Park names whittled down to three after community vote

Gordon Parks High School students play role in shaping and digging into park’s history by collecting votes

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
Again and again, students at Gordon Parks High School (GPHS) have worked to make sure citizens are involved in the journey to transform a vacant lot next to their school into a five-acre park.
GPHS, along with the Skyline Tower apartment complex and Union Park District Council, expressed concern about the park name selection process being planned by the city earlier this year, pointed out Curriculum & Media Arts Coordinator Paul Creager.
“As a result, we helped organize a process that resulted in a huge increase in community participation, with numerous voting sites in the neighborhood adjacent to the future park,” said Creager. “We want to empower community.”
512 vote on top three names
The school served as a voting location for students and parents, as well as for nearby Midway residents.
Citizens were asked to give input on 15 possible park names. These 15 names originated from several community engagement activities in 2016-2017, where over 100 name ideas were gathered. Of those, 15 names met city of St. Paul criteria and were the most popular, including: All Nations/New Nations, Family (Lakota: Tiospaya or Tiwahe), Freedom, Gordon, Green, Harmony, International, Lexington-Hamline, Midway, Mosaic, Peace (Arabic: Salam), People (Somali: Bulsho), Union, Unity (Sanskrit: Samadhi) and University.
The voting process whittled the 15 options down to the most popular five in November: Peace Park, Midway Park, Mosaic Park, Tiwahe Park, and Unity Park.
At two meetings in December, one held at Skyline Towers and the other at the regular Union Park District Council Board meeting site, citizens agreed to forward three names to the city’s park and recreation commission.
The community voting process resulted in 512 votes being cast for Peace, Unity, and Midway.
St. Paul parks and recreation will recommend to the city council one name this month.
In the past, students have referred to the park as Three Ring Gardens after its long history of housing circuses, while the city labeled it Lexington Commons.
In 2016, with $1.5 million from the city’s 8-80 Vitality Fund, The Trust for Public Land put together the purchase of the three parcels that will become a 5-acre park as part of the group’s focus on more green space along the light rail line. The land was then conveyed to the city.
The park is still in the fundraising stage, and will hopefully be developed in late 2018.
Students and neighbors envision a playground, outdoor classroom/amphitheater, indoor gardening space and a community orchard at this property that sits 17 feet higher than University Ave. and offers a unique overlook of nearby treetops and rooftops.
It will be a park that champions open space, equity and access.
According to a green space assessment, just 2.3 percent of the area is dedicated to parkland, although parks make up an average of 15 percent of St. Paul. The new park will be within a 10-minute walk of more than 2,600 residents—including the residents of Skyline Tower, who are largely East African immigrants.
Student engagement
“Our work on the future park at Griggs is an example of civically engaged storytelling-approaches to curriculum,” remarked Creager. “Highly engaging, state-standard aligned curriculum is available in the community around a school and doesn’t need to be purchased from Pearson Inc. and Scholastic. For students, interaction with this park project boosted their sense of civic agency, and familiarity with the processes of championing community change.”
Photo right: Gordon Parks High School English teacher Jamie Tomlin collects ideas for park names during a student-led event on the future park property held in 2017. These names were then whittled down to 15, then five, and finally three that were forwarded to the parks and recreation department. The three finalists were Peace, Unity, and Midway. In all, 512 votes were cast on the names. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
Creager added, “For the educators involved, the project gave us an opportunity to apply learning in a relevant, tangible way, and show that schools can play a vital role in the communities where they are located.”
GPHS remains dedicated to staying informed regarding ongoing park work through the Trust for Public Land and city of St. Paul.
Although 17-year-old LaDavia Allcorn will graduate this spring, she plans to come back and assist with the park. “I’m not done,” she said. “That park isn’t built yet.”
The park caught Allcorn’s attention the very first day she attended GPHS as a sophomore, and ever since she’s been working to make the park a reality. She’s so glad for the opportunity through GPHS to get credit for “doing something amazing like this.” Working through the process of getting a park created has been an eye-opener for her.
“I’m ready for that park to be built,” said Allcorn. She’s excited for the day when she can bring her kids to the park and let them know she helped make it happen.
It is a park that the school and nearby community need, according to Allcorn, who recently helped garner votes on the park name. Personally, she favored the name “Our Park,” because, as she explained, “It’s everyone’s park.”
Allcorn pointed out that parks are beneficial in many ways, and she’s looking forward to students being able to have a space to spread out a blanket, take a break from school, and enjoy the mental health benefits associated with green space.
“They deserve that,” stated Allcorn, who observed that this park might be something small for others, but it’s something big for them.
Soil analysis at park site
GPHS students have also begun collaborating with Kat Hayes, an anthropology professor at the University of Minnesota, and her grad students.
“The future parkland has a unique history, and some of the soil is relatively undisturbed,” stated Creager.
Students have done archaeological mapping projects on the property.
The archaeology curriculum includes components such as biology modules using bone casts and teaching bones from the university’s anthropology department labs. A demonstration was given on LIDAR (light detection and ranging), a noninvasive way to record and assess the site, as well as a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) module, that gave students a chance to see how this technology is used in the field.
Students also learned how archaeologists set up sites and document everything in 3D space.
Under the direction of GPHS science teacher Joel Abdella, students have recently begun conducting a soil analysis project.
This project and the future park space has “helped begin years of science and social studies curricular inquiry,” said Creager. “These projects also create a shareable class experience that will help inspire more taxpayer support to leverage policymaker involvement with thoughtful school change, and inspire students and staff to keep pushing for the educational reform our schools need.”
Creager added, “Kat is also an incredible fit for us because she brings a deep background of exploring sensitive racial and economic histories into archaeological inquiry.”
Participants appreciate this project because it involves so many things—historical research, contemporary social relevance of urban planning, questions of environmental justice, applications of science and math to real-world problems, and thinking about how to commemorate the past.

