7.0. PRSR 11-14-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Item: 7 Ell_ MEMORANDUM River TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director DATE: November 14, 2012 SUBJECT: Director's Report This report is a highlight of our Department's activities to inform the Commission on items related to strategic planning, staff development, park operations and collaborations during the past month. Baily Point Project City Council approved at the November 5 meeting, the purchase agreement and Minnesota Land Trust Easement for the Bailey Point property. We tentatively anticipate a closing on the property on November 20. During the next few months,we anticipate that the Park and Recreation Commission will review the concept plans and eventually a master plan for the site. This includes the recreational structures and programming that may be developed based on the restrictions as outlined in the Minnesota Land Trust Easement document. For example, restrictions such as playgrounds, athletic courts and athletic fields are not permitted anywhere on the site. The City's Environmental Division and Heritage Preservation Commission have enlisted in the help of St. Cloud State University (SCSU) Professor Chuks Ugochukwu to develop trail maker signs for the Bailey Point property. Professor Ugochukwu works in the Geography & Planning department at SCSU and teaches classes in Historic Preservation and Downtown Development. Students from these classes have been assigned to research the history of the Bailey Point Property and create interpretive trail signs and informational handouts for the future city park. Various topics of research include: the Battle between Ojibwe and Dakota Tribes, Fairgrounds, Golf Course, Ox Cart Trail crossing, Football field, Milling districts. Students will be presenting rough drafts of their research in class on November 19th and final drafts on December 3rd. Once completed the signs and handouts will be submitted to the City for review. A final project summary and trail marker sign design will be presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission after the start of the new year. Park Improvement Fund Staff continues to review and prioritize the number of park replacement and maintenance items including trails,repairs and replacements. This was based on feedback from the Parks and Recreation Commission. A second City Council work session is being held on Tuesday, November 13 to review the prioritization of projects and various levels of funding.