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MEMORANDUM DATE: TO: CC: FROM: RE: April 22, 1994 Residents of the Prairie Park District Park and Recreation Commission Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator Linda Mayer, Park & Recreation Recording Secretary Mark Boos, Parks/Utilities Supervisor Park Development in the Sunny Ponds Addition On April t4, 1994, approximately 28 residents and the Park and Recreation Commission met to walk the Sunny Ponds Park site and review the development potential. The consensus of the meeting was that City Staff should prepare example development costs for items that the park could or most likely would contain. A playground was one feature the park will certainly need. The discussion relative to the playground development was to what cost magnitude, knowing that the park will require a portion of the $35,000 available for other development such as landscaping. The City will need to reserve about $3,000 to $5,000 for grading, seeding, signage and miscellaneous items such as picnic tables and benches. For purposes of preparing the draft park plan and budget, these things will fall under the landscaping category. This leaves an approximate balance of $30,000. PATH During Thursday's meeting, a park path was mentioned. At fLrst blush, a paved surface may not seem like a high priority; however, several purposes for a path do make it an eventual consideration. All public improvements require compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. A play structure should have at least one component that allows persons with a physical disability to interact with able-bodied children. If the disabled person was in a wheelchair or had another mobility impairment, a path will at least facilitate access to the play equipment. The two narrow access points of the park, coupled with our sandy soil, ensure there will be minimal grass at the entry points and probably erosion to the extent that it will be unsightly and impossible to ride a bicycle into the park. An 8 foot bituminous path is a significant recreational amenity in and of itself. This surface will see in-line skaters, tricyclists, and young bikers using the park's path for wheeled activity off from the more hazardous streets. There is a minor pedestrian and bicyclist transportation element as well. As friendships develop, including future homes and destinations to the east, there will be individuals bihng and walking from the southwest portion of Sunny Ponds to points northeast and conversely. A path will ease the distance and provide green space on the way.