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

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there would be more people involved in the games who would like to be able to keep an eye on their smaller children at the playground. Commissioner Johns stated that definitely is an issue as most parents want to keep an eye on their younger kids. Commissioner Droegemueller suggested the play area be located near the parking lot or possibly two smaller play areas could be developed. Mr. Boos stated the cost and the maintenance would be higher with two playgrounds. Commissioner Droegemueller stated this is an 80 acre park and there could be a play area at both ends. He asked if the fields could be designed to put the play area on each side of the picnic area. Chairperson Cook asked if the tennis and fields could be switched. Commissioner Droegemueller asked if the soccer field would fit in place of the location of the tennis courts where the skating rink would be. Mr. Boos suggested the play area could possibly go between the baseball fields as a center point. Mr. Boos summarized the comments of the Commission as they would like to see three baseball fields, two permanent soccer fields, two shared soccer/baseball fields, tennis courts and skating to the West and possibly a soccer field over the skating area. Commissioner Skinner asked if it was necessary for the soccer fields to be closer together. Commissioner Droegemueller stated that is not very important. Commissioner LaMere stated he has received requests from residents for a running track. Mr. Boos stated the same request was received when planning the elementary school. Possibly a running track could be done in conjunction with the baseball fields. Commissioner LaMere also suggested some sort ofbandshell be constructed to be used for summer concerts. Mr. Boos stated that would certainly be compatible with the other activities in the park. Commissioner Skinner suggested it possibly be located in the Northeast coruer. Commissioner Droegemueller asked if a running track could be put around a soccer field. Commissioner Asfahl stated she has had a request for a sliding hill. Commissioner Johns stated that may be a liability issue. Mr. Boos stated he does not know if there would be enough space. Commissioner Droegemueller asked what the elevation of the park was to the soccer fields. Mr. Boos stated there is a 20 foot drop. Commissioner Droegemueller suggested a bobsled type run in an "S" shape on the side of a hill. Mr. Boos stated it could be in conjunction with the skating rink. Commissioner Skinner asked if the elevation could be raised somewhat. Commissioner Droegemueller stated them is a lot of liability issues with sliding hills. Commissioner Asfahl asked if the hill had to be designated a sliding hill or could it just be a hill kids could use for sliding if they wished. Mr. Boos stated he will take into account the Commissioner's comments and have a modified drawing developed. It can be reviewed at the next meeting and put in the "Ramsey Resident" which would give the residents an additional opportunity to give their comments. Commissioner Droegemueller asked ifa Park Commission representative should present the park plan to the Council. Mr. Boos suggested that be done after residents comments are received. Mr. Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator, stated the question will come before the Council as to whether they want to sell the land or not at their October meeting. Park and Recreation Commission/September 12, 1996 Page 4 of 6