Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 11/04/1993

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Baseball Field The only baseball field will be regulation size with 90' base paths, thereby accommodating adults as well as organized and informal play. The field is sited away from the softball fields and other ru'eas to minimize conflicts from the games intensive, and generally older players (softball fields are generally acceptable to baseball players through the middle school ages). While this field might require an outfield fence, the backstop may not need to be of the caliper of the one located at Central Park, and, therefore, construction costs may be only slightly higher than the softball field~. The geographic alignment is an issue of moderate importance due to the velocity of baseball play. This orientation places neither the infielders (most importantly the pitcher) or the batter at a "sun in the eyes" disadvantage in the typical late afternoon/evening game. The Pond The Park's pond will be the focal point of the passive activities of the recreation area. The pond's aesthetic and recreational value could be enhanced in a number of ways. One community-wide benefit would be to introduce brook trout for fishing and consumption. Part of any operational expense could be defrayed by a local fishing permit cost. The spring "opener" could be a festive occasion with a tagged fish providing a significant prize. The tagged fish caught subsequent to the opener might provide the angler with a lifetime Ramsey fishing permit. If it is determined that the fish cannot survive over winter they could be netted with a resulting fish fry or possibly release into Tron Brook. The pond would have a dock, bridge or both. Approximately one half of the pond will be "manicured", with the rest "wild", and also a small portion to the south actually fenced to protect wildlife. Dredging would make the pond more suitable for wildlife, particularly aquatic species, such as fish. The dredged material would supplement topsoil in the borrow area. One possibility would be to route a portion of the treated water from the landfill to the pond for a fountain. Tn.is would also serve as aeration and to maintain desired water levels. The primary activity around the pond will be picnicking. The ponds shape could be altered and a beach area then created. A beach to the north would give excellent sun exposure, and something not available to this part of the county.