Wabun’s new playground will be city’s first Universal Access one

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Construction to begin this spring on playground that will make it easier for those with disabilities to use

by Tesha M. Christensen

Over 60 years ago, Minnehaha’s Wabun park provided respite to travelers. Later this year, it will provide a place where children of all abilities can gather together at an auto camp-themed playground.

This summer, the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board will construct the city’s first Universal Access playground at Wabun, replacing the equipment there that was installed in 1973. At the park, those with disabilities will be able to use 90% of the play features, a figure significantly higher than the average.  

“I truly believe that bringing children together from a variety of backgrounds and varying abilities will benefit all of us,” stated Peggy Halvorson of Falls 4 All, the non-profit that raised $760,000 for this project together with People for Parks.

“We learn, by playing together at an early age, to accept and understand our differences and see each other as worthwhile, compassionate and whole beings.”

Universal Access playgrounds go a step farther than those that meet the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. While ADA standards call for paths and ramps wheelchairs can traverse, in a universal access playground all ramps are wide enough for wheelchairs and kids don’t have to be transferred out of wheelchairs to use equipment. The surfacing is soft enough to cushion a fall.

There are currently only three such playgrounds in Minnesota: Rochester, Red Wing and St. Cloud. A fourth, Madison’s Place, in Woodbury will also be under construction this summer.

WHY BUILD A UNIVERSAL ACCESS PLAYGROUND?

In the United States today, one in five have disabilities, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Minneapolis Park Board Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Toby Broadrick pointed out that number is expected to rise to 25% of the population in the next decade.

“Too many playgrounds in their design tell kids and adults with disabilities that they are not welcome -- Everything from sand surfacing to no ramps that allow access to the upper play elements,” observed Broadrick. “Some playgrounds don’t even have an accessible pathway to the playground and Wabun is a classic example of that!”

Two years ago, four accessible picnic shelters, a restroom building, and a zero-entry wading pool were constructed at Wabun to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

“It makes perfect sense to put a playground that is fully accessible on that site so that the people that need that kind of amenity can feel included and respected,” said Broadrick.

“I sincerely hope that the Longfellow community is proud to be a part of something that will have a lasting and important impact on so many lives,” said Halvorson.

WHAT WILL THE NEW PLAYGROUND LOOK LIKE?

The inspiration for the playground design at Wabun came from the area’s history as an auto tourist camp in the 1920-1950s.

Elements within the new playground will reflect that history, including a play 1920s-era vehicle, a 1930s-style camper that sways, and a log-cabin aesthetic. In addition to two separate play areas for ages 2-5 and 5-12, there will be a quiet area for kids that need to avoid the over stimulation of noisy, active play. It will have a play fire pit, boulders and tents.

“I love the quiet area and the accommodations for the autism spectrum,” said District 3 Parks Commissioner Scott Vreeland.

Feedback from various surveys showed a preference for the two play areas (2-5 and 5-12) to be close together so that a parent can stand between them and watch both areas at once.

“I love how the design is somewhat ‘upside down’ in that there are not so many ramps, but a large walkway that brings the access to the top of the equipment,” observed Halvorson.

Some residents have expressed concern about the artificial turf planned for the area. “Fake grass in our oldest regional park is not authentic, and its unchanging unnatural green will distract visitors who come to experience a natural area,” said Minneapolis resident Lisa Hondros.

Halvorson pointed out that the more traditional surface for accessible playgrounds, a poured-in-place surfacing with a rubberized matting overlay, is much more expensive, and the Park Board is saving money by opting to use the artificial turf instead.

Park Board Commissioners debated the issue during both of their January meetings on the plans, but decided to proceed with the artificial turf. Commissioner Annie Young reminded the public that this playground will be a different play area than others in the city, and it needs to be accessible by those in wheelchairs. While she personally dislikes the artificial turf, she thinks that it will work well for this type of use.

 Construction is expected to begin in spring of 2013. A ground breaking will occur in April 2013, and a grand opening in September 2013.

In addition to a new playground in the Wabun area of Minnehaha Park, the playground off 45th St. will be redone. The entire cost for both park playgrounds is $1.5 million.

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SIDEBAR:

Park board holds off on one Minnehaha Park playground

The Park Board held off approving the Minnehaha Park North Plateau playground design at its Jan. 16, 2013 meeting. It will review the plan again in February. The North Plateau playground is located off 45th St.

“There needs to be a little more clarity about what that is actually going to look like,” said Commissioner Carol Kummer, who represents the Nokomis and Powderhorn neighborhoods.

