02-12-2025 Parks and Recreation Commission Packet

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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2 January 8, 2025 7.1 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Calendar Mr. Shelby presented his report. Mr. Shelby explained that Chair Anderson had expressed interest to him to change the time of the meetings to an earlier time. Commissioner Loidolt said that he did not feel comfortable changing the time with three commission members missing so he said that he is fine with keeping it the same for now. Moved by Commissioner Stewart and seconded by Commissioner Fermoyle to approve the schedule as presented. Motion carried 4-0 8 Discussion Items 8.1 Specht Property Park Dedication Mr. Shelby presented his report. He explained the slides provided in the packet. He pointed out that the rendition of the green space is only a design suggestion. Matt Barker with Capstone Homes presented. Capstone has worked with Carlson McCain Design Firms to design these 250 acres along the Mississippi River. He pointed out the Specht farm in the middle of the first slide. He wants to review the needs for the entire property. He pointed out the Plants and Things Recreation Complex and the train station proximity to the property as well as the lack of park space around the property at this time. He brought up the Mississippi River Trail system and where its future potential location is located by Hwy 10 on this map. He has worked with this trail via some of their other projects in Ramsey. Mr. Barker stated that he thinks there are amazing opportunities for the property as well as parks being right on the Mississippi River. He pointed out the upper left 26 acres of green space. He and their team along with DNR and wetland specialists and have gathered a lot of feedback about what type of opportunities could take place there. He pointed out the main road coming into the development in the center of the property along with the access to the north and the south which all join leading down to an Oak Savanah area right before the park space by the river. They wanted to design the space to collectively bring people to the river via the trails and sidewalks. The trail would also connect to the north side which would connect to the future over pass that would go to the Plants and Things Recreation Complex. The greenway corridor is another 15 acres with green space and groves of trees. Oliver Kelly Farm did not want the trail to go through the farm so that is why it is out by Hwy 10 in the design. There will be a large berm with trees and landscaping between the development and Hwy 10. There will be about 2.5 miles of paved trail that would go through the park as well, connecting everything. They also envision some parking areas to the north side. He wants to be clear that they are not putting forward a concrete plan for the open green space by the river. They have just been brainstorming as they have visited the site and provided some ideas of what could be. On the lower side of the large green space is what is referred to as a flood plain forest. He Page 3 of 33