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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/26/1994PARES AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA Thursday, May 26, 1994 Silver View Park meeting place 6:30 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - APRIL 28, 1994 4. PARK SITE TOUR: A. MEET AT SILVER VIEW PARK - LOOK AT, THE PROBLEM OF HOMERUN BALLS OVER FIELD #2 FENCE - DISCUSS COSTS OF OPTIONS AND RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL B. POTENTIAL PURCHASE PROPERTY LOCATED AT WOODALE AND PLEASANT VIEW DR. - PURCHASE AND DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE THROUGH A GRANT APPLICATION C. GROVELAND PARK - INSPECT TENNIS COURT RESURFACING - DISCUSS THE PIEDEL PROPERTY ACQUISITION RECOMMENDATION D. GREENFIELD PARK - INSPECT THE FOUL BALL NETTING E. OAKWOOD PARK - INSPECT THE NEW PLAYERS BENCH FENCING F. GOLF COURSE - REVIEW THE COURSE, PRACTICE RANGE AND ALSO WALK AREA OF THE NATURE TRAIL. 5. ADJOURNMENT NEXT MEETING SITE VISIT WILL BE OUR ANNUAL JOINT MEETING WITH SPRING LAKE PARK RECREATION COMMISSION AT LAKESIDE PARK. M�IDs 1E WN "Quite Simply the Best" May 19, 1994 Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners: Phone: (612) 784-3055 Fax: (612) 784-3462 The weather is glorious! Since we haven't been able to hold site visits in the parks yet this year, I have planned a full agenda of park site visits for this May meeting. Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather. Let's meet at Silver View Park at 6:30 p.m. From there we will procede to other parks that have had improvements or to two that we must look over for potential pa -,-k land purchases. And, we'll end with a visit to the golf course. I hope that the trees are still in full bloom at the day of the meeting. If not, be sure to get out and see all the pretty trees at Silver View and other parks as they are in full bloom. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday. Please call me if you are unable to attend the site visits, otherwise we will be waiting for everyone to meet at Silver View Park picnic shelter at 6:30 p.m. before we take off. My office number is 784-0618. Sincerely, Mary Saarion, Director Parks, Recreation & Forestry �Pn1H CEO WII ��t 2401 Highway 10 • Mounds View, MN 55112-1499 �,Isyvt�txi_ 9 Y Equal Opportunity Employer MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW PARRS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Thursday, April 28, 1994 6:30 p.m. Council Chambers CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Burmeister at 6:35 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members present: Chairperson Burmeister and Commissioners Starr, Dentz, Long, Trettel, Silvis and Stevenson. Staff present: Director Saarion and Forester Wriskey. Councilmember Trude was also present. Visitors present included Hank Ruggles, Mrs. Lindahl and the Vice -President of the Silver Lake Woods Homeowners Association. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Silvis made a motion seconded by Commission Starr to approve the February 24, 1994 minutes. Motion passed, 7 ayes, 0 nayes. There were no minutes of the March meeting .because there was not a quorum. SILVER VIEW PARK ISSUE: The representatives of the Silver Lake Woods Homeowner's Association were dismayed about the letter sent to them regarding no cutting of park plants and trees and grass. They felt unclear in the direction of the City regarding cutting of grass, trees and plants. The Commission stated that cutting was prohibited altogether. They did not understand this. It was suggested that the Homeowners and Commission meet to review the policy of cutting. Commissioner Stevenson made a motion to recommend that the Council, Commission and the Homeowner's Association Board members meet to tour the path and restate the policy. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Long. Motion passed 7 ayes and 0 nayes. *Please note that when this was brought up to the City Council, the Council agreed unanimously that neither the Commission nor the Council should meet with the Homeowners Association because it has been stated very clearly to them in the past that cutting is not permitted. Furthermore, the Council will write a letter to the Homeowner's Association stating their position and requesting the cost of replacing the cut plants, and disposal costs of the cut plants. PARK SITE TOUR: Because of the late hour, the Commission decided to postpone the park site tour until next meeting. FORESTER'S REPORT: Forester Wriskey was available to report on activities of 1993 and activities of 1994. He answered questions regarding forestry issues and reiterated the need to prohibit random and unsupervised cutting in the parks. WILDLIFE CORRIDOR: No one from the EQC was present to present the recommendation for a wildlife corridor. Councilmember Trude provided a synopsis of the information and Forester Wriskey reported planting activities that were already going on to attract birds. CDBG FUNDING OF PARK IMP.: Director Saarion asked for recommendations of two park buildings to put improvements into with the CDBG funding that is expected. Commissioner Stevenson made a motion seconded by Commissioner Starr to improve Hillview Park and Groveland Park buildings with the CDBG funds. Motion passed, 7 ayes, 0 nayes. PROBLEMS: Director Saarion reported on the problems in the parks including dog feces, people cutting plants and vandalism. Letters were sent to persons living near parks where dog feces was so pronounced requested neighbors to comply with the clean-up of their dogs. Likewise, letters went out to homeowners near Silver View Park stating that cutting of park plants is prohibited. The bubble panel at Oakwood was broken and will be replaced as soon as the part is received. ARDAN PARK COMPOST UPDATE: Councilmember Trude reported on the actions of the Council regarding the compost facility at Ardan Park. The compost facility will continue to remain open as Ramsey County studies optional sites. PARK PROJECTS: Director Saarion reviewed the list of park improvements which will be visited on the future park tours. PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT: There was a question as to the removal of graffiti on the playground equipment. Director Saarion informed that Commission that staff has spent two days working on the graffiti - with results being a. lightening of the works, but also discoloration and roughening of the plastic. It was mentioned that the playground equipment at Groveland is looking worn and old and that replacement may be in order in future years. It was also suggested that Random Park playground be scheduled for replacement soon. A new tot equipment called Kompam was shown as a possibility for the preschool program participants that use Random Park. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Silvis made a motion seconded by Commissioner Long to adjourn the meeting. Motion was passed, 7 ayes, 0 nayes. MEMO TO: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSIONERS FROM: MARY SAARION DATE: MAY 19, 1994 SUBJECT: PARK IMPROVEMENTS SINCE 1986 JUST RECENTLY I WAS DOING SOME RESEARCH AND REPORTING REGARDING PARK IMPROVEMENTS SINCE 1986. I HAVE ATTACHED A LIST OF PARK IMPROVEMENTS AT EACH PARK SINCE 1986. THIS IS A GOOD RECORD FOR YOUR FILES. WE ALL HAVE WORKED HARD FOR THESE IMPROVEMENTS AND I THINK IT IS NICE TO BE ABLE TO SIT DOWN AND LOOK AT THE LONG LIST OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT TOGETHER WE HAVE MADE IN THE MOUNDS VIEW PARK SYSTEM. SILVER VIEW PARA DEVELOPMENT SILVER VIEW PARK IS A COMMUNITY PARK - 53 ACRES INCLUDING ACTIVE RECREATION AREAS AND PASSIVE NATURE AREAS EXTENDING AROUND A NATURE POND AND UPLAND WOODED AREA. THE PARK IS SURROUNDED BY A HOUSING DEVELOPMENT, APARTMENT COMPLEX AND MANOR HOMES BELONGING TO A HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION. THIS PARK LAND WAS ACQUIRED WITH LAWCON FUNDING FOR ACQUISITION AND PHASE I DEVELOPMENT IN THE EARLY 19801S. DEVELOPMENT SINCE 1986 INCLUDES: 1. Paving the 150 car parking lot $44,000 2. Construction of a large picnic shelter with utilities, restrooms and kitchen* 75,000 3. Installation of park utilities including water, sewer and electricity 20,000 4. Installation of a comprehensive irrigation system encompassing the 2 softball fields, soccer field, picnic area and other grassy areas. 