While there was a professionally done, 3D rendering of the Wabun design, a similar drawing was not completed for the North Plateau playground. According to Park Board planner Andrea Weber, this was because the park staff do not have the capability to make these 3D designs themselves. The one for Wabun was completed by the playground manufacturer that designed the park. At the North Plateau playground, the park board did not accept a design from a single manufacturer, but instead pulled in pieces from several different ones.

New classic pieces will be arranged in orthogonal groupings. Freestanding slides, fulcrum see-saws, merry-go-rounds and a dome climber are in the older play area. Balance beams, stepping pods and crawl tunnels are in the younger play area. Sand play includes diggers, a sand table and classic molded metal animal spring rockers and concrete play animals to recall the “Longfellow Gardens” Zoo, which was once nearby.

The swings and the climbing structure currently at the park will remain; they were built by a WPA work crew in the 1940s. Designers worked around the existing trees when planning. There will be a play area for ages 2-5 on the east side, and an area for ages 5-12 on the west. A sand pit will be on the south side. The colors for the park will be subdued, natural tones, and the materials used will be metal and wood.

“Parents are excited about seeing a play area similar to what they had as parents,” stated Weber.

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Park Board focuses on urban agriculture

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Plan being development to guide park activities

David Rogers walks his dog past the Lake Nokomis Naturescape, a demonstration garden that illustrates how people can incorporate native plants in their home landscaping. Demonstrations and classes on native gardens are a piece of Urban Agriculture in Minneapolis. Over the next few months, park staff are soliciting ideas and comments from citizens as they work to create an Urgan Agriculture plan for the city.Urban agriculture is about more than just community gardens, said Ginger Cannon of the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB). It encompasses everything from demonstration gardens to farmer’s markets to serving healthy foods at rec centers. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

by Tesha M. Christensen

Confused about what urban agriculture is and why the Minneapolis parks department is involved?

You’re not the only one.

It’s a tough thing to grasp because the definition of urban agriculture is constantly evolving.

“In the city of Minneapolis, we’re still trying to figure out what it means,” said Ginger Cannon of the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB).

The official definition is this: “The effort to support production, consumption, distribution and waste management in an urban environment.”

It is about more than just community gardens, according to Cannon.

“Urban agriculture is everything from farmer’s markets to composting,” said Cannon.

Those engaged in urban agriculture activities may raise chickens. They may grow their own food in either a community garden or personal garden. Or, they may sell local foods at a neighborhood farmers market. 

The practice of urban agriculture helps to meet local food needs while providing environmental, health, social and economic benefits for the community.

Public feedback desired

MPRB is working to develop a comprehensive Urban Agriculture plan. The first step is to solicit public feedback. A series of meetings were held throughout the city in November and December, including one at the Nokomis Rec Center on Dec. 4.

“We want to hear from the community,” said Cannon. “What are the things you think the park should support?”

Comments are still being taken via the MPRB web site. There is a link to the Urban Agriculture Survey at www.minneapolisparks.org on the left navigation bar on the home page.

This plan will:

• Define and prioritize community needs

• Provide recommendations to enhance community services

• Guide allocation of resources to better support urban agriculture as government organization.

Current urban agriculture in the parks

MPRB is currently involved in a range of urban agriculture activities.

While the MPRB does not establish community gardens on any of its park land, it does manage several demonstration gardens. The largest one is Shady Rivers at the Theodore Wirth Regional Park. There youth learn now to plant, harvest and process food. It is then donated to local food shelves.

MPRB does rents four parcels of land it obtained through tax forfeiture to community garden groups (Bancroft Meridian Garden, Soo Line Gardens and Shingle Creek Neighborhood Association). There are another 7 possible locations, including three within the Nokomis East neighborhood.

One of the largest natural demonstration gardens in the city is the Nokomis Naturescape at 50th. It is also the focus of the popular Monarch Festival held each September that the park board helps organize. Three gardens at Minnehaha Park (Longfellow Garden, Song of Hiawatha Garden and the Pergola garden) offer residents the opportunity to learn more about how to garden. The knowledge can then be applied to growing any kind of plant. An area of growth for MPRB might be to not only demonstrate this type of gardening, but to also actively teach it. “We know that people want more programming,” observed Cannon. Classes might include how to improve the soil, permaculture, and which foods to grow in which seasons.

Also important to the MPRB is that vendors in its parks practice composting, which Sandcastle, the new vendor at Nokomis Beach, intends to do.

