10/04/1999 Park Board Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • Dear Rick, I'm writing you in response to the letter we received addressing the Quail Ridge boardwalk. You asked for any questions or concerns we may have regarding this issue. We have several. We agree that the boardwalk is beyond restoration. To us this is an unrealistic option. It would require city funds that can be used more productively elsewhere. Leaving the boardwalk barricaded until the Quail Ridge Park becomes a reality is also unrealistic. We will explain our concerns: • From our understanding the Quail Ridge Park will not be complete for at least two years. The city needs to consider the liability they face if they leave an unsafe structure standing for any amount of time. A barricade on this kind of a boardwalk does not keep a curious child or an adult looking for mischief from going on this structure. If anything, it enhances the temptation even more. I have seen children duck under and step around the barricade and continue to play on this unsafe structure. The children also play and climb on the barricade because it looks (and is) fun. This boardwalk was built over water; any type of barricade that the city decides to put up will NOT keep children and adults from continuing to explore this boardwalk. • As you stated in your letter, the boardwalk dead -ends into nothing. This boardwalk dead -ends into a heavily wooded area! If you look at police reports over the last several years you will find that crime has come across this boardwalk into our neighborhood. This wooded area is the perfect setting for people who have crime on their minds. • The barricade and boardwalk are extremely unattractive. This boardwalk is not maintained. Quail Ridge is a small, quiet, neighborhood and we paid a large amount of money for what most would consider a safe and beautiful area. We do not consider a barrier on a boardwalk that is both an eyesore and a danger to all that live here a good property value. We have tried to summarize why we feel the boardwalk should be taken down this fall. When the Quail Ridge Park is complete, the city could decide if a safe boardwalk should be built. If the city decides to `sit' on this one the reality of losing one of our children is very real. Often times nothing gets done until a tragedy strikes. We are hoping that Lino Lakes is not one of those places. We stress the urgency of getting this boardwalk removed As Soon As Possible! Thank you for your time, John and Pam Bolduc 651 - 426 -7776