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Commissioner Sis stated the question is whether to do something or to de -commission the park. <br />Doing something is the preferable option. In the case of Ford Brook, it is a park situated in the <br />middle of the community, as was the old style. Some newer neighborhoods being planned are <br />now being built without parks. Having refurbished second hand equipment is certainly an <br />improvement over the existing structure. <br />Commissioner Leistico indicated she would not want to make it a policy of always giving used <br />equipment to Ramsey parks, though in this case it is a good choice. She also thinks it appears <br />wasteful of Anoka County to upgrade their equipment when it is in such good condition, but that <br />is another matter entirely. <br />Commissioner Barnes re -stated citizens are very concerned about this. <br />Commissioner Leistico asked if people are upset because Ramsey is redirecting money away <br />from parks and putting it into The COR. <br />Commissioner Barnes responded that yes, putting it into The COR and ignoring neighborhoods. <br />If the goal is to balance the rural character with the urban, she asked whether the City wants to <br />promote apartment complexes and high -density housing, when most of the people who move to <br />Ramsey want that rural character. They are not looking for that high -density area. The City <br />needs to consider its priorities for the Rest of Ramsey (ROR) rather than The COR. <br />Chair Bennett noted that is a fair challenge. However, in looking at the parks plan just presented, <br />there is one item on park development in The COR, there is amphitheater lighting, one item on <br />signage and the rest of the projects are all trail connections, boardwalks observation deck, bark <br />park, trails, etc. in the rest of Ramsey. He wants the people viewing the meeting at home to <br />understand that the Commission has prioritized projects across the City. There is a perception <br />that a lot of money has gone into The COR. That is largely true because of the amount of <br />development within The COR, but the Commission needs to correct the narrative about what's <br />been done more broadly. <br />Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood commented that he likewise was <br />shocked at Anoka County's removal of the play equipment. It is in like new condition. Anything <br />that would be purchased new would look just like this. He was stunned they were removing it, <br />but apparently it has had very little use. The neighborhood had mentioned a desire for rock <br />climbing at Ford Brook. He presented a $20,000 resin/plastic-type rock -climbing wall. He noted <br />however, it will always look like a big plastic rock. An alternative would be granite/limestone. <br />Those are beautiful and durable but not cheap. The rock could also be repurposed in any number <br />of ways at some point in the future if it was no longer desired. A climbing element would have <br />to increase the budget. <br />Chair Bennett stated this would be a dramatic improvement for this park plus it would be new <br />and different, especially with what is being proposed with the current equipment. But $20,000 is <br />a pretty significant upgrade as well. <br />Park and Recreation Commission/February 13, 2020 <br />Page 7 of 10 <br />