Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 11/10/1994

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B~seball Eield The only baseball field ',,,'ill be regulation size with 90' base paths, thereby accommodating adults as well ~ organized and informal pta)'. The field is sited away from the softball fields ann other areas to minimize conflicts from the games intensig, and generally older players (softball fields are gene.rally acceptable to baseball players through the middJe school ages). '9,q~ite this field might require an outfield fence, the backstop ma)' not need to be of the caliper of the one located at Central ?ark, and, therefore, construction costs ma)' be on})' slightJy kigher than thc softball The geo~.o'rnphic alignment is an issue of moderate importance duc to thc ve}ocity of baseba.l] pla>'. This orientation places neither the infielders (most importantly the pitcher) or the batter at ,q "sun in thc eyes" ciisadv~mgc in the b'pical late a/temoon/evemg game, T~ Pon d The Park's pond will be the focal point of the passive activities of the recreation 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, Pan of an), operational expense could be defrayed by a local fishing perrmt cost. The spring "opener" could be a festive occasion with a tagged fish providing a significant prize. The hagged fish caught subsequent to the opener n:fight pro',4de the angler w/th a lifetime Ramsey fishing pe,wnit. If it is deterrrfined that the fish cannot survive over winter they could be netted with a resulting fish fry or possibly release into Trot-[ Brook. The pond would have a dock, bridge or both. Approximately one half of the pond will be "manicured", with the rest "wild", and also a small pomon to the south actually fenced to protect Dredging would make the pond more suitable for w/lcllffc, pm"ticularly aquatic species, such as tis?:. The dredged material would supplement topsoil in the borrow area. One possibiiiD, would be to route a portion of the u'eated water from the ian&5II to the pond for a' fountain. Trfis would also serve as aeration and ro ma~nr, ain desired water levels. T~ ~ ,. n,. prim~-,D' acriwi~' around the pond will be picnicking. The ponds shape could be altered and a beach area then created. A beach to the north would ~ve excellent sun exposure, and something no.: available to this pmu of the courts,.