Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/10/2022

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children. He stated that he would support sending a mailer for Peltzer Park to determine the interest from that neighborhood. Councilmember Musgrove stated that she also agrees with sending a mailer. She stated that when she lived near the park, she noticed a lot of use but was unsure how many children are using the park at this time. She commented that the park is connected to a trail which is a nice feature. She asked if the prairie grass cost would cover the five acres and whether that would include trails. She asked how the future maintenance would be budgeted. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that converting the five acres to native landscaping would have a cost of about $10,000 and would have about $3,000 of maintenance over each of the next three years. He believed the maintenance cost would be equal or less to the cost that the City spends on mowing and weed removal for that same period of time. He stated that maintenance is funded through the general fund, while playground replacement can be funded through the lawful gambling fund. He stated that the cost does not include trails but believed that the conversion to native plantings would encourage walking through the park more than the sandburs. He was unsure that there would be a benefit to placing formal paved trails in a five-acre park because of the cost to create and maintain a trail. Councilmember Musgrove commented that she likes the idea that people could go walking through the area as opposed to a bituminous trail. Commissioner Sis commented that if there is ability to mow a trail, perhaps a neighbor would be willing to adopt a park and mow a trail. Parks &Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood commented that there was at least one neighbor that responded that was very concerned with those that may come to the park with ill intent and perhaps would be willing to take on the mowing of an informal trail. Commissioner Loss echoed the comments of Commissioner Sis. He agreed that the one structure could remain if the condition supports that, along with keeping the slide and replacing the swings. He also agreed with sending out a mailer for Peltzer Park. Commissioner Olson stated that planting native flowers and grasses is a great idea because of the cost savings on mowing and would also improve the aesthetics. He noted that the grass was very crispy when the Commission visited the park. Chair Bennett stated that it appears there is consensus on the direction for staff to explore those options: o Rabbit Park: native landscaping, keep the slide, potentially keep the second play structure, and addition of a swing element o Send mailer for Peltzer Park Commissioner Barten agreed that leaving caution tape at Peltzer Park is not a desired status. He asked if a park needs to be brought up to ADA standards if any park improvements are made. That was confirmed. He referenced the scenario where some elements remain, and others are added and asked if that would trigger the requirement for ADA compliance for the slide. Park and Recreation Commission/February 10, 2022 Page 6 of 8