February 9, 1995 Steering Committee Minutes

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Steering Committee Minutes February 9, 1995 Page 2 Existing City Parks Non -City Facilities Dave provided an overview of 18 existing parks in the City (Exhibit A), and 6 non - city facilities (Exhibit B). Detail was provided using the following maps: -Map 1 - Existing City Parks -Map 2 - Non -City Facilities -Map 3 - Park Service Areas (neighborhood parks) -Map 4 - Trails -Map 5 - Draft Revised Park Plan (indicates neighborhood parks, golf course, and trails) Dave stated that the Park and Rec Commission will be submitting an application for a LAWCON Grant which will be used for paving trails in Woodland Trails Park. The City will match the amount of the grant with labor and materials. Community Athletics Dana Anderson reviewed the current and projected needs for community athletics. He stated that the Park and Rec Commission recommends the City acquire 114.5 acres of land for future community athletics. Dana stressed the need to identify and secure the property as soon as possible before it becomes too expensive. Steve Rohlf explained that the 1 14.5 acres total is the City's share of property needed and does not include the contributions needed from neighboring communities in the school district. Mary Eberley questioned what would happen to these athletic fields as the population matures and there is less demand for them. Steve Rohlf stated that athletic fields can be easily developed into something else. He also stated that a community goes through cycles and would once again become a younger population. Trails Dave Anderson noted that the Park and Recreation Commission will apply for an $288,000 ISTEA Grant for trail construction. Dave Anderson explained the proposed trail system in the Park and Rec's draft revised park plan (Map 4). The trail system will be a combination of sidewalks, detached trails, and widened street/highway shoulders. The system will be built as needed, when funds and land become available. Outlying developments are proposed to be linked to area/neighborhood parks by the trail system. Dave concluded by acknowledging present and previous Mayors and Councilmembers for their progressive support of city park needs. He also expressed his appreciation to staff for their involvement and assistance. East-West Corridor Dave expressed his concern that the proposed corridor not bisect the Woodland Trails, golf course, Shiely property and St. Louis Park Gun Club areas. Mike Nizeolek noted that the DNR is very interested in acquiring the gun club property at some point in the future for a natural scientific study area. He stated that this area contains threatened species. Dave explained that the Commission