Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/09/2009

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Background: The City received an Adopt -A -Spot application, on August 8, 2008 from Andrea Seiberlich and neighboring property owners, to construct a commemorative trailside garden. Project plans, budget and timeline were submitted on February 13, 2009. Alternative locations have been proposed on a City - owned parcel legally described as Outlot A, Wood Pond Hills, Anoka County, City of Ramsey, State of Minnesota, and generally located near the intersection of Sunwood Drive and County Rd. 5. This proposal was considered by the City Council on February 24, 2009 and was reviewed by the Park and Recreation Commission on March 12, 2009. Previously unknown objections from neighbors to the subject property made this Park and Recreation meeting essential to consider all neighborhood concerns. Notification: Properties near the subject parcel were mailed a notice of this meeting, and the anticipated City Council meeting to follow as an informational courtesy. Notice was sent to these same properties prior to the City Council Work Session of February 24`". No public hearing is required for parkland improvements. Observations: CONSIDER ADOPT -A -SPOT TRAILSIDE GARDEN IMPROVMENT AND DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT By: Al Haugen, Management Intern CASE # 1. Adopt -A -Spot is an informal crime prevention program of the City of Ramsey Police Department which allows individuals or groups to engage in volunteer beautification efforts on City parkland. The applicants are requesting to construct a trailside garden dedicated to the memory of Luke Crotteau, and focusing on honoring all children past, present and future from the City of Ramsey. The proposal includes two alternative sites. Site #1 is preferred by the applicants because the cost of improvements would be less, Site #2 does not abut any residential parcels and is expected to have less impact on the neighboring properties than Site #1, Alternative layouts are shown in the site #2 grading plans. The trail shown on the site #2 grading plan would improve a cut - across trail that is already regularly used by residents. Landscaping for both sites includes native prairie grass plantings, benches, screening trees, and a memorial tree. Plans for site #1 also include pavers and perennials. The subject parcel is zoned R -1 MUSA, where public parks are a permitted use, and is identified on the Park and Trails Map as parkland.