09-27-1999 CC - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council August 23, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 11 Mr. Sonterre stated he had lived on Red Oak Drive near Woodcrest Park, for approximately six years, and in that time, has seen many changes in the demographics of that neighborhood. He stated that, being the father of a two and four-year old, the issue that most concerns him, is the great number of children on his block and the block adjacent to the Red Oak Drive. He commented that children are everywhere. He stated the parents in the neighborhood have come together to express concerns regarding the amount and speed of the traffic in the area, as well as another of their main concerns, which is the park. Mr. Sonterre stated between County Road H and H-2, Long Lake and Silver Lake Road, Woodcrest Park is the only park their children can get to without having to cross a major intersection. He explained the only other park in the City that they can bring their children to is Random Park, which limits the children that it is appropriate for, to a very young age. He commented that they could use some of the parks is New Brighton, as well, and these parks have undergone some appealing changes, however, as a resident of Mounds View, he would like to see a quality park for the children in their neighborhoods. He added that he would like that park to be located so as not to necessitate their children to cross a major intersection. Mayor Coughlin noted this item was scheduled for consideration later in the meeting, however, in the interest of time, suggested it be addressed at this time. Public Work Director Ulrich provided the Council with a copy of the preliminary plans for Woodcrest Park, noting that some changes had been made. He explained that a walking trail was proposed to go through the entire park. He stated the water quality pond in the southeast corner would be changed slightly, however, the path will continue to the northeast, and the northeast corner will contain a playground structure. Director of Public Works Ulrich commented they might encounter some difficulty when attempting to raise the existing playground structure, which is 13 years old, and was originally placed in a very wet area of the park. He stated the concrete footings of the structure are substantial. He indicated they would attempt to raise the structure, and some of the pieces may be used, replaced, or a new structure might need to be budgeted for, and placed on the site in the future. Director of Public Works Ulrich explained that the reason this park was identified as the top site in town for the wetland mitigation of the Community Center project, was because it was a very wet parcel 25 years ago. He stated they have performed some borings of the land, and have identified approximately 4,000 yards of fill that has been placed on the site, primarily consisting of street sweepings and asphalt. He noted it was very common in the past, for communities to utilize such sites for dumping purposes. Director of Public Works Ulrich noted that the park was difficult to maintain, particularly in the wet years, and that was the reason it was considered the number one site to turn back to a wetland status, and develop into a somewhat passive area. He stated the City Council had decided to utilize the northeast corner for the playground structure, based upon some of the resident comments that they keep some type of a playground in that park. Mayor Coughlin stated a public hearing was held, and a fair amount of input was received from the residents of the area. He stated the majority of the residents recognized the parcel was wet, and wanted it to remain a park, therefore the Council has returned most of the park to its natural