Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/14/2023

Home

development that will remain on the list. He anticipated that this item would be on the September agenda with a formal recommendation to be made to the City Council then, or at the Commission's October meeting. Commissioner Sis asked if it would be possible to partner with a local company, noting that perhaps a local fencing company would assist with the dog park project if there were an opportunity for them to place signage. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood replied that opportunity could exist if the Commission wanted to invite a company to talk about that. He stated that exchanging subtle signage on the fencing in return for that donation would be a fair trade for the City. Chair Barten commented that he would think there would be significant value in continuing the work for the dog park for the Commission to review at one of the upcoming meetings as a dog park would be a valuable addition to the residents in the COR. Commissioner Bennett commented that generally the recommendations within the report seem to make a lot of sense. He stated that in terms of priorities he wants to ensure they are continuing to address the existing playground equipment per the recent policy that was adopted. He stated that he would also like to see continuous movement on the projects within the COR, as the movement of dirt has sparked resident interest. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood commented that the City Council recently held a worksession to provide staff direction relative to The COR. He stated that there was complete consensus that staff should continue to refine elements related to the splashpad and park building, along with a trail and restoration plan around The Waterfront. He stated that the anticipation is that the trail and landscaping would be ready for completion as soon as the Spring of 2024 to go along with The Waterfront while the splashpad and park building would have a longer timeline. He noted that the aeration project within the plan was pushed back as the fish died so there is no longer urgency. Commissioner Arts asked for an update on the park located on the south side of Highway 10. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood replied that weather permitting, the Commission would be meeting at that location in September. He stated that the zipline has been installed, but some grading changes are needed before the remaining woodchip material can be placed in the fall zone. Councilmember Musgrove asked if there is a plan for Lake Itasca Park with the current condition of the lake. She commented that the water level is currently so low that it makes recreation difficult. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood commented that the land is in place for a large community park, although he was unsure there is a need for a community park in that location at this time as the focus is currently on The COR. He noted that the previous CIP included an observation boardwalk, but the Council recommended that project be removed partly because of the droughty conditions. Park and Recreation Commission/August 10, 2023 Page 5 of 7