20,403 5. Installation of a Disc Golf Course - 9 holes 6,500 6. Installation of a hard court play area (BB) 5,000 7. Installation of a large culvert over a storm water ditch traversing the path 20,000 8. Installation of an accessible playground 23,000 9. Installation of a paved trail 25,000 10. Installation of 2 drinking fountains 3,200 11. Installation of 3 swing benches along the trail 5,500 12. Extension of the woodchip nature path 3,500 13. Installation of 4 championship horseshoe courts 2,600 14. Installation of twin championship volleyball courts 2,400 15. Landscaping and tree plantings, shrubs, etc. 10,000 Total development of Silver View Park since 1986 $245,700 R.ANDQM PARR DEVELOPMENT RANDOM PARK IS A 2.0 ACRE NEIGHBORHOOD PARK - THREE TAX FORFEITED RESIDENTIAL LOTS. THIS PARK IS A PARK OF THE 100 YEAR STORM WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. DEVELOPMENT OF THIS PARK FROM 1996 TO PRESENT INCLUDES: 1. Purchased and installed a portable classroom setting the building on a block foundation. $9,540 2. Building inprovements: - added a restroom - exterior siding work - new subfloor and carpeting - new interior wallboards and ceiling tiles - new heater/ac 7,521 3. Paved the parking,lot 4,500 4. Added park amenities 250 5. Landscaping (bushes, shrubs, timbering) 2,000 Total Development since 1986 $21,811 CITY HALL IMPROViMENTS IN 1991 THE NEW CITY HALL WATER TOWER WAS CONSTRUCTED. ITS CONSTRUCTION REQUIRED ONE OF THE CITY HALL SOFTBALL FIELDS TO.BE VACATED. IN COMPENSATION, MUSCO ATHLETIC LIGHTING WAS ADDED TO FIELD #1. IN ADDITION, PARK AMENITIES WERE ADDED TO IMPROVEMENTS TO CITY HALL PARK. THIS PARK IS CENTER CITY AND A COMMUNITY PARK - 12.9 ACRES. IMPROVEMENTS SINCE 1986 INCLUDE: 1. New preschool playground equipment 2. Musco athletic lighting & electrical 3. Twin competition sand volleyball courts 4_ Trees and landscaping 5. Irrigation to grass areas and ballfield 6. Drinking fountain Total improvements to City Hall Park $ 7,500 50,000 2,500 4,000 11,000 1,600 $74,600 GROVELAND PARK IMPROVEMENTS GROVELAND PARK IS A NEIGHBORHOOD PARK - 4.1 ACRES - LOCATED IN THE NORTHWESTERN SECTION OF THE CITY. GROVELAND PARK AREA RESIDENTS FORMED A "GROVELAND PARK FOUNDATION" AND RAISED MONEY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF GROVELAND PARK. THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS HELPED FUND THE TENNIS COURT IMPROVEMENTS. THEY WERE ALSO INSTRUMENTAL IN WORK PROJECTS AT GROVELAND PARK. THEY HAVE SINCE DISBANDED - MOST OF THEIR CHILDREN HAVE GROWN - BUT THE INITIAL DEVELOPMENT OF GROVELAND PARK IS THROUGH THE IMPITOUS OF THE GROVELAND PARK FOUNDATION. IMPROVEMENTS TO GROVELAND PARK SINCE 1986 INCLUDE: 1. Installation of 2 tennis courts and BB court, bangboard hard court area. 2. Tennis court lighting 3. Tennis court fencing 4. Soil corrections/testing 5. Placement of underground utility $28,726 14,000 5,625 9,199 9,970 Total improvements to Groveland Park since 1986 $67,520 I GREENFIELD PARR IMPROVEMENTS GREENFIELD PARK IS A COMMUNITY PARK WHICH INCORPORATES BOTH NATURE WALK AREAS AND ACTIVE PLAY AREAS. THE PARK IS 35.5 ACRES, MOST OF WHICH IS A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT'AND WETLANDS. IMPROVEMENTS WERE REQUESTED BY THE BASEBALL ASSOCIATION FOR USE OF THE FIELD BY OLDER PLAYERS 13-16 YEARS OLD. THE BASEBALL FIELD WAS IMPROVED AS FOLLOWS: 1. Extended fencing and new backstop $6,347 2. Installation of a warning track 2,000 3. Re -turfing by slit seeding and new topsoil 4,000 4. Sodding the infield area 2,500 5. Relocating the bleachers adding a pad 527 6. Relocating the walking path 1,000 7_ Installing a comprehensive sprinkling system 14,000 8. Constructing an equipment building 800 9. Installation of a nature path culvert over the judicial ditch 2,500 10. Installing a backstop netting for foul balls 4,400 11. Installation of security lighting 1,500 12. Landscaping, tree, shrubs, etc 2,000 Total improvements at Greenfield Park since 1986 $41,574 LAKESIDE PARK - REDEVELOPMENT LAKESIDE PARK IS A PARK JOINTLY OWNED BY THE CITIES OF MOUNDS VIEW AND SPRING LAKE PARK - THE PARK PROPERTY WAS DONATED TO THE CITIES FROM RESIDENTS WHO DONATED THE LAND WITH THE STIPULATION THAT THE LAND ALWAYS BE USED AS A PARK - TO BE JOINTLY OPERATED BY BOTH CITIES. THUSLY BOTH CITIES SHARE THE COSTS, ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE OF LAKESIDE PARK. THIS PARK IS ON SPRING LAKE AND HAS A BEACH. IT IS 11 ACRES AND OFFERS MANY VARIOUS RECREATIONAL FACILITIES. IN 1989 THE SPRING LAKE PARK LION'S CLUB DONATED $240,000 FOR REDEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS TO LAKESIDE PARK. A COMMITTEE WAS FORMED TO PLAN THE REDEVELOPMENT, MEETING MONTHLY OR MORE OFTEN WHEN NECESSARY. THE REDEVELOPMENT TOOK APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR. HERE IS THE LIST OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PARK: 1. Construction of a new beachhouse 2. Construction of a retaining wall 3. Construction of an 8' concrete path throughout the park. 4. Construction of twin sand volleyball courts. 