Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 08/13/1998

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Motion carried. Voting Yes; Chair Cook, Commissioners Droegemueller, Ostrum, Asfahl, LaMere, and Rolfe. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Johns. COMMISSION/STAFF INPUT Chairman Cook reported on attending the August l0th conference, entitled, "The Benefits of Parks and Recreation," which was presented by the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association. He stated that the message of the workshop was that parks are essential areas, and that the benefits are endless. These benefits include, but are not limited to community involvement, improved health, reduction in crime, entertainment, family togetherness, employee satisfaction, and an enhanced environment. He said community centers are excellent locations for music, theater, reunions, and other group activities. Chair Cook then provided the Commission with a handbook he received at the workshop, including public service announcement tapes for community use. He said it is crucial that this information get out. to the community as soon as possible. Commissioner Droegemueller added that home and land values increase when parks are developed nearby as well. Mayor Gamec suggested a way of promoting this concept would be to generate human interest stories revolving around parks and recreation. Examples could be those which describe fond childhood memories resulting in stable adults who now contribute to society. Commissioner Ostrum suggested the creation of a video detailing community parks, to be rented (or lent for free) at local video stores, or provided to new residents. Mayor Gamec offered the idea of adding a map to this video package, complete with highlighted areas showing parks, activities, City buildings, etc. Chair Cook stated it's important to get this information out to the public and to City Council in preparation for the bond discussion. Mayor Gamec suggested scheduling a work session with City Council. He also would like to see a completed video broadcast on Cable TV. He added that, as an example, Alpine Park could be videotaped to show how it has improved over the last two years ago. Chair Cook added that videotaping Alpine Park now is a good idea, and it could be continued into Spring of 1999 to show the extent of its popularity as baseball season begins. He added that one need not be a parks user to enjoy the benefits of parks, as there are widespread positive effects. Mayor Gamec stated that the 25th anniversary of Ramsey would be celebrated in 1999. He would like the RYAA involved on the planning committee. He said that several events are being planned, such as fireworks (possibly on Alpine Hill), an antique car show, an open house at the old school building, a spaghetti dinner, parade, and a dance. He added that a committee is forming now to tentatively schedule this celebration for September of 1999. Park and Recreation Commission/August 13, 1998 Page 7 of 8