The following information was submitted by Dr. Jay Hoecker for inclusion on RNeighbors.org. For further information you may call him at (507) 292-0452 or email him [1].

Please note that below this entry is also information from the Park Board.

PROPOSAL FOR REDUCING THE MORTALITY RATE AT FOSTER AREND
By Dr. Jay Hoecker
I. Foster Arend Park would continue to be operated as a multi-purpose recreational facility.
II. The multiple purposes of Foster Arend would include:
A. Fishing
B. Hiking
C. Picnicking: individuals, families, groups
D. Beach volleyball
E. Sit, swing, rest, enjoy the scenery
F. Children using playground equipment
H. Non-motorized boating (canoe, raft, kayak) with PFD’s
III. Public swimming at Foster Arend would be prohibited:
Except “Event Swimming” with ambulance and life boats on site !
IV. Additional fishing piers could be constructed across the length of the beach as well as on the SW and NE shores where red warning signs now exist.
V. Additional volleyball courts could be constructed on the beach.
VI. Civic contribution funded free pass program for low-income Rochester residents. As part of this proposal a special fund has already been created at Rochester Park and Rec Dept for providing free swimming pool passes to needy families: Contributions may be sent to Rochester Park and Rec. Dept, 201 4th Street SE, Room 150, Rochester, MN, 55904. Mark checks “Foster Arend Alternative Free Swimming Pool Pass Program.”

SUMMARY OF FACTS SUPPORTING THE PROPOSAL FOR REDUCING THE MORTALITY RATE AT FOSTER AREND
By Dr. Jay Hoecker

1. Swimming in water filled pit mines is recognized to be physiologically dangerous.
2. The US Government’s Mining Safety and Health Administration of the Department of Labor advises no swimming in open pit mines.
3. The non-boating mortality rate for Foster Arend per acre of water and visits per year is significantly higher than Minnesota lakes and swimming pools.
4. Enforcement of swimming rules by various means from 1985-2007 has not prevented this excessive mortality rate. Enforcement of rules without a life guard on duty is impossible.
5. There is a legal exposure from the city owning and operating a swimming facility in opposition to a federal agency’s recommendation with one settlement already on record for $50,000.
6. Redirecting swimmers from Foster Arend to Rochester pools would increase swimmers’ safety. An account has been established at the Rochester Park/Rec Dept for this. Contributions may be sent to Rochester Park/Rec Dept., attention “Foster Arend Alternative Free Swimming Pool Pass Program.”

From: The Rochester Parks and Recreation Department
R.E. Foster Arend Discussion

THE BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS, FOR THE CITY OF ROCHESTER, WILL BE HEARING PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING FOSTER AREND PARK AT THE REGULAR SCHEDULED BOARD MEETING, APRIL 1 2008.

THE MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR 4:30 PM AT CITY HALL ROOM 104. CITIZEN COMMENTS WILL BE HEARD DURING AN OPEN COMMENT PERIOD PRIOR TO BOARD DISCUSSION.

THIS IS AN INFORMATION ITEM AND THE BOARD WILL NOT BE TAKING ACTION UNTIL THEIR NEXT REGULAR SCHEDULE BOARD MEETING (MAY 6, 2008).