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

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Principal City Engineer Olson added in North Park only grading and trails were sho~vn, with the swim pond included, which was important to keep in the proposal. Commissioner Pontius asked if there was nothing in North Park except the space that was waiting for the swimming pond. Chairperson Johns responded the hill would be there and the perimeter trail would be graded to accommodate improvements in the future. Commissioner Lehman asked if that would accommodate the residents in the area. Principal City Engineer Olson responded there would not be residences in the area for three to five years. When staff completed the final plat recording, they noticed it was an outlot bigger than the park itself without easements and separate recordable easements were required for streets on each side of the park. Initially, the land would be dedicated as a vacant park; however, if plans changed in the future, the City would be allowed flexibility regarding its use. Mr. Jacobson noted part of the improvement for the whole site involved some mitigation on the North Park property adjacent to an existing wetland. If the City did some grading work in the area and funding allowed, it might be timely to establish some of the tree canopy. Commissioner Olds asked if the grading for the entire site would take place at the same time. Mr. Jacobson responded he thought that was true, as "cuts and fills" were being calculated, with areas being identified for use of the extra material, and the sledding hill might be one of those opportunities. Chairperson Johns stated opportunities would be available that would allow the City to designate some dollars to set aside as seed money for those items high on the priority list. Commissioner LaMere asked regarding the funds accumulated for each house sold. Principal City Engineer Olson responded it would be controlled by RTC and used towards improvements within the two retail parks. It was not a gift to the City but would help it define the improvements. There would be certain expectations as staff and the Parks Commission reviewed the. developing concept plans and contributions might be requested in the future, as well. Commissioner Shryock asked regarding play structures, as she had only seen them listed in North Park and South Park. She asked if additional funding would need to be found later. Principal City Engineer Olson responded that was correct, as play structures had not made the current list of priorities, and he had ohly seen a few pictures of climbable structures. He believed a fair amount of priority would be placed on this area from Council within the next few years. Commissioner Shryock stated she wanted to make sure space was kept open for play structures. Park and Recreation Commission/April 8, 2004 Page 4 of 21