03-05-2015 Parks Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MARCH 5, 2015 56 LITTLE The Director reported that the City obtained an appraisal of 56 Little Canada CANADA Road East. Based on that appraisal, the City has made an offer to purchase ROAD the property, and is still awaiting a response from the property owner. Vang asked the use of this property if it is acquired. The Director reported that eventually the property will tie into the Veterans Memorial Park, and walking trails from that park could be extended up to the railroad crossing. However, there are still a couple of properties along this stretch that will need to be acquired. Sanders indicated that the park usage in this area is more passive in nature, noting that the lake front is being preserved and the walking trail can be extended along with benches along the trail. The Director noted the senior housing and apartment complexes in this area that will utilize a passive park of this nature. PIONEER The Director reported that the Pioneer Park grading and muck removal PARK project began last week. Volunteer growth has been removed and the pond DRAINAGE dredged. This summer the area will be replanted with input from the PROJECT Watershed on the types of plantings that will be appropriate for this area and will help improve water quality. The Director indicated that the City Engineer has indicated that it will be necessary to install drain tile around the south ballfields in the spring. The Director noted that none of the work being done will interfere with the use of the ballfields. Vang asked if there were any issues in the area of the soccer field. The Director reported that there were not. He noted that the problem has been with the ballfields and that during heavy rains the ag lime from the warning tracks washes out and goes into the pond. Miller asked if there will be any cost participation from the Watershed. The Director reported that the only assistance from the Watershed will be with planting recommendations. Miller asked if the Watershed would participate in the cost of the plantings. The Director was not sure, and indicated that the City Engineer has had some discussions with the Watershed so he would ask him if this were a possibility. Maida suggested an educational plaque be installed explaining what the plantings do. The Director felt that was a good idea and there were discussions about other areas in the City where these plaques exist. The Director stated that he would discuss this with the City Engineer as well to see if the Watershed would fund the cost of plaques. 3