8/20/2018 - An Open Letter to the Community - Hiawatha Golf Course Property CA
David Kaplan - Chair of the Hiawatha Golf Course Property Master Plan Community Advisory Committee (CAC
For those of you I do not know, my name is David Kaplan. I am a resident of the Standish neighborhood - formally serving on the SENA Board - and now serving as the Chair of the Hiawatha Golf Course Property Master Plan Community Advisory Committee (CAC).
I am writing this open letter to you, my neighbors, and posting it simultaneously on NextDoor, E-Democracy, the Save Hiawatha Golf Course Facebook page, the Friends of Lake Hiawatha Facebook page, and am asking MPRB staff to send it to all CAC members. My hope is to prepare us as a community for the next CAC meeting, and the work ahead.
As we all know, this project has been steeped in strong opinions - and rightfully so. This property is complex in how the different communities interact with it, the emotional and historical connections it has for people, and the role it plays a rallying point around environmental and ecological concerns. And we can all agree that there are valid concerns around how to keep homes dry.
I think it's important that we address the role of the CAC. It is not an authoritative body. It has no statutory ability to affect change. It is advisory only. Its role is to provide a handful of options to the MPRB Commissioners for them to consider, and hopefully choose from, when they make final design choices on the property. It is essentially the community's opportunity to say, "based on the larger decisions you (the MPRB Commissioners) have made, here is how we now want to masterplan the space and here is what is important to us."
We are not a body that can decide the pumping question. That is the Board of Commissioners.
What the CAC did do in a 9-6 vote was ask the MPRB Commissioners for clarification of the original resolution which was poorly written and left much to the imagination and interpretation, and that we be allowed to look at other pumping scenarios - essentially asking this newly elected Park Board to reconsider the decision of the previous one.
The MPRB Commissioners debated this for almost 2 months among themselves I am told, and at two public meetings. Their response was clear as was their instructions for the CAC:
Whereas, The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) is the steward of Minneapolis parks;
Whereas, Hiawatha Golf Course is a part of the Minneapolis park system and a component of the Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park;
Whereas, The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board adopted Resolution 2017-243 on October 4, 2017;
Whereas, A Community Advisory committee (CAC) was formed to guide a master plan process for the Hiawatha Golf Course Property according to Resolution 2017-243;
Whereas, On April 30, 2018, the CAC voted to request a clarification of Resolution 2017- 243 by the Board of Commissioners;
Whereas, Resolution 2017-243, when it was first approved by the Board of Commissioners, included direction for "strong consideration for traditional golf in some form on the property" as the CAC explored possibilities through a master planning process; and
Whereas, Golf stakeholders have noted the importance of Hiawatha Golf Course and other MPRB golf courses related to the introduction and perpetuation of the sport for black golfers.
RESOLVED, That the Board of Commissioners clarifies Resolution 2017-243 to indicate the master planning process shall pursue a reduced pumping scenario as conceptualized in Alternative B;
RESOLVED, That the Board of Commissioners intends for the CAC to bring forward a solution resulting from the master planning process that includes, at a minimum, a flood-resilient and ecologically-driven nine-hole configuration for a golf course on the property;
RESOLVED, That the Board of Commissioners intends for the CAC to reflect in the master plan appropriate methods of recognizing the role of Hiawatha Golf Course and the history of black golfers in the Minneapolis park system; and
RESOLVED, That the President of the Board and Secretary to the Board are authorized to take all necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.
___
The response clearly states that "master planning process shall pursue a reduced pumping scenario as conceptualized in Alternative B" which was the plan proposed that reduces pumping to from 242 MGY to around 94 MGY.
And within those confines of pumping reduction, we are to look at developing a plan that "includes, at a minimum, a flood-resilient and ecologically-driven nine-hole configuration for a golf course on the property" and one that has "appropriate methods of recognizing the role of Hiawatha Golf Course and the history of black golfers in the Minneapolis park system."
Some community members like this compromise, some do not. But that was clearly going to be the case for any decision made by the MPRB Commissioners. In the end, it is their legal right and their statutory duty as elected officials to make this decision, it's why we elect them. And for those who do not agree with the decision, there are appropriate avenues to go down to address your concerns - through electoral or legal means. But the CAC is not one of those.
It is time for the CAC to begin its work - to start the lengthy process of master planning the site under the conditions set forth by the MPRB Commissioners. Should something change through the appropriate methods, then the CAC can change its direction as well. But we can no longer spin our wheels and waste tax dollars on a stagnant process. We all signed up to do this work. The application page was clear in our role:
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is seeking applications from the general public to serve on the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the Hiawatha Golf Course Property Master Plan. This planning project will guide capital improvements, management and operations within the golf course property.
In June of 2014, over 11 inches of rain fell on Hiawatha Golf Course and caused $1.5 million in damage. Parts of the damage has been restored, but elevated the necessity for a future flood resiliency plan. During the flood resiliency planning effort, the MPRB discovered it was pumping a volume of groundwater significantly greater than the amount allowed through a groundwater appropriations permit issued by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. This discovery put the planning effort on hold and triggered an intensive groundwater and stormwater study for the area, completed in 2017.
The Hiawatha Golf Course Property Master Plan will restart the planning process and will align water management strategies with potential future uses of the golf course property, including a consideration of traditional golf in some form and other current uses on the property.
The CAC will work with MPRB staff and consultants over the next 12 months to make recommendations to MPRB Commissioners. Project details and CAC applications are linked below.
____
At the next meeting, I plan to begin the master planning process, to bring in our consultants who have been waiting for months, and we will begin with a visioning exercise. It is vital that we start this project, and I intend to see that it does begin.
Continued failure on the CAC's part to start the process may have very real, lasting effects. Most important of those, is that the CAC process is not a requirement of the MPRB. They do it because they value community involvement, but they can also, if we continue to ignore our charge and duties, choose to dissolve us and move forward with master planning without a CAC. I remind us all that Meadowbrook did not have a CAC - and that having one for Hiawatha is an anomaly, not the standard.
The community would lose its voice, its input, and its collective say in the matter. Each CAC member was appointed to represent a community or an organization. If we fail to represent them, and we give over control of the planning, we have failed our neighbors and our communities.
When we meet in (hopefully) September, we will be 6 months into a proposed 12-month process with no actual master planning work done. That must change.
I ask that the CAC follow my lead and we move into master planning at the next meeting. I ask that the community come and participate in the process and provide your input on the visioning process at the end of the meeting. And I ask that those who wish to see another direction use the appropriate vehicles to do so - the CAC is not the appropriate location or place to air grievances anymore, the MPRB Commissioners have been clear in their direction.
I look forward to working with you all in the coming months.
David Kaplan
Standish resident
CAC Chair
I am writing this open letter to you, my neighbors, and posting it simultaneously on NextDoor, E-Democracy, the Save Hiawatha Golf Course Facebook page, the Friends of Lake Hiawatha Facebook page, and am asking MPRB staff to send it to all CAC members. My hope is to prepare us as a community for the next CAC meeting, and the work ahead.
As we all know, this project has been steeped in strong opinions - and rightfully so. This property is complex in how the different communities interact with it, the emotional and historical connections it has for people, and the role it plays a rallying point around environmental and ecological concerns. And we can all agree that there are valid concerns around how to keep homes dry.
