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

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spaces. If it was going to be a destination park with unique elements, the Commission could consider it. But as it is right now, it could not be worth it to add something like the rock wall. Chair Bennett asked about adding a rock wall or another feature down the road. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood indicated it would not be difficult to add another installation down the road. There are, however, some efficiencies and economies of scale of doing it all at once. He would recommend considering it or not considering it, rather than thinking about it as a future item. With regards to being a destination, he does not know that the climbing element would make it a destination insofar as a couple or dozen cars at most. Rather, this would make it a unique element for the neighborhood but also the people who like to go on play dates at different parks. Commissioner Sis noted the border of boulders. Daycare providers have commented that little ones tend to climb on them and fall off. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood indicated that the boulders stand the test of time. They look great, and get banged into by maintenance equipment and still stand up. About 30-40% of the play is just children enjoying rock hopping. A lot of play occurs on those stones. They did check with the League of Minnesota Cities, and it is a perfectly appropriate border. Staff can look at other alternatives, if needed. Commissioner Sis stated he does not have a problem with them if they have been looked into it. Commissioner Barnes stated she would much prefer real stone rather than the resin stone. The handholds can be replaced on the real stone. City Council Liaison Musgrove asked if the staff is recommending the rock climbing or if the residents are asking for it. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood indicated a resident suggested it at th the listening session on May 19. Chair Bennett asked for a motion with a not to exceed amount, with or without the rock-climbing elements. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood noted he would prefer a not to exceed figure of $75,000 or $95,000 rather than the $71,000 (or $91,000 with rock climbing) listed, as in reviewing the line item budget, a few items are going to be very tight. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood noted that if the Commission recommends a budget, he would immediately bring this to Council and hopefully have it in place by the time children are out of school this year. Commissioner Barten asked if the benches in the photos are to be included. Park and Recreation Commission/February 13, 2020 Page 8 of 10