Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/10/1997

Home

Emerald Pond Park; August 14, 1997: Lake Itasca Trail Head; September 11, 1997: River's Bend: October 9, 1997: to be determined. Mr. Boos talked about projects to be completed under 1997 CIP Fund monies once bids are approved by the Council. Once awarded, shelters are to be constructed at River's Bend and Emerald Pond. Safety fences are slated for installation in April. Bids for grading of Alpine Park will be considered at the April 22, 1997, Council meeting. Mr. Boos added there is a large landscape project to be done in Fox Park by students. Commission Asfahl inquired about recently approved Lawful Gambling Funds projects. Mr. Boos responded the batting cage has arrived and will be installed by May. Landscaping for the Northfork project is slated for May 17, 1997; rain or shine with the entire project being completed before June. Additional aspects of the Northfork project include two benches and one table. Mr. Boos has obtained use of a large tent from the City of Fddley for shelter/refreshment purposes. Trees are scheduled for delivery. As well, the road has been staked so that trees can be relocated. Chairperson Cook suggested looking at the park area (east side of lake) during a meeting, if time allowed. He also inquired about parks the Commission has not visited before such as Shawn Acres and Ford Brook. Case #3: Arboretum at Mississippi West Park Mr. Boos talked about Councilmember Natalie Haas Steffen's desire to see development of an arboretum in conjunction with Anoka County's Mississippi West Park; one which wouldn't detract from current proposals. Mr. Boos confirmed with the Anoka County Parks Department that no funding has been approved yet for development of an arboretum nor would there be for at least six years. In response to Commissioner Johns, Chairperson Cook indicated the Commission should make a recommendation to Anoka County in favor of an arboretum development if that is the Commission's consensus. Ms. Haas Steffen talked about history of the property being discussed which includes two islands on the Mississippi River; Cloquet Island (70 acres) and Foster Island (9 acres) presently owned by the Anoka County Parks, given to the County by Herbert and Marcella Husby approximately ten years ago. Donation of land by the Husby's included some specifics to ensure the land will maintain a natural look. Ms. Haas Steffen added the Husby's have had the ability to get certain trees to thrive which are not indigenous to the area. Ms. Haas Steffen indicated her inclination to "dream big" about a park which could be added to successively and developed via monies raised specifically for this purpose. In response to Commission members, Ms. Haas Steffen clarified a desire to see a conservatory constructed which is bigger than that located in St. Paul and has multiple buildings versus one. Mr. Boos added property to the west of Mississippi West Park remains available for purchase. Park and Recreation Commission/April 10, 1997 Page 3 of 6