07-19-2012 Park Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION JULY 19, 2012 Sanders indicated this project has been in the works for a couple of years, and the City has a permit from the Railroad for this work. The project has been delayed pending word on a DNR grant application. An initial application was denied, and the City Engineer resubmitted for this year. This is a very competitive grant, however, and Sanders felt the likelihood of receiving the grant was slim. The Parks & Recreation Director indicated that the outcome of the grant application should be known soon. He suggested that if the grant is denied, the City should move forward on the project without the grant. It was noted that the railroad has extended its permit for the crossing, and whether or not another extension would be likely is unknown. 3. Nadeau Wildlife Area — play area and site improvements — $50,000 Sanders indicated that this improvement consisted of new equipment for the play area and some related site improvements to improve the appearance of the park. The majority of the dollars would go toward new play equipment with about $5,000 toward site improvements. 4. Old Fire Hall — warming house replacement /property acquisition - $150,000 Sanders noted that Little Canada Recreation Association (LCRA) has been discussing the replacement of the warming house for some time. The Director indicated that the building was constructed in 1979 and is heavily used. Improvements to the structure could benefit usage at other times of the year (skateboard park) with the addition of water and sewer so that bathrooms and a drinking fountain could be added. Providing sewer to the facility will be expensive. It may be possible to tap into the metro sewer line, however. It was not anticipated that the square footage for the warming house would need to be increased very much. The Director indicated that the plan would be to move the warming house further south to have it more centrally located. This would necessitate the acquisition of some property from St. John's. The property currently being used for the pleasure skating rink is being leased from St. John's. Sullivan asked if additional parking would be necessary. The Director indicated that there appears to be adequate parking for the skating rinks and skateboard park. Parking demand is generated from the Old Fire Hall rental facility. It was noted that the City owns the parking lot in front of the credit union. Maida suggested that the warming house and the bathrooms could be separated so that the bathrooms could be located nearer to water and sewer lines, thus decreasing costs. 2