Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 08/11/1994

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Mr. Hendriksen suggested that there be a joint meeting between the Park Commission and the Planning Commission to update the Planning Commission on Park's mission. No decision on the matter was made. Ms. Bev Swanson, representing the Ramsey Youth Athletic Association (RYAA), questioned the decision to continue building small neighborhood parks with minimal parking considering the cost of these parks and the lack of maintenance. They have been advised by Mr. Boos to use these smaller parks for practice, and are having problems with neighboring residents who do not wish to have them there. RYAA would like input from residents in these neighborhood park areas to help alleviate the misunderstandings resulting from a lack of playing fields. Ms. Welsch finished her presentation with an overview of proposed plans for Fox Ridge Park. She indicated that 40% of the residents responded to a survey mailed to their homes indicating they liked the idea of a boardwalk, play area and picnic shelter. Mr. Thomas Strauss, 17224 Tungsten Street N.W., a resident of Fox Ridge, indicated that residents did not understand that they have input on the proposals. He feels the boardwalk to the island is a safety concern due to the secluded area of the island as well as the potential problems with "kids hanging out there". He also indicated that the mosquitoes are so bad that no one would utilize the area anyway, and he feels that the monies would be best spent another way. He suggested tennis courts and/or basketball courts for the neighborhood park. Fox Ridge Park will be on the agenda for the September meeting. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting to see first hand what the Commission has in mind and to give their input. 1995 improvements include safety improvements to Central Park and Mr. Schroeder indicated that he is fairly confident there won't be any cuts to the preliminary budget. 1996 improvements include lighting or new fields for Central Park. Ms. Swanson indicated that RYAA would prefer lighting of existing fields. The Commission requested a cost comparison be prepared. Mr. Schroeder disagreed with using park dedication monies for the Highway 47/Fox Park plan as proposed by Mr. Boos, indicating he felt this was a transportation issue. The Commission suggested allocating the funds to the Fox Park budget by consensus. 1997 - 2000 improvements were explained by Mr. Schroeder. No changes were made. Motion by Chairperson Hetland and seconded by Commissioner Johns to forward the Capital Improvements Plan as amended to the City Council. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Hetland, Commissioners Cook, Florentius, Henn and Johns. Voting No: None, Absent: Commissioner Swokowski. COMMISSION INPUT Chairperson Hetland requested RYAA keep the Commission informed of their concerns and keep an open line of communication. An ad will once again mn in the Ramsey Resident seeking interested individuals to fill the vacancy on the Commission. Park and Recreation Commission/August 11, 1994 Page 5 of 6