike rides. Anyone with an event can post the information using a straightforward form. After submitting an event, the online editor will review it. Events will be live within 72 hours. Nelson expects the calendar to start small and then grow as more people begin using it.

“Now getting your news in the Messenger is as easy as 1-2-3,” said Nelson.

Wolfe added, “We’re about building the community with both the print and online options.”

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE READER?

• More news via social media

The Messenger is promoting events daily on its Facebook page and Twitter. Be sure to subscribe in order to receive updates in your news feed. Readers can also sign up for occasional email blasts.

• More news more often

While the print edition will continue to hit the newsstands just once a month, the web site will always be available.

• More exposure for community events

The Messenger has unlimited space to list the many events occurring within the Nokomis and Longfellow neighborhoods each day. Fill out a straightforward form under the “Event Calendar” tab to get your event included.

• More information on the community

Click on the “Community Information” tab for details on community organizations, schools, city offices, politicians, libraries and recreation.

• More photos and vidoes

Find videos and photo galleries on the “Multimedia” page. Content is created by not only newspaper staff, but also by you, the reader. Did you take video of a school spelling bee or church concert? Photos at a community festival? Send it to denis@deruyternelson.com.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE ADVERTISER?

• More synergy

It’s easier than ever to link your print ad campaign with your online ad campaign so you can benefit from both styles of advertising. Get a discount with a 12-month contract.

• More exposure

By advertising in the online Messenger Marketplace, even small businesses get regular and consistent exposure to customers who are searching for local businesses to shop at and local contractors to hire.

• More links

With your online ad, you can link readers directly to your own web site to increase your web site hits.

Sabo Bridge closed for repairs until early December

Nearest crossing at 28th a ‘mess’ during Xcel construction being completed at same time

by Tesha M. Christensen

Sabo Bridge is closed to all pedestrian and bicycle traffic until early December.

Crews are making final repairs to the five-year-old bridge, which was first closed earlier this year when a pair of suspension cables broke loose.

“We’re pleased to see the final bridge repair underway,” said Midtown Greenway Coalition Soren Jensen. “I know many people join me in hoping the repair goes smoothly and quickly.  I think the most important thing is to do it right and ensure the bridge is safe, however long it takes.”

NEW PARTS WILL WITHSTAND WIND-INDUCED FATIGUE

Diaphragm plates on the bridge’s pylon will be installed and retrofitted while the bridge is closed.  After extensive tests, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., an engineering firm hired by the city, identified the cause of the cable connection failure to be wind-induced cable vibrations that caused fatigue cracking in the diaphragm plates. These plates secure the cables to the bridge’s main pylon.

According to the city, the retrofitted and replacement plates being installed are designed to withstand the fatigue that caused the cracking.

After the bridge was closed in February 2012, the broken plates were analyzed by Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. Strain gauges, displacement transducers and accelerometers installed on the bridge provided actual stress range movement, amplitude and frequency of cable vibrations experienced by the bridge during wind events. These two pieces of information presented investigators with a complete picture of what happens to the bridge in all kinds of weather. From this, the repair plan was developed.

The 215 foot-long cable-stayed suspension bridge opened in November of 2007 to carry Midtown Greenway bicycles and pedestrians over Hiawatha Avenue. The bridge was built by Hennepin County and turned over to the city of Minneapolis when construction was completed.

INTERSECTION AT 28TH A ‘MESS’

The nearest crossing to the Sabo bridge for bicyclists and pedestrians is at 28th and Hiawatha. However, that is an area of concern right now for the Midtown Greenway Coalition. Xcel has began construction there on the substation and two 115-kilovolt transmission lines that will travel 1.5 miles underground from Hiawatha to Oakland Ave. S. via 28th.

“It’s really quite a mess right now. ” observed Jensen.

He added, “Fixing the Sabo bridge is a top priority, so bicyclists and pedestrians can at least avoid most of the construction and safely cross Hiawatha/55.”

Construction of the transmission lines will be complete in the fall of 2013. The substation work will be done in 2014. The bike trails around the Hiawatha substation will remain open during the construction; however, at times the trail will be temporarily rerouted by 10 to 20 feet.

