Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 03/13/2008

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Commissioner Shryock advised that in the previous discussions that the Commission has had regarding the park site they have tried to look at more passive activities because they do recognize the benefits of the natural environment. She stated that if there was any talk of public access to the lake that it would be for canoes. The resident replied that any non-motorized canoes or kayaks would be fine by him. He advised that there are not any fish to catch in the lake. He stated that when he sells his property it would be to a developer. He advised that they could then put a trail through to Hunters Park. Jeff stated that he has heard financial elements and the thinking of a neighborhood park but questioned ifthey had looked at the broader aspects ofthe.park. Chairperson Johns advised that the thinking would be to have the park as more of a destination stop where people could have a picnic and then go on to another park. She advised that there is another park down the road that has active equipment. She stated that the thinking was to . capitalize on the passive experience. She thought that the most active that it would get would be to have canoes or kayaks. She stated that unless there is a huge demand for playground equipment they really do not want to put it into this park. Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that there is a 12-acre park space that would be developed when the area around it is redeveloped. He advised that there is enough active park equipment within a reasonable distance. Jeff questioned what the need for parking would be. Chairperson Johns stated that they have always wanted to give the City of Ramsey access to the lake. She stated that they are not talking about a IS-car parking lot, but a couple spots for people bringing canoes and such. Jeff stated that the adjacent landowner has concerns over where the trail would be placed but advised that it seems the desire is to still connect the park to the school. Commissioner Shryock stated that she would like to see some access t9 the lake and that they do understand that a trail right by the lake would affect property values but advised that it would be beneficial for residents and school children to have access to the lake. . Chairperson Johns stated that the way it is now there is never going to be a loop around the lake but advised that they would like as much ofthat experience as possible. Jeff stated that the adjacent property owners would manage the financial portion of that if the City were willing to work with them. He stated that the property owners have expressed concern with people going down to the lake now on private property. He stated that he is hearing that this would be a passive park with simple overlooks and nicely designed but still more passive than active. Park and Recreation CommissionlMarch 13, 2008 Page 4 of 11