09-27-1999 CC - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council August 23, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 12 stated, with the addition of a nature trail with park benches. He noted some of the Cub Scout Leaders had indicated this would be ideal natural area for their troops to collect leaves and nuts for merit badges, and yet maintain the spirit of the park by relocating the playground equipment to a relatively dry area. He explained that this would allow for greater use of the park, even during the wet years. He noted the original playground equipment had been placed on one of the lowest spots on the parcel, and inquired regarding the reason for this. Public Works Director Ulrich stated he believed this was because the hockey rink boards took up the dry lands that were farther to the north and east, and when all the other amenities were installed, this seemed to be the logical placement for the playground. He noted there was also a sand volleyball court at the site, which in many years, is under water and unusable. He stated this was not an ideal location for the type of equipment that is presently there, and he thought the drier area of the northeast corner would be much more conducive to use. Council Member Marty stated it was his understanding that there is a peat bog in this area. Director of Public Works stated this was correct, and added that there was additional wetland to the north. He explained that a portion of the park serves as a storm water holding area because there are ditches on both sides to the south and west. He stated the proposal would remove the ditches, and there would be a more gradual slope into the lowlands of the park. He explained that the highlands will be outlined with the walking path, and there will be gradual wetland area in the entire middle section of the park. He commented that only the existing water quality ponds are expected to hold water, and are expected to have a high water level, which will then overflow into the wetland. He stated, however, the majority of the water should be contained in the ponds. He added that this was also a reason that the Rice Creek Watershed District and the Board of Water Resources was very favorable to this park location. Council Member Marty inquired if the park, the equipment and the path would be maintained once the playground is completed. He noted it did not appear that Woodcrest Park had been well maintained in the past. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated the park has received maintenance, however, it has not received a large amount of capital investment dollars in the past. He stated the park is mowed on a regular basis, and the unsightly aspect is due to the ditches. He explained that the Public Works Department did not have any equipment, nor have they been able to locate a contractor who can mow the ditches, as they are at an extreme slope. He stated the perimeter of the park appears somewhat unsightly, however, all of the areas that are accessible have been maintained and mowed. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated that when the path is constructed, there would be a two- foot area in which to operate a mower to keep the weeds from the path. He noted there would also be some sod laid to keep the encroachment of weeds on the path. He commented there would also be natural grasses and wetland grasses planted to bring the area back into its natural state. Mr. Sonterre stated he agreed with Council Member Marty, in that the mowing has occurred in areas where there is grass, however, he has not once in six years found the volleyball court to be usable. He stated the amount of grass and weeds growing in that area, in addition to the lack of a net, made using the volleyball court impossible.