Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 11/14/2013

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Olsen, Commissioners Barr, Bennett, Fyten, and Mobry No: None. Absent: Commissioners Chubb and Minke. 5. COMMISSION BUSINESS 5.01: Recognize Anoka Women of Today's Volunteer Contributions for Fox Park Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood reviewed the purpose of this case is to recognize Ramsey resident Brook Beaton's organizational accomplishments on landscape improvements to Fox Park. As the Commission will recall, Ms. Beaton sought the City's approval to add appropriate plantings in the park following Excel Energy's removal of the Scotch and Red Pine under the power line on the south side of the park. Since Ms. Beaton met with the Commission, she and the Anoka Women of Today raised over $1,000 in plant materials with the help and donations from Green Valley Greenhouse, a Ramsey business approximately one mile to the northwest. Following that, her group commenced planting in the park, tallying over 100 hours of volunteer contributions. The Anoka Women of Today went on to commit to more community stewardship at Fox Park through the City's Adopt -a -Spot program. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood provided photos from the planting day and the Anoka County Union article on the group and their accomplishments. Ms. Brook Beaton appeared before the Commission and stated it was a great process for improving Fox Park. She stated she has received many positive comments from residents who use the park. She stated over 100 perennials were planted, a picnic table added, seven trees were planted, and 8 shrubs were planted. They had 30 volunteers who participated in the plantings. They will participate in the Adopt -a -Spot program and continue to maintain and improve the park as they can. They are planning to apply for some grants to raise some more funding for the parks. They are hoping to raise $2000 more to be used in more plantings in the park. Chairperson Olsen thanked Brook and her group for all their hard work on this project. 5.02: Acknowledge Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association's Proposal to Fund Batting Cages at Alpine Park Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood reviewed the Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association (ARAA) desires approval to fund and construct two batting cages at Alpine Park in the outfield areas in between baseball fields #1 and #2 and #3 and #4. Power would be run to this area. This funding and installation by ARAA is similar to the provision of a storage building and batting cage for Central Park, also by the association approximately one year ago. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood continued, explaining that in addition to the need to review plans for safe design and appropriate maintenance factors, staff is expecting a written proposal so that all parties are in full agreement with expectations and responsibilities. Upon recommendation by the Commission and the referenced agreement, the proposal will go forward to City Council for approval. Mr. Riverblood stated this will be a spring project. Park and Recreation Commission / November 14, 2013 Page 2 of 5