HomeMy WebLinkAboutSkate Park Update 4-7-2003Item No. 5
Type of Business: WK
WK: Work Session; PH: Public Hearing;
CA: Consent Agenda; CB: Council Business
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Greg Lee, Director of Public Works
Item Title/Subject: Skate Park Update
Meeting Date: April 7, 2003
Background:
For the past year, the Parks and Recreation Commission has been discussing and researching the development of a skate park in Mounds View. The Commission has studied the development
of skate parks in other communities and has visited several metro area sites.
Discussion:
On March 6, 2003, the Parks Commission held a public informational meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to present the idea of constructing a skate park in Mounds View and to solicit
concerns, comments, and suggestions from the public. There were approximately forty (40) people in attendance. Parties attending included Council Member Stigney, four of the five Parks
and Recreation Commissioners, Mounds View Police Officer Terry Broos, former Mayor Richard Sonterre, YMCA and City Staff, and many interested and concerned citizens. Staff gave a presentation
that was followed by a question and answer session. A copy of the presentation outline is attached as Exhibit A. The sign-in sheet is attached as Exhibit B, and all written comments
regarding the skate parks received before, during, and after the meeting are attached as Exhibit C.
On March 20, 2003, the Parks and Recreation Commissioners met to summarize the skate park meeting and to discuss a proposal to the City Council to either support or deny the creation
of a skate park within the City of Mounds View. The Commission started by defining a proposal, should a skate park be constructed:
Located on the east side of the Community Center on existing pavement
Fenced in
Budget of $55,000, derived from Park Dedication Fund: for infrastructure improvements and equipment, including the cost to replace the basketball courts
Open only when the Community Center is open
Once the proposal was developed, the Commissioners voted whether to recommend it to the Council. The vote failed, with two commissioners in favor and two opposed. A total of five Commissioners
were present, two of which were
newly appointed and sworn in that evening. One of the newly appointed Commissioners abstained from voting due to lack of information.
The reason for not recommending a skate park at this time is that the Commissioners want to perform a thorough evaluation of the needs of the City’s parks system before recommending
an expenditure of park funds on a new item. The Commissioners cited that the City has current financial commitments and funding needs; the maintenance, repair, and replacement of existing
park buildings, pathways, and play equipment must be evaluated and addressed.
At the next Parks and Recreation Meeting, the Commissioners will review the Park Dedication Fund and discuss the condition and replacement of two park buildings: Groveland and Random.
There still remains a possibility that the Park and Recreation Commissioners may submit a recommendation to construct a skate park at a future date. However, an evaluation of the needs
of the City and financial commitments must indicate that a skate park is a cost-effective benefit to the City, when compared to other park amenities.
Attached, as Exhibit D, is a Skate Park Project Update. This will be posted on the City’s web site and will be published in the May / June Mounds View Matters. It will also be mailed
to those who attended the Informational Meeting on March 6th.
Recommendation:
There are no recommendations pertaining to the stake park at this time. The intent of this report is to provide the City Council with a status report on this issue.
Respectfully Submitted,
Greg Lee, Director of Public Works
EXHIBIT A
WHY A SKATE PARK?
Popularity - Skate boarding and in-line skates has grown in popularity
Community need
Provide non-structured activity for teens and pre-teens
TYPES OF PARKS
Tier I
Tier II
PARKS VISITED
Centerville
Coon Rapids
Andover
CITY SITES INVESTIGATED
Groveland Park
Hillview Park
Silverview Park
Community Center
Back of the parking lot
Basketball courts
City Hall
RECOMMENDED SITE – COMMUNITY CENTER
Good Access
Good Visibility
Good Security
Centrally Located
PUBLIC INPUT REQUESTED
Physical Characteristics
Operational Characteristics
BUDGET
$55,000
Infrastructure Improvements / Equipment Purchase
OVERALL INTENT
Start small
Determine use / success
WHAT’S NEXT?
Evaluate and Summarize feedback
Provide report and recommendation to City Council (April 7th)
EXHIBIT D
SKATE PARK PROJECT UPDATE
The City of Mounds View will not be constructing a Skate Park during the 2003 Construction Season. At the March 20, 2003, Park and Recreation Commission Meeting, the Commissioners voted
to refrain from making a proposal to the City Council for constructing a skate park within the City at this time. The Commissioners want to perform a thorough evaluation of the needs
of the City’s parks system before recommending an expenditure of park funds on a new item. The Commissioners sighted that the City has current financial commitments and funding needs;
the maintenance, repair, and replacement of existing park buildings, pathways, and play equipment must be evaluated and addressed.
For the past year, the Parks and Recreation Commission has been discussing and researching the development of a skate park in Mounds View. The Commission has studied the development
of skate parks in other communities and has visited several metro area sites. On March 6, 2003, the Parks Commission held a public informational meeting, the purpose of which was to
present the idea of constructing a skate park in Mounds View and to solicit concerns, comments, and suggestions from the public. The City received valuable feedback from the public,
both in support and criticism of the skate park. The Commission would like to sincerely thank all those who participated and provided input.
There still remains a possibility that the City may construct a skate park at a future date. However, an evaluation of the needs of the City and financial commitments must indicate that
a skate park is a cost-effective benefit to the City when compared to other park amenities.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Greg Lee Telephone Number: 763-717-4051
Public Works Director Fax Number: 763-784-3462
Email: greg.lee@ci.mounds-view.mn.us