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Mountain Biking Trail Proposal in 2010 <br />In 2010, the first summer after the property was purchased, an informal proposal was <br />made to build mountain biking trails throughout the property. The Parks Commission <br />expressed disinterest in having the trails go throughout the entire property and entering <br />into a long-term maintenance and use agreement with Minnesota Off -Road Cyclists. <br />Irish Meadows Proposal in 2011 <br />A proposal was made by Dave Percival and Gary Wilson, representing the University of <br />Minnesota, with their vision for "Irish Meadows". "Irish Meadows" was to be a facility <br />capable of hosting large collegiate cross country invitationals as well as high school and <br />community cross country races. The presentation was also made to the City Council at <br />their meeting of June 20, 2011. The City Council directed that subcommittee be formed <br />to work with Percival and Wilson. Residents near the park property were invited to <br />participate on the subcommittee in addition to Commission representatives. The <br />subcommittee had one meeting after which Percival and Wilson indicated that they were <br />no longer interested in pursuing the project. <br />General Improvements made in 2012 <br />In 2012, the parking lot off of Irish Avenue was expanded to better accommodate the <br />park users. Improved signage was installed to identify the park and inform users of the <br />applicable park rules. <br />3. RC CAR PROPOSAL: <br />At the meeting of June 10, 2015 Steve Hanke presented a proposal to build a radio <br />controlled car and truck race track and driving area at Irish Avenue Park. The RC cars <br />and trucks would be primarily battery powered with electric motors. Hanke <br />demonstrated how an RC car sounds as it is driven and shared that they are quiet and <br />would not disturb neighbors, horseback riders, walkers, dogs, etc. The hobby is for kids <br />of all ages but primarily ages 10 and up. Because the average run time per battery is 15 <br />minutes, a driver would be at the park for approximately 60 to 90 minutes at a time. <br />The track would be built and maintained by volunteers. It would be temporary and easy <br />to move or re -locate. The suggested track size was 100' by 40' with a practice driving <br />space. Hanke proposed that the track be constructed near the existing parking lot off of <br />Irish Avenue, to provide easy access. Hanke asked for support including clearing of the <br />area (4-6 hours of skid steer work), tubing costs (estimated at $300), and future mowing. <br />The Parks Commission unanimously approved the use of Irish Avenue Park for a radio <br />controlled car track and agreed to provide city support (including initial groundwork and <br />plastic piping) to the volunteers that will build and maintain the track. <br />-2- <br />RC Car Track <br />August 12, 2015 <br />