The Hiawatha Transmission Line will carry 55 megawatts of power, enough to serve 50,000 customers, and bolster existing capacity infrastructure.

Jensen encourages bikers and walkers to remain patient through the construction process. “The power company’s original idea was to place giant overhead power lines in the Midtown Greenway.  What a terrible idea! With the support of neighborhood organizations and residents along the Greenway, our coalition took the lead in the fight to keep the lines out of the Greenway -- and we won!  

“So, while the construction on 28th will disrupt things for a while, we see it as a reminder of the power of neighborhoods and citizens standing up to protect vital community assets like the Midtown Greenway.” 

Howe playground moved farther away from street

School district withdraws variance request, CUP approved

by Tesha M. Christensen

Minneapolis Public Schools (MSP) has decided to put the playground at Howe in a new location in order to avoid requesting a variance from the city.

However, the playground will still be located in the northeast side of the paved area and won’t take away from either the grassy playing field or the front lawn space.

Community members had expressed their support for the playing fields at Howe, and asked that they not be infringed upon.

The initial plan for the renovation at Howe School that was presented during a public meeting on Sept. 17, 2012 included rebuilding the playground in the same space it used to be in. However, to do that the school district needed a variance from the city because it fell within 20 feet of 44th Ave. S.

According to Howe School Project Specialist Jane Thompson, “We were advised that cost to the property owner (MPS) was not sufficient reason to grant a variance. Therefore, a revised plan for the playground area has been made.”

The size of the rubberized playground area is 50 feet by 70 feet. This is slightly smaller than the current area, but more efficient as it is rectangular in geometry, observed Thompson.

Neither the west parking lot nor the service vehicle safety zone have been compromised by the revised location of the playground.

Additionally, the school district is considering new lights that will be directed away from the property line towards the play equipment.

The change to the playground will cost the district $70-80,000 more than the first plan because the school won’t be able to reuse the existing concrete border and ground cover.

The conditional use permit for the school renovation was approved by the Minneapolis City Council on Oct. 1.

“Thank you to all that provided input at the community meeting, school meetings, by email or through your comment cards. Your voices were heard and the children will have both an athletic field and a playground with the new site plan,” said Thompson.

Keewaydin park to be challenging for kids, as well as aesthetically pleasing

Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board architect Deborah Bartels presents
a bird’s eye view of the proposed playground and wading pool. After hearing
from residents in July that they wanted the playground design to be less
structured and more informal, Bartels worked on a redesign that would provide
those qualities. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

Construction continues on Keewaydin School. A fence near the Rec Center
keeps people out of the construction site. Work will be complete in time for the
start of the 2013-14 school year. The wading pool and playground equipment
currently in place will remain there for about five years to give the park board
time to create a new playground on the southeast corner of their property.
(Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

This draft of the Keewaydin Park Master Plan will be presented to the park
board during a public hearing on Nov. 7. The highlight of the plan is a
water element between the pre-K and K-12 play structures. It will include a
sandbox, pump, dry stream bed with boulders and various concrete walls
that will also serve as benches.

New master plan incorporates net structure and natural color palate

by Tesha M. Christensen

Keewaydin parents want a playground that is challenging and has a high play value. Next door neighbors want one with a calming view.

The Rec Plus Kids showed the parks department how to merge the two.

According to Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board Manager of Public Engagement and Citywide Planning Jennifer Ringold, when the Rec Plus Kids voted on what they want to see in a playground, the majority favored a nature play area over either the classic post and deck or one with all nets (20 to 4).

“We’re really thankful for the kids because I think they showed us the way in how to merge the concepts,” stated Ringold during a community meeting held on Sept. 25, 2012.

When the parks department requests playground manufacturers to submit proposals for Keewaydin Park, they will be told there is a preference for an Evos/net structure with a color palate that mimics nature and uses browns, greens and blues.

DETAILS AND COST

 The September meeting was the fourth one held this year to update the Keewaydin Park Master Plan. Driving the effort is the $16 million expansion of Keewaydin School that will eventually displace the existing playground and wading pool. While a section of the playground has already been removed, the majority of the equipment will remain for five more years in the existing location, which gives the Minneapolis Parks Department time to find funding to move the playground and pool from the west side of the parks building to the east side.

