04-14-1999 PR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Park & Recreation Minutes April 14, 1999 Page 3 . 7.a. Eaqle Scout Proiect - Mike Arkel Mike Arkel indicated he was interested in the Hillside Park mountain bike trail system as an Eagle Scout project, either as extending the existing trail or creating a new trail. Steve Wensman indicated that the current trail is approximately 1 mile. The Commissioners expressed their support for Mike to proceed with planning a project to extend the trails in Hillside Park. He will make a presentation for his proposal to the Commission at a future meeting. 8. Gilqenbach Race Tom Gilgenbach was present to request the Park and Recreation Commission's support for the Elk River Syttende Mai Run. He explained that the race is a 20-mile run and a 3-mile fun run/walk through the streets and trails of Elk River to benefit the Minnesota Chapter of the Leukemia Society. He indicated the race would be held on Saturday, May 22 at 7:30 a.m. The race will begin qt Coborns and end at the cemetery on Jackson. Mr. Gilgenbach stated that there may be up to 700 runners, but he was expecting about 500. He indicated that he is looking for help from the city to provide cones to mark the major turns in Woodland Park. He noted that the Lions Club has agreed to take over the race next year. . Discussion followed regarding safety concerns for runners crossing Highway 169. Mr. Gilgenbach indicated they have worked with the police department in the past to have the traffic signals turned to red, but they have had some problems. The Commissioners felt that crossing Highway 169 should be avoided in future races. Commissioner Westrum suggested the race could be started at Lions Park. The Commissioners expressed their support for the event and asked Mr. Gilgenbach to work with Phil Hals on the use of city cones to mark the trails. 9. Park of the Month - Lions Park Steve Wensman presented a development concept, which he prepared for Lions Park. The following amenities were proposed on the plan: Improvements to play fields for soccer use an additional volleyball court a pedestrian bridge and trail pond edge plantings to minimize the goose population additional screening surrounding the site additional shrub plantings to define areas of the park Steve discussed planting larger vegetation around the ponds to reduce the amount of erosion caused by the geese. He explained that there might be liability issues if a bridge were constructed. Commissioner Kuester questioned whether or not the city has ever considered acquired the Houlton property adjacent to Lions Park on Jackson, which is for sale. Staff indicated that approximately two years ago, the property owner indicated he was asking $200,000 - $300,000 for the site. . Discussion followed regarding the following issues: