Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 07/12/2018

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Chair Bennett asked about the vision for the lighting along the hearths, along the street,and within the park. He also asked about restroomaccess. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood responded that some of that detail has not been decided yet. There will be sidewalks on both sides. The City Code has curfews, but that will need to be fixed for this space, in his opinion. The parks in the COR need to be open 24 hours a day. Not everyone works 9-5pm, and folks need to be able to get out later in the evening or early mornings to exercise or walk the dog in the park. That said, the parks also need to be safe and secure in them. This is a key point that needs to be considered. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood returned to the issue of stormwater management. He noted the theme with the waterfront is glacial history. The pond will be a lined pond, and he pointed out several municipal water wells. It will be important not to have surface water getting into the drinking water. When planning this, the glacial history and the formation of this area were considered. The landscape is a result of the sand plane and rocks in the Mississippi are a direct result of the outwash of glaciation. Those realities are a thing to subtly bring forward in terms of the parks landscape and interpret it through landscape. And this pond, in the middle of downtown, starts to make sense as a kettle lake. Kettle lakes were formed with glaciers moved across the landscapes. Commissioner Leistico asked about interpretive signs for the purpose of education. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood responded that on one hand, he likes not explaining everything for park users. There can be interpretive elements and also also be a discovery for people visiting the parks. He pointed out that he remains concerned about the water quality in the park because of the storm pond. He also pointed out the concept of the two boardwalks. He pointed out the park concession area and pavilion with restrooms. He also highlighted a traditional splash pad and the wading area which can be used by kids of all ages. Someone in a wheelchair could use the wading area. There will also be cabana-type structures, which may be rentable. The concession area will have seasonal staff and lunches and evening dinner options in the park. An RFP may be issued such that a concessionaire runs the whole thing, with the stipulation that they are open during the weekends 11-1pm to cater to the business crowd and open on the weekend. The vendor could keep all the profit, as long as price points are approved. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood also pointed out that underneath the boardwalk/bridge is a 4-bay. The splash pad can spill out so that the quality water runs into the 4-bay. He pointed out an area for paddleboat, kayak, and canoe rentals. A climber play structure will be included, with probably the resilient flooring underneath that is very cushioned. He noted that many apartment buildings are including play structures, so not a lot will be needed in the COR. In response to a comment by Chair Bennett, Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood explained that as the COR expands, the City will need to be more creative in responding to programming by having people working in the evenings to unlock restrooms. Thus, City Hall may be open more in the evenings, until 9:00 pm. Park and Recreation Commission/July 12, 2018 Page 3 of 5