Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/08/1994

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FOX PARK DEVELOPMENT AND BUDGET PLAN GEOGRAPHY: The Fo'x Park area is largely wetland. It includes one lot adjacent to Potassium Street which has 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 playground area surface will be enclosed with materials (such as railroad ties) yet to be determined and filled with 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 to be located 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 fa'st 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 knolI. 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 wildflower {-estoration project. Not only does prairie restoration give us a key to understanding Ramsey's natural history; but it also provides habitat for wildlife. A buffer zone in is created around the lot by berming the southern edge of the park and planting shortgrass prairie. Placing additional prairie on the eastern edge of the lot, between wetland and the street will avoid costly filling as well as provide more passive uses of the park. Prairie restoration is planned as part of phase I. Prior to its planting, the existing meadow grasses will remain. LANDSCAPING: Deciduous trees will be strategically planted for aesthetics and shade throughout the park. 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. Eventually a professionally constructed park entrance sign will also be located in this bed. This sign will be approximately 3 feet in height and 4 feet in width. 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 with appropriate access points to the path.