I think it's important that we address the role of the CAC. It is not an authoritative body. It has no statutory ability to affect change. It is advisory only. Its role is to provide a handful of options to the MPRB Commissioners for them to consider, and hopefully choose from, when they make final design choices on the property. It is essentially the community's opportunity to say, "based on the larger decisions you (the MPRB Commissioners) have made, here is how we now want to masterplan the space and here is what is important to us."
We are not a body that can decide the pumping question. That is the Board of Commissioners.
What the CAC did do in a 9-6 vote was ask the MPRB Commissioners for clarification of the original resolution which was poorly written and left much to the imagination and interpretation, and that we be allowed to look at other pumping scenarios - essentially asking this newly elected Park Board to reconsider the decision of the previous one.
The MPRB Commissioners debated this for almost 2 months among themselves I am told, and at two public meetings. Their response was clear as was their instructions for the CAC:
Whereas, The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) is the steward of Minneapolis parks;
Whereas, Hiawatha Golf Course is a part of the Minneapolis park system and a component of the Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park;
Whereas, The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board adopted Resolution 2017-243 on October 4, 2017;
Whereas, A Community Advisory committee (CAC) was formed to guide a master plan process for the Hiawatha Golf Course Property according to Resolution 2017-243;
Whereas, On April 30, 2018, the CAC voted to request a clarification of Resolution 2017- 243 by the Board of Commissioners;
Whereas, Resolution 2017-243, when it was first approved by the Board of Commissioners, included direction for "strong consideration for traditional golf in some form on the property" as the CAC explored possibilities through a master planning process; and
Whereas, Golf stakeholders have noted the importance of Hiawatha Golf Course and other MPRB golf courses related to the introduction and perpetuation of the sport for black golfers.
RESOLVED, That the Board of Commissioners clarifies Resolution 2017-243 to indicate the master planning process shall pursue a reduced pumping scenario as conceptualized in Alternative B;
RESOLVED, That the Board of Commissioners intends for the CAC to bring forward a solution resulting from the master planning process that includes, at a minimum, a flood-resilient and ecologically-driven nine-hole configuration for a golf course on the property;
RESOLVED, That the Board of Commissioners intends for the CAC to reflect in the master plan appropriate methods of recognizing the role of Hiawatha Golf Course and the history of black golfers in the Minneapolis park system; and
RESOLVED, That the President of the Board and Secretary to the Board are authorized to take all necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.
___
The response clearly states that "master planning process shall pursue a reduced pumping scenario as conceptualized in Alternative B" which was the plan proposed that reduces pumping to from 242 MGY to around 94 MGY.
And within those confines of pumping reduction, we are to look at developing a plan that "includes, at a minimum, a flood-resilient and ecologically-driven nine-hole configuration for a golf course on the property" and one that has "appropriate methods of recognizing the role of Hiawatha Golf Course and the history of black golfers in the Minneapolis park system."
Some community members like this compromise, some do not. But that was clearly going to be the case for any decision made by the MPRB Commissioners. In the end, it is their legal right and their statutory duty as elected officials to make this decision, it's why we elect them. And for those who do not agree with the decision, there are appropriate avenues to go down to address your concerns - through electoral or legal means. But the CAC is not one of those.
It is time for the CAC to begin its work - to start the lengthy process of master planning the site under the conditions set forth by the MPRB Commissioners. Should something change through the appropriate methods, then the CAC can change its direction as well. But we can no longer spin our wheels and waste tax dollars on a stagnant process. We all signed up to do this work. The application page was clear in our role:
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is seeking applications from the general public to serve on the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the Hiawatha Golf Course Property Master Plan. This planning project will guide capital improvements, management and operations within the golf course property.
In June of 2014, over 11 inches of rain fell on Hiawatha Golf Course and caused $1.5 million in damage. Parts of the damage has been restored, but elevated the necessity for a future flood resiliency plan. During the flood resiliency planning effort, the MPRB discovered it was pumping a volume of groundwater significantly greater than the amount allowed through a groundwater appropriations permit issued by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. This discovery put the planning effort on hold and triggered an intensive groundwater and stormwater study for the area, completed in 2017.
The Hiawatha Golf Course Property Master Plan will restart the planning process and will align water management strategies with potential future uses of the golf course property, including a consideration of traditional golf in some form and other current uses on the property.
The CAC will work with MPRB staff and consultants over the next 12 months to make recommendations to MPRB Commissioners. Project details and CAC applications are linked below.
____
At the next meeting, I plan to begin the master planning process, to bring in our consultants who have been waiting for months, and we will begin with a visioning exercise. It is vital that we start this project, and I intend to see that it does begin.
Continued failure on the CAC's part to start the process may have very real, lasting effects. Most important of those, is that the CAC process is not a requirement of the MPRB. They do it because they value community involvement, but they can also, if we continue to ignore our charge and duties, choose to dissolve us and move forward with master planning without a CAC. I remind us all that Meadowbrook did not have a CAC - and that having one for Hiawatha is an anomaly, not the standard.
The community would lose its voice, its input, and its collective say in the matter. Each CAC member was appointed to represent a community or an organization. If we fail to represent them, and we give over control of the planning, we have failed our neighbors and our communities.
When we meet in (hopefully) September, we will be 6 months into a proposed 12-month process with no actual master planning work done. That must change.
I ask that the CAC follow my lead and we move into master planning at the next meeting. I ask that the community come and participate in the process and provide your input on the visioning process at the end of the meeting. And I ask that those who wish to see another direction use the appropriate vehicles to do so - the CAC is not the appropriate location or place to air grievances anymore, the MPRB Commissioners have been clear in their direction.
I look forward to working with you all in the coming months.
David Kaplan
Standish resident
CAC Chair
July 26, 2018 - Park Board passes resolution that directs CAC to consider only reduced pumping scenario and at minimum, nine-hole golf configuration
At the July 25, 2018 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) of Commisioners meeting, commissioners approved a modified Resolution 2018-230 after the Hiawatha Golf Course Property Master Plan Community Advisory Committee (CAC) requested clarification on the parameters of the new master plan for the property.
After a lengthy public testimony period and board debate, commissioners voted 6-2 to approve the modified version of Resolution 2018-230. The modified resolution directs the CAC to only consider a reduced pumping scenario and bring forward a solution that includes, at a minimum, a flood-resilient and ecologically-driven nine-hole configuration for a golf course on the property.
The modified Resolution 2018-230 also included Board direction to the CAC to reflect in the master plan appropriate methods of recognizing the role of Hiawatha Golf Course and the history of black golfers in the Minneapolis park system.
Full Resolution TextWhereas, The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) is the steward of Minneapolis parks;
Whereas, Hiawatha Golf Course is a part of the Minneapolis park system and a component of the Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park;
Whereas, The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board adopted Resolution 2017-243 on October 4, 2017;
Whereas, A Community Advisory committee (CAC) was formed to guide a master plan process for the Hiawatha Golf Course Property according to Resolution 2017-243;
Whereas, On April 30, 2018, the CAC voted to request a clarification of Resolution 2017- 243 by the Board of Commissioners;
Whereas, Resolution 2017-243, when it was first approved by the Board of Commissioners, included direction for “strong consideration for traditional golf in some form on the property” as the CAC explored possibilities through a master planning process; and
Whereas, Golf stakeholders have noted the importance of Hiawatha Golf Course and other MPRB golf courses related to the introduction and perpetuation of the sport for black golfers.
