Parks and Recreation Commission Pacekt 06-12-2024 (3)

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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Page 6 May 8, 2024 ones but not the same with complexes. He shared that he thinks the athletic complexes are not providing the neighborhood feeling and usage and driving economy when they are so far out. Commissioner Loidolt said that satellite fields like Oak Knoll were hard to staff when he used to schedule them. He thinks that fields are better when they are regionalized because they are compact with everything needed in one place and kids of different ages can all play together. Mr. Stremcha shared that the Blaine complex location experienced buildup around the location due to the usage. He shared that in our case the HWY 10 corridor just needs to be built up in general and that would support users of the PT Complex. Mr. Stremcha appreciates the work that HKGi has done so far, and it is time to move forward with a plan. He pointed out that the master plan is a conceptional plan to be used as a guide, creating a framework focusing on priorities until it is built and budgeted for, nothing is set in stone. Changes could be made as each phase is done if necessary. Commissioner Niziolek asked how the school district figures into the plan regarding Oak Knoll. Mr. Stremcha shared that the plan is for the Tech Center and Ivan Sands school to be demolished by 2026. The school district is already on board with this plan. The current phasing set up in the athletic fields master plan fits all the needs of each current complex, any interested parties and project plans. Commissioner Niziolek asked if the compost site by Public Works will remain in the same location. He shared concerns about the smell that he feels should be addressed. Mr. Stremcha confirmed that the compost site will remain in the same location. Commissioner Loidolt asked about creating screening or a sound block of some kind along the train tracks. Commissioner Niziolek suggested that they collaborate with the school district to start planting trees along the train tracks as soon as possible so they have time to start growing. Chair Anderson said that for 50 million dollars we would be better off starting with a new piece of land and starting from scratch. Chair Anderson shared concerns about how close the fields are to each other at Oak knoll already and that it is being redesigned to be put back together just as tight. Chair Anderson shared concerns that for 50 million dollars if the goal is to build better quality, the fields are still spread out and all the amenities appear jammed together. Chair Anderson mentioned that there was some discussion in the past about adding a miracle field, but they decided not to do it. He questioned if that is something the commission would be interested in doing now. Mr. Stremcha said he does not think it hurts to include it even if it moves the timeline out since all the projects would be subject to funding anyway. This project would be funded by bonds and potentially a local option sales tax. Commissioner Niziolek mentioned that the two ball fields at Lion John Weicht Park would still be sitting in the middle of nowhere while the other fields are all out everywhere else. Commissioner Niziolek asked why the City of Elk River cannot create a mini version of the City of Blaine complex. He shared that the gravel pits could create a larger landscape to work with if it were possible to take those over. Commissioner Loidolt said that the design for the fields in Oak Knoll is very comparable to the current pinwheel at PT Complex. He also shared that flying balls come flying from all directions and the only way to prevent getting hit is to raise the fences higher. Page 8 of 27