Copyright © Monitor Saint Paul

Black Bear calls it quits at Como Pavilion

District Court rules that it was the city -- not Black Bear -- that breached agreement

by Tesha M. Christensen

Black Bear Crossings on the Lake at the Como Pavilion won the legal dispute between the restaurant and the city of St. Paul, but they’ve decided to close at the end of 2014 anyway.

Citing a breach of the management agreement, last fall St. Paul decided not to renew its contract with Black Bear Crossings. On May 15, 2014, the district court in Ramsey County ruled that it was the city that had breached the management agreement with Black Bear Crossings by denying Black Bear’s request for an extension to continue operating through 2018.

The court also ruled that the city “is liable to [Black Bear] for any money damages caused by its breach of the agreement.” Citing the “bitter dispute” over the city’s breach of the agreement, however, the court did not require the parties to continue doing business together.

The court found that the terms of the agreement were “clear and unambiguous” and that the city had “failed to come forward with evidence” that would justify its refusal to extend the agreement. In a previous ruling, the court found that statements the city made to the local media about Black Bear caused “irreparable harm” to Black Bear’s business.

Specifically, the city had alleged that Black Bear paid its rent late for the past four years; did not provide the city with three bids for each project it undertook; and submitted receipts two years late. Additionally, the city had said that Black Bear did not submit its financial records to the city for review in a timely manner. The city requested the records on May 15, 2013 and expected them within 15 days. They were provided in August 2013.

The city had also pointed out that there are almost 4.4 million visitors at Como each year, and expressed concern that the cafe had not shown the level of sales that would be expected from a successful establishment in that location.

Pamela and David Glass (a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe) opened Black Bear Crossings in 1997 and moved to the Como Pavilion in 2000. During the Glasses’ tenure, a patio was built on the lakeside of the pavilion, and two perennial gardens created. A concession stand was added on the lower lever of the pavilion, and the cafe also handles paddleboats and canoe rentals.