RESOLVED, That the Board of Commissioners clarifies Resolution 2017-243 to indicate the master planning process shall pursue a reduced pumping scenario as conceptualized in Alternative B;
RESOLVED, That the Board of Commissioners intends for the CAC to bring forward a solution resulting from the master planning process that includes, at a minimum, a flood-resilient and ecologically-driven nine-hole configuration for a golf course on the property;
RESOLVED, That the Board of Commissioners intends for the CAC to reflect in the master plan appropriate methods of recognizing the role of Hiawatha Golf Course and the history of black golfers in the Minneapolis park system; and
RESOLVED, That the President of the Board and Secretary to the Board are authorized to take all necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.
After a lengthy public testimony period and board debate, commissioners voted 6-2 to approve the modified version of Resolution 2018-230. The modified resolution directs the CAC to only consider a reduced pumping scenario and bring forward a solution that includes, at a minimum, a flood-resilient and ecologically-driven nine-hole configuration for a golf course on the property.
The modified Resolution 2018-230 also included Board direction to the CAC to reflect in the master plan appropriate methods of recognizing the role of Hiawatha Golf Course and the history of black golfers in the Minneapolis park system.
Full Resolution TextWhereas, The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) is the steward of Minneapolis parks;
Whereas, Hiawatha Golf Course is a part of the Minneapolis park system and a component of the Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park;
Whereas, The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board adopted Resolution 2017-243 on October 4, 2017;
Whereas, A Community Advisory committee (CAC) was formed to guide a master plan process for the Hiawatha Golf Course Property according to Resolution 2017-243;
Whereas, On April 30, 2018, the CAC voted to request a clarification of Resolution 2017- 243 by the Board of Commissioners;
Whereas, Resolution 2017-243, when it was first approved by the Board of Commissioners, included direction for “strong consideration for traditional golf in some form on the property” as the CAC explored possibilities through a master planning process; and
Whereas, Golf stakeholders have noted the importance of Hiawatha Golf Course and other MPRB golf courses related to the introduction and perpetuation of the sport for black golfers.
RESOLVED, That the Board of Commissioners clarifies Resolution 2017-243 to indicate the master planning process shall pursue a reduced pumping scenario as conceptualized in Alternative B;
RESOLVED, That the Board of Commissioners intends for the CAC to bring forward a solution resulting from the master planning process that includes, at a minimum, a flood-resilient and ecologically-driven nine-hole configuration for a golf course on the property;
RESOLVED, That the Board of Commissioners intends for the CAC to reflect in the master plan appropriate methods of recognizing the role of Hiawatha Golf Course and the history of black golfers in the Minneapolis park system; and
RESOLVED, That the President of the Board and Secretary to the Board are authorized to take all necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.
MPRB hosted CAC Meeting #1 for Hiawatha Golf Course Property Master Plan (posted on April 4, 2018)
On March 28, 2018, the MPRB held the first of several Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings regarding the start of the Hiawatha Golf Course Property Master Plan. The meeting was held at Nokomis Community Center on East Minnehaha Parkway near the golf course. Approximately 130 members of the public attended the meeting. The meeting’s goal was to have members of the committee get to know each other and the master planning process. More info, agenda and notes can be found HERE
UPDATE ONE - Hiawatha Golf Course Master PlanPosted on February 28, 2018
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is in the process of orchestrating a master planning process to explore methods of balancing water management and use of the Hiawatha Golf Course property. Several tasks are in process, and while the public process has not yet started, a first meeting for a Community Advisory Committee is being planned.
While staff had hoped for a fully seated CAC in January, several appointers have yet to make their selections. We’re working with those appointers, reminding them of the importance of their selection in the creation of a committee representative of the community and stakeholders. The CAC process is one of the best paths to a robust conversation supporting the master planning process. During the master planning process, the CAC will meet frequently, even as MPRB staff and consultants reach to others interested in the future of the golf course property through other formal and informal input opportunities.
The MPRB has updated its website with a page that will be directed solely to this project. Eventually, the site will be populated with a calendar of meetings and events, master planning progress updates, and presentations made during CAC and other meetings—in addition to the core materials gathered through the past few years of study. There will also be links to work being conducted by other agencies that might inform the work of master planning the golf course property, and a link that allows interested stakeholders to be notified about the project.
A request for proposals for a master planning consultant has been released. That consultant will be responsible for conducting assessments of the site, framing possible evolutions of the golf course property that recognize water management and use, estimating costs of various possible directions (implementation and operating costs), and, eventually, developing a preferred direction as the master plan. The consultant will not be under contract until mid-April. Before then, MPRB staff intends to engage the CAC in meetings directed to understanding the CAC and master planning process, and to reviewing information that has been gathered previously. A first meeting of the CAC—one focused on orientation to the CAC and the master planning process—is planned for March 28 at 6:30 pm, at the Nokomis Community Center. Formal invitations will be sent out mid-March.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is in the process of orchestrating a master planning process to explore methods of balancing water management and use of the Hiawatha Golf Course property. Several tasks are in process, and while the public process has not yet started, a first meeting for a Community Advisory Committee is being planned.
While staff had hoped for a fully seated CAC in January, several appointers have yet to make their selections. We’re working with those appointers, reminding them of the importance of their selection in the creation of a committee representative of the community and stakeholders. The CAC process is one of the best paths to a robust conversation supporting the master planning process. During the master planning process, the CAC will meet frequently, even as MPRB staff and consultants reach to others interested in the future of the golf course property through other formal and informal input opportunities.
The MPRB has updated its website with a page that will be directed solely to this project. Eventually, the site will be populated with a calendar of meetings and events, master planning progress updates, and presentations made during CAC and other meetings—in addition to the core materials gathered through the past few years of study. There will also be links to work being conducted by other agencies that might inform the work of master planning the golf course property, and a link that allows interested stakeholders to be notified about the project.
A request for proposals for a master planning consultant has been released. That consultant will be responsible for conducting assessments of the site, framing possible evolutions of the golf course property that recognize water management and use, estimating costs of various possible directions (implementation and operating costs), and, eventually, developing a preferred direction as the master plan. The consultant will not be under contract until mid-April. Before then, MPRB staff intends to engage the CAC in meetings directed to understanding the CAC and master planning process, and to reviewing information that has been gathered previously. A first meeting of the CAC—one focused on orientation to the CAC and the master planning process—is planned for March 28 at 6:30 pm, at the Nokomis Community Center. Formal invitations will be sent out mid-March.
10/4/2017
FAQ Update from MPRB
Can also be found here: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/_asset/51zn98/10-02-2017-HiawathaGolfCourse_FAQ_Final.pdf
8/9/2017
MPRB Commissioners vote 6-3 for reduced-pumping
Message from MPRB 5th Distict Park Board Commissioner, Steffanie Musich
"The Planning committee reviewed staff's water management recommendation at its July 19 meeting and voted unanimously to advance the proposal to the full board. The briefing provided to commissioners the meeting prior to the committee vote on this issue can be viewed here (the presentation begins 2.5 hours into the meeting and lasts for an hour and a half): https://cdn.qwikcast.tv/OrganizationFiles/Video/18/71217MPRB.mp4 The full Board of Commissioners voted 6-3 to pursue a reduced pumping water management plan for the course on August 9, 2017. The statement I made to my colleagues prior to our vote can be read here.
