Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 05/13/2004

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Principal City Engineer Olson stated it was recommended the Commission go forward with the Ramsey Town Center LLC proposal so construction could begin at Town Center East and South Parks in 2004, at Town Center West Park'in 2005 and on grading and the sledding hill at North Park in 2006 or 2007. Commissioner Olds asked if the $1,500 given toward the park included townhomes. He questioned if it would be given per home or per lot. Principal City Engineer Olson responded the Building Official stated each townhouse would receive its own building permit; however, a condominium would not. Higher density buildings would not receive the additional money per unit but he was not willing to speculate further at this point. Commissioner Olds asked .if that meant $1,500 would be received per building. Principal City Engineer Olson responded that was his understanding. Commissioner Lehman asked about the amphitheater. Principal City Engineer Olson responded it would be located in Town Center Park East and would be a very large concrete circle that would provide for activities, along with a gentle slope uphill. The estimated cost was $300,000 and construction of road and walks would cost less if completed as part of the project. Commissioner Lehman asked how much open space and seating would be available. Principal City Engineer Olson responded he was not sure; however, staff had looked at the Edinborough Park amphitheater, which was relatively small, and its seating capacity was 300 to 400 people. The City's amphitheater would be much bigger and, in addition, it was intended lawn seating also be available. Bruce Jacobson, Close Landscape Architecture, stated his firm was currently "working the drawings," as walkways and a combination of seating and lawn areas were being presented with the entire surrounding area being considered part of the amphitheater. Additional seating on hillsides and the promenade would provide informal seating for many hundreds of people; on the other hand, seating could be quite intimate. Mr. Jacobson discussed the area he thought would be the best location for the amphitheater, ii' funding allowed. Chairperson Johns noted it was nice to see four of the six top priorities included. Chairperson Johns stated she was very comfortable with how the proposal was written and, in addition, the Commission could make approval contingent on inclusion of the four priorities. Park and Recreation Commission/April 8, 2004 Page 3 of 21