Agenda - Council - 03/26/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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P�OQFK ASSOCtq/Opp MINNESOTA RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION 2011 Professional Awards Nomination Form Nominee's/Agency's Information: Award Category: Park & Recreation Board and Commission Award Name: Melody Shryock Address: 7550 Sunwood Drive NW City: Ramsey Zip: 55303 Agency: City of Ramsey Park and Recreation Commission Email: mkshryock@juno.com Work Phone: 612 423 5492 Nominator's Information: Name: Mark Riverblood Address: 7550 Sunwood Drive NW City: Ramsey Zip: 55303 Agency: City of Ramsey Email: mriverblood@ci.ramsey.mn.us Work Phone: 763 2381733 Please write a paragraph detailing why you think the person is deserving of the award based on the award background and criteria. Also please be as detailed as possible in your narrative. Ms. Melody Shryock is deserving of the MRPA Board and Commission Award for her leadership and advocacy for parks and recreation in the city of Ramsey and for the magnitude of capital improvements and new programs delivered in part by her effective, yet gentle persistence and presence. Melody was appointed to the Commission a decade ago, and immediately her talents and experience in urban planning were apparent as the community began to prepare for, and design the city's master planned pedestrian oriented downtown, entitled 'The COR' (for City Of Ramsey, or Center Of Ramsey). Since then, these plans are coming to fruition, including the 2010 completion of the 7-acre, 3 million dollar park named 'The Draw' which includes a gorgeous lined storm water pond that also supplies the irrigation for the park, adjoining ballfield and amphitheater. Programming kicked off promptly with a diversity of concerts and events including a radio controlled boat show. The most recent event was this fall, with an end of programming Park Patron Picnic, where Chair Shryock organized the Commission to grill food for 350 residents while BOB FM broadcasted live from the amphitheater and announced the drawing of prizes concurrent with the Farmers Market (that is also at this shared location on Thursday evenings, and another new addition to the community). Since being appointed to the Commission, then ascending to Vice -Chair, then by unanimous support of her colleagues to Chair; she steadfastly and patiently negotiated with developers for prudent park and trail dedications - both land and cash. Often deftly reframing matters; putting controversial topics in the proper perspective, effectively defusing highly -charged emotions - resulting in less confrontational discussions and more fully - considered decisions for the public benefit. A partial listing of the last decades' improvements and programs Melody, her Commissioners, and Council delivered to residents includes: - Ramsey's first all concrete skate park. - Ramsey's first off -leash park, with pet fountain and 3-acre irrigated fenced yard - paid for by charitable gambling proceeds.