Theo Wirth Changes to Affect Golf, Par-3 and Winter Sports

Tuesday night was another long yet fairly productive Citizens Advisory Committee ('CAC') meeting for   Thank you to those of you who could attend.  The primary focus this time was on north Wirth (north of Hwy. 55).  The directives from the design charette (held in early November) with which we continued are not not final decisions, but they do give us some idea of what we'll potentially see (or not see) in the park.  They form the basis for a working concept plan.

The basic charette design idea for north Wirth favored by the CAC is the 'Outcrop'.  This will redesign the golf courses a bit (moving one hole on the par-3, relocating holes 17 and 18 on the main course, and perhaps reversing play on some of the holes).  Room will be made for a Nordic ski stadium (basically an open field) and a "multi-use welcome and training and educational center" near the location of the current par-3 building, which will be removed.  The new building will house the par-3 clubhouse and other non-winter activities, as well as consolidated winter recreation activities. 

All of these changes are to be accomplished with minimal impact on existing trees, and only in ways that respect the historical character of the landscape.  Golf will not encroach on the meadow area of the 'Back 40,' as two of the charette's ideas had suggested.  

Some of you may recall the charette experts' idea to redesign the parkway out in front of the chalet, making it more historically accurate.  That will not happen (the CAC felt it was a needless expense), although the entry to the existing parking lot could be redesigned for better entry from the parkway and Plymouth Avenue.  In addition, the existing maintenance building ('Tool Shed') is to remain (as possibly historically significant) and may be rehabilitated, depending on need and cost, for other uses.

The CAC also approved directive that would designate a free sledding hill in north Wirth (as opposed to its tubing hill, for which there is a usage fee on most days).  I'm optimistic and pleased that at some point in the near future kids will be able to go to Wirth and use a hill, snow and gravity free of charge.

The one sticking point for the CAC Tuesday night was what is to become of the current 17th hole of the main golf course.  That's more or less currently the valley that heads north from the par-3 parking lot. 

In the winter, snowboarding may be removed entirely from this area.  In the summer, golf wishes to use this area for a 12-stall driving range and learning center, but others (e.g., off-road cyclers, runners, hikers, orienteerers etc.) want to use the unique terrain of this area for events and other open recreation in conjunction with the new welcome center. 

This issue was tabled until the next CAC meeting, which I am told will not occur until January or February.  I'll keep you posted.  

Tuesday's meeting did touch upon south Wirth insofar as the CAC approved directives for 'learning corridors' with enhanced trail connections, signage and interpretation between the Bog, Eloise Butler and J.D. Gardens, as well as alternatives for year-round programming near the par-3.

Finally, I'd like to take a moment to tip my hat to the other CAC members and the Minneapolis Park Board Staff.  We've been clicking these past two meetings, and it's refreshing to see us reach agreement on reasonable decisions for the park.  Perhaps the charette worked, or perhaps we've just found common ground.  In any event, I'm grateful to be a part of the process.  Thank you.