The MPRB, City of Minneapolis and Minnehaha Creek Watershed district have been examining the hydrological situation at Hiawatha since the violation of state water use rules was discovered during course renovation planning due diligence in 2015 following the flooding in 2014. A number of reduced pumping options were explored in hope that one would be identified that could preserve an 18 hole course on this site, no viable options were identified. Preliminary analysis did not identify a reconfigured 9 hole course with good play-ability that would align with the MPRB's golf strategy, which does not mean golf in some form on the site would not be considered by a CAC.
While a recent article in the StarTribune mentioned that the DNR would likely permit the park board to continue pumping at current levels, they noted that conditions would accompany that permit. One of those conditions is that the park board will need to begin implementing a reduced pumping scenario when the course floods again. As a steward of the land and resident's tax dollars, I did not see delaying the reduction of pumping until the next flood occurs to be a responsible decision for the long term sustainability of the park system and thus, voted to begin planning for a reduced pumping water management scenario.
A Community Advisory Committee will be convened in accordance with our public engagement policy to help determine future land use and water access within the areas that would be submerged/converted to wetland. Subscribing to project updates on the project page linked above will ensure you are notified of upcoming meetings and when the project page is updated so that you can help shape the future of this park land. Since the practice areas are primarily on high ground, I am hopeful that there may be enough community support for their preservation on the site as part of a new plan for the land in light of the long history of golf on this site. The course will continue to be operated as an 18 hole golf course while future site use is determined and necessary permits are obtained."
"The Planning committee reviewed staff's water management recommendation at its July 19 meeting and voted unanimously to advance the proposal to the full board. The briefing provided to commissioners the meeting prior to the committee vote on this issue can be viewed here (the presentation begins 2.5 hours into the meeting and lasts for an hour and a half): https://cdn.qwikcast.tv/OrganizationFiles/Video/18/71217MPRB.mp4 The full Board of Commissioners voted 6-3 to pursue a reduced pumping water management plan for the course on August 9, 2017. The statement I made to my colleagues prior to our vote can be read here.
The MPRB, City of Minneapolis and Minnehaha Creek Watershed district have been examining the hydrological situation at Hiawatha since the violation of state water use rules was discovered during course renovation planning due diligence in 2015 following the flooding in 2014. A number of reduced pumping options were explored in hope that one would be identified that could preserve an 18 hole course on this site, no viable options were identified. Preliminary analysis did not identify a reconfigured 9 hole course with good play-ability that would align with the MPRB's golf strategy, which does not mean golf in some form on the site would not be considered by a CAC.
While a recent article in the StarTribune mentioned that the DNR would likely permit the park board to continue pumping at current levels, they noted that conditions would accompany that permit. One of those conditions is that the park board will need to begin implementing a reduced pumping scenario when the course floods again. As a steward of the land and resident's tax dollars, I did not see delaying the reduction of pumping until the next flood occurs to be a responsible decision for the long term sustainability of the park system and thus, voted to begin planning for a reduced pumping water management scenario.
A Community Advisory Committee will be convened in accordance with our public engagement policy to help determine future land use and water access within the areas that would be submerged/converted to wetland. Subscribing to project updates on the project page linked above will ensure you are notified of upcoming meetings and when the project page is updated so that you can help shape the future of this park land. Since the practice areas are primarily on high ground, I am hopeful that there may be enough community support for their preservation on the site as part of a new plan for the land in light of the long history of golf on this site. The course will continue to be operated as an 18 hole golf course while future site use is determined and necessary permits are obtained."
MPRB Planning Committee meeting minutes - Public Hearing - July 19, 2017
Lake Hiawatha Golf Course and Pumping Assessment
The MPRB Project Page and key documents can be found HERE
Take the Online Resident Survey before July 9, 2017 to provide your input on the Hiawatha Golf Course
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/hiawatha-assessment
Slide presentation from June 21, 2017 Public Meeting at Lake Nokomis Community Center.
Next Hiawatha Golf Course Assessment / Pumping meeting is June 21 at Lake Nokomis Community Center Public Meeting
Date: June 21, 2017
Time: 6:30-8 pm
Location: Lake Nokomis Community Center
Topic: Meeting participants will be presented more details about the two alternatives. The work remains focused on the definition of a preferred water management and use scenario to be framed by July for consideration by the MPRB, City of Minneapolis, and Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.
Date: June 21, 2017
Time: 6:30-8 pm
Location: Lake Nokomis Community Center
Topic: Meeting participants will be presented more details about the two alternatives. The work remains focused on the definition of a preferred water management and use scenario to be framed by July for consideration by the MPRB, City of Minneapolis, and Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.
May 18, 2017 Meeting
Since the April 20 public meeting, staff and consultants have further evaluated options for water management and use of the Hiawatha Golf Course property. The range of options has been narrowed to two directions—one that maintains the current volume of pumping and retains the 18 hole golf course and one that reduces the volume of pumping while introducing other recreation activities to the property. Potential activities in a reduced pumping scenario draw upon input offered by participants at the April 20 meeting. A more detailed description of each option, including ecological, recreational, economic, and other factors will be shared at a public meeting to be held on May 18.
Date: May 18, 2017
Time: 6:30-8 pm
Location: Lake Nokomis Community Center
Address: 2401 E Minnehaha Parkway
Topic: Meeting participants will be asked to offer comments on each option to further guide the evaluation of potential directions. The work remains focused on the definition of a preferred water management and use scenario to be framed by July for consideration by the MPRB, City of Minneapolis, and Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.
Since the April 20 public meeting, staff and consultants have further evaluated options for water management and use of the Hiawatha Golf Course property. The range of options has been narrowed to two directions—one that maintains the current volume of pumping and retains the 18 hole golf course and one that reduces the volume of pumping while introducing other recreation activities to the property. Potential activities in a reduced pumping scenario draw upon input offered by participants at the April 20 meeting. A more detailed description of each option, including ecological, recreational, economic, and other factors will be shared at a public meeting to be held on May 18.
Date: May 18, 2017
Time: 6:30-8 pm
Location: Lake Nokomis Community Center
Address: 2401 E Minnehaha Parkway
Topic: Meeting participants will be asked to offer comments on each option to further guide the evaluation of potential directions. The work remains focused on the definition of a preferred water management and use scenario to be framed by July for consideration by the MPRB, City of Minneapolis, and Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.
April, 2017
Lake Hiawatha Park planning and groundwater / stormwater pumping update - Attend the April 20 public meeting
The City of Minneapolis, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board are convening a public meeting to prepare for an in-depth park planning study related to the groundwater pumping and alternatives investigation for Lake Hiawatha.
At this meeting we’ll look at broad layout diagrams which generally illustrate the spaces created by the varying levels of groundwater pumping and how these layouts may affect certain uses within the park in the future. The majority of this meeting will focus on developing ideas for potential uses within the park. Meeting attendees will be split into random groups to develop their own ideas, and give a two-minute presentation so other groups can hear the ideas. This is an exercise to flesh out opportunities that may not already be realized
This work is closely related to potential impacts to nearby homes, as well as impacts that are more remote from the park but could be impacted by changes.
Please attend and let us know how you’d like recreate in your park!
Public MeetingDate: April 20, 2017
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Lake Nokomis Community Center Gymnasium
Address: 2401 E. Minnehaha Parkway
Topic: Update on Phase Two of groundwater and stormwater pumping investigation
Note: Parking is limited. Please consider walking or biking to the meeting if possible.
