Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 03/08/2012

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NON DEDICATED PROPERTIES Regarding the eight properties found to have free and clear title, five parcels are currently being marketed by the Ramsey EDA for economic development purposes. Of the remaining three parcels, one parcel was acquired as part of the Legacy Christian Academy development; and is planned to be marketed and sold. The second parcel is an open space located off 178`" Avenue and Vicuna Street in the northwest portion of the City; and is planned to be marketed and sold. The third property identified by staff to have free and clear title is a lot known as 'Peltzer Park', located on 146`" Lane and Kamacite Street. For various reasons, outlined below, the City is considering disposition of Peltzer Park. PELTZER PARK As expressed by the City Council, the demand for parks is shifting away from small neighborhood pocket parks to larger regional community parks. Furthermore, the cost to maintain a large number of small neighborhood pocket parks can be greater than the cost to maintain a small number of regional community parks. After review by City staff, it has been determined that Peltzer Park is an underutilized 'pocket park'; when compared to other improved and maintained parks within the City. One reason Peltzer Park may be underutilized is it's relatively close proximity to Alpine Park (highly improved, large and well maintained community park). As a result of the concerns outlined above, the City Council is considering closing Peltzer Park. In conjunction with the potential closing of Peltzer Park, the City is planning to develop North Commons Park; which is located west of Peltzer Park in the northern portion of the COR. The development of North Commons Park aligns with the City's comprehensive plan, the COR master plan and the City Council's strategic goals. North Commons Park has a very high density of potential users, when compared to Peltzer Park, and is expected to significantly increase as the COR develops. The development of North Commons Park is expected to reduce the demand for Peltzer Park; and in addition, would provide residents near Peltzer Park with a second park option (besides Alpine Park). If Peltzer Park was closed, the City Council would be committed to connect North Commons Park to the neighborhoods surrounding Peltzer Park with trails and crosswalks. Furthermore, the existing play equipment used at Peltzer Park would be transferred to North Commons Park. It is important to note, Peltzer Park is one single property and does not include the complex of wetlands that run through the surrounding neighborhoods. If the Peltzer Park property is disposed of, all other existing wetlands and open space would remain. CONTACT THE CITY Persons wishing to learn more about the City Owned Lands Project, or the disposition of Peltzer Park and relocation of the play structure, may come to an open house just before the Mayor's Town Hall Meeting between 6 and 7 pm on March 12, 2012 in the Lake Itasca Room at the Ramsey Municipal