Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 07/26/1983 - Special

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Discussion later returned to the "public" course concept. The Park Board expressed concern that because of the City's involve- ment, through the park, it is very important that the course does remain a truly "public" course even though it is owned and de- veloped by a private interest. We feel that the lease should be written in such a nature that the course fees must remain in line with existing public courses in the area. Without these guidelines in the leasing arrangement it is possible that even though the course is "public" the fees could become so expensive that only the affluent could afford to play. Thus, in a sense, the "public" course would become a "private" course. If this were to happen, the Park Board would be concerned that many of the Ramsey residents would be excluded from play. Thus, the White Pines Park which has been donated to the City for public use, would be part of a project that could possibly restrict its public recreational value. Mr. Del Barber was present from the DNR to help the Board in its development of the Raudio property. He first outlined the his- tory behind public access and land acquisition along lakes and waterways. He then moved into the development of the park it- self. We pointed out the location of the existing Anoka park by the fairgrounds. This park provides excellent access to the river for boaters and canoeists. He felt that another access just about 3/4 of a mile away would be a duplication of facili- ties and the DNR would not care to duplicate these facilities. We then discussed the possibility of campsites, but no conclu- sions were reached. Chairman Donovan then updated the Park Board on the Ramsey Central Park. It was also pointed out that the 1983 budget has been amended to include the cost of the installing of a well and an irrigation system for the ballfields. Our next discussion centered around citizen involvement in do- nating both labor and recreational equipment to Ramsey's park system. Ideally, citizen involvement is something that every community strives for but it does increase the City's liability. This liability increases through the increased possibilities of accidents involving untrained citizens. Liability also increases through donated equipment that does not meet existing safety standards for recreational equipment. It is possible that if the City strives for more community involvement the City Council should increase insurance liability. Discussion then followed involving guidelines to give the City some control over donated equipment to the City's parks. These guidelines should help insure that the City receives safe, functional equipment. This equipment then becomes an asset in the City rather than increase- lng its liability. Motion by Commissioner Hetland and seconded by Commissioner Rustad to establsih a three step guideline if adopted by the City Council: P & R/July 26, 1983 Page 2 of 3