Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 12/11/2008

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Parks Supervisor Riverblood reported that the Riverdale project came in $4,000 under the budget, even after benches and trash receptacles were added. He advised that the City Council approved the off-leash area for Alpine Park and stated that could be available as soon as April. Commissioner Shryock spoke to residents that may have been watching on QCTV and stated that although the Commission does a great job publicizing events and agendas she wanted to encourage residents to contact staff or Commission members with feedback and suggestions. She advised that even if the resident were to miss the original meeting for a project they could still come forward with suggestions during the process rather than just commenting after the project is completed and nothing can be adjusted. She encouraged residents to keep in contact with feedback. Commissioner Hanson stated that he had spoken to a member of the Park and Recreation Commission in Anoka regarding the off-leash area. He advised that they are trying to do something similar in Anoka but are having a hard time finding the space. He advised that currently the City pays the City of Anoka for the use of the pool at a discounted rate. He questioned if something could be negotiated for the Anoka residents to use the Ramsey off-leash area in exchange for the discount pool rate. He advised that the suggestion was made by the member from the Anoka Park and Recreation Commission. He thought that Anoka residents will probably use the area in Ramsey when it opens, especially if Anoka is unable to find a location for theirs. Parks Supervisor Riverblood thought that was a interesting idea and advised that it could be brought up during the resident rate pool discussions likely to occur around February. Commissioner Hanson thought it would be a great idea to help offset the cost of the off-leash area. Parks Supervisor Riverblood stated that dog parks are appreciated immensely around communities. He advised that the advantage that the City has with that area is that it is already irrigated with good turf. He advised that if the idea is popular, the Commission may need to consider adding another off-leash area in another part of the City. He stated that many communities have problems finding a location for the areas. Chairperson Johns commented that the dog owners would still be responsible for picking up after their dogs within the off-leash area and explained to residents nearby that it would not be as bad as some people perceive it to be. She advised that it is just an area for dogs to run around and play. She thought that the discussion could take place between the City and Anoka when the time for the pool fees comes in regard to the use of the dog park. Commissioner Shryock stated that she had recently taken a tour of the Waste Management sanitary landfill and advised that there are several hundreds of acres of land that is planned to be used as a recreation area in the next few years. She questioned the status of the property and the current owner. She questioned if that could be a possibility in the future. Park and Recreation Commissionillecember 11, 2008 Page 12 of 13