Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/08/2022

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Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood replied that while that could be included, it has not been part of the plans because of the concerns that would come with unsupervised fires. Commissioner Walker stated that perhaps a propane firepit could be used in a vending machine fashion. He stated that perhaps someone can put in two dollars for 15 or 30 minutes of fire. He noted that it could also be on a timer that would not allow use after 10 p.m. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood confirmed that could be designed, although it would not be cheap. He noted that there will be some outdoor hearths in Municipal Plaza which will expand the park use in that urban setting during the shoulder seasons. Councilmember Musgrove asked if there are any comments about the shady areas in the winter and whether there would be space for melting and/or snow removal. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that he has not thought about snow removal in the design—but conceivably some volunteers could clear snow on some boardwalks. He stated that the interior of the play area will have shade and therefore there will not be a lot of melting. He stated that they could provide some plastic shovels that people may use to clear snow in the earlier snow events. He noted that as the season goes on the snow tends to be more compact and people navigate along. He stated that perhaps as the development is built out, people would perhaps adopt the park to clear the boardwalk. Commissioner Walker stated that perhaps instead of the planks running width wise, it would be easier to remove snow if the planks ran the other way. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood replied that the curvilinear aspects would make that difficult and it would increase costs significantly. Commissioner Olson commented that this is existing for the city, and he likes the rustic elements and uniqueness. He stated that perhaps there would be snowshoeing opportunities because it is more wooded and rustic. He asked if staff has considered placing an emergency phone in the restroom area. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director replied that he did not have experience with emergency phones, but it seems most children over the age of eight carry cellphones. He stated with the proximity to homes, he would think there would be some supervision and the park is close to the homes. He stated that this development will be more dense than some of the other subdivisions in Ramsey and therefore most people will know each other. He stated that the parks department did offer a learn to snowshoe program last winter and they could build upon that. Motion by Commissioner Barten, seconded by Commissioner Olson, to move forward for additional final planning and develop plans and specifications as discussed. Further discussion: Councilmember Musgrove asked if the potential firepit is included or whether that could be something to consider in the future. Chair Bennett confirmed that the consensus was not to include that element at this time but to perhaps pursue that in the future if desired. Park and Recreation Commission/September 8, 2022 Page 3 of 6