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CASE APPROVE PARK PLAN AND BUDGET FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD PARK IN THE CITY'S PRAIRIE PARK DISTRICT By: Mark Boos, Parks/Utilities Supervisor Background: Coinciding with r~cent, rapid subdivision growth, the City Code has been mended to provide for park developmenticoncurring with that area's development. In general terms, this means that the park serving the r~eighborhood(s) should be functional (to the extent that funds allow) about the same time the ho~es are occupied or as soon thereafter as possible. The City has defined these neighborhoods as park districts. The 17 diswicts are geographical areas where we would: · Expect to find at least one recreational resoume. · Eventuallyi have a park that functions as a neighborhood park. · Have, as i~ boundaries, a feature such as a road, street or stream where it is not reasonable for youngpeople to cross alone in their pursuit of recreation. The undeveloped: neighborhood park being discussed in this case is contained in the Prairie District; the boundaries of which are 153rd Avenue N.W. on the north side, County Road #5 to the west and State Highway #47 to the east. This pie-shaped district currently has $35,075 from park dedications avaihible for development. The 1994 Capital Improvements Program did project development of this park as proposed. At the time of CIP preparation, revenues into the fund were at $29,177. This lias now increased to the $35,075 level. The only recreational property dedicated to date to serve th~se residents is the undeveloped parcel provided with the platting of the Ramsey Meadows and Sudrny Ponds subdivisions platted in 1992. To begin development for this neighborhood park, Staff embarked on a slightly different planning process. Rather t. han Staff preparing a draft plan, the residents were given approximate costs related to various 6~ ptions for the park and were asked to provide a recommendation to the Park and Recreation Comrrfission. Some of these options are presented in the attached Park and Recreation Commission Casef (Attachment C). The c~nzens recommendanons were nearly unammous and all positive. The Commission approved the resident's suggestions for the park and recommended City Council appr(~ve the Park Plan Budget and officially name the park Solstice Park. On Monday, Ma) 16, 1994, Commissioners Henn and Johns met with the residents to receive specific details relative to their desires for the playground components. Using this information, Staff will request proposals for the play structures, similar to that of Emerald Pond Park. A play equipment selectio~ committee will include the residents. Most of what is shown on the park plan is do-able as Phase I of the park's development. It is expected that future development to the east of Solstice Park will provide for a ballfield and other opportunities. On~ encouraging aspect of this neighborhood is the resident's continuing request to use volunteer labpr to buy down the cost of certain improvements, like the shelter. These opportunities are represented in the proposed park budget. Future development in the Prairie Park District may see a_h additional $50,000 or more in park dedications. These dollars may need to be directed to recreation associated with the 30-acre Municipal Center campus, trail connections or