10/27/2004 Park Board Packet - 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 www.ci.lino-lakes.mn.us October 5, 2004 Mr. Dave Phipps, Parks Director City of Circle Pines 200 Civic Heights Circle Circle Pines, Minnesota 55014 RE: Rice Lake Estates Park Dear Mr. Phipps: The Lino Lakes Park Board met last night and the most significant topic of conversation was the recent developments concerning Rice Lake Estates Park. After much discussion the Park Board recommended that, "The City of Circle Pines expend funds for improvements to Baldwin Park including new playground equipment and a full size basketball court. The cost of the improvements should at least equal the investment that Lino Lakes had put into Rice Lake Estates Park." Park Board Members, area residents, and city staff are very disappointed with the way the destruction of Rice Lake Estates Park has been handled. A commitment from the City of Circle Pines to install playground equipment and a full size basketball court at Baldwin Park is the best solution for all parties involved. Not only will this provide leisure opportunities for the residents in the Rice Lake Estates Development (via paved trail), it will also enhance Baldwin Park for the existing and future residents of Circle Pines. I assume that the park dedication dollars derived from the new Pine Hollow Development will more than cover the requested improvements to Baldwin Park. It is imperative that the City of Circle Pines provides an acceptable solution to resolve this situation soon. It's been very difficult for city staff to address the concerns of area residents with out a specific commitment from the City of Circle Pines. I understand there has been some discussions to relocate the dismantled playground structure. I caution you to inspect the playground components (especially the posts), to ensure the end result is an aesthetically pleasing structure. Since Rice Lake Estates Park was designated as a mini - park, the playground structure was relatively small in size. If new playground equipment is installed at Baldwin Park, it would make sense to increase the size of the play structure. A full size basketball court would also make sense. Incidentally, the City of Lino Lakes spent approximately $45,000 to develop Rice Lake Estates Park. This excludes the existing trail connection to Baldwin Park.