Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 05/09/1991

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by: REVIEW TITTERUD PARK Mark Boos, Parks/Utilities Coordinator CASE #1 Background: This neighborhood park consists of 7.17 acres located between Ramsey Boulevard to the east (south of 162nd Lane) and Jaspar Street to the west (park is in line with 161st Lane). The park has a diverse pleasant feel in that the picnic area is wooded with mature White Oaks and adjoined to the recently expanded tot lot/play area. Add to this the convenience of bordering lighted tennis courts. The site also contains a Jr. sized softball field and a Jr. sized soccer/football scrimmage field. May 1989, with assistance from volunteer High School football players, the Park Department redefined and improved the existing softball field. Fall 1989, about two dozen 2 to 4 inch Ash, Norway, Maple and Locust were successfully planted throughout the park. Summer 1990, the play area was substantially expanded with the Trailblazers providing a portion of the labor. In the near future it is hoped that topsoil might be procured at no cost, spread onto the playing surfaces and seeded. At this time price quotes are being requested for an "on demand" light system for the tennis courts. This type of lighting should result in a money/energy savings and it eliminates the poor example set by having the lights on when the courts are not being used. In conjunction with this, there will be a security light positioned at the juncture of the tennis courts, play equipment/picnic area and east parking lot. This light should provide a measure of security. In your 1991 proposed CIP budget, $15,000 was included for an irrigation well. With increased use and possible field area refurbishing the need for irrigation increases. The City currently owns a portable irrigation gun which can be used for turf establishment and, to a limited extent, regular watering. Such a well would need a control area, as would an underground sprinkler system. One consideration would be to construct a small picnic shelter with an attached utility room. The shelter could contain restrooms (satellites cost approximately $50.00 per month). A suitable location might be west of the tennis courts. As with all heavily used parks, blacktop parking is an important feature. A small rectangular portion north of the picnic area would be an interesting spot for a volunteer prairie establishment similar to the one underway at the Ramsey Elementary School site. Commission Action: Based on your discussion. Review CheckIist: Acting City Administrator City Engineer Parks/Utilities Coordinator P&R: 5/9/91