Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/22/1984

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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I City of Ramsey 15153 NOWTHEN BOULEVARD N.W., RAMSEY, MINNESOTA 55303 · (612) 427-1410 February 7, 1984 Mr. Arne Stefferud 300 Metro Square Building Seventh and Robert Streets St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 Dear Mr. Stefferud: I am once again addressing the reasonableness and implementation of the Council's Development Framework Policy 19b. I have previously addressed this particular item and my other letter appeared as appendix item 4 in your December 30, 1983 Issues Paper On Local Park Grants. I would like to address some of your responses at this time. When the citizens moved to Ramsey, I don't believe they anticipated that urban services should follow them as you pointed out. As their children grew, they realized that in order to have an effective, organized youth athletic program and also pursue certain types of recreation, they needed decent fields. Anoka was nearby so the problem was easily solved because they had excellent fields. However, the recreational needs have continued to grgw and Anoka's fields are being heavily used. This problem grows more critical daily. In solving this problem, I don't think the "regional administrators would be derelict and irresponsible" if they decided to allow Ramsey to participate in its grant programs. Our community could then develop its own fields even though they do lie in the Rural Service Area. You also feel that the current "policy enables the Council to focus resources where they are needed". However, let's keep in mind that this is from your point of view and not necessarily from the citizens of Ramsey's point of view. Does a person who lives in a large lot in low density housing area really need passive recreation as much as one who is living in a crowded high density area? However, your Council has decided that we are eligible for passive but not active recreation. You have also maintained that "communities which have acted responsibly to manage their growth and service demands will find the Council supportive of funding requests for such service in those areas". This seems to imply that we have acted irresponsibly in accepting a beautiful tract of land from Federal Cartridge Corporation to be used as a park complex. This park complex is designed to serve the entire community. Can the citizens of Ramsey help it if the land lies outside the urban service area?