 “For 17 years, Pam and I poured our heart and soul into Black Bear to make it a destination for the community worthy of Como Park’s rich heritage. We received countless awards and accolades for our service and now a court of law also recognized our contributions,” said David Glass.

“The Glasses will pursue damage claims against the city to compensate them for the irreparable harm that the city caused to their business both in breaching the contract and making erroneous statements to the media that their breach was justified, which a court has now found to be without merit,” said Black Bear’s lawyer Jan Conlin of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P.

City Park and Recreation staff opted not to comment on this issue, citing the city’s policy of not commenting on pending litigation due to legal constraints.

MOVING FORWARD

Events can still be booked with Black Bear Crossings through the end of 2014; however, no new bookings will be accepted for dates after Jan. 4, 2015. All event already booked for 2015 or 2016 will continue to be honored by the city (and the new partner). Customers may also elect to cancel their event and request a full refund.

Over the next several months, the city will complete a competitive selection process for finding a new vendor for the management of the Pavilion. In June, the city collected feedback and ideas via an online survey. Browse http://www.stpaul.gov/index.aspx?nid=1146 to stay informed.

Black Bear Crossing may remain at Como Pavilion

Black Bear Crossings may remain at the Como Pavilion this year.

The city and Black Bear Crossings are currently involved in litigation regarding who will run the Pavilion. A pending lawsuit will determine whether the city of St. Paul must extend Black Bear’s current lease at the Pavilion through 2018.

According to Brad Meyer of the St. Paul Parks and Recreation Department, “This lawsuit does not impact current or future bookings at the Pavilion, and despite the parties’ disagreement, Black Bear and the city agree that any wedding or event that is scheduled at the Pavilion will go forward on the scheduled date and time.”

He added, “Black Bear Crossings and the city of St. Paul are committed to ensuring the smooth operation of the Como Lakeside Pavilion for couples, organizations, and other customers who have booked weddings or events in 2014 or beyond.”

The St. Paul Parks and Recreation Department has accused the Glasses of breach of contract, and argued that the restaurant should be earning higher revenues in order to be considered successful. The Glasses have disagreed.

Extreme makeover: Seal Island edition

Como requests state to approve $13.8 million to update the seal and sea lion exhibit

by Tesha M. Christensen

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is ready to give Sparky’s home an extreme makeover.

To move forward, Como is asking state legislators to approve $13.8 million in general obligation bonds. Another $1 million will come from private donations.

“Sparky is an ambassador for conservation education, through the 2 million plus visitors to Como Park Zoo and Conservatory each year, including 500,000 school age kids taking part of some educational programming,” stated Como’s Campus Manager Michelle Furrer. 

“Today we see multi-generations visiting and making connections with the animals like Sparky and our hope is that this will continue for generations.”

There was no funding set aside for Como Zoo in Gov. Mark Dayton’s proposed bonding request to the Legislature, but there was $8.9 million in transportation and access improvements for the surrounding Como Regional Park. There was, however, $53.3 million in bonding requests from the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley.

PROJECT WILL OCCUPY SAME AREA AT COMO

Currently, the seals and sea lions split their time between Seal Island in the summer and the Marine Mammal Building in the winter. Sparky is housed year-round in a separate pool from other seals and sea lions.

“Como has been a part of Minnesota’s lives for over 100 years and Sparky for nearly 60 years,” observed Furrer.

The $14.8 million project being planned will use the same 64,500 square feet that currently house Seal Island and the amphitheater. However, the amount of pool area will jump from 146,000 gallons to 244,000 gallons.

When Seal Island is renovated, all the seals and sea lions will be housed together, rather than in groups of two or three. Currently, Como has six pinnipeds (the classification for seals and sea lions), and will have room for eight with the changes to their habitat area.

GUESTS WILL EXPERIENCE TRAINING FIRSTHAND

The outdoor exhibit for seals was originally called Monkey Island when it was built during the WPA in the 1930s. It was converted in the early 1980s into Seal Island and an amphitheater was added nearby. The habitats were not built with training in mind, nor do they meet updated standards of animal management, according to Furrer.

