Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 05/12/2022

Home

preliminary and final plat in that amount of time. He expressed concern about the wetlands and neighboring properties. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that there is concern with all the engineering, but there is a lot of people working on it because they would like to begin grading in August. He stated that staff will be reviewing those plans to ensure they are complete and noted that the Lower Rum River Water Management Organization will also be reviewing the plans. He recognized the wet conditions recently due to the large amount of rain. A resident expressed concern with drainage because of the wet conditions in the area. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood commented that does not fall under the role of this Commission. He recommended that the residents reach out to the developer to ask about more information on the ponds and water treatment. 5.01: Review Fitness Courses as a Potential New Capital Improvement Project Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood presented a concept for an element that is not currently included in the City's park and recreation system, nor within the Capital Improvement Plans. Mike Basich of St. Croix Recreation commented that he has worked with the City on different recreation projects in the past. He provided information on Elevate which is a fitness recreation course. He also provided different cost options noting that the intent is to provide active, challenging, sports play activity targeted at people 13 plus years of age. Chair Bennett stated that the Commission has desired adding unique elements to the park system and believed this would be a good concept if there was an update or new playground/park design. He agreed that the ninja warrior courses are gaining in popularity. Commissioner Loss commented that his family will travel to parks and noted a similar park concept in another community that his family has visited. He stated that people love those types of opportunities and will travel to visit it. Commissioner Walker commented that he would understand the reason to have the equipment at Elmcrest or Alpine as those parks are well used but would also wonder about placing the equipment in a lesser used park because it is not already busy. He stated that perhaps this type of equipment is placed in an underutilized pocket park. Chair Bennett commented that this would be a tool in the toolbox and the Commission could consider this use when thinking of new playground ideas or equipment replacement. He noted that this could be a unique amenity that could draw people to a community park. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood commented that 18 to 20 percent of Ramsey's population is retired and that is why some of the ergonomic equipment seemed appealing as it would provide recreation and socialization opportunities for the older population. Park and Recreation Commission/May 12, 2022 Page 3 of 5