Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/08/1993

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Mr. Skinner ~.'d that he would rate them equally important; however, would lean toward parks for their personal ~and social development tendencies. Ms. Johns stated that she grew up in Burnsville. At that time, trails were not always available and safety was an! issue, such as is the case with the City of Ramsey. She felt trails should receive development priority at this time. Mr. Warner stated that both were important and that it is akin to sports in that it is primarily a matter of preference. Thc CommisSion entertained a discussion with respect to priorities and trails versus parks, and concluded that in addition to the linear park experience of the trails, the availability of the trails themselves Im0vide a valuable source of transportation. Commissioner ltenn added that sidewalls or trails provide an excellent source of community development ~d neighborhood interaction that may not otherwise occur Commissioner Florentius questioned the applicants as to where they feel the park system may be in the long-term (e.g. 25 years). Ms. Johns addressed the question by stating the community would probably be well developed with regard t° caPital sorts of improvements and the need for identifying and providing services would take ~eeedence over park development to include programs such as Naturalists, or programs fo~ elderly residents. Mr. Skinner Stated that as a resident for 23 years, he has witnessed the evolution of our park system due Primarily to the influx of new residents. He would like to see the community more involved, se~ ~tore interaction and more pride in the developing park systems with an emphasis on the family aspects. Commissioner O0okin stated that his personal feeling is that in 25 years, trails will be the predominant ~sue for the City and, in his view, the converse is now true. Mr. Gookin polled the applicants wi~ regard to the recreational area to be dedicated to the City on the north side of the landfill and asked' where their priorities would lie as it relates to an educational resource versus an athletic component. Mr. Boos pointed out that the interim plans for the area contain a mixture of athletic complex, environmental education center, and passive use such as picnic areas and transportational and recreational trails. Mr. Skinner felt that the young people in the City of Ramsey need a nature center. Commissioner Florentius asked the applicants how they would address the responsibility of a Commissioner in the case of difference of opinion on the Commission. Mr. Skinner stated that he would informally poll the residents and reflect the views of the majority. Ms. Johns stated that a small portion of the job may be the actual meeting. As a Commissioner, one needs to ~ responsive to the residents and be available to the community. She felt that as a Commissioner, one would continue to receive information from the residents regarding their preferences. She added that it would be important to reflect the consensus of the community. Mr. Skinner stated that generally a compromise would result, but you are still going to have some people who are unhappy. Park and Recreation Commission/September 8, 1993 Page 3 of 5