Agenda Packets - 2000/02/14 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mounds View City Council March 22, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 19 old child from Long View Drive to Random Park to play. He stated he believed Woodcrest Park was necessary, and should be upgraded, instead of downgraded. Mayor Coughlin stated Director of Public Works Ulrich has some plans that were drawn by the City Engineer, and in as much as they might be helpful, staff could provide Mr. Galvin a copy. He pointed out that this park, at least in part, was built upon a peat bog, and the ground was unstable. He advised that if they chose to retain the park, they would have to build the structures on pilings, in order to stabilize them. Bruce Brazenly, 5127 Long Lake Road, stated he respected Mr. Galvin’s opinions, and has not lived in the City for the same length of time, however, he has been observing the park for many years. He indicated his property was in close proximity to the corner of Woodcrest Drove and Long Lake Road, and he oftentimes drove past the park. He stated in his opinion as an earth scientist, his education being in geology, it would be very difficult to significantly improve a park in that location, due to the underlying surface geology. Mr. Brazenly stated he believed this area was a peat bog, after having watched it for many years, and noting the instability of the ground when the ice rink was in place, as well as seeing the water that runs into the volleyball pit and the playground area. He advised that unless they were to actually excavate the peat, and bring fill into the area, which would be very expensive, it would be nearly impossible to stabilize this ground to the point that it would cease to attempt to continue its life as a wetland. He pointed out that this was the original nature of this area, and this was how it should return. Mr. Brazenly stated he was a strong advocate of parks. He indicated that the best solution would be to find another area south of Highway 10 that could be considered as a replacement for this park. He stated there were some lots toward the western edge of the City that are either owned by the City, or were at one time. He stated consideration of a park in this area might stir up some controversy, because the residents may or may not wish to have a park located adjacent to them, however, it would be worth investigating. Mr. Brazenly stated he did not have all of the answers, and did not necessarily completely disagree with Mr. Galvin. He stated he saw a need for parks south of Highway 10, having been a resident of the area for more than 7 years. He advised that Random Park and Silver View Park are located quite a distance from a certain section of town, particularly the southwest corner, and something should be considered in this area, in order to mitigate the loss of the park. He advised however, it would be appropriate to return Woodcrest Park to its natural state, which is that of a wetland. Ann Perkins, 5113 Red Oak Drive, stated her house literally backs up into Woodcrest Park. She stated she has lived on this property for 23 years, and has had lake front property many times when it rains. She noted that the previous Saturday, there were even ducks in the area. Mrs. Perkins stated in her opinion, the park shelter is an eyesore, and she would like to see it be removed. She indicated the building was musty smelling, and currently has a broken window, which has been boarded up.