Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/12/1996

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The only baseball field will be regulation size with 90' base paths, thereby accommodating adults as well as organized and informal pla>,. The field is sited away from the softball fields eno other areas te minimize conflicts from the games intensity and generally older players (softball fields are generally acceptable to baseball players through the middle school ages). While this field might require an outfield fence, the backstop ma>, not need to be of the caliper of the one located at Centr',d Park, and, therefore, construction costs rrm>, be only slightly higher than the softball fields. The geo~m"aphic alignment is an issue of moderate importance due to the velocity of baseball pla>,. This orientation places neither the infielders (most importantly the pitcher) or the batter at a "sun in the eyes" disadvantage in the typical late afmrnoordevenmg game. The Pond The Park's pond will be the focal point of the passive activities of the re,cation area, The pond's aesthetic and recreational value could be enhanced in a number of ways. One community-wide benefit would be to introduce brook trout for fishing and consumption. Part of an), operational expense could be defrayed by a local fishing permit cost. The spring "opener" could be a festive occasion with a tagged fish providing a significant prize. The tagged fish caught subsequent to the opener might provide the angler with a lifetime Ra.msey fishing permit. If it is determined that the fish cannot survive over winter they could be netted with a resulting fish fry or possibly release into Trort Brook. The pond would have a dock, bridge or both. Approximately one haft of the pond will be "manicured", w/th the rest "wild", and also a small portion to the south actually fenced to protect Dredging would make the pond more suitable for wildlife, particularly aquatic species, such as fish. The dredged material would supplement topsoil in the borrow area. One possibility would be to route a portion of the treated water from the lariat'ill to the pond for a' fountain. "finis would ~so serve as aeration and to maintain desked water levels. The primary activity around the pond will be picrficking. The ponds shape could be altered and a beach area then created. A beach to the north would ~ve excellent sun exposure, and something not available to this part of the county.