Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/08/1993

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Mr. Boos indicated that the most significant changes included dropping out of the Woodland Green project and moving up Phas~ II of the Central Park East acquisition. Mr. Boos also indicated that the proposed i$120,000 won t be enough to complete the Lake Itasca/Whispering Pines trail thru North Fork, running south of Hunters Ridge and terminating at Autumn Heights. The cost of providing a flotation devise thru the wetland area is estimated at over $140 per running foot exclusive of hand rails, installation, etc. Mr. Schroeder explained that there were three major changes from the original draft of the 1993 plan; (1) the Fox Park development was moved from 1993 to 1995 to allow for the significant time needed to adequately plan the project (2) Sunny Ponds Park was moved to 1994 but will still utilize Park Dedication fees and (3) the Whispering Pines/North Fork ball field is projected to begin in 1995-1996. The Commission opted to discuss in detail the Lake Itaska Trail. CITIZEN INPUT Ms. Jennifer Beer, 16455 Driscoll Circle, Ramsey, MN, representing the North Fork Homeowners'Association, questioned the timing of the trail, whether a horse trail would be a part of the North Fork Trail, and what the trail would actually look like. Mr. Boos indicated that depending on City Council's ratification of the proposed C.I.P., in-house trail delineation would begin as soon as the scope of the project could be identified; however, not before summer. Ms. Beer expressed concern relative to oak wilt, and Mr. Boos indicated that the Commission was cognizant of the situation, and all efforts would be made to reduce any damage to the trees. Mr. Boos also explained that the proposed trail would allow for a hose trail, but the probability of a horse trail would not be in the near future. Referencing the way the trail area would appear visually, Mr. Boos indicated that the general consensus would be to leave the area in a more wild state with the possibility of 2 feet of mowed grass along ~e side of the trail. Commissioner Cook works for Anoka County Parks and Mr. Boos suggested that he would be a good person to use for reference. Ms. Teresa Henn, 16465 Driscoll Circle, Ramsey, MN also representing the North Fork Homeowners Association, indicated that a portion of the proposed trail goes thru an open field, and questioned whether a buffer would be appropriate. Mr. Boos explained the advantage of the great diversity available in the area recognized when several of the Commissioners walked the proposed trail Tuesday night. Mr. Boos suggested that a staggered line of intermittent trees would not only be visually pleasing, but act as a buffer and serve to delineate the trail in the open areas. Mr. Dennis Peck asked the Chairpeople of the North Fork Amenities Committee to attend this meeting. Mr. Peck indicated he would like to go on record as saying that he believes the residents of North Fork!are 'tremendously responsive to the ideas the Commission has come up with despite some earlier (~oncerus relative to the horse trails. Mr. Boos and the Commission welcomed the community involvement in the project as it progresses. Mr. Schroeder explained that they are still working thru the exact alignment of the trail. He and Mr. Peck are 'examining topographical maps in an attempt to locate more high ground. Mr. Park and Recreation Commission/April 8, 1993 Page 2 of 15