5. Redevelopment of the softball field including irrigation, bleachers, fencing, players benches and resodding 6. Landscaping new trees and bushes 7. Extended irrigation to grassy areas 8. Parking lot curb stops 9. New picnic tables for the picnic shelter 10. New playground equipment The entire $240,000 was spent with the above improvements. LAMBERT PARR - REDEVELOPMENT THIS PARK IS A NEIGHBORHOOD PARK - 3.2 ACRES. THE PARK WAS DEVELOPED BY NEEDED NEW FACILITIES BECAUSE THE OLD WAS RUNDOWN. ALSO, THE PARK WAS HINDERED WITH STANDING WATER AND A DANGEROUS STORM WATER PIPE WHICH WAS AN ATTRACTIVE NUISANCE TO CHILDREN. REDEVELOPMENT FACILITIES FOR LAMBERT PARK SINCE 1986 INCLUDES: 1. Security Lighting $735 2. Storm Water Pipe Replacement and paved parking lot 14,700 3. Engineering services 2,500 4. New accessible playground* 50,000 5. New hockey boards• 28,483 6. Park building improvements: - new carpet 2,300 - new furnace 1,000 - replaced walls, window 1,000 - painted exterior & interior 1,000 7. Landscaping (planted 8 large trees) 2,600 8. Park amenities including picnic table benches, drinking fountain, BB goal 2,000 Total Redevelopment since 1986 $105,618 HILLVIEW PARK - REDEVELOPMENT HILLVIEW PARK IS A NEIGHBORHOOD PARK - 3.2 ACRES - LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NORTHERN PART OF THE CITY. THE PARK IS LOCATED ON LONG LAKE ROAD, A MAJOR NORTH/SOUTH ARTERIAL ROAD. REDEVELOPMENT OF THIS PARK WAS INSTIGATED BY ADJACENT HOMEOWNERS WHO COMPLAINED ABOUT THE MELTING ICE RINK WATER DRAINING INTO THEIR BACK YARDS. NEIGHBORING RESIDENTS ASSISTED THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AND STAFF TO COME UP WITH A NEW PARK DESIGN TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THIS WAS DONE IN 1988. 1. New playground equipment and benches $15,000 2. Construction of a drainage swale 2,000 3. Relocated the park building and put it on block foundation 6,000 4. Benches, picnic tables, drinking fountains 1,000 5. Sand volleyball court 700 6. Rollerblade Rink (paved hockey rink) 8,000 7. Installed new skating rink lighting 15,094 8. Park building improvements: - replaced exterior siding & shingles - replaced interior wall boards and ceiling tiles - replaced interior carpet 6,000 9. Landscaping, shrubs, and large trees 1,275 Total redevelopment since 1986 $55,119 OAKWOOD PARK - REDEVELOPMENT OAKWOOD PARK IS A NEIGHBORHOOD PARK - 2.4 ACRES WHICH HOSTS A BASEBALL/SOFTBALL FIELD, TYPICALLY USED BY THE BASEBALL ASSOCIATIONS. THIS PARK WAS REDEVELOPED AT THE REQUEST OF NEIGHBORING RESIDENTS --SPECIFICALLY TO CHANGE THE LOCATION OF THE BASEBALL FIELD TO ALLEVIATE FOUL BALLS FROM GOING INTO THE YARDS OF ADJACENT HOMEOWNERS. THE BASIC IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDED AMENITIES PLUS SOIL CORRECTIONS, FILL, ENGINEERING FOR DRAINAGE AND ATHLETIC FIELD PREPARATION INCLUDING: 1. Fill $2,450 2. Engineering Services 2,600 3. Site Preparation/Drainage 6,150 4. New Playground 11,000 5. Bleachers, backstop, players benches 5,334 6. Ag -lime for the infield 2,000 7. Sand Volleyball Court 1,200 8. Path re -alignment 1,000 9. 2 picnic tables, grill, trash receptacle 600 Total redevelopment of Oakwood Park $32,334 WOODCREST PARK - REDEVELOPMENT WOODCREST PARK IS A NEIGHBORHOOD PARK LOCATED IN THE SOUTHERN SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY - 2.0 ACRES. THIS PARK HAS AN EXTREMELY HIGH WATER TABLE AND UNSTABLE SOILS WHICH MAKES DEVELPMENT RESTRICTIVE. IN 1987 THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REQUESTED NEIGHBORING RESIDENTS TO PROVIDE INPUT INTO THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THIS PARK. IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT THE HOCKEY RINK BE REMOVED AND A GRASSY PLAY AREA BE PROVIDED INSTEAD. THE