2C, Valentine Park Improvement Update

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL –June 13, 20119 8.A.Valentine Park Improvements (continued) Public Works Director Maurer stated the drainage would be resolved with the design stage of planning. This will provide the information needed to determine what will be needed for the drainage. Councilmember Holmes suggested the proposed parking lot be moved so when you come into the park rather than taking a right into the parking area,a person would take a left. The park amenities could then be moved to the other sidewhich would keep them away from the homes. The amenities would be closer to the lake so when parents are watching their children at the park they can look at the lake. Public Works Maurer stated the neighborhood did provide input regarding the location of the park amenities. The residents had requested a half basketball court in order to reduce the noise and some of the play areas were moved further from the homes. If the park amenities were moved,theywould be closer to the road, which could be a problem for smaller children. The design phase will look at the drainage and how to best utilize the green space and where to put the amenities. He suggested having the project move into the design phase and then bring a couple of concept plans to the residents to consider. Once the drainage has been resolved,the potential location for amenities can be determined. He suggested having an open house in thepark so residents could see where in the park the amenities could be located. He emphasizedthatat this time the design phase would be needed in order to determine what would need to be done to resolve the drainage issues and once this is determined thelocation and types of amenities can be finalized. MayorGrant asked when construction would take place. Public Works Director Maurer stated construction could start later this summer and be completed the following summer or construction could be donein 2012. It would be better for the residents to do the construction in the spring of 2012 since the residents do not use the park in the spring due to the flooding. Councilmember Holden stated she would like to see some form of play area in the shadedarea of the park for the kids. She does not like the tree house concept but would like to see something in this area of the park. Councilmember Holden asked what the interpretive signs were. Public Works Director Maurer stated the signs would integrate the drainage facilities into the park and make it feel like part of the park. Councilmember Holden stated the signs for the Elmer L. Anderson signs were already damaged. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated she was aware of damage to the Ramsey County sign and has been working with the signvendor and Ramsey County on this. Councilmember Holden stated the other ice rinks in the City have hockey players on them and this does make it difficult for recreational and beginner skaters to enjoy the rink.