Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/11/2021

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Chair Bennett agreed that the number seems high and there are other priorities in the community that the Commission has discussed. He stated that while ARAA would welcome more fields, that is not the top priority of that organization at this time. He stated that those should be factored into this decision. He stated that the fix for Central Park was not necessarily to make it bigger but address the flow, traffic management and parking for the site. He did not believe that this purchase would achieve the long-term vision for the park. Commissioner Leistico agreed. Commissioner Loss agreed that the ghost plat option and continuing that discussion with the adjacent property owner would be the best choice. He stated that there are higher priorities that could utilize those funds. Chair Bennett stated that there seems to be a consensus to not recommend pursuit of this purchase. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that there seems to be universal consensus to pursue this manner with planning with the adjacent property owner rather than only pursuing a purchase. He stated that if the land is sold in the future one could say that opportunity would be lost but the City would still have the opportunity to require park dedication along with a future plat. He stated that the offer for the City to purchase the 11 acres may have been a courtesy to the City. He confirmed that staff could continue discussions with the property owner as related to the ghost plat option. Chair Bennett commented that this would not mean that the City could not go back if the circumstances change but the Commission has reached consensus that this is not the right time or need, and would prefer to take the course of working with a future landowner/developer on the needs for Central Park at that time. Commissioner Sis asked if artificial turf would be for indoors or also for outdoor use. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that the desire is for outdoor turf. He noted that staff can continue to explore the potential cost for that improvement. Chair Bennett noted that there is opportunity to continue discussions with ARAA on the real needs for that organization. He appreciated the approach and priorities shared by that organization. 6. COMMISSION/STAFF INPUT Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that the ice skating got off to a slow start because of the weather. He stated that the rinks are open and warming houses are open at 25 percent capacity. He stated that a pleasure rink was created to the northwest of City Hall as well. Recreation Specialist Proulx advised that the virtual art programming that was previously offered was a great success and highlighted upcoming virtual art programs. She stated that they have also partnered with Anoka County Recreation to offer snowshoeing in the parks on February 6th and March l6th. She stated that another opportunity is being offered on March 20`h which will be a Park and Recreation Commission/January 14, 2020 Page 6 of 7