06-08-2005 PR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 4 June 8, 2005 ------------------------------------ Mr. Maertz stated that Area 728 Youth Baseball Association, who would be paying for the permanent structure and netting this year. Commissioner Peterson asked if the money reimbursed would be coming out of the 20,000 budgeted for YAC each year. The Youth Baseball Association will be paying for the batting cages in 2005; however, they will be reimbursed out of the 2006 Parks Capital Improvements budget. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER PETERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PAIGE TO DESIGNATE $8,122 OF THE $20,000 FOR YAC FOR THE BATTING CAGES. MOTION CARRIED 7-0 8.4.A. Lions Park Center: Teen Programming Space Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that Lions Park is exceptionally well located to provide programming for teens and staff is exploring options for recreational programming at Lions Park in order to provide alternatives to “hanging out” in an unsupervised environment. One option is the creation of a new staff position; Teen Programmer, who would provide supervision at the skate park, teen intramural sports and organize special events and field trips. Another option is the potential of creating indoor recreation space for teens at Lions Park Center. Staff is examining options for enclosing the picnic pavilion attached to Lions Park Center and creating a teen center/warming house. Additional concepts include an outdoor climbing rock and a tow rope for snowboarding. Commissioner Kuester would like to look at other options other than closing off the pavilion space. Also look at the Boys and Girls Club space. The pavilion is a nice amenity. Mr. Maertz stated that with the high use of the skate park the use of the pavilion has declined. The proposal to have teen programming space at Lions Park has come up due to the increase of teens using Lions Park. Commissioner Niziolek stated the traffic flow of the different age groups should be studied to help determine alignment of various park components for programming and park use. 9.1.A. Land Use Cases None 9.2. Park/Trail Development – Update on County Trail Plans Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that he has received a draft trail plan from the county Park Commission. There is no dedicated funding source as a yet and trails will be competing for funds with other improvements. Commissioner Niziolek stated that the commission should be planning accordingly to what the Met Council plans. Commissioner Nystrom shared that the NRI Committee will be looking at connectivety of trails in the next few weeks.