Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/12/2012

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A wrap up in 2011 from the 2010 construction of The Draw included irrigation, seed and warranty issues that were addressed. In addition to the summer concert series and the farmers market, the Rhinestone Commons parking lot was completed. The project was done for less than the original bid amount because parks staff organized the design and bidding on that project. One of the other events that was held at The Draw was our first boat show, in spite of the hot . weather it was a good turnout. Another event held was movie night. Parks Supervisor Riverblood also added these are no cost events. The concert series ended with our end of season patron picnic. There were 350 plus persons that attended. The Ramsey Foundation has done and continues to do a lot of work toward the concert series. Another no cost for use addition to our park and trail system is the public bike system at City hall and the self serve public canoes and kayaks at Sunfish Lake Park. Currently, there are 120 swipe card holders for the system at Sunfish Lake Park. Another recreational amenity is a $500,000 in boat landing improvements to Mississippi West Regional Park at almost no investment money by the City of Ramsey. Another activity kind of related to maintenance is the detail analysis of the cost for mowing and trimming at The Draw, pursuant to Council direction, which was successfully contracted out for the balance of 2011 and all of year 2012 has gone fairly well. The Farmer Market was again a success and another value and service to residents along with the social experience. Along with patching ordinary maintenance of trail and parking lots, 1820' were done at Riverdale Park. There has been a lot of activity at Alpine Park which is very popular for skateboarders. Staff continues to get a lot of positive feedback from residents and non residents that are grateful for the off leash dog park. Park Supervisor Riverblood also noted the project that an Eagle Scout constructed of a kiosk with solar lights for use in the Alpine Park off leash area. The Community Garden at Water Tower 1 located at the intersection of County Road 5 and Dysprosium Street has been very successful, the volunteers have taken over the maintenance. Parks Supervisor Riverblood wants to give hats off to the Garden Club volunteers that have put in a lot of time to make this a success. Another captured Developers escrow was the improvement of 1,000 feet of Class 5 at the Brookfield trail. Parks Supervisor Riverblood continued with noting that Happy Days involves everybody in this community including the City Council, Commissions and Boards and was yet another successful year. Park and Recreation Commission /January 12, 2012 Page 3 of 5