At the July meeting, residents expressed their support for the location on the east side of the parks building, but wanted the playground design to be more informal, noted Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board architect Deborah Bartels.

The revised plan has a smaller footprint, “but the play value is the same,” said Ringold.

It places the K-12 structure with swings closest to 31st Ave. on the south side. In between it and the pre-k structure is a water element shaded by a pergola. In this area will be a sandbox, pump, dry stream bed with boulders, and various concrete walls that will also serve as benches. Three spinners and six swings from the old playground will be reused. The new play equipment will cost $233,550.

The wading pool nearby will have a spray feature. There will be numerous benches around it, and park staff members are researching what the best sort of shade structure will be. The cost of the wading pool is $404,500.

Since the last meeting, park staff did learn that they do not need to include bathrooms in the pool equipment building. Instead, the bathrooms in the main park building will be remolded to be accessible from outside and to be ADA accessible. It will cost about $25,000 to renovate the existing rec center bathrooms.

The parks department will also spend about $41,000 to relocate utilities.

Five additional trees will be planted around the playground, and the existing trees will be preserved.

An ornamental fence will be installed around the perimeter of the playground and the pool as the city requires anything within 100 feet of a street to be fenced. The space near the fence will be left clear of vegetation so that the sight line into the area is clear. “We like to keep the view into parks pretty open to reduce vandalism,” stated Bartels.

The total cost of the project is $992,422. That doesn’t include the cost of renovating the playing fields, which will range from $170,000 to $275,000.

Construction will be phased so that the existing playground and wading pool remain in use until the new ones are ready. Keewaydin parent and school construction steering committee member Matt Lee pointed out the school changed its plans in order to accommodate the playground and pool.

Before anything is built, the city needs to identify funding for the project.

COMMUNITY COMMENTS

Neighborhood resident Cheryl Luger stated, “I love the pool and pergola. It looks very well designed.”

In response to a question from the audience, Ringold noted that the parks department conducted a parking analysis earlier this year. The conclusion was that there is adequate on-street parking to meet the needs of the playground, pool and athletic fields.

The primary entrance into the playground/pool area will be on the northwest side to encourage patrons to park away from the corner of 53rd St. and 31st Ave.

Park staff re-visted the rational behind removing two ball fields and creating two soccer fields in their place. Bartels explained that it is difficult to play soccer in the ag lime of a ball field. When local sports groups were surveyed, they stated that the need was for soccer fields, not ball fields.

WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?

The draft of the master plan will be viewed by the park board at a public hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 7. Residents will be given one to three minutes to speak. Then the park board will consider approving it. Once approved, the parks department will begin to identify funding for the work.

Where will playground go at Howe?

Katie Bicek and Robb Luckow review plans for the renovation of Howe
School during a community meeting on Monday, Sept. 17. Both have children
who will be attending Howe next year as third graders. (Photo by
Tesha M. Christensen)

This graph provides details of the Howe renovation project. Construction
will begin in January and it will be completed by August 2013 in time for
the start of the 2013-14 school year.

Community members debate pros and cons of rebuilding playground at existing location

by Tesha M. Christensen

Where should the playground at Howe School be located?

That was the subject of debate during an informational meeting on the Howe project held on Sept. 17, 2012 at Hiawatha River Community School.

Right now the school district plans to rebuild the playground exactly where it was before, behind the school building next to 43rd Ave. The playground was ripped out a few years ago while the school sat empty and the district contemplated selling it.

However, rebuilding it will require a variance from the city, which requires a 20-foot setback from the street.

Paul Mays of Miller Dunwiddie  Architecture explained that the curbing around the old playground still remains. Replacing that and performing the needed ground work would cost an estimated $40-50,000.

“We’re trying to take advantage of the concrete border,” said Clyde Kane, Minneapolis Public School (MPS) manager of design and construction. “If it goes someplace else, we will be hardpressed to find the budget to move it.” The total budget for the project (including construction, architect fees and other “soft costs”) is $8 million.

By adhering to the city’s setback, the school would lose roughly half the playground space.

There is also space set aside in the back of the school building for hard surface play such as hopscotch and four square. On the east side will be an employee parking lot, an enclosed trash area, and space for delivery trucks.

In the current plan, the green space for the soccer/ball fields remains as is.