With its freshwater pools, Seal Island no longer meets federal requirements. The renovation plan replaces the freshwater area with two saltwater pools. These will provide zoo guests with both underwater and above water viewing that is available year-round. Guests will be able to see the animals in a more naturalistic habitat year round. Plus, visitors will be able to experience the operant conditioning training of the animals firsthand.

Because the current facility was not designed with training in mind, Como trainers face the challenge of needing a trainer for each animal during sessions. “This means that if there are four animals on the island, we need four trainers,” explained Senior Keeper Allison Jungheim. 

The new construction will give trainers more options. Using the principals of positive enforcement, the pinnipeds at Como receive 2-3 training sessions a day, during which they get most of their daily food.

“Training is mentally stimulating and very enriching for them,” stated Jungheim.

NOT ABOUT GETTING BIGGER BUT BETTER

The update to Seal Island follows upon the heels of the $11 million Gorilla Forest that opened in June 2013, and the $15 million Polar Bear Odyssey that opened in June 2010.

“With the development of these last series of projects for Como, it’s not about getting bigger but doing what we do better,” said Furrer. “We want to ensure that, for generations to come, Sparky will be an ambassador for conservation and education. In order to do this updates are needed.”

This story was printed in the February 2014 edition of the St. Paul Monitor.

Longtime St. Paul company to run Como Golf Course

City council approves 5-year agreement with Prom Management Group 

by Tesha M. Christensen

As a boy, Bill Given of Prom Management Group, Inc. played golf at Como. As a man, he and his brother will be running things.

St. Paul has reached a five-year agreement with Prom Management Group to manage both Como and Phalen golf courses. The city council approved the agreement at its Jan. 22, 2014 meeting on a 4-3 vote, with Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Thune and Councilmember Tolbert voting against it.

“I am most excited to see this new adventure become successful and profitable for both our company and the city,” said Bill. “If we can accomplish this, and provide exemplar customer service and products, this will be a win for everyone, including those who pay taxes in the city and do not play golf.”

TIES TO ST. PAUL

Bill and his brother Tom were born and raised in St. Paul. “We have a very rich history in St. Paul, spanning more than three generations,” stated Given.

The company began in the 1940s when their father, Harry Given, visited the original Prom Ballroom on University Ave. to do advertising and promotion for the popular dance hall. After a few years, Harry became the general manager, and eventually the owner.

During the late 1980s, Tom and Bill brought the company from their father and shifted it into catering, event management and concessions operations. They operated out of the Prom Expo Center on Smith Ave. in St. Paul, and became involved in the catering aspects of local and national PGA tournaments. As the business grew, they expanded into a new 40,000-square-foot facility in Oakdale.

Today, Prom Management Group caters to over 30 golf tournaments nationwide, including: PGA TOUR, Champion’s Tour, USGA National Championships, the LPGA Tour, the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, THE PLAYERS, The Presidents Cup and the 3M Championship- TPC of the Twin Cities in Blaine, Minn.

“We took over Theodore Wirth in Minneapolis and Columbia in Minneapolis seven years ago, and have doubled the food and beverage revenues in that time,” noted Bill. “We have expanded food options, specials, beverage options, as well as service and catered offerings that the patrons never had previous to our arrival.  

“Many years ago, we did the same at Keller Golf course, and we have been very successful at that venue for 28 years.”

A NEW BUSINESS VENTURE

Como will represent a new business venture for Prom, as it will be the first time they have managed tasks outside food and special events, but the Givens are looking forward to the prospect.

“This is a natural expansion of our golf interests, and a platform that we believe will have many more opportunities,” said Bill. “We believe we can deliver a better customer service experience for our patrons, expand menu and food and beverage options, and still produce a profit. I am most excited about the structure and development of this new business segment.”

