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Item # 8.3.A. <br />ver <br />MEMORANDUM <br />TO: Parks and Recreation Commission <br />FROM: Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation Director <br />DATE: May 10, 2006 <br />SUBJECT: Agreement to Maintain Babcock Memorial Park <br />ITEM: <br />Recommendation to City Council that the City of Elk River assume maintenance of <br />Babcock Memorial Park. <br />DISCUSSION: <br />Babcock Memorial Park was designed by prominent landscape Architect A. R. Nichols in <br />1938 and was constructed by the National Youth Administration. The Department of <br />Transportation has decided that it is no longer going to maintain Babcock Memorial Park. <br />Their intention is to eliminate all maintenance and close off the pazking area. Staff has <br />had conversations with MnDOT staff about the possibility of the City assuming <br />maintenance and operation of the pazk. The city would operate and maintain Babcock <br />Park as a city pazk. A large city park sign would be located near the entrance along <br />Highway 10. Staff has requested that MnDOT remove the restrooms. <br />Staff believes that the historic significance of the pazk as well as the river access make it <br />a valuable asset that should remain open for public use. A trail link to Rivers Edge <br />Commons is highly desirable. <br />FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: <br />Portable restroom $450 per year <br />Grounds maintenance approximately $1,200 per yeaz <br />Restoration of historic stone features -staff would pursue grants to help pay for <br />restoration <br />ACTION REQUESTED <br />Recommendation to City Council that the City of Elk River assume maintenance of <br />Babcock Memorial Park. <br />ATTACHMENTS: <br />