Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 10/10/1996

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Chair Cook was concemed about possible impact on vehicles (i.e. dents) from play conducted on the field that would face the parking lot. Commissioner Droegemueller responded the plans include a 240-foot fence, and he has yet to see a softball hit that distance. Chair Cook expressed additional concern about recreational use and how this might impact vehicles in the parking lot. Commissioner Droegemueller stated the proposal at hand can allow for switching/turning around of fields. The Parks/Utilities Supervisor prepared a rough sketch of an alternative layout, noting there would be more grading expenses incurred. He added it was important to not bisect the park's two identified uses. Commissioner Johns inquired about potential trade offs. Mr. Boos responded a small field could be added, but not an extra soccer/football field. Commissioner Droegemueller stated the soccer program has tripled in the last four years. And currently the process for contracting/proposing a traveling soccer program with the MN Youth Soccer Association is happening. Either way, more growth is expected in the soccer program. Currently, there are approximately 1,200 youth living in the immediate use area which could increase to as much as 3,000. Commissioner Droegemueller reiterated three ball fields and one soccer field are not enough to address future planning needs. Commissioner Ostrum interjected Alpine Park has to serve other functions as well and expressed concem about the parking lot accordingly as he believed the City has a much better plan. Mr. Boos added water drainage issues would occur on such a large parking lot as the one Commissioner Droegemueller is proposing. Mr. Boos inquired whether Commissioner Droegemueller could meet with the City intern and himself to work on adding a fourth field to the City's concept plan. Commissioner Droegemueller agreed adding a desire to work with the intern to expand the Active Use area. Chair Cook requested dimension confirmation of Commissioner Droegemueller's proposal. Commissioner Johns confirmed all fields are youth size. Commissioner Droegemueller added the biggest need is for baseball fields. Mr. Boos reminded the Commission that Alpine Park will be in use for at least 100 years. During the near term, there will be plenty of opportunities for development, i.e., the City Hall property, Lake Itaska Park, etc. and, therefore, it would not be in the best interest to compromise aesthetics at this time simply for the sake of an additional ball field. Mr. Boos stated RFP packets have been sent out to prospective developers regarding the parcel north of Alpine Park. The deadline is November 11, 1996. Area residents have been requested via letter to attend a meeting on Thursday, October 24, 1996 at 7 p.m. in order to provide input pertaining to development specifications of the parcel north of 153rd Avenue. Resident input will be forwarded to prospective developers for implementation consideration prior to the RFP deadline. A copy of the letter sent to residents was distributed. Commission members were encouraged by Mr. Boos to attend the meeting to address resident input, first hand. Commissioner Droegemueller inquired about funding of a potential pedestrian bridge and fiscally responsibility; Parks & Recreation or Street Improvement. Mr. Boos indicated there is some flexibility as the pedestrian bridge may relate to transportation needs. Park and Recreation Commission/October 10, 1996 Page 5 of 6