Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/11/2008

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Commissioner Backous stated even if you have both, an indoor sports facility would draw residents from all over the metro area and would represent a significant revenue source for the City. Parks Supervisor Riverblood suggested the Commissioners tour the Plymouth indoor sports facility, which has space for lacrosse, softball, football, and soccer. Commissioner Backous commented that the turf represents the prohibitive cost for an indoor sports facility. Consensus of the Commission was to recommend that City Council form a Community Center Task Force to serve as an advisory board to the City Council during the planning stages of the proposed Community Center and to give consideration to an indoor sports facility. Case #3: Discuss Process for Park Building for Elmcrest Park Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that within the projected 2008 Parks Capital Improvement Program is a $500,000 estimate for a community building for Elmcrest Park. He noted that of that dollar projection, one half is shown as coming from the Park Trust Fund and the other half is proposed to come from a philanthropic organization. He stated the proposed building is.intended to serve soccer programs and other community needs. Commissioner Backous stated he met with representatives of the Northern Lights Soccer Club (NLS) to obtain their input on what they would like to see in terms of a community building at Elmcrest. He distributed a copy of the "wish list" prepared following that meeting and reviewed the list with the Commission. He stated with respect to basic design, NLS requested a large enough overhang on two sides of the building facing the fields to protect from the elements; NLS also requested lockable roll panels on the overhang for wind protection and to provide extra security from vandals. He stated NLS also requested a small wall surrounding most of the area on the two sides facing the fields; this wall would provide a surface to lock down the roll panels and would also provide a ledge to sit on. Parks Supervisor Riverblood stated this wall would also serve to control activity of movement in the concession area. Commissioner Barr stated there is a park in Elk River that has a fenced in area around the building that provides an area for small children to play. Commissioner Backous stated with respect to concessions, NLS requested a large window facing the field, sinks to allow for cooked food concessions, and adequate power to allow for a freezer, ice machine, and various concessions equipment. Commissioner Backous stated NLS included an item on their wish list requesting the women's restrooms be larger than the men's restrooms. He indicated they also requested baby changing stations as well as changing stalls. Park and Recreation Commission/September 11, 2008 Page 7 of 10