Some attendees at the Sept. 17 meeting voiced their support for retaining the playing fields as they are and rebuilding the playground where it was. A few pointed out that the soccer field is used by not only school teams, but community ones, as well. “The need for fields in the community is very strong,” noted MSP Area B Community Liaison Kristen Berg Thompson.

Other community members expressed concern about the playground, and how it is used outside school hours.

“We’re not trying to talk against building the playground. We want to see good management,” said Rolf Almquist, who lives across the street from the proposed playground location. He suggested that security cameras be installed, and a management plan created by the school district.

The playground location will be evaluated by the Minneapolis Planning Commission during a public hearing on Oct. 1. Also at that time the commission will review the conditional use permit requested by the school district for the renovation. 

The permit process is required because the district is remodeling a school building that was closed, explained Kane.

RENOVATION DETAILS

After being closed in 2005, Howe will reopen for the 2013-14 school year as a dual campus with Hiawatha. Hiawatha will house the younger grades, and Howe will take third, fourth and fifth graders.

There will be a total of 16 classrooms in the reopened Howe building, according to May. The maximum capacity for the school will be 285 students, and in the first year it will start with between 150 and 180.

There will be three third-grade classes, two fourth-grade classes and two fifth-grade classes, pointed out Hiawatha Principal Deb Regnier.

The classrooms at Howe will solve the space crunch at Hiawatha. Until then, Hiawatha lacks enough classrooms, according to Regnier.

Right now, there is a split class with both fourth and fifth graders, and the school has implemented “Art on a Cart” in order to accommodate an additional kindergarten class.

“We are packed to the gills here,” said Regnier. This is a year of transition before the space issues are resolved, she added.

Before Howe is reopened, the guts of the school will be reinvigorated, according to May. “We are bringing this school into the 21st century,” he said.

Air conditioning will be installed, along with a new HVAC system and electrical system. More insulation, new windows and a new roof will make the school more energy-efficient, as will new lighting. All of the flooring and finishes in the building will be replaced and repainted.

The stormwater and sanitary sewer will be now be separated so that the stormwater can be filtered on site. This sustainable system will be installed in the southwest corner of the property. Once the tanks are buried, the area will be resodded.

White boards, smart boards, projectors and computers will be placed in each classroom. Howe will match Hiawatha in several ways, including the designation of “learning zones” defined by flooring.

“We have been on a long journey with Howe school. Everyone is very excited to see it opening again,” stated Minneapolis Council Member Sandy Colvin Roy.

“We are going to need your support through the whole program,” Kane told community members and parents.

Monitor launches new web site

Events calendar offers one-stop glimpse of community, advertisers can create synergy between print and online campaigns

by Tesha M. Christensen

Newspapers aren’t dying.

That’s the message Monitor Co-Publisher Tim Nelson wants to spread.

While the business has changed since the advent of the Internet and the nationwide recession, it is not dead but evolving, just like radio. Just like network television. Just like cable.

“It’s a very exciting time,” said Nelson.

To move forward in this digital age, the Monitor is launching a new web site. Along with an updated look, the site features a community events calendar, multimedia section, news, marketplace, classifieds, archives, and community information page.

With this update, Nelson knows things will change for the newspaper he co-owns with Calvin deRuyter. “We’re going to become a much more important resource to our community,” he said.

Monitor Editor Denis Woulfe acknowledges that this marks a whole new paradigm for the newspaper. “It’s about reinventing the business model for the industry,” said Woulfe.

A BALANCING ACT

Part of the reinvention is recognizing the myths that surround newspapers and the Internet. Senior citizens are not lost using the Internet, but regularly use it for email, shopping and more. Sure, young people might ignore the news now, but that changes when they buy a house, begin a family and start to see how it affects their lives. And while most people go online these days, not everyone has access even in urban areas. For these residents and others, the print editions continue to be their primary source of information about their community.

The new paradigm requires that newspapers find a balance between being community journalists and business people, something Nelson works to achieve every day. “We are business people first,” said Nelson. “We don’t do anyone any good if we go bankrupt.” Yet, it is the community journalism piece that marks the Monitor as a niche publication, one specifically focused on the Como, Midtown and North End neighborhoods of St. Paul.

