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<br /> <br />Item Description <br />Request Authorization to Enter into Agreement with MnDOT <br />Re ardin Maintenance of Babcock Memorial Park <br /> <br />Item Number <br />7.2. <br /> <br />Prepared by <br />Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation <br />Director <br />Reviewed by <br />Lori Johnson, City Administrator <br /> <br />City of Elk River <br />REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION <br />Agenda Section Meeting Date <br />Planning/Engineering May 15, 2006 <br /> <br />Introduction <br /> <br />Request Authorization to Enter into Agreement with MnDOT Regarding Maintenance of Babcock <br />Memorial Park <br /> <br />Discussion <br />Babcock Memorial Park was designed by prominent landscape Architect A. R. Nichols in 1938 and <br />was constructed by the National Youth Administration. The Department of Transportation has <br />decided that it is no longer going to maintain Babcock Memorial Park. Their intention is to eliminate <br />all maintenance and close off the parking area. Staff has had conversations with MnDOT staff about <br />the possibility of the City assuming maintenance and operation of the park. The city would operate <br />and maintain Babcock Park as a city park. A large city park sign would be located near the entrance <br />along Highway 10. Staff has requested that MnDOT remove the restrooms. <br /> <br />Staff believes that the historic significance of the park, boat landing, and fishing access make it a <br />valuable asset that should remain open for public use. A trail link to Rivers Edge Commons is highly <br />desirable. On May 10, 2006, the Park Commission voted to recommend that the City of Elk River <br />operate and maintain Babcock Park as a city park. <br /> <br />Financial Impact <br />Portable restroom $450 per year <br />Grounds maintenance approximately $1,200 per year <br />Restoration of historic stone features - staff would pursue grants to help pay for restoration <br /> <br />Attachments <br />· Draft Agreement with MnDOT <br />· Site Plan <br />· Photo of Shelter <br />· Memo from Police Chief J eff Beahen <br />· Inventory and Recommendations <br /> <br />Action Requested <br /> <br />Request Authorization to Enter into Agreement with MnDOT Regarding Maintenance of Babcock <br />Memorial Park <br /> <br />C\Documents and Settings\tallard\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKF\Babcock 6 7.doc <br />