02-14-2001 PR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes February 14,2001 Page 2 . b. 2/27/01 Plannina Commission Meetina Commissioner Sladek will attend the February 27,2001 Planning Commission meeting. 5. Open Mike No one appeared for this item. 6. Riverolace Park - 2001 Improvements Director of Planning Michele McPherson explained that the Park and Recreation Commission reviewed and approved a park concept for Riverplace Park in 1998. At that time, the City discussed the possibility of adding to the park if and when the property to the east develops. The concept included a full basketball court, a 10 foot bituminous trail from Pascal to 186th Avenue, and a play structure. Ms. McPherson reviewed the playground design developed by Earl F. Anderson Company for Riverplace. The Riverplace park playground has been designed with three "pods", one each for the toddler play structure, swings, and the 5-12 year-old age group play structure. A six-foot wide sidewalk will surround the pods and a small shelter is proposed for the center of the area. The park concept also includes a lO'xlO' shelter, picnic tables and benches. Ms. McPherson stated that the playground structure, trail and sidewalk will be completed this year. It is hoped that the play structure installation will be completed by mid-June. She noted that the site will be graded and seeded as well. . A resident of Riverplace asked if the basketball court will be installed this year. Ms. McPherson stated that it is not likely. She explained that the entire park improvements budget is $97,000 for all the parks and the playground structure for Riverplace costs $40,000 (estimated). Chair Kuester explained that the Commission's goal is to provide improvements in one new park and upgrade one existing park each year. . A resident expressed his concern for the condition of the pond next to the park. He felt that the pond was improperly graded since the culvert is located high above the water level. The resident asked if there was anything that could be done to keep the kids out of the pond area. Ms. McPherson suggested that a heavy buffer of evergreens or other landscaping could serve as a deterrent. Commissioner Dave Anderson explained that the pond's purpose is to catch sediment and that the overflow (clear water) runs out of the culvert. He stated that they could also look at planting native prairie grasses. The resident stated that the pond looks bad and that it should either be full of water or else drain completely. Chair Kuester stated that the Commission could recommend some type of vegetative barrier as suggested by staff, but the design issue would need to be referred to the City Engineer. The resident asked if trees could be planted this year. Ms. McPherson stated that it would depend on whether or not the Street/Park Superintendent, Phil Hals, could have access to a supply of trees to be moved. The resident felt that the corner of the park is an eyesore. He asked if it would be possible for the residents to flood an area of the park for skating. Also, he asked if there would be lighting for the basketball court. Ms. McPherson stated that she is not aware of any plans for lighting, but the Commission would consider the possibility if a request came in for lighting. She noted that the