 AGREEMENT HELPED CITY KEEP AAA RATING

Prom will assume total financial responsibility for losses or gains at the golf courses. Prom will pay the city 4% of gross revenues from both courses, with a minimum guaranteed amount of $65,000 (regardless of performance). The city’s total annual payment will increase from the minimum annual guarantee if gross revenues totaled more than $875,000 at Phalen, and/or $750,000 at Como, in a season.

Prom will be required to provide the city with monthly financial performance statements and an annual financial report.

While Prom will set the rates at the golf courses, the city will have final approval.

Prom may use the current city-owned turf maintenance equipment and furniture, fixtures and equipment at each course, but will be responsible for repairing and maintaining it.

The city will contribute $30,000 per course each year for capital improvements. Meanwhile, Prom will spend $10,000 per course for the first three years, and $20,000 per course for the remaining two years.

The city will continue to operate the ski program at Como and the cross-country grooming at Phalen during the winter.

About 20 full-time unionized public employees who work at the Phalen and Como courses will be affected by this agreement. Most will be reassigned to work at the Highland courses filling positions previously being held by temporary/seasonal/out of title workers. The staff that are impacted have been officially notified of any changes to their existing positions, and only a few will not have a position, pointed out Brad Meyer of the Parks and Recreation Department. Some opted to retire. The city will eliminate all operating liability, and after all expenses are factored in, the net benefit of the agreement will be in the range of $400k annually.

The city’s golf deficit grew to more than $7 million in 2013. According to parks and recreation staff, getting this draft agreement in place and eliminating the operating liability at Como and Phalen were essential to maintaining the city’s AAA credit rating.

“So this agreement with Prom that eliminates losses and allows the courses to stay open with enhanced food and beverage options is the best case scenario in this situation,” said Meyer.

PLANS FOR CHANGE

The Givens believe they can do a better job than the city at running the golf courses, in part because they will be able to promote more events (such as weddings, golf tournaments, etc..), and drive revenues in a way that a city can’t.

Prom plans to get liquor licenses in order to give patrons more choices and keep the golfer after their rounds.

“We also plan to offer some new pricing options to try to fill open tee times,” said Bill.

The Givens expect challenges. “Both courses will always be challenged with weather – it’s obviously one thing we cannot control,” said Bill. 

Additionally, the clubhouse configuration and space at Como is not ideal for promoting any catering or even expanding food and beverage service.  However, the Givens intend to add outside seating and furniture that is rain resistant, and improve options on the beverage carts to counteract these negatives. 

Because Como does not have a driving range, the Givens know that expanding golf to the public and trying to gain new golfers will be difficult.

“As you know, the golf population has been shrinking over the past 10 years.  We are going to try to make the experience easier, less stressful, and more enjoyable,” said Given.

This story was printed in the February 2014 edition of the St. Paul Monitor.

St. Paul considers private management of Como Golf Course

League members and residents have mixed feelings about proposal

by Tesha M. Christensen

St. Paul is considering partnering with a private company to run Como and Phalen golf courses starting next year.

It’s a move the golfers at Como have mixed feelings about.

“Members have concerns about how a private manager would work with the Men’s Club,” said Como Men’s League Board Member Gary Ketchel. Among the questions are: will the condition of the course remain is it is, or will new managers cut corners maintaining the grounds to save money? “Like any change there will always be apprehension and there is plenty of that here,” Ketchel stated.

“Others feel like it could be just what Como needs to remain viable and be here for future generations,” he added.

Como Women’s League Club President Kathy Zieman questions how the city is going to save money by going with an outside management company.

“By contracting out the operation and management of Phalen and Como, the city will shift the risk and expenses to a private vendor,” explained city employee Brad Meyer.

In addition to removing the risk of loss, the city would also ask for a share of the profits. Plus, the city intends to ask vendors to make their own private investment into the required capital needs at the courses.

“Without this private vendor option, the city would be required to start subsidizing golf from the general fund for almost $1 million a year to keep the courses open (which is not a core value of the city),” pointed out Meyer. “This subsidizing would almost certainly impact other hard hit areas of the Parks and Recreation budget (like recreation centers) or require the courses to close, which is not something the department would like to pursue.”

