Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES <br />PARKS & REC COMMISSION <br />MAY 2, 2024 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />2 <br />that week and expressed thanks to the residents and local businesses that assisted with the <br />planting project. <br /> <br />Chair Horwath commented on the clean up event he participated in, which was fun, and <br />encouraged others to participate in the future. <br /> <br />NEW BUSINESS <br /> <br />COMMUNITY GARDEN FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS <br />The Public Works Director commented that the City has required the property at 2828 Condit <br />Street and also owns the four houses to the south on Country Drive. He stated that this has <br />created a unique opportunity to create a community garden on the site, noting that the previous <br />owner had strawberry gardens. He commented that the City will be having the soil tested and <br />reviewed the other elements that will be considered including parking and the number and size of <br />garden plots. He stated that they will also need to consider water, outreach and administration. <br />He stated that he was unsure if this would be accomplished this year, but if feasible, should be <br />able to move forward no later than next year. He welcomed any input the Commission may <br />have. <br /> <br />Chair Horwath asked and received confirmation that this would be a temporary thing. <br /> <br />The Public Works Director confirmed that this would be a temporary location, but if successful <br />they could look to develop a community garden in another location. <br /> <br />Commissioner Delong Miller stated that Maplewood would be a good example to look at and <br />noted that Ramsey County uses rain barrels filled by the hydrant. <br /> <br />Commissioner Schletty asked if staff has spoken with the neighbors to see if they are open to the <br />concept, noting that there had been strawberry fields in the past. <br /> <br />The Public Works Director commented that they have not yet reached out, but it is a commercial <br />area, and the area was previously farmed. He provided details on potential parking, noting that <br />he would not anticipate more than a couple vehicles at a time and access would come from <br />Country Drive. <br /> <br />RECREATION COORDINATOR UPDATE <br />The Recreation Coordinator provided an overview of her report highlighting recent events, <br />upcoming activities, and programing opportunities. <br /> <br />REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONERS <br />Commissioner Delong Miller commented that she participated in cleanup and planting events <br />during volunteer week. <br /> <br />Commissioner Schletty asked the timeline for the water feature at Pioneer Park.