08-05-2021 Parks_Rec Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES PARKS & REC COMMISSION AUGUST 5, 2021 2 Commissioner Hipp commented that the location was excellent. She stated that the artwork from the children was a great method to draw people into the booth. She reinforced that people loved the water features and loved the plan as it is. She stated that people liked the nature theme and there was a suggestion to carry over that theme into the playground. She stated that there were some questions as to whether the water feature would be City water and related to maintenance. She noted that people liked the shade concepts and would like additional porta-potties in the park. Commissioner Horwath stated that at that type of event when it is warm out and there is a discussion on water features, you wonder if the temperature plays into that. He noted that perhaps there could be engagement opportunities at different times of the year. He stated that he had an extensive conversation with someone related to a pump track. He noted that he told the person that was not planned for this node of the park but there could be opportunities in another area of the park or another park. He stated that another resident brought up a park in another community that has a zipline that goes around the park. He stated that he enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the community. He stated that the car show participants had a lot of interest, even though they may not live in Little Canada. Commissioner Horwath stated that he has visited many other parks looking for ideas and concepts. He noted that he is very interested in the larger zipline concept. The Community Services Manager thanked the members of the Commission that participated and noted that the public comments will be shared with Bolton and Menk for incorporation into the plan. He stated that the boards will be on display at City Hall for a few weeks for members of the public to view. NEW BUSINESS: GERVAIS MILL PARK GRANT The Community Services Manager stated that the group has been discussing the Gervais Mill entrance for some time and funds had been budgeted. He noted that in 2020 the project went out for bid, but the numbers came back higher than expected. He stated that staff applied for two grants through the MN DNR and the City was notified that it was successful in obtaining one of the grants in the amount of $97,000. He noted that the total project cost was estimated at $130,000, so the City would pay the remainder of the cost. Additionally, He referenced the pollinator program in Thunder Bay Park, noting that the City applied for a grant through Great River Greening and was recently notified that the City was approved for that grant as well. NEW BUSINESS: NRPA CONFERENCE The Community Services Manager stated that he plans to attend the NRPA conference in September which will be held in Nashville. He stated that he hopes to bring back information that can help guide future planning processes. He noted that he will provide an update at the October meeting.