Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/12/1996

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on top of baseball fields. Mr. Boos stated the co-existence of soccer and baseball fields seems to work if the turf is maintained properly. Chair Cook stated he also likes to see the addition of tennis courts as there are not enough currently in the City. Commissioners Droegemueller, Skinner, and Asfahl agreed they liked the plan on page 5. Commissioner Droegemueller stated the RYAA has looked at the park as an opportunity for a multi- use park for soccer and baseball. They believe the ball fields should be designated as baseball fields rather than softball fields. The fields could have a 60 foot baseline for younger users and an 80 foot baseline for 14 years of age and older users. He suggested two 60 foot and two 80 foot fields be developed possibly putting them back to back. A total of four fields may be added instead of the three planned. Mr. Boos stated he does not believe there would be enough room but will look at the option. Commissioner Droegemueller stated if there was not room for four then he would prefer two 80 foot fields and one 60 foot field since the program for the younger children is smaller than the one for the older children. He noted softball could also be played on the baseball fields. The smaller field would not need a pitcher's mound but a mound would be necessary on the larger fields. He does not feel lights are a priority at this time. Commissioner Johns asked if baseball fields would mix better with the soccer fields than softball fields. Commissioner Droegemueller stated most of the soccer is played at Central Park and Emerald Pond. Commissioner Skinner asked how many soccer fields were located at Emerald Pond. Commissioner Asfahl stated there is one. Commissioner Droegemueller stated there should be a 280 outfield fence for the older kids and a 210- 220 outfield fence for the younger kids. He noted the ASA won't let grass be on the infield. Chairperson Cook stated he recently saw a new product for a skating rink to be placed on a turf field. He suggested possibly another soccer field could be added near the tennis courts that could be used as a skating rink in the winter. Mr. Boos stated that product is quite expensive and suggested the soccer/football field could be moved to the East. There may be more cars associated with the soccer games. They could try and put two fields together. Chairperson Cook stated he would like to have two soccer fields away from the baseball diamonds. Commissioner Skinner asked if two fields could run parallel by the tennis courts. Chairperson Cook stated he does not see any problem making the fields for baseball rather than softball. Commissioner Droegemueller stated the RYAA would like to see the picnic area remain in the center. He added the City may never have the opportunity to build a park like this again. Chairperson Cook stated he likes the baseball plan but would like to see one more soccer field added some way. Mr. Boos asked where the Commission would like the playground to be located. Commissioner Skinner suggested the East side. Chairperson Cook suggested it not be located near the nature area and suggested it be located by the picnic area. Mr. Boos questioned whether the Commission felt Park and Recreation Commission/September 12, 1996 Page $ of 6