CITY GOLF COURSES LOSING MONEY

Over the last 5 plus years, expenses at the city’s four golf courses have exceeded revenues by at least $600,000 annually (including more than a $1 million this year), according Meyer.

This year, Como is expected to lose $300,000. The number of people playing golf has gone down. This year was especially difficult at Como because the course opened a month later due to poor weather conditions. Golf rounds have decreased almost 27% since 2005, according to St. Paul Special Services Manager Susie Odegard.

“After reviewing the current marketplace and the experience of other municipalities, going out to the marketplace is the only option that will allow for continued services at the courses,” said Odegard.

“Losing $600,000 plus for more than 5 years is not sustainable. Ramsey County was in a similar situation, but now after a few years of operating within this model, the risk of loss is gone, and opportunities for profit are exponentially better,” said Meyer. “We are hopeful that we can experience a similar trajectory.”

PRIVATIZATION GROWING TREND

Ketchel pointed out that privatization of municipal courses is a growing trend in the industry. “In the old days, when golf was very popular, municipalities with golf courses made money almost by accident,” he observed. 

He believes that government is opinion inherently weak when it comes to running enterprise-type operations. “This is where private management partnerships can help,” said Ketchel.

“Private management will tweak the current business model to identify and maximize all the profit potential pieces of the golf course. These things may include looking at rate structure, staffing issues, food service potential, clothing and equipment sales, advertising, etc.”

According to Ketchel, in recent years there has been a lapse in clubhouse services, such as a fully stocked Pro Shop and restaurant choices. “A private manager would most likely focus on these things not only for a profit potential, but also as services that attract golfers to the course,” he said. “Tee time sales could be improved by managing pricing better to fill open tee times at traditionally slow times of the day. Private management might do a better job of attracting and negotiating golf tournaments and leagues.”

LEAGUE MEMBERS, RESIDENTS TO BE INVOLVED

Members from the city’s parks and recreation department met with league members and local residents on Oct. 28 to discuss the Request for Proposals (RFP) process the city intends to use to solicit vendors.

“It was promised that this group would be involved in RFP reviewing and subsequent contract negotiation process,” said Ketchel. “I think this was well received by most at the meeting.”

“Input from the district councils and neighbors will be encouraged throughout the process, and we fully expect to continue active dialogues even after a vendor begins operating the courses,” stated Meyer.

St. Paul will continue to operate the successful existing winter activity programs at the courses, including cross-country ski trails and the Alpine sports program that offers ski and snowboard activities.

The city intends to reassign the 20 or so affected staff to available positions at the Highland golf courses or generally within the Parks Department. The private vendor may also opt to hire some of the displaced workers.

Personally, Ketchel isn’t concerned that this would be bad for the Como Golf Course. “At its worst the city would show no gains in profitability,” Ketchel said.

“But keep in mind that no management company is going bid on this unless they feel strongly that they can profit. Hopefully the city will do a good job vetting any company that bids on this RFP.”

During a vote on Nov. 6, City council members agreed to solicit RFPs on a 4-3 vote. “We’re spending too much now for what we’re getting,” stated District 4 City Council Member Russ Stark.

Como Golf Club members hope course will remain

St. Paul may repurpose the 18-hole golf course nestled next to zoo

by Tesha M. Christensen

What would the Como Golf Course be used for if it wasn’t a golf course?

That’s the question on the minds of the folks who play golf there.

They’ve heard that the city of St. Paul is talking about repurposing the 18-hole golf course that has been nestled next to the zoo and conservatory since 1929. Parks and Recreation has requested that the city allocate $100,000 in its 2014 budget to study the issue.

Would the space be used for more parking? Would it be park land? Would the zoo or conservatory expand? Would it be pared down to a 9-hole course?

