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

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Chair Cook noted he recently put in a golf course on Eagle Lake and received matching funds from an organization called First Tee. He indicated this program encourages youth golfing and possibly could assist in the funding of Ramsey's proposed golf course. Commissioner Shryock asked if the $75,000 for skateboard park in Central Park was sufficient. She questioned if this fee included ramps. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos indicated this did include a price for ramps. Commissioner Shryock suggested having the ramps be mobile to allow this area to be used for roller hockey leagues. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos noted this would be possible with the hockey rinks at Central Park. Commissioner Shryock suggested renaming this park improvement a Roller Sports Park in Central Park. Chair Cook indicated the reason these extreme sports get a bad rap is because there is no organization and a minority of rough children ruin it for the majority of behaved children. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos disagreed stating this is not an extreme sport issue but a youth issue. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated an attendant or Community Service Officer could be placed at this location to remove problem children. Commissioner Olds stated an attendant would be beneficial. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos indicated the more use of the park, generally the lower the incidence of vandalism is, which is a positive statistic for the Parks Commission. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos then reviewed the future proposed projects with the Commission which included a community center, remaining segments of trail for Alpine Drive, and trees and landscaping for all parks, etc. Chair Cook stated the future development of Town Center may give the City some tax base that the City hasn't had in the past to create a Community Center. He asked that this item stay in front of the Commission to keep the public informed of the issue. Commissioner Johns asked for the future plans on the Kings Island Trail. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos noted he was thinking of putting a trail connecting the City of Ramsey with the City of Anoka along the river. He noted he is having a difficult time dealing with the City of Anoka because they don't have a plan for this area. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos suggested the Commission meet with the City of Elk River's Commission to discuss future planning. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos indicated the Commission may not recommend enough resolutions to the Council and County boards. He noted this could be beneficial in gaining paved shoulders for all major roadway improvements. Parks/Utilities Supervisor Boos stated this could help in gaining support and to have neighboring cities maintain the same trail routes along roadways. Park and Recreation Commission/July 11, 2002 Page 7 of 9