Agenda - Council - 04/22/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I I I I ,I I I I I I I I I I I ARBORETUM AT MISSISSIPPI WEST REGIONAL PARK By: Mark Boos, Parks/UtilitiesSupervisor Background: For the last several years, an arboretum has bee~ propose'd for,~development as part of the Mississippi West Park Plan. At the last Park knd Recreation'".C~ommission meeting, the Commission explored in more detail the benefits of'~ "arboretum". The Commission went on to discuss related facilities such as a conservatory, greenhouse, etc. Ev~e~yone participating in the conversation agreed that our portion of the metro needed~ag.ilifies such as these. At this same meeting, it was reported that Anoka County did not have any funding allocated for the park for at least six years. While no one proposed that the City be directly involved in the construction of the facilities, it was recognized that years of planning may be required to evaluate exactly what amenities and what scale is in the best interest of Ramsey and the residents of Anoka County. It is with this regard, the Commission motioned to recommend that City Council pass a resolution requesting Anoka County pursue development of a significant Arboretum at Mississippi West Regional Park. The intent would be for the County to enlist the University of Minnesota's graduate student(s) to prepare a detailed analysis of an arboretum/conservatory being the focal point of the park versus meroly one feature of the l~ark. This first step would provide not only costs, layout, and feasibility, but also demonstrate that the above mentioned amenities would not detract from the typical things people expect from a regional park. Council Action:0~h~ Motion to adopt resolution #97-04-XXX requesting Anoka County Parks Department prepare a feasibility study for the inclusion of an arboretum and conservatory within the development of Mississippi West Regional Park. Reviewed by: City Administrator Parks/Utilities Supervisor CC:04/22/97