Agenda Packets - 1991/03/04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Item 7 • MEMO TO: MAYOR & COUNCIL FROM: MARY SAARION DATE: FEBRUARY 28, 1991 SUBJECT: JOINT ATHLETIC FIELDS ON PROPERTY EAST OF 35W ALONG CTY RD J On February 12, I met with the area Parks and Recreation Directors to discuss athletic facilities and facilitation of area athletic organizations. At this meeting I introduced Councilmember Quick's idea for a joint athletic facility on the land owned by the U of M at the 35W and County Road J intersection. This land is very conducive to athletic field development because of it's openness and flatness and easy accessibility. Even though the need for additional athletic fields is evident in every city, the Directors expressed these reservations. 1. The City of New Brighton has put a hold on all park development until the City • has a better indication of the LGA cuts. Maurie Anderson stated that because this is not a budgeted project, it would probably not be considered at this time. 2. The City of Arden Hills is hopeful for the development of the Arsenal Ballfield project and has put it's interests into that project, hopeful for progress with the completion of the pollution tests. John Buckley was doubtful that the Arden Hills City Council would be interested in pursuing an additional athletic facility plan at this time. . - •v- ' •n i irec or or e ity of Shoreview replied that it was her understanding that at one time Mayor Wedell mentioned an interest in the possibility of developing a golf course on this property. However, the land is very valuable and the City may wish to encourage a taxable industrial development to benefit the City. 4. Here are more concerns expressed by the group: - A large amount of money needed to develop an athletic facility. It is doubtful that unbudgeted projects would be considered. • - The facility would be available for an undetermined amount of time providing unpredictability for facility users.