Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/01/1996 - Workshop

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City Staff presented some estimates of the relative value of ballfield lighting versus new field construction. It was apparent that there is a greater value per dollar for constructing fields versus lighting, however, maintenance cost would be higher. The Youth Association presented an eight point list of potential improvements to Central Park. The Commission and the Youth Association engaged in a detailed examination of each of the items and noted that adding bleachers for fields 5 and 6 had been accommodated in 1995. Perhaps lowest on the list of priorities was adding a drinking fountain in the common area between fields 1 and 4. All were in agreement that the improvement may be problematic and didn't represent a high value to dollar ratio. Another proposed improvement was to bring the concession stand up to certain Health Department codes for food preparation etc. It was agreed that this improvement may not fit within the $105,000 budget, given the expected expense of the lighting. Also the improvements to concessions at Central perhaps should be directed at a centralized location, i.e. between fields 1 through 4, particularly if expansion occurs on the east 35 acres. Finally, it was noted that net revenue from the concession stand is nominal from the Youth Association practices and games and the primary income earning potential would exist for tournaments rental. The Youth Association intends on discussing concession stand improvements with local philanthropic groups. One improvement that is not reflected in the attached draft budget is developing basketball and tennis courts within one of the lighted hockey rinks at Central. Everyone at the February 1, 1996, meeting was unanimous in their support for this utilization of existing lighting and space. It was noted that a community southwest of the City may have actually constructed such a facility. Research is being conducted. It was also noted that the next ballfields created (particularly in a community park) may be designed as baseball fields with a larger in-field lime area. Vice-President Reid Droegemueller is identifying specifications for this type of multi-use field. There was also strong consensus for improved landscaping at Central, improved signage and also basketball standards perhaps in conjunction with the small overflow parking lot along 161st Avenue if the hockey rink(s) concept is not feasible. There was also discussion regarding out-field fencing for softball fields 5 and 6 and possible replacing of out-field fencing on fields 3 and 4. It was agreed that this would be a future xmprovement. Perhaps the strongest consensus at the meeting was in discussing the value of the "Park Keeper" position that was employed for the fu'st time in 1995. Everyone was in agreement that it was a great success both from a park user and a park maintenance stand point. The following is a draft 1996 Central Park Budget: (It was advertised that additional public comment will be welcome at the Commission's regular February meeting. Depending upon this comment, the draft budget may be amended accordingly. The time line for approval of Central Park's budget would likely include the Park and Recreation Commission meeting of March 14, 1996, and then the Finance Committee/City Council meeting on March 26, 1996.) Park and Recreation Commission Workshop/February 1, 1996 Page 2 of 3