07-08-08 Parks Commission Minutes

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MINUTES Parks & Recreation Commission July 8, 2008 Borens stated that the commission is focusing on all the gap areas between currently completed trails. There are two gaps in our city -the one previously mentioned and our #1 priority trail along Country Drive and South Owasso to the Waterworks Trail. Borens described the route of the proposed Regional Park Trail on a detailed map made for him by the Ramsey County Public Works Department. He continued by explaining that the National Park Service will plan, coordinate and do the layout of trails at no cost. He also recommended applying for grants to assist in funding of these trails. He said Holly with the National Park Service has an overview of all the trails and could assist in the planning of the trails and grant writing. Sanders showed Borens on our trails map the four top priority trails ranked by the Park & Recreation Commissioners. Borens inquired about the progress on the North/South Connection Trail. Sanders commented that it would require approval from St. Jude and private residents to use their land. St. Jude has been made aware of the trail proposal. They have not acted on it yet. The trail would provide a nice path between the St. Jude facilities on both sides of Highway 36. Chair Davis inquired as to the process to go forward with this trail project. Morelan stated that the first step would be to do a feasibility study, and then ask Joel Hanson, City Administrator, to send St. Jude's a letter about proceeding with the trail. Sanders will work on the grant application with Ramsey County Park & Recreation Director Greg Mack to get the project rolling. Davis asked where the ri•ail would be located on the St. Jude's property. Morelan replied that the projected trail is on the extreme east edge of their property line and is not proposed to be by the construction sight of their new building off Country Road B2. Maida expressed his concern of having all players from all the gap areas be involved with the planning of this Regional Park Trail before going forward since all sections are not approved yet. Borens confirmed that is their top priority, another reason they now have additional planning staff assistance. Borens ended his presentation by agreeing to remain in touch with us. Since Morelan had to leave to attend another meeting, he requested that the items on the agenda that he needed to report on be discussed next. Chair Davis granted his request. OLD Morelan reported that the concrete for the Skateboard Park was all in place. The equipment BUSINESS- has been ordered and is expected to be delivered around the 17`h or 18"' of July. The SKATEBOARD maintenance crew will be installing the equipment the following week. The equipment was PARK ordered from the Skatewave Company. He distributed an illustration of the equipment and where each piece would be placed on the concrete. The cost of the equipment was approximately $60,000, which makes the total cost of the project between $120,000 and $125,000. The Little Canada Recreation Association has agreed to fund the costs of the project up to $125,000. Morelan announced that there will be a grand opening of the skateboard park after the Canadian Days weekend, sometime later in August. RECON- Morelan reported that there have been discussions with St. John's Church for relocation. He FIGURATION and Mayor Blesener have talked with Father Dave and the St. John's Parish Administrator. Page 2 of 4