Ask a member of either the men’s or women’s golf clubs at Como if they support repurposing the golf course and the answer is a resounding “No.”

“It would be such a sad thing to do,” said Como Women’s Club member Amy Winkel.

She added, “This is like the Central Park of St. Paul. Why would you ever get rid of this greenery? Once you get rid of a green space, you never get it back.”

Winkel pointed out hikers enjoy the paths in the summer, and in the winter people sled and cross country ski on the course.

“You lose sight of the fact that you’re in the city,” said Como Men’s Golf Club Vice President Tom Dapper. “It’s a nice little oasis. It’s just tucked away.”

The men’s and women’s clubs reserve the course on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 to 10 a.m., but aside from those hours it is open to the public.

WELL-LOVED COURSE

Rick Zieman lives just over the hill from the golf course, and has golfed at Como since 1974. He thinks that the zoo, conservatory and golf course function well together. “You take any of that away and you’ve wasted the whole area,” said Zieman.

He appreciates seeing seals and flamingos while he golfs, and added that 80% of the time he is at Como golfing he sees foxes. “You feel like you’re in a jungle sometimes,” Zieman said.

“I never get tired of playing here,” said Ruthie Pallow, a member of the women’s club, which will be celebrating its 80th anniversary next year.

“I love the course,” said Tom Davis, who golfs at Como with his son, Ben. “It’s so convenient.” He currently drives in from Shoreview to play at Como, but said he wouldn’t continue to do so if it were pared down to a 9-hole course.

Mike McDonald is a member at the University of Minnesota golf course nearby, but golfs more frequently at the Como course. “Como has much more character,” McDonald explained.

“Como Golf Course gives people a chance to play golf with the people in their community,” observed Como Ranger Dan John. “St. Paul is an old town and this is an old course with all the amenities you need.”

He added, “It’s a great place to learn to play golf. It’s a tough course. If you can play here, you can play anywhere.”

John doesn’t think that the city has solicited enough input from people who play golf at the course and should involve them more before any decisions are made.

THE ISSUES

Why is the city considering a repurpose of the Como Golf Course? As presented at public meeting earlier this year, golf course use is dropping and the city doesn’t feel it can operate four courses any longer.

Golf club members think that problem could be solved by lowering the prices at Como. “If the city reduced the price to be competitive with outside courses, people wouldn’t drive 20 miles,” said Zieman.

Golf club members also suggest that more marketing be done, particularly early in the season. Zieman pointed out that recently a Groupon enticed people to Como, but he doesn’t think it was as valuable as it could have been because there are only a few weeks left in the season.

A letter being distributed by Como Golf Club members suggests that the decline is cyclical and may soon improve.

According to the letter: “During these days we do dispute Como’s implied lack of viability and are disappointed by lack of effort on the part of Parks & Recreation to make concerted efforts to market and distinguish Como’s advantages from other courses in the metropolitan area. ...

“Assurances were made in spring 2012 to representatives of both this club, and those from Highland and Phalen, for implementation of innovative promotional efforts toward generating increased course use. From inquiry and observation, such actions did not occur in any notable way. We wish to see genuine efforts made in this regard before any firm decision is made on Como’s fate.”

Como golfers also question whether the debt the city owes for renovating Highland National several years ago is making Como’s financials look worse than they really are.

“We pretty much break even,” pointed out Dapper.

“I don’t think it is the performance of the club that’s the issue,” said Dapper.

He thinks that the city is getting pressured to provide more parking for the zoo.

Dapper pointed out that it is only fair that whatever else “be suggested as alternatives to the golf course be held to the same standard in terms of financial performance.”

COME ON OUT

In an effort to save the course, both the men’s and women’s golf clubs at Como are attending city and district meetings to encourage city representatives to keep the golf course as it is now. District 6 has expressed its support.

The clubs are also working to address any rumors floating around. Dapper pointed out that no decision on the golf course had been made by the city.

“We encourage people to come out here, whether to play golf or have a pop, pizza or sandwich. Sit on the deck and relax,” said Dapper.