In Powderhorn, there is a rain garden project.

MPRB could opt to focus more on any one of these efforts, or it could do something new.

A number of ideas have been suggested by citizens at community meetings.

Some have encouraged the MPRB to set aside land for demonstration farms. Others want to see classes at the Rec Center kitchens on how to process food.

MPRB runs the largest childcare program in the city, and some people want MPRB to use this opportunity to teach youth about how to eat healthy.

MPRB could broaden its net and seek to address the food desert in the city, those areas where residents don’t have easy access to healthy food options.

“These are all possibilities,” said Cannon.

WHAT’S NEXT

Following these initial community meetings, the parks staff will now meet with focus groups. The first draft of the Urban Agriculture plan will be completed by late spring 2013. After another round of discussions, the final plan will go before the park board in late 2013.

Sign up for email updates on the project at www.minneapolisparks.org.

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SIDEBAR

What is “urban agriculture”?  Most broadly, the term refers to growing and raising crops and animals in an urban setting for the purpose of feeding local populations. It can include community gardens, commercial gardens, community support agriculture (CSA), farmer’s markets, personal gardens and urban farms.

Pedophile moving to Wenonah neighborhood

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Clarence J. Opheim molested 29 children, has been in treatment for 20 years

by Tesha M. Christensen

A renowned Level III sex offender is moving into the Wenonah neighborhood.

In March 2012, Clarence Joseph Opheim, 65, became the first person in the state to be released from the St. Peter hospital sex offender program. He has been living in temporary housing at Damascus Way in Golden Valley since then. Police have had no contact with Opheim there, nor have they received any phone calls about him.

Soon, Opheim will be residing in a staffed group home on Sander Dr. in the Wenonah neighborhood. The non-secure building is owned by Onkin Properties, and is operated by the Zumbro House, a program that supplies residential services for individuals needing intensive behavioral supports.

Opheim will become the fifth level III sex offender living in the 55417 zip code.

The group home is staffed 24 hours a day. Opheim will not be allowed to leave without a staff member supervising him. He will have limited internet access, and is not allowed to own a cell phone.

The Department Of Health and Human Services will supervise Opheim’s day-to-day activities and have regular face-to-face contact. His movements will be managed and monitored, and he will wear a GPS tracking unit. Transportation will be supplied as needed.

Speaking to a child or drinking alcohol violates the conditions of his release.

OPHEIM’S CRIMINAL HISTORY

Opheim spent 20 years at St. Peter. He is a sex offender who molested 29 children in the 1970s and ’80s.

According to a state document from 2011 detailing why he had been denied discharge, Opheim gained the trust of kids in his Northeast Minneapolis neighborhood by being the “neighborhood nice guy,” offering them candy and soda. His other victims were children of women he befriended in bars. There is no record of stranger-to-stranger sexual contact.

Opheim often initiated conversation with his victims that led to secluded contact at other locations, including his home.

His record indicates sex offenses against predominantly male children ranging in age from 8 to 17 years old; however, his victims also included female children. Some of these offenses involved physical harm, threats of bodily harm, the use of weapons, and the use of alcohol. In at least one instance, Opheim paid a boy between $10 and $50 for each incident to keep his mouth shut.

In addition, Opheim committed a number of non-sexual crimes that included: two counts of burglary, petty theft, aggravated criminal damage to property, aggravated forgery, criminal damage to property, breach of peace, assault, and second degree assault. During one occasion when he was 15 years old, Opheim was involved in a scuffle with his brother and friends. A knife ended up in his brother’s back, and Opheim was charged with assault.

Opheim struggles with chemical dependence, specifically with alcohol. He completed a chemical dependency treatment program in the early 1990s and remains active in Alcoholics Anonymous.

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING HELD

A meeting regarding Opheim was held on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012 at Crosstown Covenant Church.

About 25 people attended, which is a much lower attendance rate than at the first Level III Sex Offender meeting held about a decade ago. Nokomis East Neighborhood Association Associate Director Doug Walter recalled that over 200 people had attended that earlier meeting at Keewaydin School regarding another sex offender. But over the years, as more sex offenders have come and gone, attendance has dropped at the community notification meetings.

The home Opheim will be residing at is now owned by Chris Onkin of Onkin Properties. “This particular program is better for the neighborhood than the tenants who lived in the building before,” noted Walter. “People are probably safer in the neighborhood now.” Because of the drug use and crime there, NENA had focused on cleaning the area up.

