Workshop Item: 1 - Bryan K. Schafer, Planning and Community Development Director
Title
MUD GAMES (METRO GUN CLUB)
Background
A group has approached the City about an event they are promoting called the Mud Games. The Mud Games and other similar events can go by different names such as Warrior Dash, Mud Run, etc. They all essentially involve a course layout with obstacles (built and natural) for runners. The events take place all over the country and in Minnesota during the warm summer months. The Mud Games event is planned for the 2nd weekend in June (June 8th and 9th) at the Metro Gun Club.
Staff has significant concerns about the event and the location that has been chosen. The City Council has invited the organizers of the event to the March 21st City Council workshop where they will present their proposal. Currently staff is working with them to prepare an acceptable safety/operations plan that is still a work in progress. A permit will also be required from the RCWD since much of the course runs through regulated wetlands. It is not clear at this point what will be necessary to obtain that permit.
The Metro Gun Club is a legal non-conforming use which makes it a challenge to process approvals for new activities of any type. This proposal, with its potential neighborhood impacts, is outside the scope of activity that the City has seen before. Because of the potential neighborhood impact this type of use could generate staff recommends that any subsequent formal City Council consideration only occur after generous public notice.
The Mud Games website can be viewed through the link below. Their site has been up and taking reservations since last fall:
Direction
Staff will be seeking direction based on the comments, questions and concerns of the City Council.