Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 12/10/1998

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CASE #1 PARK LAND ACQUISITION AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN By: Mark Boos, Parks/Utilities Supervisor Background: As the Commission may be aware, on December 8, 1998, City Council authorized staff to prepare a purchase agreement for Community Park No. 5 as proposed in the Council case you received earlier. In addition, City Council adopted the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (C.I.P.) which included the park projects recommended by the Commission. Observations: For 1999, this will include the land purchase above and the construction of tennis courts at Central Park (funded in 1998). Two other projects are shown as initiated for next year. The first is a $55,000 item entitled Lake Jtasca Phase I. This project was approved by the Commission in anticipation that the Comprehensive Plan would be adopted in 1998 -potentially precipitating land development south of 153~d Avenue, which would create an opportunity for expansion of the existing Lake Itasca Park. The $55,000 would then be available for grading and initiating development. This could also occur in the year 2000 rather than 1999. The Commission's discussion was that if Lake Itasca opportunity did not materialize or a trail funding source was not identified, the moneys could be directed to a trail within the fight-of-way from 167th Avenue along County Road #83 to 153rd Avenue and west to the aforementioned park and existing trail. It appears that this issue will not be addressed until later in 1999. The most significant 1999 project - especially in terms of staff and City official time resources will be the community built playground for Central Park. As you'll recall, $20,000 in general fund moneys will be budgeted to match an equal amount of cash donations. In addition, $4,000 in Lawful Gambling Improvement Fund dollars are proposed as a match for 5 to 600 hours of installation labor. The total project goal would be to receive a $44,000 cash value playground worth in excess of $48,000. It is the playground project we need to begin organizing and promoting as soon as possible. One first step (after Council approval) would be for a presentation to the Community Center Task Force. This begins discussion on "the project" (with community leaders) and the same contacts and network will be invaluable to generate support for the proposed Community Center. Staff Recommends: 1. Seeking Council approval to let bids on Central Park tennis courts. 2. Prepare a work plan for the playground and begin organizing the donation campaign. 3. Delay action on the Lake Itasca Park/County Road #83 trail until later in 1999.