Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 08/14/2008 - Joint with EPB

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Commissioner Hanson agreed that it would be worth a try and if it does not work out then they could remove it and restore it to turf. Parks Supervisor Riverblood stated that the youth association had requested a lawful gambling match of funds for outfield fences on fields two and four. He advised that this request was made again this year, even though they believe that a request should only be made once every three years. He advised that the youth association did come up with the funding forthe two fields. He explained that there was a concern with fencing fields two and three, as they are used for other sports not just baseball. He did not see a problem with fencing fields one and four though. He advised that the association would be funding the proj ect 100 percent and would like to get started as soon as possible. He advised that they are also including a maintenance strip that would cost about $5,000 to prevent the city from excess mowing. Commissioner Barr thought that the fields that have already been done look very nice. Parks Supervisor Riverblood reported that this Saturday would be Super Soccer Saturday at Central Park. He advised that his event has occurred for the past few years and is a fun activity for kids and families. Commissioner Backous advised that the North Section boys traveling Soccer State Tournament would be on July 19th and 20th with the championship game occurring on July 21stat Elm Crest Park. He stated that they would also be using Anoka High School on Sunday for games. Commissioner Shryock commented that she had talked to a resident last week at Elm Crest Park who was walking his dog. She advised that they had discussed the possibility of the city having an area where dogs are allowed to run off of their leash.. She advised that it could be a fenced in area where the dogs could run. Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that Anoka County was going to assign an intern to do the research on that topic. He explained that a lot of people do not want the area near their homes and they would also need to watch for pollution near wetlands. He advised that it had been . discussed to have the area near the Town Center. He advised that they had also discussed doing that in the hockey rinks near the elementary school. He mentioned that Anoka County may have a dog area in Fridley. He advised that the Commission could add that project to the CIP. Commissioner Backous thanked the City for getting the parking lot striped at Rivers Bend and advised that it really helps out. Commissioner Shryock advised that she did apply for the at large position open on the City Council, in place of Sara Strommenn. Chairperson Johns advised that she would be willing to help Commissioner Shryock if need be. Park and Recreation Commission/July 10, 2008 Page 7 of 8