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Commissioner Troy stated there may be younger people moving into the homes and the <br /> demographics are changing constantly. The Commission needs to discuss what types of families <br /> we want to see move to Ramsey and their decision may be dependent on there being parks <br /> nearby. <br /> Mr. Riverblood stated property values increase with availability to parks and trails. <br /> Commissioner Troy asked how many playgrounds are not included in the 13 mentioned in the <br /> case. Mr. Riverblood stated there are 28 developed parks with 48 park-like open spaces. Mr. <br /> Riverblood noted Shawn Acres and North Common are not included on the map. <br /> Chair Bennett stated he went to Flintwood Terrace and it appeared to be in good shape. He also <br /> visited Emerald which looks in much rougher shape. There are a number of factors that need to <br /> be considered when looking at parks. <br /> Mr. Riverblood stated if there are numbers and logic it will be easier to prioritize park equipment <br /> upgrades. Evaluations can be done every other year. <br /> Commissioner Troy stated he goes to a lot of parks. He stated there is splitting wood in Alpine <br /> Park. <br /> Commissioner Trappen suggested the number one thing on the list be safety. The safety concerns <br /> need to be mitigated to the best of the Commission's ability. <br /> Commissioner Troy stated accessibility should be another factor. <br /> Mr. Riverblood stated one of the first steps would be to fill in the matrix and evaluate the <br /> existing playgrounds. Then revisions could be made to the matrix along with demographic <br /> information. Total cost would also need to be identified. Mr. Riverblood stated this is done with <br /> City equipment currently. <br /> Commissioner Troy stated he has not heard from any residents that parks need to be addressed <br /> and Mr. Riverblood stated there have been complaints about Ford Brook Park. <br /> Mr. Riverblood will provide a more detailed map to the Commission. <br /> Commissioner Troy asked if there were remedies rather than replacement and Mr. Riverblood <br /> stated there are companies that do refurbishing. Cost of refurbishing vs replacement will need to <br /> be reviewed. The suggestion of neighborhood park"refresh" be looked at. <br /> Commissioner Logan stated sometimes just new woodchips would improve the look. <br /> Mr. Riverblood stated Ford Brook Park has been included in the CIP. He has approached the city <br /> of Nowthen for a possible collaboration with Ramsey for improvements in the park and the <br /> response was there were most likely not funds available. <br /> Park and Recreation Commission/September 8, 2016 <br /> Page 3 of 5 <br />