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

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