Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/11/2003

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Chairperson Johns noted inclusion of the water features might depend on who will be paying for it, as water features are quite expensive. ~ Commissioner Shryock suggested they could try to obtain a water park and if it cannot be obtained they could have miniature golf as a back up plan. The water area at the Skate and Sports Park would be more active than in the Civic Square, which would have more of a water fountain look. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Riverblood suggested a tot lot might be more appropriate in the east area with the more active teenage area of the skate park on the west. There could be an area for the intermediate age in the center with the spray j ets or water play. Commissioner Shi-yock suggested the water area could be divided up with a wading pool and some gentle jets or sprayers that are fenced off so little ones cannot run into other areas. Ms. Bartels advised there may not be room for all of that in this park. The idea was to give the teens a place that would not be geared so much towards the families. Commissioner Lehman stated in a lot of communities the teens do not have things do or a place to go. They have an opportunity to give them structure and a safe environment with this. If that is their focus they should gear it towards that population. Commissioner Shryock stated during the weekdays in the surmner this would be heavily utilized, but it would not be once school starts. Parents with five and six year olds and younger look for things to do and there is not a lot of that in this area. A community center is a great idea with activities to adapt to varying age groups. She noted there is a water park in northeast Minneapolis off of 35W that has cdrtain hours or certain nights available to teens and other times for more family oriented activities. There is nothing north of Maple Grove for water activities for families besides Bunker Hills. This would draw Elk River, St. Frances and Zimmerman. When they are putting in the water area they should be cognizant of all age groups and be sure they do have some gentler sprays. The teens will be there but only for certain hours. The moms will be out there between 9:00 and t0:30 with the kids and are done no later than 2:00 or 3:00. Commissioner Lehmans inquired if the fitness center will just be a workout facility or similar to the com2nunity center in Maple Grove where they have different things for the smaller kids and the families. Ms. Bartels responded the Park and Recreation Commission can make it known if they would like something more family oriented. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Riverblood stated his opinion is they need to identify what the user group will be at the Skate and Sports Park and make sure everything is targeted toward them. This will give them a better chance for success with the most difficult part of their demographics they have to serve. He noted people tend to be pretty rowdy when using the basketball hoops and this would be incompatible tbr families with impressionable kids. Park and Recreation Commission/August 19, 2003 Page 6 of 10