Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 10/11/2012

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5.03: North Common's Tree Grant Planting — October 18, 2012 Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood presented . that $13,000 from the Minnesota DNR was granted for trees planting in North Commons. Trees native to Minnesota will be planted with placards. They will meet goals of a neighborhood arboretum so the community can see what trees are like when making decisions for their neighborhood. He reviewed that at one o'clock on Thursday they are having a tree planting event. He noted that North Commons is a neighborhood park about three - quarters of a mile north of City Hall. He explained that this was the first year for community gardens. He reviewed that they are making decisions about the playground. He explained that this Thursday was chosen for the tree plantings as it is MEA and children are off of school. The rainout date is Friday. 6. COMMISSION /STAFF INPUT 6.01: Commission /Staff Input Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated for trail priority ranking there was a discussion with Council about missing trail sections and gaps. He added that residents are asking for more connections and this is a community priority. He noted that Council has requested they create a formalized priority list to rank trails. He stated that staff will work on this. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood noted that for the Minnesota DNR Trail Grant they submitted a request to cover a trail from Central Park down to Alpine Drive. He noted that there are many completed connection to the COR for shopping and beyond. He announced that a check for $100,000 was received from the Minnesota DNR and construction will occur over the next year. He noted that along with the grant, new development contributes to trail funds. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood commented that the Mississippi River Trail goes from New Orleans to Lake Itasca Park. He explained that they are working on the connection to this through the area and addressing funding issues. He noted the continuation of the trail will be from the Municipal Center at the Regional Park. It goes eventually to Elk River and beyond. He noted that the wayside rest is open 24 hours a day, which will function as a trailhead. He reviewed that almost a year ago a grant was applied for which has been received. He presented a $1,120,000 check from the Metropolitan Council. He reviewed the detailed grant application process. Commissioner Barr commented that over the summer she was at Elmcrest Park for soccer. She commented that the grass was brown and her feet were completely wet. She commented that there were sink holes. She asked how this can be improved. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood noted that there was a festival at this park a week ago and the park has thousands of users. He noted that next week fall fertilization will take place. He noted that the wear pattern results in a lot of mud. He noted that depending on the event schedule and rain it can turn the park to mud quickly. Riverblood further added that Park and Recreation Commission /October 11, 2012 Page 4 of 5