2019.10.16 Parks Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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of the proposed park plan on Sunset Lake. Several members of the Parks Commission, and the above -referenced letter of August 28, state that residents of Hugo want more access to water resources. While this sounds like a plausible public sentiment, the question remains, where is the support for the oft -repeated justification of the Parks Commission? This is a reasonable question, and indeed, this very question was raised twice during the September 18 meeting. Without a microphone being available for the meeting, the answer was difficult to hear, but the answer seemed to indicate that support could be found in the City of Hugo 2040 Comprehensive Plan. I found no such support, but I welcome a response as to why the Commission feels that erecting a park on a small lake 5 miles outside of the city of Hugo will address its oft -repeated assertion that the residents of Hugo are clamoring for water access. It is noted that both proposed plans for the park on Sunset Lake include a paved parking lot with 8 to 10 parking stalls, and one plan proposes a rack to store water kayaks. I don't think it is a coincidence that the Sunset Preserve provides for 10-13 "exclusive home sites on five -plus rolling acres, with views and access to stunning Sunset Lake." Edina Realty quote: "Select from 13 exclusive home sites on five -plus rolling acres, with views and access to stunning Sunset Lake." htijs://www. edinarealty. com/new-homes-mn-wi/developments/preserve-sunset-lake-hugo- mn#/ It might very well be likely that the proposed park will be erected on the south shore of Sunset Lake no matter the level of opposition from the neighbors and homeowners on the lake. However, I left the meeting feeling that the justification of "the residents want it" in support of building the park is a front. The more likely justification is that a park on Sunset Lake is an attractive amenity to the future Sunset Preserve owners. The Park Commission should consider some straight talk for the next meeting. The Park Commission should consider addressing the 38 current citizen -attendees, who oppose the proposed park based on safety concerns, and explain why the 13 future residents of Sunset Preserve have been so persuasive in moving the proposed park plan forward. If or when the proposed park is erected on Sunset Lake it would be nice if it included native grasses and wildflowers, few or no parking spots, no pavilion, and a barrier to expected launching of watercraft and ice fishing trailers. The proposed park looks like an asphalt and concrete eyesore, just like one would expect from a park in 1950s America. If the Parks Commission insists on moving ahead with this unpopular plan, perhaps the Commission could review the general guidelines for community parks at page 144 of the City of Hugo 2040 Comprehensive Plan, where it is noted that such parks should conserve trees and natural resources. A greener, more ecologically wise footprint with native vegetation would be an improvement to the proposed plan, and likely less expensive. I have no advice for mitigating the safety concerns of the proposed park identified by the neighborhood residents; good luck with that aspect. Best regards, Nick Baumann & Kathy Rose & family 12929 Homestead Dr. 651-503-8655