Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 11/18/2021

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Commissioner Olson stated that he supports the idea for another off-leash area. He noted that the area within The COR is very busy with many apartment buildings and therefore it would be helpful to have an off-leash area as an additional amenity within The COR. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood commented that many of the dogs are pausing on the streetscape and killing the flowers and shrubs. He noted that having an off-leash area off Veterans Drive might curb that behavior and improve the condition of the streetscape. Acting Chair Sis proposed moving that project up in the CIP because of the need and interest in that project. Commissioner Olson agreed that it would be helpful to have the off-leash area before replacing trees and other landscaping. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that completes the projects proposed for 2022 along with the new additions. He noted that all the projects included within the CIP would still need to come forward for individual consideration and approval. Commissioner Loss stated that it would be great to have aeration in Sunfish Lake. He stated that his children love water parks and splashpads and would love to see that project move forward as it would provide an amenity for residents and can bring in additional users as well. He stated that he would like to see movement on the water feature/splashpad feature. Acting Chair Sis stated that in previous years they have discussed the earth work that would be needed for the water feature park [The Waterfront] and Municipal Park. He noted that perhaps that could occur with the boulevard improvements for Sunwood. Parks&Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied the soil work is not a$100,000 project and would be much more expensive. He stated that perhaps when soil is needed for the northwest area, it can be taken from that site. He noted that the City could proceed with the splashpad corner but cautioned against developing a splashpad with nothing around it. He stated that perhaps it would be helpful to bring back the waterfront and Municipal Plaza plans, and the presentation could include sequencing and potential funding. Commissioner Loss asked if the apartments within The COR paid Park Dedication in cash and whether those funds would be used for Municipal Plaza and The Waterfront improvements. Parks &Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that there is about $5,000,000 in the park trust fund currently and improvements paid within The COR should be invested within that area. He confirmed that the Affinity, Aeon, and Sapphire projects all paid cash Park Dedication that should be used for Municipal Plaza and The Waterfront improvements. Councilmember Musgrove asked if aeration of Sunfish would qualify for funding through the watershed. She explained that the WMO will receive legacy dollars to use within the Rum River watershed for water quality projects. Park and Recreation Commission/November 18, 2021 Page 5 of 12