Agenda - Council - 05/23/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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