Laserfiche WebLink
COMMISSION BUSINESS <br /> <br />Case #1 Review of Remsey Elementary School Playfields/Playqround. <br /> <br />Chairman Hetland explained why the Commission is reviewing the parks and asked if there <br />was anything that could be done. <br /> <br />Mark Boos informed the Commission that he had requested an informal bid to irrigate the <br />entire upper two ballfields at the elementary school. It stated that because the fields are <br />very sandy and are heavily used they remain in poor condition. Irrigating the fields would <br />not only benefit the Youth Association and the elementary students, but it would also <br />benefit the weekend users. He further stated that he is researching a three or four way <br />cost share program with the school district. The amount would be <br />approximately$7,000.00. In speaking with District #11, they were willing to commit <br />to 1/3 of the project. The other parties would be the elementary school itself and <br />possibly the Lions Club or Jayoees. The City's portion would be the on going maintenance <br />of the irrigation system. <br /> <br />Chairman Hetland suggested asking City Attorney Bill Goodrich to check into the plans the <br />school district has regarding the park. <br /> <br />Merland Otto stated that the City may have some extra money from the fishing pier <br />project ($2,000) due to the fact that an additional $2,000 was raised elsewhere. <br /> <br />Mark Boos commented that the playground equipment at the elementary school is in very <br />good condition. <br /> <br />Mr. Steven Smith, Building Maintenance Superintendent for the Ramsey Elementary <br />School stated that the bulk of the playground there was only two years old when the new <br />equipment was installed. At that time, all the equipment was inspected and any equipment <br />in poor conditions was removed for safety reasons. <br /> <br />Chairman Hetland asked if the ballfields located on the school grounds are being used. <br /> <br />Mark Boos stated that the only organized sport that participates at the school is softball <br />and the fields get about the same amount of use as the Central Park fields. He also stated <br />that the basketball court was resurfaced in 1990. <br /> <br />Chairman Hetland asked that the Commission be kept informed as to changes being made at <br />the school playground and ballfields. <br /> <br />Bruce Bacon, Environmental Specialist, invited Ron Bowen from Prairie Restoration, Inc. <br />to speak to the Commission regarding the possibility of having a prairie planted in the <br />school park. <br /> <br />Mr. Bowen stated that Prairie Restoration, Inc. had been contracted to plant a prairie in <br />River's Bend Park. He suggested that the sandy soil around the schools is ideal for prairie <br />plants. <br /> <br />Mr. Bowen displayed a map that depicts the original vegetation growth of Minnesota. He <br />explained that the map illustrates the best and most cost effective plants for the area. He <br />stated that the area by the school is an oak savanna which is excellent for prairie growth. <br /> <br />PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION / MARCH 7, 1991 <br /> PAGE 2 OF 6 <br /> <br /> <br />