However, Walter is concerned about what the future might hold. The state faces a federal lawsuit by several offenders who argue that the Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP) subjects them to illegal indefinite detention. If the state conducts a makeover of its program and begins releasing sex offenders, Walter is worried that more will be housed at Onkin’s two properties on Sander Dr. Onkin is also working to purchase another property nearby on 33rd.

NENA has been assured by officials that they won’t “saturate” the area. “But I don’t know exactly what that mean,” said Walter. “Even two sex offenders in this area will be a lot.”

It costs the state $120,000 a year to house each of its 600 sex offenders at the high-security St. Peter and Moose Lake facilities.

ALL SEX OFFENDERS MUST REGISTER WITH STATE

Lifetime registration is required for all sex offenders. The Minneapolis Police Department stresses that these notifications are not intended to increase fear, but instead believe that an informed public is a safer public. The Minneapolis Police Department has no legal authority to direct where a released offender may or may not live. Unless court-ordered restrictions exist, an offender may live wherever he chooses.

Sex offenders have always lived in our communities but it was not until passage of the Community Notification Bill and Sex Offender Registration Act that law enforcement knew where they were living. Due to the passage of these laws, law enforcement can now share information with the public.

According to www.minneapolismn.gov, a sex offender may be assigned a Risk Level of I, II, or III.

 An offender found to be a Risk Level I is considered the LEAST likely to re-offend.

An offender found to be a Risk Level II is thought to pose a MODERATE risk of re-offense. In this case, local law enforcement, and victims or witnesses are notified of the offenders’ release or relocation, as well as any agencies that may serve a population at risk of victimization that are located near the offenders’ home.

 An offender determined to be the MOST likely to re-offend is assigned a Risk Level III. In this case, local law enforcement, victims or witnesses, and any agencies that serve a population at risk of victimization may be notified, as well as the general public through a community meeting.

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CUTLINE:

Clarence Joseph Opheim, born Aug. 15, 1947, is a white male, 5’10”, 214 pounds, with a large build, brown eyes, very short grey hair (balding) and a fair complexion.  He wears glasses.

SIDEBARS

Personal Safety Tips

FOR CHILDREN

- Assure your children that they can talk with you about questions they have about good touch versus bad touch, what to do if a stranger approaches them or if someone they know acts inappropriately towards them.

- Remind your children basic safety rules: never talk to strangers or accept rides from people you don’t know; watch out for common lures and tricks (a lost adult wanting directions, asking you to help look for a lost pet, offering you money, candy, toys in exchange for a favor, etc.).

- Teach them to use the buddy system and to listen to their instincts – if something doesn’t feel or seem right, talk to you, a teacher, or another adult they trust.

FOR ADULTS

- Keep your windows and doors locked whether you are home or not. Some break-ins happen even when you’ve just stepped outside to water your lawn or shovel snow.

- If you live in a security building, do not let in people that you do not know, even if you think you may appear impolite. Remember, if they are there for a legitimate visit, their host will let them in.

- Consider taking a personal safety class and scheduling a home security check, both of which are conducted free of charge by the Minneapolis Police Department.

- Consider joining your neighborhood block club. Neighbors that know each other are more likely to look out for one another. If no club exists, contact local Crime Prevention Specialist Sue Roethele (612-673-2839 or sue.roethele@minneapolismn.gov) for more information about starting a block club, attending a personal safety workshop, or scheduling a home security check.

From http://www.minneapolismn.gov

Facts about Sexual Violence in Minnesota

- Over 90% of all convicted sex offenders knew their victims (according to victim interviews) prior to sexually assaulting them, according to the Minnesota Department of Corrections. Contrary to popular belief, most sex offenders do not assault strangers. They look like anyone else. They are our friends, family members, and community leaders. They are most often people we know and trust.

- In Minnesota, the most common sex offense committed by those that have gone to prison is that of child molestation. The second most common is rape, followed by incest and then sexual offenses that fall into a category listed as “other” (prostitution, pornography, etc.).

- Of the over 1,300 registered sex offenders in Minneapolis, the largest number of those (subject to Risk Level assignment) are Level I’s. Level II sex offenders constitute the second largest number of offenders, with Level III’s making up the smallest number.

- Sex offenders are NOT placed in any neighborhoods in the city of Minneapolis. Once they are released from prison, they are free to live wherever they choose. Most offenders are released to the jurisdiction that originally gained conviction and is overseeing their probation. This jurisdiction cannot legally deny them residency. Offenders that want to move outside that jurisdiction must obtain permission prior to moving and may be denied residency.

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.