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

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safe but advised that they have no reason to believe that it is unsafe. He stated that any contamination with the landfill was entirely contained under the footprint of the landfill. Commissioner Hansen stated that he has seen in other communities where there are trails that go into a shallow lake. He questioned if they would be interested in having something like that in this park that goes into the lake for observation and allows people to see the lake from the inside out. Jason advised that it would be a possibility but advised that wood docks are expensive and maintenance friendly. He stated that they would keep that idea in mind. Commissioner Hansen stated that the adjacent landowners had expressed concern with having a trail near their house and advised by having a trail going into the lake it would not be near their homes. Jeff stated that they could have fun with the design of a pier. Jason stated that they could have the pier zigzag out into the lake and then come back out. Commissioner Barr questioned how the adjacent property owners would feel about having the trail going out into the lake. Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that they have a trail that goes out into the southeast portion of another lake where a boardwalk takes people out past the six-foot cattails so that they are able to see the lake. Chairperson Johns suggested that they stay aggressive on getting a trail connection to the north of the lake. Jeff stated that thinking outside of the box they should show the green space and connect to the neighborhood, parks and school. He stated that if they were successful they would not have to worry about parking and such. One resident questioned what the options for putting fish into the lake would be. Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that Champlin puts fish into their Mill Pond and in most conditions they do survive. He stated that 111II_111![1 equipment is a lot better than it used to be and works easily. He stated that fishing as a recreation activity is a good idea and is also low cost. Chairperson Johns stated that there really is not an experience like that within the parks but added that they should not overdue it. Jeff advised that this project would show them how Ramsey deals with other things in the community. He stated that if they can be successful with the trail connections it would show them how they can do things in other locations in the City. He advised again that the adjacent Park and Recreation Commission/March 13, 2008 Page 6 of 11