Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 11/13/2008

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Commissioners Erickson, Backous, Hansen, LaMere, and Slu)'ock. Voting No; None. Absent: Chairperson Johns and Commissioner Barr. COMMISSION BUSINESS Case #1: Irriglttion for RiverdalePark - 2008 Capital ImprovementProgrnm Parl<s SupervIsor Ri vcrblood advised that this item has been a goal of the Commission for many years and is coming to conclusion in 2008. He advised that this area is heavily populated and the park really serves a lot of residents. He advised that the purk space gets quite dry, which affects both the turf quality and the trees. He advised that this park has also been a setting for many tree plantings, most recently with the past Arbor Day event. He advised that the water truck has been supplying water to those trees. He took an opportunity to thank Mr. and Mrs. Freeburg, whom have taken the time and their own hoses out to water those trees. He stated that the four acre park would be irrigated for less than $45,000, which would come from the Park Trust Fund. He explained that the funds in the Park Trust Fund actually come from developers to improve parks , ' within the city. He advised that the water main would be a costly piece of the project and stated that everything should remain under the budget. He advised that if there was excess money available that hi.ld been budgeted from this project, they would add some garbage containers and . other thing~ t.o that park. Commissioner Shryock confirmed that this is needed in the park and thanked the residents for all the time and effort they have put into the park. Commissioner Bnckous questioned if this would be a standard irrigation system. Parks Supervisor Riverblo()d advised that it would be installing moisture sensors to monitor the amount of moisture in different areas and to prevent the system from running during the rain. He advised that the sprinklers would run only during late night hours and only if the soil actually needs to be watered. He advised that the park borders on Riverdale Drive and that there is a trail system that goes along the park. He advised that it is projected to add another section of trail, which would connect to Anoka at the King's Island area. He advised that some parking spaces had been added a few years prior to allow for people to park within the park. He continued that, ultimately when Anoka adds their Mississippi River West Park it would connect more trails together thrOUghO\.lt the City. Commissioner Shryock questioned if the shelter would be added to that park. Parks Supel'vlsor Riverblood advised that they would be adding a modest shelter to theparl< in the near t\.~ture and suggested that they look at adding steel roofs to these shelters to help the longevity of the shelter. Motion by Commissioner Backous, seconded by Commissioner Erickson to recommend that the City Council obtain quotes and moves forward with this project in 2009, and uses the contingency for additional trash barrels and benches for the park. Park and Recreation Commission/October 9, 2008 Page 2 of 6