Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 07/11/2002

Home

Commissioner Johns asked if all items designated for 2002 were complete. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos noted the Central Park entrance was complete, along with Elmcrest Parks First Phase. He noted Flintwood Terrace shelter and irrigation was not completed. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos noted the Lake Itasca boardwalk is complete and noted the paving between the upper and lower boardwalks was in the works at this time. He noted it could be completed yet this year. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos noted the Commission's priorities are being met through the projects that have been completed this year and those that are suggested in the next few years. He recommended the Commission take a look at the Master Plan to address future park concerns, goals and objectives. Commissioner Johns asked if parking has been addressed in Central Park. Chair Cook stated it is important to have citizen task force groups to gain input from the residents but noted it may need to be filtered to gain the information in the best interest of all those using the park. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos noted that meetings were held with regard to Elmcrest's parking issues. He noted he would be working on concept plans to be addressed at the August meeting. Commissioner Olds asked if the work in Elmcrest Park could be started in 2003, and if the turf would be established. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos indicated parking and other planning issues would be addressed over the course of 2003 with use of the soccer fields as soon as the beginning of 2004. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos asked if Elmcrest Park should become a 'Challenge Grant' park - with funding on a match basis. He noted the Commission could continue planning this park and setting aside City funds to receive matches. Boos indicated this may help with getting residents and local organizations involved. Commissioner Johns stated she hesitates with this type of action because it is a community park. Commissioner Shryock stated this is a larger park and noted it would be expensive to develop. Chair Cook stated the City does not have any more funding to complete this park. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated the master plan could address this issue as to the parks future and development ideas. Commissioner Olds stated the master plan would help address neighborhood needs or wants. Commissioner Shryock agreed. Chair Cook indicated the City of Ramsey is getting a reputation with their parks and the residents are seeing the money is being well spent. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos noted he was seeing the need to do a better job in promoting parks. Chair Cook supported getting people involved in this effort and to review the master plan. The Commission concurred. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos indicated Lake Itasca Park is scheduled to begin on 2005 with roughly $900,000 in park dedication funds. He noted the golf course was also scheduled for 2005. Park and Recreation Commission/July 11, 2002 Page 6 of 9