HOCKEY RINK WAS TOO NOISY FOR THE RESIDENTS AND THE HOCKEY RINK STOOD IDLE FOR THE MAJORITY OF THE YEAR. THE REDEVELOPMENT OF WOODCREST PARK IS AS FOLLOWS: 1. New playground equipment $21,000 2. Removed the hockey rink and lighting in-kind 3. Installed a sand volleyball court 1,200 4. Constructed a drainage swale in-kind 5. Installed park amenities - picnic tables - benches - grill and trash receptacles - drinking fountain - concrete sidewalk and patio 2,500 6. Improvements to the park building - new interior carpeting - exterior and interior painting 3,469 7. Parking Lot improvements 1,800 Total redevelopment for Woodcrest Park $ 29,969 VITHIS IS IT" PARKS_. RECREATION & FORESTRY DEPARTMENT WEEK OF MAY 15, 1994 PARKS: * Already Steve has had to repair the Hustler mower and the Howard Price. Again, these two mowers are up for replacement in 1995. We just need to get through this summer - they are very tired machines. * Jeff has been on the mowers almost constantly trying to keep up with the grass., Three of the four seasonals will begin work towards the end of next week. They will be warmly welcomed and much appreciated! * The resurfacing of Groveland Park tennis courts was scheduled for last week, but the company was delayed with a project in Eagan. Therefore the schedule has been postponed for work to be done towards the end of this week and possibly into the weekend. * We have received a complaint of softballs hitting two manor homes which are located directly behind Silver View field #2 left field and field #1 right field. These two homes are in the line of homeruns which occur when the wind is strong northeast wind which carries long ball hits. The wind blown softballs evidently hit the berm and skim off hitting the side of their home. Pine trees have been planted on the berm in hopes of offering a natural deflection buffer, but obviously it has not been successful. This issue will be on the agenda of the June Work Session. Staff has requested costs of higher fencing and netting options. Until that time we have hired a person to sit on the berm and catch any long homeruns that go over the fence before they land so that they do not skim off the berm hitting the sides of their homes - as a security measure for their home. * FYI - I received two telephone calls of opposing opinions regarding children playing in woods on Silver View Park property. There seems to be a neighborhood feud that needs to be resolved by neighborhood residents, (children not playing with other children, etc.). I do not believe that this is a City issue at this point. Staff will not become involved in the issue unless matters affect the operation or function of the park which at this point it does not. RECREATION• GOLF COURSE UPDATE This morning I met Paul Miller and Golf Course Superintendant Kurt Johnson to review the progress of the golf course and to orientate Kurt to the development. Decisions were made regarding removal of some trees on the practice range. The location of buildings, sequence of tasks to be completed on the course construction and work that Kurt and summer help can begin was also discussed. Blaine is requiring the parking lot be curb, gutter and paved. In addition special requirements for the fuel tank must be adhered to in compliance to Blaines' direction. While we were out on location we met with both construction supervisor's, Dick and Randy to confirm other details regarding parking lot drainage. Veit Construction is moving along at a fast clip. If it weren't for the Blaine Interceptor project glitch, the course could be ready for irrigation and seeding within 2-3 weeks. The building plans have been accepted by Blaine with some added requirements ie. the parking lot improvements and fuel tank location. Ebert Const. will be obtaining permits and scheduling work to begin soon. A delay of two weeks is anticipated because of the delay of permits and plan review and contract review. This should not pose a problem although Kurt would like a building to work from as soon as possible as we all can understand. A second meeting with the MWCC will be held Tuesday, May 24. Hopefully a more definite timeline for the interceptor work will be provided so that we know where we stand regarding Veit's construction progress and anticipated timeline. Kurt