Lake Hiawatha Park planning and groundwater / stormwater pumping update - Attend the April 20 public meeting
The City of Minneapolis, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board are convening a public meeting to prepare for an in-depth park planning study related to the groundwater pumping and alternatives investigation for Lake Hiawatha.
At this meeting we’ll look at broad layout diagrams which generally illustrate the spaces created by the varying levels of groundwater pumping and how these layouts may affect certain uses within the park in the future. The majority of this meeting will focus on developing ideas for potential uses within the park. Meeting attendees will be split into random groups to develop their own ideas, and give a two-minute presentation so other groups can hear the ideas. This is an exercise to flesh out opportunities that may not already be realized
This work is closely related to potential impacts to nearby homes, as well as impacts that are more remote from the park but could be impacted by changes.
Please attend and let us know how you’d like recreate in your park!
Public MeetingDate: April 20, 2017
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Lake Nokomis Community Center Gymnasium
Address: 2401 E. Minnehaha Parkway
Topic: Update on Phase Two of groundwater and stormwater pumping investigation
Note: Parking is limited. Please consider walking or biking to the meeting if possible.
Hiawatha Groundwater and Stormwater Pumping Update Meeting
Public Meeting
Date: March. 30, 2017
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Lake Nokomis Community Center Gymnasium
Address: 2401 E. Minnehaha Parkway
Date: March. 30, 2017
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Lake Nokomis Community Center Gymnasium
Address: 2401 E. Minnehaha Parkway
The City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) are continuing work to investigate groundwater pumping and alternatives for Lake Hiawatha.The ongoing effort used data gained from monitoring devices installed more than a year ago to further understand the volume of water being pumped and other characteristics that might impact upon solutions that change pumping regimes.This work also more closely assessed potential impacts to nearby homes, as well as some that are more remote from the golf course but could be impacted by changes. MPRB and City Staff received a formal report on work completed to date during the week of Feb. 27 and will share that information publicly at a meeting on March 30.
Hiawatha Golf Course update 11/15/2016
Hiawatha Groundwater and Stormwater Pumping Update
Public meeting
Mon, Nov 29, 6:30 p.m.
Powderhorn Recreation Center (3400 15th Ave S)
On Wednesday, Nov. 2, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) staff updated the Board of Commissioners on recent and upcoming activities related to the pumping of groundwater and stormwater from Hiawatha Golf Course into Lake Hiawatha. The update refreshed the findings presented to Hiawatha neighbors and the public in June. It also outlined the further investigations to be performed and frame decision points related to pumping scenarios. To facilitate the upcoming work, it is intended that technical assistance will be in place by early December and that work will proceed to a point where options can be fully described, including costs and implications, by July 2017.
As in the first stages of the exploration, the MPRB will be working closely with the City of Minneapolis Department of Public Works. Involvement of Public Works is necessary to fully understand the conditions and to frame a range of options to be considered. The MPRB and the City will engage other regulatory and partner agencies as we progress through Phase Two.
Key activities in Phase Two include investigations that support a full exploration of options related to pumping. While the general implications of two options—continuing pumping at current volumes or stopping pumping—were described in the June meetings, this stage of work will be more explicit in demonstrating the implications of those options and an option that reduces the volume of pumping. Each option may have varying impacts on the golf course, Lake Hiawatha and its water quality, nearby public infrastructure, Minnehaha Creek, and Lake Nokomis. Each may also have different effects on nearby private properties. By July, the requisite assessments and formulation of options will be complete and ready to be considered.
The outline of the second stage of investigations will be shared with neighbors and the public during a meeting scheduled for 6:30 pm, Nov. 29, 2016 in the Powderhorn Recreation Center gymnasium, located at 3400 15th Ave. S., Minneapolis.
Public Meeting
Date: Nov. 29, 2016
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Powderhorn Recreation Center
Address: 3400 15th Ave. S
Topic: Discuss Phase Two of groundwater and stormwater pumping investigation
To learn more about this project and others, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/planning.
Public meeting
Mon, Nov 29, 6:30 p.m.
Powderhorn Recreation Center (3400 15th Ave S)
On Wednesday, Nov. 2, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) staff updated the Board of Commissioners on recent and upcoming activities related to the pumping of groundwater and stormwater from Hiawatha Golf Course into Lake Hiawatha. The update refreshed the findings presented to Hiawatha neighbors and the public in June. It also outlined the further investigations to be performed and frame decision points related to pumping scenarios. To facilitate the upcoming work, it is intended that technical assistance will be in place by early December and that work will proceed to a point where options can be fully described, including costs and implications, by July 2017.
As in the first stages of the exploration, the MPRB will be working closely with the City of Minneapolis Department of Public Works. Involvement of Public Works is necessary to fully understand the conditions and to frame a range of options to be considered. The MPRB and the City will engage other regulatory and partner agencies as we progress through Phase Two.
Key activities in Phase Two include investigations that support a full exploration of options related to pumping. While the general implications of two options—continuing pumping at current volumes or stopping pumping—were described in the June meetings, this stage of work will be more explicit in demonstrating the implications of those options and an option that reduces the volume of pumping. Each option may have varying impacts on the golf course, Lake Hiawatha and its water quality, nearby public infrastructure, Minnehaha Creek, and Lake Nokomis. Each may also have different effects on nearby private properties. By July, the requisite assessments and formulation of options will be complete and ready to be considered.
The outline of the second stage of investigations will be shared with neighbors and the public during a meeting scheduled for 6:30 pm, Nov. 29, 2016 in the Powderhorn Recreation Center gymnasium, located at 3400 15th Ave. S., Minneapolis.
Public Meeting
Date: Nov. 29, 2016
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Powderhorn Recreation Center
Address: 3400 15th Ave. S
Topic: Discuss Phase Two of groundwater and stormwater pumping investigation
To learn more about this project and others, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/planning.
Hiawatha Golf Course update 6/14/2016
Tonight's "Hiawatha Golf Course Improvements Project" meeting - Presentation & FAQ documents. The FAQ document gives a quick two page summary of the findings. No decisions about future actions have been made.
Hiawatha Golf Course update 1/27/2016
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board release:
"The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is continuing its investigation of stormwater and groundwater conditions on Hiawatha Golf Course and the pumping of water from the golf course into Lake Hiawatha. In late November, the MPRB’s consultant installed monitoring devices at several locations on the golf course property to collect data related to groundwater conditions and to aid in measuring volumes of water pumped from the property into Lake Hiawatha. However, almost immediately upon installation of those devices Minneapolis experienced an unusual amount of rain, making the collection of truly representative data related to groundwater and stormwater data difficult. The MPRB’s consultant is using the data collected and "normalizing" it using historical records for rainfall and flows in Minnehaha Creek. Having sound data is critical in the calibration of groundwater and stormwater models that will demonstrate a range of scenarios with the pumps on or off.
Based on calculations performed by the MPRB’s consultants and using information from monitoring devices installed directly in the pumps, the MPRB believes the volume of water pumped from the golf course during monitoring to be generally aligned with information shared with the public last fall—which is representative of conditions when water levels in Lake Hiawatha are high.
In the last week, the MPRB’s consultant sampled water pumped from the golf course property into Lake Hiawatha. Analysis of the samples and comparison to other water samples regularly collected by the MPRB in Lake Hiawatha will take about four weeks. Understanding the quality of water pumped from the golf course is an important piece of information for the MPRB.
