Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 11/13/2003

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North park has existing landform moving north/south. They want this to be a sledding hill with a network of trails running through the park. The natural swimming pond will be an added attraction to this park. Commissioner Lehman asked if the pond could be used as a skate pond in the winter. Mr. Jacobsen stated it has not been done but he did not see any reason why this could not be done. South Park will include more active recreation uses such as ball fields, playground area, some shallow basins where picnic tables could be. What they are trying to avoid is a parking lot and looking more to a porous pavement in the park. Commissioner Lehman noted there were some questions at a previous workshop about how the fields will be set up in this park. He wondered if the layout was decided. Mr. Jacobson stated it could accommodate both but he did not think they would be utilized at the same time. Commissioner Lehman asked if there has been any discussion with the charter school on what they would like for their uses. Assistant Public Works Director Olson stated it was his understanding that this will be a Public Park and he felt an agreement needed to be drawn up stating the City has the first right to the use of the park. Assistant Public Works Director Olson discussed the possibility of a softball diamond for national events to bring in revenue to the City. Chairperson Johns noted they previously discussed that they did not want to do less than what other cities are doing for their schools. Mr. Jacobsen explained it is his understanding that this is a flex field park available for different uses. The intent is not to create a principal play area for the school. Assistant Public Works Director Olson explained one of his concerns would be if they were to allow this to be a public park, are they setting a precedent by allowing the charter school to use this park when they have not done the same for the school that is already in the City. Mr. Jacobsen discussed the plans for the parkway in the Town Center with the Commission. There is a walkway around the parameter of the parkway. They also have internal walkways within the park that connect to the major roadways. There will be open spaces, room for an amphitheater in the park. There will be a bridge over the walkway to allow cars to cross and having a footpath and water path under the bridge. Commissioner Shryock asked if there was an opportunity for an outdoor classroom area. Park and Recreation Commission/November 13, 2003 Page 9 of 11