10/04/1999 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 4. • To: Park Board Members From: Rick DeGardner Date: September 28, 1999 Re: Land Acquisition for Athletic Complex Staff has spent the past 8 months attempting to secure land for a future athletic complex. After considerable discussion with Mr. Montain, we have reached an agreement to acquire 62 acres of land for $850,000. Recently, Mr. Molitor has agreed to sell 5 acres of land for $75,000, which is adjacent to the Montain property. Both are contingent upon city council approval. This results in a 67 acre complex. Jeff Schonebauer and I have created a concept plan to demonstrate how the proposed acquisition may function as an athletic complex. Obviously, more discussion with youth sports associations and the general public will be held to determine the actual design and layout of the athletic complex prior to a referendum. Attached is pertinent information related to staff's recommendation to acquire this parcel of land for an athletic complex. • History of acquiring property for athletic complex • Evaluation sheet of Montain property • Concept plan • Analysis from Jeff Schonebauer, Brauer and Associates If the city acquires this parcel of land, a referendum would need to be conducted for development of the athletic complex. The internal loan to acquire this property would also be repaid. This scenario carries minimal financial risk to the city. If the referendum is unsuccessful, the city can sell the parcel or retain possession for future use. In 1999, over 1,500 Lino Lakes youth participated in baseball, softball, and soccer. Participation rates for youth and adult athletic programs are expected to increase each year. Currently, organized activities such as youth sports and adult softball frequently monopolize neighborhood parks. Youth and adult participants play on substandard fields inappropriately located in neighborhood parks. Neighborhood parks are not designed for