Minneapolis Park Watch

Chao Xiong, Star Tribune, September 16, 2004

As the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board delves into its second search for a superintendent in a year, memories and wounds remain strong from the chaotic meeting that brought an unsettling conclusion to the 2003 search.

The board is just weeks into advertising for a chief steward of Minneapolis' nationally renowned park system, a collection of nearly 6,400 acres of land and water, more than 170 park properties and about 50 recreation centers.

Candidates for the high-profile superintendent post, which will pay a salary of $114,200, also have to contend with less clear-cut challenges, including working with a board that has gained a reputation for infighting (a recent five-hour meeting ended with heated verbal exchanges). And, all nine commissioners' terms expire in November 2005.

"I think that some potential candidates may look through the news accounts [from] last year and be concerned that this may be a difficult situation," said Commissioner Marie Hauser.

Despite the problems, commissioners hope that the board has turned a corner and that the search will go smoothly.

Meanwhile, Interim Superintendent Jon Gurban, whose contract ends in December, hasn't said if he is applying for the job.

At a meeting that featured shouting, name-calling and walkouts by some commissioners, the board voted 5-4 in December to appoint Gurban, who hadn't applied for the job.

The top two candidates withdrew at the last minute, and the board turned to Gurban. He was given a one-year contract that expires Dec. 31. But he got the $112,000 post without the required rigorous application process.

That process included management and psychological tests and interviews for the other applicants.

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Search begins again

Andrea Sims, executive recruiter for the Oldani Group, which is conducting the search, said she expects the subject will come up in discussions with candidates.

"I think they'll feel good about the process that is taking place now," she said.

The group has received about 10 applications, typical at this stage, and expects to have up to 40 strong candidates, she said. The search budget is $30,000.

The parks, often referred to as "urban jewels," have a 2004 operating budget of $48.6 million and host 15.5 million visitors each year, making them second to the Mall of America for the most visited attraction in the Twin Cities. The city's parks get close attention from hard-core parks enthusiasts who religiously attend twice-a-month board meetings and keep online forums rife with park news and gossip.

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Mixed reviews

Some commissioners said they expect Gurban to apply for the job and to be a top candidate.

"I hope [Gurban] applies," said Commissioner Walt Dziedzic. "I'm happy with what he's done."

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Reviews of Gurban's performance are not without criticism.

Commissioner Annie Young wants to see more reports from him on park projects. Some commissioners and residents were surprised to learn last month that park staff members were drafting plans for improvements to Bryn Mawr Park without notifying the board. Park staff said it's common practice to work on plans even if improvements are not imminent and to bring them to the board's attention later.

Young said she was also upset to see the Lake Harriet band shell repainted without board notification. "I feel that [Gurban's] relationship to the commissioners is lacking," she said.

Regardless of the tumult, commissioners said they expect top candidates for the post.

"It's a different year, it's a different time," Young said. "I firmly believe that this is the No. 1 park system in the country, and there are people who want to come here and work here."

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