08/03/2004 Park Board Other - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Lino Lakes Public Services Department 600 Town Center Parkway Lino Lakes, MN 55014 (651) 982 -2440 Fax (651) 982 -2439 July 30, 2004 Dear Birchwood Acres Park Adjoining Property Owner, I want to make you aware of some developments regarding Birchwood Acres Park. Later this summer, city staff will be installing an ag -lime infield for the informal ball field. The current turf infield area doesn't provide a safe environment to field ground balls. Ag -lime infields provide the safest surface for an informal ball field. An ag -lime infield will make the ball field much more functional and safe for park users. To reinforce the fact that the design and intent of this ball field is for informal use only, the player benches will be removed. Staff will also be communicating with the various youth sports associations to further strengthen our commitment that Birchwood Acres Park will not be used for any formal games or scrimmages. Rather, area residents and youth teams will use the field for informal activities and practices. In addition, there are some areas throughout the park that do not have good, • established turf. In August, city staff will be regrading and seeding portions of Birchwood Acres Park to hopefully establish better turf quality. • The city recently acquired 13 acres of parkland (4 acres upland) connecting the developed park area to 62nd Avenue. The master plan that was completed in 1997 indicates a trail connection to 62nd Avenue, a picnic shelter, sand volleyball courts, and horseshoe courts. As residential development occurs around Birchwood Acres Park, park dedication dollars derived from the developments will be designated to further develop Birchwood Acres Park. For example, park dedication dollars for Raven's Hollow ($85,240) have been designated for Birchwood Acres Park. When enough dollars are secured to develop the southern portion of the park, I anticipate inviting area residents to review the existing master plan to determine if any modifications of the master plan are warranted. Hopefully this will occur within the next few years. I hope you have an enjoyable summer! Sincerely, Rick DeGardner Public Services Director J: \Ricks Folder \Parks Division \Neighborhood Parks\Birchwood Acres\Ball field renovation 6- 04.doc