Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 05/11/1995

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GEOGRAPHY: The proposed Fox Ridge Park area is largely wetland. It includes one lot adjacent to Potassium Street which hag some higher ground. However, the southern portion of this lot is under an NSP transmission line easement. There is an access easement north of the lot which runs west from Potassium onto a peninsula in the wetland. PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT: Playground equipment should be placed on the western knoll of the park lot in order to avoid Iow wetland areas, NSP transmission line, and street traffic. A small playground complex including slides and decks is proposed. Swingsets with infant seats are also included in the play area. The entire playground area will be encircled with wood ties and filled with either wood chips, sand, or pea gravel. A path of rubberized tiles is proposed from the edge of the trail to an entrance point of the playground equipment for wheelchair access. TRAIL AND BOARDWALK: An 8' bituminous trail is proposed as part of a future plan through the northern access as well as the southern lot. A wooden boardwalk will be installed from the edge of the lot across the wetland (about 225') to the peninsula. A wildlife viewing platform with bench may be located mid-way across the boardwalk. SHELTERS: Two picnic shelters are planned for the park. The first will be located near the playground complex and the second will be located on the peninsula. The specific style of the shelters has been left open-ended since community volunteer labor may be utilized in the design and construction of the picnic shelters. MISCELLANEOUS: Several benches will be placed around the play equipment. A swinging bench will also be placed on the knoll. Picnic tables will be located in the shelters and perhaps one other spot. Trash receptacles will be placed at strategic locations. PRAIRIE RESTORATION: This park, with sandy soils, direct sunlight, and restrictions of a powerline easement, is ideally suited for a prairie restoration project. Not only does prairie restoration give us a key to understanding Ramsey's natural history, but it also provides habitat for avian life and incredible displays of wildflowers. By birming the southern edge of the park and planting shortgrass prairie, privacy is created for the adjacent homeowner. Continuing this prairie around the edge of the wetland will protect wetland from too much encroachment as well as deter children from the edge. Placing additional prairie on the eastern edge of the lot, between wetland and the street will avoid costly f'ffling as well as provide more passive uses of the park. Prairie restoration is planned as part of phase II. Prior to its planting, the existing meadow grasses will remain. LANDSCAPING: Willow trees, ideally suited to a wet area, could be planted to the east of the play equipment. This will provide a buffer to the wetland and shade to the users. Currently, the site has many Scotch Pines along the eastern edge of the lot. Smaller Scotch Pines within the play area will be moved to a more suitable location within the park. Some of the larger trees could be incorporated in a plant bed of wood chips. If the budget allows and citizens desire it, an entrance sign to the park will also be located in this bed. This sign will be 3 feet in height and 4 feet in width. Construction will be of treated, stained wood cross planks and either wood or brick posts. Areas outside of the plant bed, playground area, and prairie restoration will be graded, seeded, and mowed. PARKING: Since Potassium Street is not wide enough for street parking, a small angle parking facility (ample space for 5-7 automobiles) will be located on the eastern edge of the lot in a future phase. One space will be designated handicapped parking and the path will have appropriate curbs.