Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Item 7.1. <br /> <br /> <br />MEMORANDUM <br /> <br />TO: Mayor and City Council <br /> <br />FROM: Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation Director <br /> <br />DATE: September 15, 2004 <br /> <br />SUBJECT: Parks Update <br /> <br />Park Development <br />Work is continuing at Highlands West to resolve drainage issues and improve the <br />appearance of the park. Benches are on order and the basketball court is scheduled for <br />sealing and striping. <br /> <br />The Three Rivers Soccer Association has expressed an interest in collaborating with the City <br />in the development of soccer fields. Staff is currently working on cost estimates for lighted <br />and irrigated fields that would fit on outlot K, adjacent to the Youth Athletic Complex. <br /> <br />Park Projects <br />Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation District has approached staff about doing a <br />demonstration rain garden at Orono Park. The rain garden would use native plant material <br />to f:tlter pollutants out of storm water before it enters Lake Orono. The conservation district <br />would pay 75% of the cost, with the City's portion consisting of labor and/ or material. <br /> <br />In response to resident's requests staff has explored possible locations for an off leash dog <br />park. The NE corner of Lions Park has been identified as a potential location and the Park <br />Commission expressed interest in pursuing this option. Staff will be meeting the Lions Club <br />in October to discuss this issue with them and explore the potential for financial support of <br />this project. <br /> <br />Park PoJi<;y <br />The Park Commission voted to recommend a tobacco use in parks policy. This policy is a <br />compromise, which does not prohibit tobacco use in City Parks, but prohibits tobacco use <br />within 50 feet of playgrounds and youth activities. Staff will bring this policy to the City <br />Council for consideration in October. <br />