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Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood provided a brief update on the <br /> progress at Central Park and the Mississippi River Trail. He noted that staff is investigating <br /> potential dates for a ribbon cutting for the MRT in June. <br /> It was the consensus for staff to do an email poll to determine the date for the MRT ribbon <br /> cutting. <br /> 2.02: Joint Discussion with Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association (ARAA) <br /> Dustin Reeder, ARAA, stated that the organization has been working hard on fundraising and <br /> has contributed about $150,000 towards improvements at Alpine Park. He stated that the <br /> organization currently has charitable gambling at 201 in Anoka and potentially at Northfork. He <br /> stated that the Board has been discussing what they would like to see and a dream item would be <br /> for a miracle field, which would be a softball type field for people in wheelchairs. He stated that <br /> the Board has had discussions with where that could possibly be located. He noted that it is a <br /> long-term goal because the cost is about $350,000. He stated that they would like to see a <br /> possible collaboration building a special needs park around the miracle field. He noted that the <br /> organization has discussed creating a special organization that would focus on sports for people <br /> with special needs. <br /> Commissioner Sis asked the other members of the miracle league. <br /> Mr. Reeder replied that there are fields in Blaine, Brooklyn Park and Saint Cloud. He explained <br /> that league would be set up similar to a house league, where people only play at that field rather <br /> than travel to other cities. He stated that they appreciate the work that the City does in <br /> collaboration with the organization and at the parks. <br /> Councilmember Williams arrived at 5:42 p.m. <br /> Mr. Reeder stated that the organization would like to have a shed at Alpine Park, where <br /> equipment could be stored and a concession stand could possibly be located. He explained that <br /> the organization often mows in addition to the City mowing and therefore it would be helpful to <br /> be able to store equipment. <br /> Mayor Strommen stated that these meetings are a great way to discuss items on the wish list and <br /> things that the organization would like to see in order to possibly collaborate and determine what <br /> fits within the priorities and resources. <br /> Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that cost worksheets are <br /> helpful for those elements, as that is useful in prioritizing with the capital improvement plan. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma asked if that would be part of the plan with the consultant. <br /> Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood confirmed that it will be helpful to <br /> have that information as the consultant is developing the 20-year master plan for the parks. He <br /> explained that the plan would need to be achievable and not just a wish list. He explained that <br /> City Council Work Session /May 9, 2017 <br /> Page 2 of 10 <br />