CHALLENGES FOR UNIVERSITY AVE. AREA

As a community newspaper, the Monitor must weather the same economic forces as its advertisers. Like other small businesses along University, the Monitor has taken a hit during the four-year lightrail project, which is only halfway complete.

 “Hopefully when the lightrail is done and our area redefines itself, we will see an upsurge,” said Nelson. It may be easier for him to be hopeful than other local businesses. As the owner of another newspaper, the Longfellow/Nokomis Messenger, Nelson has experienced firsthand the good that came out of the Hiawatha lightrail line.

“It’s about economic redevelopment,” pointed out Woulfe.

The Monitor encourages the University Avenue business community to reach out to patrons to reinforce their continued presence on the Corridor, in part by continuing to support the Monitor.

SIMPLE TO ADVERTISE ONLINE

For advertisers, having an online presence on the Monitor web site is simple. Pick one of three sizes, and your ad will rotate with three others across the site. Advertisers may also opt to sponsor the events calendar. Or for higher visibility, buy the top banner ad spot or web site sponsor, and your ad will appear at the top of all the site pages.

Anyone who purchases a classified ad will continue to have double exposure for one price.

Businesses may pick from packages that include print and digital ads. “This is a great complement to the print ads they’re already doing,” said Woulfe. “The appeals and features of each are different.” With the online ad, businesses and nonprofits can do things a print ad can’t, such as provide a link directly to their own web site to boost traffic. Those who buy space in the What’s Cookin’ ad campaign get the best of both worlds: a print ad and a custom video.

FOR AND BY THE COMMUNITY

With the web site, Facebook and Twitter, “We can get more news out there in a more timely manner than before,” said Nelson.

Under the “multimedia” tab on the new web site, users can find video and photos created both by newspaper staff and readers.

One of the biggest features of the new site is its community events calendar. “It’s a one-shot glimpse of what’s going on in the area,” said Nelson.

On the calendar, readers can find detailed information on community events, from school concerts to organized bike rides. Anyone with an event can post the information using a straightforward form. After submitting an event, the online editor will review it. Events will be live within 72 hours. Nelson expects the calendar to start small and then grow as more people begin using it.

“Now getting your news in the Monitor is as easy as 1-2-3,” said Nelson.

Wolfe added, “We’re about building the community with both the print and online options.”

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE READER?

• More news via social media

The Monitor is promoting events daily on its Facebook page and Twitter. Be sure to subscribe in order to receive updates in your news feed. Readers can also sign up for occasional email blasts.

• More news more often

While the print edition will continue to hit the newsstands just once a month, the web site will always be available.

• More exposure for community events

The Monitor has unlimited space to list the many events occurring within the Como, Midtown and North End neighborhoods each day. Fill out a straightforward form under the “Event Calendar” tab to get your event included.

• More information on the community

Click on the “Community Information” tab for details on community organizations, schools, city offices, politicians, libraries and recreation.

• More photos and vidoes

Find videos and photo galleries on the “Multimedia” page. Content is created by not only newspaper staff, but also by you, the reader. Did you take video of a school spelling bee or church concert? Photos at a community festival? Send it to denis@deruyternelson.com.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE ADVERTISER?

• More synergy

It’s easier than ever to link your print ad campaign with your online ad campaign so you can benefit from both styles of advertising. Get a discount with a 12-month contract.

• More exposure

By advertising in the online Monitor Marketplace, even small businesses get regular and consistent exposure to customers who are searching for local businesses to shop at and local contractors to hire.

• More links

With your online ad, you can link readers directly to your own web site to increase your web site hits.

Keewaydin park plan still work in progress

Not all community members support moving the playground and pool to the
southeast corner of Keewaydin Park, as shown in this draft of the master plan. Park staff are working to incorporate comments from community members made during a July 31 meeting, and will then bring the revised master plan back to the neighborhood. That meeting date has not yet been set.

Master plan to be revised following neighborhood meeting

by Tesha M. Christensen

The master plan for Keewaydin Park is still a work in progress.

The Minneapolis parks department began modifying it earlier this year to accommodate the doubling of Keewaydin school.

The most recent draft of the master plan shows the playground moving to the southeast corner of the park, but its not something all neighbors support.

