03/06/2002 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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PThe need for improved recreational opportunities including development of neighborhood parks and the construction of trails have been expressed by residents in past surveys and Rthe 20/20 Vision Community Planning project. Various youth sports associations have expressed the need for more athletic fields. Many adults and youth have expressed the need O for a skate park facility. P The city has grown to a population of 17,000 and the continued growth allows the community to be able to support the proposal as a result of an increased tax base of more homes and 0 businesses. To pay the cost of the proposed projects, the city is asking residents to authorize up to $8.6 million in 20 year general obligation bonds. A L R Why is the city holding a special bond election to consider the proposal? The City Council has determined it is the best way to allow residents to clearly express their opinion on the proposal. It is also a desirable way to finance the proposal by spreading out the cost over 20 years. It is also the most equitable way of guaranteeing that all residents, present and future, share in the cost as well as the opportunities of the investment. Development of a major recreation complex has been a priority for the city since 1991 when the Comprehensive Park and Trail Plan Ewas developed. The plan indicated that the City's growth and increased number of structured sport participants might necessitate the development of a recreation complex. As a result, over the next 10 years the City evaluated potential sites, authorized negotiations Cfor acquisition of land and subsequently, with the approval of the Environmental Board, Planning and Zoning Board, Park Board and citizens of Lino Lakes, purchased 67 acres of land at the southeast corner of Birch Street and Centerville Road for $925,000. RAlong the way, City staff worked with a park planning consultant to develop a master plan of the site. This plan, in its current form, includes the following: • 5 full size soccer /football fields E • 4 full size softball fields • 3 Little League/Youth Baseball fields A • 2 girl's softball fields • Skate park facility /ice hockey rink T• 2 tennis courts • A full size basketball court • Internal trails I• A large play structure • A multi purpose building for concessions, restrooms, and storage 0 The concept plan depicted on the next page was designed through city staff, a planning consultant, representatives of user groups, a citizens committee consisting of citizens at large, and members of the Park Board. This plan was approved by the Park Board and N City Council in February of 2002. A successful referendum will allow for preparation of planning and construction documents this spring and summer. Construction of the recreation complex would begin in early fall 2002. We anticipate that the site should be available for use as soon the fall of 2004. C O M P L E X