2007.10.10 Parks Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo, Minnesota Parks and Recreation Open Space Commission Minutes October 10, 2007 Page 2 b. Berger made motion, Clarke seconded, that dogs should remain on leashes at all times, even when others are not present, at City Parks, as it is unpredictable when others will arrive at the parks. All Aye. Motion Carried. C. Pedersen made motion, Schmidt (Noel) seconded that dogs should be wearing leashes when on City trails and sidewalks. All Aye. Motion Carried. The Commission brought out the concerns of dog owners need of a "dog park" in the City, and will continue looking at options. Berger stated for the present time, Otter Lake Park is within 5 miles of the City of Hugo, and could be utilized, until some type of "dog park" is created in Hugo. The links for the closest dog parks will be added to the City's website. The need for a "dog park" will be brought up in the revised Park Plan. Draft Park, Trails and Open Space Plan — Kendra Lindahl and Bryan Bear The Draft Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan and maps were reviewed. Kendra stated that the Parks Plan is based on the Land Use Plan. It is estimated that Hugo will grow to a population of 40,000 Residents by the year 2030. The Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan needs to meet the needs of the current Residents as well as the needs of future Residents. The Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan will include the Greenway Corridors. The Parks Commission discussed these priorities and recommended expanded Greenway Corridors. The Greenway Corridors are intended to identify priority areas for Natural Resource Preservation. Greenway Corridors were developed as part of the Everton Avenue Plan and have been expanded based on resource priorities identified by Washington County, Rice Creek Watershed, and the MNDNR. In open discussion, the Commission would like to have a dog park included in the Needs Assessment. Also, where the Soccer Complex and Community Park Facility are listed, the Commission members would like that to be opened up to other activities, such as baseball, LaCrosse, etc.; flexible use as needs arise for new sports. When discussing a larger Community Park, the options are currently to expand Lions Park to the West, focus on the Northwest corner, or look at Rural Areas. They will be taking a look at the Northwestern area, due to the large amount of space available, and also where the growth of the City will most likely be, as that is usually where the Community Parks are placed. The Community Parks are normally at a 40-80 Acre site. Pedersen stated concerns of competing with Developers on expensive land. Lindahl stated the time to attempt acquiring land for Parks is better attempted before Sewer and Water is available in the area. Schmidt (Noel) asked if something can still be looked at if it is not in "the Plan". City Planner Kendra Lindahl said that the Plan is flexible. Community Development Director Bryan Bear stated that the Parks Commission needs to put what they want into the Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan, to get the "ball rolling." That would be the first step of action. After further discussion, the commission agreed to include options for the Sunset Lake Park area and a statement that the City would continue to examine all alternatives for this existing park land. Commissioner Pedersen asked if the City has asked for rights to go within the Met Council Interceptor Easement for trails. Community Development Director Bryan Bear said it hadn't been asked, and when Commissioner Clarke asked if it was feasible, Bear stated that it hadn't been thought about yet. Public Works Director Chris Petree said they have had to stay outside the easement for sidewalks, but may be able to create a trail of woodchips instead of the standard