Affordable family fun at Como

One spot has it all: pool, zoo, amusement rides, and conservatory

by Tesha M. Christensen

Kids and water go together like peanut butter and jelly. If your kids are anything like mine, they spend the summer asking for pool days.

Give them their wish without stretching your budget.

An affordable afternoon is as close as Como Regional Pool Park. There’s no need to drive out to the suburbs anymore. My family of four bought a family pass of $16 for the day. Those with more than five in the family pay an additional $3 for each person.

Got a smaller group? The fee for children under 48 inches is $4.50, and those under age 16 is $5. Adults are $6.50 and seniors cost $6. If you don’t want to get wet, pay $2 for a non-swimming deck fee. Those coming with more than 10 people qualify for reduced group rates.

You may want to check out the family season pass. For $195, your family can swim whenever they want at any of the city’s three water parks: Como Regional Pool Park, Highland Aquatic Center and the indoor Great River Water Park.

Open since June 2012, the city-run Como Pool has something for everyone.

The younger kids will love the zero-depth entry area with sprinklers, and the water fun table situated under a shade canopy. There are three waterslides kids of all ages can enjoy that empty into a two-foot-deep area. The wide slide was a big hit with my four-year-old daughter. It’s not easy to find waterslides she go on, let alone a slide she can ride with a parent.

Older kids (and parents) will love the zip line, cliff jumping area, and aquatic climbing wall.

There’s also a 25-yard lap pool with basketball hoops, and a 400-foot lazy river.

Plus, you can feel good about swimming in a pool that has half the chlorine of others, thanks to sphagnum moss filters.  St. Paul was the first city in the nation to adopt sphagnum moss treatment in its municipal pools and with its partner, Creative Water Solutions, Inc., won the Governor’s Award for Pollution Prevention in 2011. Other green features at the one-year-old water park include high-efficiency Neptune-Benson filters in the mechanical room that allow the pool to use less water than conventional filters; 12 solar tubes on the roof heat that water for the showers and concession stand; and rain gardens in the parking lot that reduce run-off.

Open swim hours at Como are weekdays from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Learn more about the pool at the St. Paul City web site http://www.stpaul.gov.

LOTS MORE TO DO

When the kids are done swimming, check out the many other attractions that are just a hop, skip and a jump away. (Browse http://www.comozooconservatory.org/) If you’re like us, you might not have time to see everything in one day, but we’ll be back.

THE CAROUSEL

For just $2 a person, you can take a spin on Cafesjian’s Carousel. Originally located for 75 years at the Minnesota State Fair, it is now owned and operated by the nonprofit organization Our Fair Carousel, Inc. Volunteers have restored the carousel to its 1914 appearance. It was installed in a new pavilion next to the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in 2000.

THE ZOO

Como Zoo’s gorillas got a new home in June 2013 when the Gorilla Forest opened. The larger space of 10,000 square feet is about two and half times larger the former outdoor space. The new exhibit is raised so that visitors get an eye-to-eye, up close and personal views of the gorillas.

Admission to the zoo is always free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer.

Como Zoo features a seal island, a large cat exhibit, a variety of aquatic life, primates, birds, African hoofed animals and a world class polar bear exhibit. Don’t miss the ever popular Sparky the Sea Lion’s show, held weekend days at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

COMO TOWN

Soar like an eagle 85 feet in the air on Como Town’s newest attraction, an exhilarating zip line. A double seat comfortably and safely accommodates two riders from one end of the amusement park to the other. There are more than 18 rides and attractions in Como Town, including the Splash Zone. In addition to the paid rides, there are free entertainment, events, and activities for the kids. After 4 p.m., an unlimited ride wristband is $14.95.

THE CONSERVATORY

Don’t forget to bring mom to the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory before your day is over. The conservatory’s half acre indoor and outdoor facility features several wings dedicated to a variety of plant life including bonsai trees, ferns, orchids and seasonal flowers.