Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/13/2020

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He presented Elmcrest Park & The Draw Entrances and Signs as part of the CIP. Staff is ready to move forward on this, as signing guidelines and design standards have been established. He then briefly discussed Observation Boardwalk - Lake Itasca; the Observation Deck East on the Mississippi E of Dolomite; Trail Connections; Park Development in The COR; Bark Park Shelter Alpine Park; Northfork North Trail Connection; Amphitheater Lighting; Aeration for Sunfish Lake and The Draw; Lake Itasca Parking, Trail, and Canoe System. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood then provided a little more background about the possible creation/expansion of Bark Park Shelter at Alpine Park, including artificial turf and a shelter which would allow patrons to wipe the paws of animals under the shelter. Sue Brockman, 15631 Ramsey Blvd NW, stated she has started using the dog park regularly for about the last six months. In that time, she has observed that it is a highly used off-leash park. The proposed expansion would provide a second entrance to the park and also spread out the 30- 40 dogs where it is very congested. Fencing would also be very helpful. A lot of users like to walk the perimeter of the park. Chair Bennett asked if Ms. Brockman had any other ideas not already addressed in the presentation tonight. Ms. Brockman indicated one other issue not addressed is lighting. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood indicated he has not had a chance to price out fencing, but it would likely be several thousand dollars. He also discussed lighting options and indicated staff can bring back more of a cogent plan for the Commission to explore. Chair Bennett asked whether other people have inquired about a dog park in a different area in the City. Ms. Brockman indicated she has not heard that. The park, however, is used by other people who are not residents of Ramsey, and this is a nice location. Chair Bennett asked whether Ms. Brockman has heard requests for a section cordoned off within the dog park, to preventing mixing of the large breeds with the small breeds. Ms. Brockman stated one person has asked her about large dog vs. small dog. She has not heard a lot of feedback in that area. So far it is a nice blend of large and small bleeds. Chair Bennett stated there is always a number of dogs at this park, and there are people who walk outside the park. The City has certainly heard this desire for expansion. City Council Liaison Musgrove asked about zoning concerns. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood responded he does not know that there is any applicable zoning. However, finding an off-leash siting can be difficult. When they Park and Recreation Commission/February 13, 2020 Page 4 of 10