The work required to collect and interpret data means that the MPRB’s intention to share data is somewhat delayed. Information and initial conclusions will be shared once the MPRB has an opportunity to fully interpret the data and understand its impact on the golf course."
"The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is continuing its investigation of stormwater and groundwater conditions on Hiawatha Golf Course and the pumping of water from the golf course into Lake Hiawatha. In late November, the MPRB’s consultant installed monitoring devices at several locations on the golf course property to collect data related to groundwater conditions and to aid in measuring volumes of water pumped from the property into Lake Hiawatha. However, almost immediately upon installation of those devices Minneapolis experienced an unusual amount of rain, making the collection of truly representative data related to groundwater and stormwater data difficult. The MPRB’s consultant is using the data collected and "normalizing" it using historical records for rainfall and flows in Minnehaha Creek. Having sound data is critical in the calibration of groundwater and stormwater models that will demonstrate a range of scenarios with the pumps on or off.
Based on calculations performed by the MPRB’s consultants and using information from monitoring devices installed directly in the pumps, the MPRB believes the volume of water pumped from the golf course during monitoring to be generally aligned with information shared with the public last fall—which is representative of conditions when water levels in Lake Hiawatha are high.
In the last week, the MPRB’s consultant sampled water pumped from the golf course property into Lake Hiawatha. Analysis of the samples and comparison to other water samples regularly collected by the MPRB in Lake Hiawatha will take about four weeks. Understanding the quality of water pumped from the golf course is an important piece of information for the MPRB.
The work required to collect and interpret data means that the MPRB’s intention to share data is somewhat delayed. Information and initial conclusions will be shared once the MPRB has an opportunity to fully interpret the data and understand its impact on the golf course."
Information about Lake Hiawatha
On Wednesday, December 9, SENA hosted experts from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District & the City of Minneapolis to present to the community on the topic of lake health. Over sixty residents came to hear the presentation and participate in a discussion of the broad inputs that affect the health of the lake - some that are local, some that reach beyond the boundaries of the neighborhood.
A "Friends of Lake Hiawatha" start-up group will be meeting on Thursday, Dec 18th, 6:00pm at Angry Catfish Coffee (4208 28th Ave S) to discuss ways to address some ways to address lake-health issues in our neighborhood. Please stop by.
A "Friends of Lake Hiawatha" start-up group will be meeting on Thursday, Dec 18th, 6:00pm at Angry Catfish Coffee (4208 28th Ave S) to discuss ways to address some ways to address lake-health issues in our neighborhood. Please stop by.
Below is the presentation that was given on December 9, if you click the icon in the bottom right (a dark square within a larger clear square), you can expand to full screen. You will then have the option of downloading the file.
Meeting Update: Responses to resident questions
· Web page link to the City’s stormwater utility fee and credit process
Stormwater utility fee information and credit information can be found at: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/publicworks/stormwater/fee/index.htm
· Web page link to the MCWD dam operational guidelines
The Gray’s Bay Dam operating procedures can be found at: http://minnehahacreek.org/projects-capital-projects/past-projects/headwaters-control-structure-management-policy-and-operating
· Do we have any thoughts or control to change the cleanup event to earlier in the spring before all of the vegetation?
In the spring, there is more likely to be high flows in the creek which can create dangerous conditions for those collecting trash along or within the creek. In addition, we are more likely to have favorable weather, and therefore a better turn-out, if the event is held in the summer.
· Who knows anything about the University of Minnesota Carp Study and is this something that we should learn more about to benefit Lake Hiawatha?
MCWD Staff are working with the Sorenson Lab from the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species research Center (MAISRC) on a carp project within the MCWD upper watershed. MCWD and MPRB are partnered on a potential carp study in Lake Nokomis involving another carp researcher (pending grant funding). Both organizations are building knowledge of carp dynamics. It is not known if it is feasible to eliminate carp in the entire Hiawatha Watershed with current management practices. It was not thought to be realistically achievable in the 1998 Diagnostic Study.
· How do we find out if the golf courses draining in the Minnehaha Watershed are using Phosphorus on their courses? Are there actions that can be taken to reduce or eliminate fertilizer from that source?
MPRB’s Golf Foreman are the staff who are charged with caring for the turf at the Golf Courses, and decide on the types, rate, and timing of fertilizer application based on their professional knowledge and certifications. Fertilizer use at golf courses exists to supply essential nutrients to plants to achieve desired color, growth and pest resistance. As the demands on the turf are increased from lower mowing heights and increased traffic levels, additional fertility is needed to promote growth and turf recovery. Products that contain phosphorus can be applied by golf courses even when bans are in place. It can be applied if soil tests show it is needed for new growth, establishment, or for sod sewing.
In the case of the greens, small amounts of liquid fertilizer containing phosphorus are applied twice monthly during the golf season (for example, a 16-4-8 product at a 0.1 lb. rate). Foremen surveyed all used a liquid form of fertilizer on greens since it is taken up almost immediately (on the order of ~30 minutes) so the risk of phosphorus runoff is very limited due to the use of this type of product. Phosphorus is needed by the grass on the greens due to the traffic level and the very short mowing height.
Care of the turf on fairways and tee boxes is slightly different at each course, and several courses often do not need phosphorus-containing fertilizers on fairways due to soil conditions. At most, Foremen noted that a granular product containing phosphorus (15-4-8) was applied to fairways one time in fall in order to aid in spring green-up (for example, a 0.5 lb. N rate).
At Hiawatha Golf, in particular, the only phosphorus-containing fertilizers used in 2015 were: 2x per month small amounts of fast-absorbing liquid fertilizer applied directly to foliage on greens, and one granular application to fairways in Fall as noted above. Other courses in the MPRB system noted very similar use patterns, but varied slightly due to different soil types and local conditions.
Phosphorus use on courses managed by others in the drainage area aren’t known at this time. MCWD staff is going to continue having discussions on this.
· Question regarding cigarette butts and filters in the lake.
Cleveland Ohio is looking into community based solutions to reduce the stormwater contribution of cigarette butts (and cigarillos/swisher sweets etc.) that are washed onto beaches from storm sewers. Techniques developed in this project may be applicable to other cities. Info regarding a forthcoming Cleveland project:
Article about cigarette related debris in Lake Erie (~30% of beach trash)
http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2015/12/plastic_cigar_tips_pose_latest.html
Study on Cleveland and demographics of users of “little cigars”.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258718576_Little_Cigars_In_Cleveland_data_brief
· Web page link to the City’s stormwater utility fee and credit process
Stormwater utility fee information and credit information can be found at: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/publicworks/stormwater/fee/index.htm
· Web page link to the MCWD dam operational guidelines
The Gray’s Bay Dam operating procedures can be found at: http://minnehahacreek.org/projects-capital-projects/past-projects/headwaters-control-structure-management-policy-and-operating
· Do we have any thoughts or control to change the cleanup event to earlier in the spring before all of the vegetation?
In the spring, there is more likely to be high flows in the creek which can create dangerous conditions for those collecting trash along or within the creek. In addition, we are more likely to have favorable weather, and therefore a better turn-out, if the event is held in the summer.
· Who knows anything about the University of Minnesota Carp Study and is this something that we should learn more about to benefit Lake Hiawatha?
MCWD Staff are working with the Sorenson Lab from the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species research Center (MAISRC) on a carp project within the MCWD upper watershed. MCWD and MPRB are partnered on a potential carp study in Lake Nokomis involving another carp researcher (pending grant funding). Both organizations are building knowledge of carp dynamics. It is not known if it is feasible to eliminate carp in the entire Hiawatha Watershed with current management practices. It was not thought to be realistically achievable in the 1998 Diagnostic Study.
