2C, Valentine Park Improvement Update

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL –June 13, 20118 8.A.Valentine Park Improvements (continued) Councilmember Holden stated she was not in favor of the tree house feature in the concept plan. It is located tooclose to the homes in this area and it presents a high liability to the City. She also stated the concept plan does not include any features for adults which she would like to see included. Public Works Director Maurer stated the park would have the trail and park benches but Staff could look at other amenities for adults as well. Councilmember Holden asked about the trail that goes around the park to the woodedarea with the proposed tree house. She expressed concernabout includingthe water fountain. Parks and Recreation Manger Olson stated that this trail was ADA compliant and had to go from the parking lot to the park amenities to allow access. If there was not a tree house or other play area or amenity in the corner then there did not need to be a trail in this area Councilmember Werner stated the proposed shelter was small. He asked if there would be a fee charged for this shelter. He also asked what the surface material would be for the basketball court. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated this shelter would be added to the City’s fee schedule and this would be reviewed by the City Council. The basketball court would be constructed of bituminous with an acrylic overcoat similar to the other basketball courts in the City Councilmember Werner stated he is not in favor of the tree house feature. This structure presents a liability risk to the City. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the tree house was a feature meant to tie in that area of thepark and make it feel like it is part of the park. The play structureis made of recycled material to make it look like natural wood. It would be low maintenance. MayorGrant stated he did not agree with the location of the tree house structure. Public Works Director Maurer stated the amenities and locations are only suggestions at this time and the tree house structure was placed in the corner in order to utilize more of the park. Mayor Grant asked where the storm water ponds would be located. He also asked how much elevation change was included in the plan. Public Works Director Maurer stated the pondswould be located around the perimeter of the park. The plan includes an elevation increase of a couple of feet but this will be determined based onthe drainage needs of the park. Councilmember Holmes stated the main concern is getting the drainage problems resolved in the park.