08/02/1999 Park Board Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Horst and Margot Franke 6941 LaMotte Drive Lino Lakes,MN 55038 Home:651-426-8395 Work:651-407-0252,C201 July 4, 1999 Lino Lakes Parks Board c/o Rick DeGardner City of Lino Lakes 600 Town Center Pkwy Lino Lakes,MN 55014 Subject:M-6 LaMotte Park Attention Lino Lakes Park Board: We understand that a petition has been submitted from a majority of the Lino Lakes LaMotte Drive and LaMotte Circle neighborhood. The petition asks for the installation of playground equipment(and some benches and picnic tables for the adults to oversee the kids). We are supportive of this petition in principle but have following concerns: 1) Lack of children: It seems there are not enough children(age 3 to 10 years,while 3 to 5 years should be the largest expected user group)to make good long term use of a"small play structure"which may qualify for one of the smallest Minipark in town. 2) No Plan for M-6 LaMotte Park: The neighborhood is not informed about the near or long term plan for this Minipark,if there is any. We suggest prior to"plugging in"a playground and a couple of benches and tables that the neighborhood learns about the long-term plan 3) Duplication with Centerville: We understand that the city of Centerville will include a playground in fall 1999 in its Laurie LaMotte Park.The distance between the 2 parks is only 5 houses up the road. 4) Cost justification: Playgrounds must be safe and must be constantly maintained to remain safe. This may be too expensive in case the facilities will be under-utilized(as we expect it to be). We respectfully request that the Park Board considers following suggestions prior to proceeding with the decision making process. a. Survey the number of eligible children and estimate the potential usage now and in future(less than 40 households!) b. Develop and introduce a plan for the M-6 Mini Park reflecting a balanced design for all the user groups using this Mini Park throughout its life cycle(i.e. age in place aspects,etc.) c. Coordinate your plans with City of Centerville plans to avoid costly and useless duplications. d. Calculate the realistic cost during the investment phase and the then following lifetime long maintenance phase and base your decision on proven economics.