Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/10/2008

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Chairperson Johns stated that with the proximity and proposed underpass to Alpine Park she thought that park development without a playground would meet the needs of the residents. Commissioner Backous stated that there was a nice gazebo on the southern side and thought that they should keep the northern area more natural. He explained that there are a lot of close businesses in the area and advised that the employees could come to the park and eat lunch at the gazebos. Commissioner Shryock was in favor of keeping it passive and advised that as time goes on and they gage what the actual use and wants will be they could always add things, such as non- intrusive play structures to the park. Jeff Schoenbauer advised that they can design the park with efficiency of land use in mind, meaning that they could be very efficient with where they are placing things so that in time they could add additional structures. Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that wildlife also would benefit from an underpass, especially since Sunfish Lake Boulevard separates two wetlands. Jeff Schoenbauer stated that they would stay with the theme elegant in a natural way and also recognize that they would need to have a backup design plan in the case that the City is unable to negotiate with the surrounding landowners at some point in the future. Parks Supervisor Riverblood stated that Commissioner Backous brought up a good point about the benefit to the employees of surrounding businesses. He explained that the park is currently getting use from people who drive to the site during their lunch break and eat in their vehicles. He stated that although they did not receive a lot of input from surrounding businesses, however Cottonwood Park has seen a noticeable increase in daytime use from employees of several businesses. He thought that the planning was well thought out. Schoenbauer questioned if they should construct the parking lot in an area where there would be a nice view if someot}e were to sit in their car to eat lunch. Commissioner Shryock advised that if they were going to put in a parking lot already, why not make it in an area where people would be able to do just that. Jeff Schoenbauer stated that he was ready to move forward to the Council with the ideas they have discussed and feltgood about the progress and the direction that they are moving in. Riverblood reminded everyone that it's anticipated that the Commission's May meeting will be at the lake, and will be an opportunity to reconcile the revised park plans on site. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Johns, Commissioners Erickson, Backous, Barr, Hansen, LaMere, and Shryock. Voting No: None. Absent: None. Case #3: Consider Support for Anoka Aquatic Center for 2008 Park and Recreation Commission/April 10, 2008 Page 6 of 18