Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/10/2013

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If you are interested in learning more on either of these two improvements for your park; or to e -mail me images of what you'd like to see for your proposed play equipment - please send them to me in writing at the above address, or at mriverblood©ci.ramsey.mn.us. Or you may also reach me by phone at 763 238 1733. On behalf of City Council and the Park and Recreation Commission, we are energized about all the favorable momentum building in The COR, and are equally excited to hear your thoughts for the playground and I especially look forward to planting trees with you next week! Yours in Public Service, Mark Riverblood, Parks & Asst. Public Works Superintendent A T R A M s E Y *Project Title: City of Ramsey's MAJESTY OF THE COMMONS Project Purpose: In contrast to the `Tragedy of the Commons', this unified planting project engages the residents within this livable community in the communal care, education and ongoing stewardship of their shared park space named North Commons. The outcome will be a diverse array of trees that are well adapted to the Anoka Sand Plain for this new public space; and, the endeavor will result in a `mini- arboretum' showcasing species that perform well in sandy soils. Small, didactic placards will be installed adjacent to the individual species as on -going tools for public education. Project Location Description: The project will occur in North Commons, a park within Ramsey's pedestrian and transit oriented, master - planned community known as The COR. The park is just over seven (7) acres in size, located in the south central portion of the community and connects the higher density urban area with the existing larger, rural lot neighborhoods to the north and east. The northern and northeastern portions of the property are wetland with the remainder of the site being upland consisting of sandy soil (Hubbard- Nymore association). Project Goals: Engage residents from the adjacent neighborhood and townhome associations, who have expressed their desire to initiate park improvements, in the place - making practice of planting trees to create an aesthetically pleasing, inviting and functional public space. The project will also serve as an educational tool for the community by showcasing species well adapted to the area, their growth characteristics (habit and form), and pertinent facts about the needs, benefits and care of trees. This project will provide living examples of tree species that perform well in sandy soils, which residents can see, touch and replicate as they landscape or reforest their property. The project will incorporate participation of a K -12 school (PACT), within walking distance of North Commons, to develop language for interpretive signage to highlight the Majesty of trees and community /urban forests.