· How do we find out if the golf courses draining in the Minnehaha Watershed are using Phosphorus on their courses? Are there actions that can be taken to reduce or eliminate fertilizer from that source?
MPRB’s Golf Foreman are the staff who are charged with caring for the turf at the Golf Courses, and decide on the types, rate, and timing of fertilizer application based on their professional knowledge and certifications. Fertilizer use at golf courses exists to supply essential nutrients to plants to achieve desired color, growth and pest resistance. As the demands on the turf are increased from lower mowing heights and increased traffic levels, additional fertility is needed to promote growth and turf recovery. Products that contain phosphorus can be applied by golf courses even when bans are in place. It can be applied if soil tests show it is needed for new growth, establishment, or for sod sewing.
In the case of the greens, small amounts of liquid fertilizer containing phosphorus are applied twice monthly during the golf season (for example, a 16-4-8 product at a 0.1 lb. rate). Foremen surveyed all used a liquid form of fertilizer on greens since it is taken up almost immediately (on the order of ~30 minutes) so the risk of phosphorus runoff is very limited due to the use of this type of product. Phosphorus is needed by the grass on the greens due to the traffic level and the very short mowing height.
Care of the turf on fairways and tee boxes is slightly different at each course, and several courses often do not need phosphorus-containing fertilizers on fairways due to soil conditions. At most, Foremen noted that a granular product containing phosphorus (15-4-8) was applied to fairways one time in fall in order to aid in spring green-up (for example, a 0.5 lb. N rate).
At Hiawatha Golf, in particular, the only phosphorus-containing fertilizers used in 2015 were: 2x per month small amounts of fast-absorbing liquid fertilizer applied directly to foliage on greens, and one granular application to fairways in Fall as noted above. Other courses in the MPRB system noted very similar use patterns, but varied slightly due to different soil types and local conditions.
Phosphorus use on courses managed by others in the drainage area aren’t known at this time. MCWD staff is going to continue having discussions on this.
· Question regarding cigarette butts and filters in the lake.
Cleveland Ohio is looking into community based solutions to reduce the stormwater contribution of cigarette butts (and cigarillos/swisher sweets etc.) that are washed onto beaches from storm sewers. Techniques developed in this project may be applicable to other cities. Info regarding a forthcoming Cleveland project:
Article about cigarette related debris in Lake Erie (~30% of beach trash)
http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2015/12/plastic_cigar_tips_pose_latest.html
Study on Cleveland and demographics of users of “little cigars”.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258718576_Little_Cigars_In_Cleveland_data_brief
Hiawatha Golf Course - Update 12/8/2015
Pumps temporarily shut off today as data collection continues
Meters were installed on the two six-inch pond outlet pipes discharging into Lake Hiawatha on Nov. 30. On Dec. 8, Barr Engineering will download the first full set of data collected from the pumps, transducers in the ponds and monitoring wells.
On Dec. 8 the pumps will be temporarily turned off, allowing water in the ponds to rise while measurements are made. The pumps will be turned on before water levels pose any risk to the golf course or surrounding properties. Data will again be collected once the pumps are turned back on.
The collected data will be used as the key inputs in a ground water model. A series of scenarios will be run through models with results available by the end of December. The MPRB and a consultant engaged to assess the validity of the models will spend several weeks reviewing the results of the various scenarios. Following that review, MPRB staff and consultants will prepare materials to share with the MPRB Board of Commissioners and the public.
Staff expects decision-making tools based on data collected to be in draft form by mid-January and materials will be ready to share publicly by the end of January. Key data and modeled results will inform decision-making, including definition of what happens when the pumps are turned off, particularly from the perspective of storm water flows, and an estimate of the annual volume of ground water pumped in current and future conditions.
Meters were installed on the two six-inch pond outlet pipes discharging into Lake Hiawatha on Nov. 30. On Dec. 8, Barr Engineering will download the first full set of data collected from the pumps, transducers in the ponds and monitoring wells.
On Dec. 8 the pumps will be temporarily turned off, allowing water in the ponds to rise while measurements are made. The pumps will be turned on before water levels pose any risk to the golf course or surrounding properties. Data will again be collected once the pumps are turned back on.
The collected data will be used as the key inputs in a ground water model. A series of scenarios will be run through models with results available by the end of December. The MPRB and a consultant engaged to assess the validity of the models will spend several weeks reviewing the results of the various scenarios. Following that review, MPRB staff and consultants will prepare materials to share with the MPRB Board of Commissioners and the public.
Staff expects decision-making tools based on data collected to be in draft form by mid-January and materials will be ready to share publicly by the end of January. Key data and modeled results will inform decision-making, including definition of what happens when the pumps are turned off, particularly from the perspective of storm water flows, and an estimate of the annual volume of ground water pumped in current and future conditions.
Hiawatha Golf Course - Update 11/23/2015
Update on storm water and ground water assessment
Despite the wet weather conditions, most of the groundwater and surface water measurement equipment has been installed and is functioning at Hiawatha Golf Course. Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) staff and consultants are reviewing options to expedite the installation of the remaining measurement equipment.
Water levels at Lake Hiawatha, the ponds on the golf course, and Minnehaha Creek are high due to nearly four inches of rain in the last week. The pump station discharge lines are submerged in the lake. As a result of high water conditions, the installation of flow meters in the pump discharge pipes has been delayed. Depending on weather, the flow meters at the pump discharge pipes will be installed the week of Nov. 23.
Barr Engineering, the MPRB consultant on this project, installed three hand-driven piezometers southwest of Pond F and the instrumentation (a pressure transducer and data logger) has been installed. Piezometers are temporary vertical pipes driven about 5 feet into the ground and are used to monitor the groundwater level at that point. They are being used to monitor how groundwater levels fluctuate at the golf course in response to changes in pumping rates and changes in lake and pond levels. Data from the piezometers is being recorded but has not yet been collected.
Barr installed staff gauges and stilling wells in Lake Hiawatha, Pond D, and Pond F. Staff gauges are like vertical rulers that allow visual measurement of the water levels. Stilling wells are temporary vertical pipes installed in the water near the staff gauges. Electronic instrumentation is installed inside the stilling well to continuously record the water level and are intended to supplement manual measurements. Inside the stilling wells, waves are eliminated and the water surface is still, allowing for more accurate water surface elevation readings. The combination of the these two installations provide information on how Lake Hiawatha levels and golf course pond levels are related to groundwater levels and how changes in lake/pond levels affect groundwater levels and pumping rates.
Four monitoring wells have also been installed in various locations on the golf course to allow for measurement of ground water elevations. These are similar to the piezometers but they are deeper and are intended to be in-place for long periods of time. They are also constructed to allow taking of ground water samples from the wells. Instrumentation has been installed and water levels are being recorded. Water level data and water samples have not yet been collected.
The MPRB originally intended to measure stormwater flows into the golf course from the large storm pipe that drains into Pond A. These stormwater flows drain through the other golf course ponds and are then pumped into Lake Hiawatha. Barr’s work discovered the large storm sewer pipe contained significant accumulations of sediment, and efforts are underway with the City of Minneapolis to remove the sediments so flow meters can be installed. Measurement of the stormwater inflow to the golf course helps to understand how much of the water pumped to Lake Hiawatha is groundwater and how much is stormwater. If sediments cannot be removed and the flow meter cannot be installed, Barr will perform calculations using the pump meter data to estimate the amount of stormwater pumped versus groundwater.