During a community meeting on July 31, park staff revisited the reasons for why they have recommended moving the playground equipment to the southeast corner of the park rather than north or directly east of the park building.

A move into the existing athletic field area would not only result in a loss of field space, but the poor soil there would increase the cost of construction, noted Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board architect Deborah Bartels.

If the playground was moved to the wooded area east of the park building, the established trees and the shade they create would be lost.

Another concern expressed by community members has been whether there is enough parking. Following an analysis of the street parking, park staff believe there is plenty. “The parking analysis indicates that only 20% of the on-street parking capacity is being used, even at peak times of park usage,” said Bartels.

The intersection of 53rd St. and 31st Ave. was studied closely due to its proximity to the proposed relocated playground and wading pool. According to the staff report, “Even though this area was observed to be the most popular parking location during peak events, only 18.8% of the parking spaces were used.” Park staff do not foresee a dramatic increase in new park users from beyond the Keewaydin neighborhood because so many arrive at the park by foot.

“Furthermore, some playground amenities may be reused in the new location, which will ease concerns of new amenities adding to the park’s allure,” according to the staff report.

At the July 31 meeting, attendees viewed concepts from three playground manufacturers and indicated which elements they liked best. This information will be incorporated into the master plan.

“The meeting did not result in a consensus about the proposed plan, so we will be redesigning the layout of the proposed wading pool and playgrounds in the southeast corner of the park and will be hosting another meeting,” said Bartels. The date for this fourth meeting has yet to be set.

CONSTRUCTION IMPACT ON PARK

The wading pool and playground for ages 5-12 was open during the summer construction, and both will remain in place for the foreseeable future, according to Bartels. At some point, the school district may expand again in that area.

The preliminary estimate for the playground and utilities for the wading pool is $373,000, with an additional $588,000 for the wading pool.

The southwest ball diamond will be used for construction staging until the spring of 2014 and then restored. The estimated cost to restore and improve the athletic fields is $205,000.

The Pre-K playground, the swings, the spinners, and the basketball court have been removed to make way for the building expansion, noted Bartels.  When the site work for the expansion is complete, the service delivery area on the south side of the school building will provide hard surfacing for informal outdoor games and play.

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SIDEBAR

SCHOOL PROJECT ON SCHEDULE AND ON BUDGET

The first phase of the school construction project was completed in August.  Phase one included all of the infrastructure for the new building and removing some of the existing building.  Once that occurred, the second phase began. The building will continue taking shape through next year. Students will begin attending classes there for the 2013-14 school year.

“The project is on track and close to budget,” said Keewaydin’s new principal Martha Spriggs. She added that key stakeholders, including parents, park board, teachers, neighbors, and architects, will continue to be involved throughout the year. 

“Checking the Keewaydin website is a good way to stay informed about the status of the project,” said Spriggs. “We welcome input from all!”

Keewaydin welcomes new principal

Keewaydin's new principal Martha Spriggs is excited to be part of the $16 million construction project that will double the size of the school. "I'm looking forward to watching the the beautiful student-centered space come to completion," she said. Ground broke on the project in June 2012. It will be ready for new students at the start of the 2013-14 school year. (Photo by Stefanie Berres)

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Martha Spriggs is a lifelong South Minneapolis student, teacher and administrator

by Tesha M. Christensen

Lifelong South Minneapolis resident Martha Spriggs is Keewaydin’s new principal.

Spriggs takes over the reins from Jane Ellis, who is now the principal at Earle Brown IB Elementary School in Brooklyn Center.

“Lake Nokomis Community School is fortunate to have her, and I think the support of the community will help her be successful,” stated Area B Community Liaison Kristin Berg Thompson.

“Having taught 4th grade through middle school, I have a lot of experience and enthusiasm for teaching intermediate and middle level students,” stated Spriggs. “Adolescents have so much energy and excitement about learning and it’s wonderful to be around their spirit and to support these students in their growth and development.”

MINNEAPOLIS STUDENT, TEACHER AND ADMINISTRATOR

Spriggs is deeply connected to Minneapolis.  “I’m a proud graduate of Washburn High School -- go Millers!” she stated.

