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Parks and Recreation Commission Special Work Session Minutes Page 2 <br /> August 14,2024 <br /> Mr. Paige expressed that there were a number of changes with boundaries requested by the <br /> commission during the process. Every time changes were requested it changed the layout of the other <br /> fields and facilities. He also expressed that Mr. Ellingworth had shared with HKGi that he would like <br /> them to avoid removing any fields during phase one to minimize impact on programming. <br /> Mr. Paige continued to explain the process for the phases and reasoning. He also explained that they <br /> brought it back to the commission after the changes were made. The results are a combination of the <br /> site capacity study that acknowledges site limitations.The framework brings an idea that will <br /> technically fit but also leaves room for things to move within the plan as each phase changes. <br /> Landscape architects and planners at HKGi put the plan together with the main focus for layout <br /> being athletic programming. Chair Anderson said the only way to get somewhere with the discussion <br /> would be to walk through the plan going site by site since the commission will ultimately be asking to <br /> approve the framework. <br /> Mr. Paige agreed and said that the financial numbers are going to be very high, so they have to be <br /> aware of that first. He said that the chances of it coming in under budget are not likely. <br /> Commissioner Niziolek asked if there is evidence of it being economically beneficial to have these <br /> complexes so far out from the center of the city. He thinks they should rethink this and consider <br /> bringing this closer to the core. He said the gravel mining area should be considered. <br /> Mr. Paige said that the economics of the tournaments is one side,but the other side is community <br /> identity.Just as the city has embraced the natural resource side of parks,they can embrace the athletic <br /> side as well. People can value both. <br /> Mr. Stremcha said that they don't know the soil conditions or the sizing of the gravel pits at this point <br /> to make it a consideration. He also shared that facilities draw people and the Specht property being <br /> developed will add more people to the area around the PT Complex. He said that developing the <br /> mining area could be much further down the line. <br /> Commissioner Goodwin asked if Commissioner Niziolek is asking for all the ball fields to go to the <br /> gravel pits or just some? Commissioner Niziolek said he doesn't have a plan,he is just saying that area <br /> of town is going to grow,and he wants to bring that point up. Commissioner Niziolek said he thinks <br /> that they should consider where the city is growing before,they make decisions on fields. <br /> Commissioner Stewart asked about future potential connection points to the PT Complex. Mr. <br /> Stremcha explained that there are potential ones through MNDOT with growing developments. <br /> Chair Anderson said it looks like they are cramming a lot of stuff into a small place in the current <br /> plan. He said he is worried about the huge price tag. <br /> Mr. Ellingworth said that when this plan was shared with the associations back in February, they <br /> loved the idea of being at one complex versus being spread around town. He added that they <br /> expressed that they enjoy the quiet and country feel. <br /> Mr. Stremcha said phase one would include the rectangular fields at the PT Complex. Mr. Ellingworth <br /> shared his opinion that everything should be at the PT Complex as is and then as the city grows the <br /> northern piece (gravel pits) could be added. <br /> IIlPOPEBEO 81 <br /> NATURE <br />