The MPRB is engaging Dr. Otto D.L. Strack as a peer review consultant to review Barr Engineering’s work once data is available for analysis. Dr. Strack is a professor of Civil and Geological Engineering at the University of Minnesota’s Civil Engineering Department and is an expert on ground water analysis and modeling of ground water flows. Dr. Strack’s review of investigations and conclusions is important to the MPRB because of the potential impacts to the golf course and surrounding private properties should pumping conditions change.
In October, the MPRB applied for a ground water appropriation permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR). Communications with the MnDNR are continuing to ensure all necessary information supporting the permit application is provided. When the MnDNR considers the permit application complete, the MPRB will be invoiced for the permit. However, the DNR has indicated it will wait for the results of the Barr work to fully review the permit application.
Despite the wet weather conditions, most of the groundwater and surface water measurement equipment has been installed and is functioning at Hiawatha Golf Course. Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) staff and consultants are reviewing options to expedite the installation of the remaining measurement equipment.
Water levels at Lake Hiawatha, the ponds on the golf course, and Minnehaha Creek are high due to nearly four inches of rain in the last week. The pump station discharge lines are submerged in the lake. As a result of high water conditions, the installation of flow meters in the pump discharge pipes has been delayed. Depending on weather, the flow meters at the pump discharge pipes will be installed the week of Nov. 23.
Barr Engineering, the MPRB consultant on this project, installed three hand-driven piezometers southwest of Pond F and the instrumentation (a pressure transducer and data logger) has been installed. Piezometers are temporary vertical pipes driven about 5 feet into the ground and are used to monitor the groundwater level at that point. They are being used to monitor how groundwater levels fluctuate at the golf course in response to changes in pumping rates and changes in lake and pond levels. Data from the piezometers is being recorded but has not yet been collected.
Barr installed staff gauges and stilling wells in Lake Hiawatha, Pond D, and Pond F. Staff gauges are like vertical rulers that allow visual measurement of the water levels. Stilling wells are temporary vertical pipes installed in the water near the staff gauges. Electronic instrumentation is installed inside the stilling well to continuously record the water level and are intended to supplement manual measurements. Inside the stilling wells, waves are eliminated and the water surface is still, allowing for more accurate water surface elevation readings. The combination of the these two installations provide information on how Lake Hiawatha levels and golf course pond levels are related to groundwater levels and how changes in lake/pond levels affect groundwater levels and pumping rates.
Four monitoring wells have also been installed in various locations on the golf course to allow for measurement of ground water elevations. These are similar to the piezometers but they are deeper and are intended to be in-place for long periods of time. They are also constructed to allow taking of ground water samples from the wells. Instrumentation has been installed and water levels are being recorded. Water level data and water samples have not yet been collected.
The MPRB originally intended to measure stormwater flows into the golf course from the large storm pipe that drains into Pond A. These stormwater flows drain through the other golf course ponds and are then pumped into Lake Hiawatha. Barr’s work discovered the large storm sewer pipe contained significant accumulations of sediment, and efforts are underway with the City of Minneapolis to remove the sediments so flow meters can be installed. Measurement of the stormwater inflow to the golf course helps to understand how much of the water pumped to Lake Hiawatha is groundwater and how much is stormwater. If sediments cannot be removed and the flow meter cannot be installed, Barr will perform calculations using the pump meter data to estimate the amount of stormwater pumped versus groundwater.
The MPRB is engaging Dr. Otto D.L. Strack as a peer review consultant to review Barr Engineering’s work once data is available for analysis. Dr. Strack is a professor of Civil and Geological Engineering at the University of Minnesota’s Civil Engineering Department and is an expert on ground water analysis and modeling of ground water flows. Dr. Strack’s review of investigations and conclusions is important to the MPRB because of the potential impacts to the golf course and surrounding private properties should pumping conditions change.
In October, the MPRB applied for a ground water appropriation permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR). Communications with the MnDNR are continuing to ensure all necessary information supporting the permit application is provided. When the MnDNR considers the permit application complete, the MPRB will be invoiced for the permit. However, the DNR has indicated it will wait for the results of the Barr work to fully review the permit application.
Hiawatha Golf Course - Update 9/15/2015
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board release:
"Hiawatha Golf Course Improvement Meeting
Posted on September 15, 2015
On Friday, September 11, 2015, staff of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) and the City of Minneapolis Department of Public Works reviewed new, preliminary information regarding groundwater at Hiawatha Golf Course. This initial data, collected as part of a report expected to be presented to the Park Board and City in November, suggests that the groundwater volume is greater than previously understood and may pose limitations for the concepts prepared for review at the Lake Hiawatha Golf Course improvement public meeting scheduled for 6 pm today, Tuesday, September 15 at the Lake Nokomis Community Center.
The preliminary data indicates that substantial amounts of groundwater are being pumped from areas of the golf course each year to maintain the course in a playable condition. The exact amount has yet to be determined; however, initial calculations estimate up to 273 million gallons per year. The preliminary information received indicates that without the pumps, groundwater may overwhelm the course. As this preliminary data is new, its implications and impacts have yet to be understood. Once the report is presented to the Park Board in November, it will take MPRB staff several months to fully review the report and reach conclusions related to the reconfiguration of the golf course.
While the MPRB regrets that this information is coming so late in the process, it is a result of the due diligence being pursued by the MPRB and its partners in the Hiawatha Golf Course study. Only after the report is fully assessed can a series of recommendations be reviewed with the community and golf stakeholders. Rather than cancel tonight’s meeting, the MPRB chose to share this new information with attendees and answer questions as staff is able."
The MPRB will be further gathering data around this groundwater issue, and will share its findings at a future meeting, likely 3-4 months from now.
"Hiawatha Golf Course Improvement Meeting
Posted on September 15, 2015
On Friday, September 11, 2015, staff of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) and the City of Minneapolis Department of Public Works reviewed new, preliminary information regarding groundwater at Hiawatha Golf Course. This initial data, collected as part of a report expected to be presented to the Park Board and City in November, suggests that the groundwater volume is greater than previously understood and may pose limitations for the concepts prepared for review at the Lake Hiawatha Golf Course improvement public meeting scheduled for 6 pm today, Tuesday, September 15 at the Lake Nokomis Community Center.
The preliminary data indicates that substantial amounts of groundwater are being pumped from areas of the golf course each year to maintain the course in a playable condition. The exact amount has yet to be determined; however, initial calculations estimate up to 273 million gallons per year. The preliminary information received indicates that without the pumps, groundwater may overwhelm the course. As this preliminary data is new, its implications and impacts have yet to be understood. Once the report is presented to the Park Board in November, it will take MPRB staff several months to fully review the report and reach conclusions related to the reconfiguration of the golf course.
While the MPRB regrets that this information is coming so late in the process, it is a result of the due diligence being pursued by the MPRB and its partners in the Hiawatha Golf Course study. Only after the report is fully assessed can a series of recommendations be reviewed with the community and golf stakeholders. Rather than cancel tonight’s meeting, the MPRB chose to share this new information with attendees and answer questions as staff is able."
The MPRB will be further gathering data around this groundwater issue, and will share its findings at a future meeting, likely 3-4 months from now.