She currently lives in South Minneapolis with her two grown children, John and Mary. “My parents and all but one of my five siblings live in the same zip code,” she noted. “My oldest brother, Ross, lives in the Keewaydin neighborhood.”

Her free time is spent biking and walking around the lakes in Minneapolis. “Recently I’ve been on a kick to discover more about this beautiful city and my first stop was Lock and Dam #1,” Spriggs said. She sings in her church choir, and this summer started to learn the ukulele.

Spriggs earned a bachelor of arts in English at Augsburg College and, after working at American Express for 10 years, she enrolled at the University of Minnesota and earned her teaching license and a master’s degree in education.  In 2010, she completed her administrative license through the U of M.  “I was honored to be in the same co-hort with Beth Ness, my new colleague and principal of Wenonah,” Spriggs stated.

She began her teaching career in a fourth-grade classroom at Kenny in 2000, followed by a year as a 6-8th grade math teacher at Northeast Middle School. She returned to fourth grade in a classroom at Sheridan for the 2003-2004 school year, and then taught 6-7th grade math at Webster Open.

Spriggs spent the next seven years at Anderson serving both as teacher and administrator. As a middle school math teacher there, she participated on the Transition Team, which planned the restructuring of Andersen, two schools within one building (K-5 and K-8). Spriggs led the restructuring of the middle school. Among the changes made were aligning a group of teachers and support staff to each grade level; implementing standards-based grading and structured professional development for teacher teams; and creating single gender advisories. “This was a great change and really helped build relationships with students and teachers. Our achievement in reading and math improved following the restructure,” said Spriggs.

From 2007-2008, Spriggs was a mentor and coach for the Teacher Advancement Program (TAP). Not only did she coach and evaluate teachers using the TAP instructional rubric, but she coordinated mathematics staff development.

While teaching math at Andersen almost all of her students made significant growth in their mathematics achievement. “As a middle school math teacher this was critical because we know that difficulty with mathematics is often the reason for students to drop out in high school,” said Spriggs. “As I implemented standards based grading with my students and across all of the middle school, all student and families had a clear picture of what was expected of them and how they were progressing toward their learning goals.”

For her efforts, she was awarded the National Milken Educator Award in 2009.

For the past two years, Spriggs worked as the Assistant Principal at Anderson United Community School, leading the middle school team of 25 teachers and support staff.

“I enjoy working with teachers and delivering professional development to help refine teacher practice,” Spriggs observed.

Anderson and Keewaydin are similar schools in that both are experience an increase in the English Learner population. “As we grow, we will look at how we structure teacher teams to best support every student. I’m looking for ways to build a strong intermediate school that supports middle school and leads to high achieving successful high school students,” she said.

GOALS AS AN EDUCATOR

Her first official day at Keewaydin was Aug. 6, 2012. “It is always a little daunting to start a new job,” observed Spriggs. “At Keewaydin, however, everyone has been extremely welcoming, supportive, and helpful.  Many parents and community leaders have come to meet me and lend their support.  I am grateful to the school community and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

During the 2012-13 school year, Spriggs plans to learn from teachers, parents, and students, and find ways to use her expertise. “For this first year I will count on the excellent Keewaydin staff and community to show me the ‘Keewaydin’ way,” Spriggs remarked.

Her overall goal as an educator is to do whatever it takes to ensure every student is learning at high levels. “Minneapolis Public Schools  is dedicated to the idea that every school has a strong leader and every classroom has a great teacher – by doing this we can ensure that every student is high school ready when they leave Keewaydin,” Spriggs said.

She added, “Over the next five years I hope to build a school community that is an interesting and engaging place for adults and students to learn and grow together.”

Spriggs will oversee the rest of the Keewaydin $16 million building project that is doubling the size of the school. While most of the big decisions have already been made and phase one is complete, she will help determine things like colors, furniture and finishes. “Key stakeholders including parents, park board, teachers, neighbors, and architects will continue to be involved throughout the year,” Spriggs observed.

“It’s exciting to be a part of a large construction project that will make a real difference for the students and the community,” Spriggs said. “I’m looking forward to watching the beautiful student-centered space come to completion.”

She encourages community members to stay informed by checking the school’s web site at http://lakenokomis.mpls.k12.mn.us/facilities.html.