begins work May 23, at which time he will be orientated to each department. Tuesday he will begin with the MWCC meeting and proceed to begin tasks of handwork along the ditches, trimming the pine tree stands, attending the installation of the irrigation and well to -orientate himself with the mechanisms. Kurt will need to request bids for fuel tank and maintenance equipment. Kurt will be working part time on location and part time in the Parks and Recreation Office. Kurt will be responsible for keeping a chronological report of the golf course project with pictures and videos. * Most youth athletic practices will begin next week. All the equipment, t -shirts, manuals, schedules, and first aid supplies have been distributed. All but 6 coaches have attended the Coaches Clinic. Mary -will be holding the last coaches clinic this Saturday. * Silver View Park has been reserved for just about every weekend of the summer already! This is a very popular picnicking facility in the City. Oh how gorgeous Silver View Park is now during this blossom time! * The Garden Club will be planting the bushes and flowers at City Hall this weekend (May 20-21) They put a lot of energy into this project and they do a nice job. * MVCT auditions are June 7, 8, and 9th. The artistic staff has been hired. FORESTRY• * Tree locations have been marked for planting at City Hall (8 trees near the ballfield near the backstop area) Silver View (5 trees at the County Rd H2 side) Lambert Park (2 trees to replace boulevard trees) and Greenfield ( 4 trees, 2 in the parking lot islands and 2 near the playground area). These trees are all acquired through the Small Business grant received in 1993. In addition, Rick has 25 trees to be planted along Long Lake Road funded through MSA. CABLE TV * Jerry is still waiting for the last of the equipment for the Council Chambers podium, projector system. The carpenter is finishing the podium and hopefully it will be here within a week. A part of the Cable TV control room furniture has arrived, he is waiting for the rest of it so that he can organize the control room. Park Notes Many of the nation's park systems manage some park lands as reserves where the primary use is the provision of natural habitat. Human recre- ational use is limited to passive activities such as bird watching, walldng, photography and low impact environmental education. Pig`s eye could be the first park land in St. Paul or Ramsey County dedicated as an environmen- . tal preserve. Currently the Pig's Eye heron and egret rookery is managed by the Depart- ment of Natural Resources as a Scientific and Natural Area (SNA), a type of park designation that allows only human activities that enhance or support the Natural resource. Concepts of the SNA plan have be been included in the Pig's Eye draft pian. People interested in working on designs for the area's first park reserve may Join the nlanrlincr a-rn,,,Call the Friends at 698 13 for more information. Rice Creek Trail West After some heated community discussion, the New Brighton city council reaffirmed the 1.4 mile alignment of walking/biking trail which is part of the Rice Creek Trail. In 1979 the City evaluated trail options and selected an alignment along the railroad right-of-way and Ramsey County acquired the land using state and met council funds. The long delay between that decision and completion led some to recommend looking at other alternatives. The council decision to stick with their original plan clears the way for completing an important segment in a network of regional trails. The Rice Creek chain is eight miles and extends from Long Lake Regional Park through Anoka County to the Mississippi and other parts of the system. To satisfy adjacent land owners, the Council urged County parks staff to work with property owners on landscaping or screening of the trail. The trail is scheduled for completion this summer. •.. �v�—- I -LTzay is memDersnrp renewal month, Notices will be in the mail soon. The Friends of Parks and Trails in St. Paul and Ramsey County 1621 Beechwood Avenue St. Paul, MN 55116 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED Mary Saarion Park & Recreation Director 2401 Highway Ea MQUndS View, MN 55112 Noo-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAI D St. Paul, MN Permit No. 3413