Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/09/1998

Home

CASE #1 FUTURE COMMUNITY PARK NEEDS By: Mark Boos, Parks/Utilities Supervisor Background: The Park and Recreation Commission's Park and Trail Plan (map) has shown five community parks ultimately serving Ramsey. In existence are Central Park, Rivers Bend Park, and now Alpine Park. Proposed are the Lake Itasca Park and the location referred to as Community Park No. 5. This acreage and distribution assumed receipt of the 35 acres east' of and connecting to Central Park. Observations: The purpose of this case is to determine if the above community park system is still an accurate portrayal of Ramsey's needs for the future (Met Council's population projection for 2020 is 31,000). The reason that this needs to be affirmed now is that the 35 acres previously owned by Federal Cartridge has been sold. The new owner, however, is aware of Ramsey's desire for the parcel and is offering it for sale. Mayor Tom Gamec is expected to be present at the meeting to offer City Council's perspective. Staff recommends that this parcel be purchased even if the $63,000 tennis court project (scheduled for Central Park this year) needs to be delayed. In addition, staff feels that Community Park No. 5 is also of importance to Ramsey for the space, but especially for its location. Enclosed for your information are the following: 1) 2) Site location map for the 35 acres First draft concept plan for Community Park No. 5 Commission Action: Motion to recommend/not recommend that City Council negotiate a purchasing strategy for the 35 acres east of Central Park Motion to recommend/not recommend that City Council continue to consider the 83-acre "Community Park No. 5" for acquisition. Reviewed by: Copies also distributed to: Mayor Gamec Parks/Utilities Supervisor PR:04/09/98 City Council City Administrator Fire Chief/Director of Public Works Brad Scheib, Hoisington Koegler