Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 06/12/2014

Home

5.02: Initiate Public Engagement Planning for the Municipal Plaza within The COR Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood explained the purpose of this case is to begin the public engagement process for the park space adjacent to Sunwood Drive across from the Municipal Center. This approximate two -acre park is referred to as the Municipal Plaza within The COR development plan, to put this space and this discussion into context. He advised that a project page for the City website will be created in order to communicate with residents on the process and to allow residents to provide input as well. He stated that with the approval of the Commission the public engagement process can begin. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that this process will allow the public to engage throughout the process rather than react to options that staff has developed. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood provided examples of amenities that could be discussed and whether those features will be better suited at the COR or near the Lake Ramsey. Chairperson Olson stated that at the public engagement meetings for Lake Ramsey she did not believe that the City gained the amount of input from residents that she believed there should be. She stated that perhaps input could be gained at City events, and provided a few examples where the City could setup a booth for input, noting that the audience is already there and interested in the parks. Community Development Director Gladhill agreed that those alternate options will be provided for input, including the website and social media. He noted that the Lake Ramsey meetings were advertised in the Ramsey Resident twice. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood explained that this process will provide a number of opportunities for residents to be involved in the process from the beginning. Chairperson Olson strongly believed that the input should be obtained at events where residents will already be in attendance. She believed that the City should move forward and begin the public engagement process. Consensus of the Commission was to direct staff to begin the public participation process. 6. COMMISSION /STAFF INPUT 6.01: Updates Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood referenced the Elmcrest playground equipment and believed that he could have the RFP prepared for the Commission to take action on prior to the planned project beginning, which would mean that integrated bids could be accepted. He referenced the Sweet Bay Ridge project, noting that phases two and three are moving forward. The Mississippi Skyway project had been approved which would move into more specific design, which could assist in Federal funding. He noted that the City did receive Park and Recreation Commission /June 12, 2014 Page 3 of 5