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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 13, 2011 8 <br />8.A. Valentine Park Improvements (continued) <br />Councilmember Holden stated she was not in favor of the tree house feature in the concept plan. <br />It is located too close to the homes in this area and it presents a high liability to the City. She also <br />stated the concept plan does not include any features for adults which she would like to see <br />included. <br />Public Works Director Maurer stated the park would have the trail and park benches but Staff <br />could look at other amenities for adults as well. <br />Councilmember Holden asked about the trail that goes around the park to the wooded area with <br />the proposed tree house. She expressed concern about including the water fountain. <br />Parks and Recreation Manger Olson stated that this trail was ADA compliant and had to go <br />from the parking lot to the park amenities to allow access. If there was not a tree house or other <br />play area or amenity in the corner then there did not need to be a trail in this area <br />Councilmember Werner stated the proposed shelter was small. He asked if there would be a fee <br />charged for this shelter. He also asked what the surface material would be for the basketball <br />court. <br />Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated this shelter would be added to the City's fee <br />schedule and this would be reviewed by the City Council. The basketball court would be <br />constructed of bituminous with an acrylic overcoat similar to the other basketball courts in the <br />City <br />Councilmember Werner stated he is not in favor of the tree house feature. This structure <br />presents a liability risk to the City. <br />Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the tree house was a feature meant to tie in that <br />area of the park and make it feel like it is part of the park. The play structure is made of recycled <br />material to make it look like natural wood. It would be low maintenance. <br />Mayor Grant stated he did not agree with the location of the tree house structure. <br />Public Works Director Maurer stated the amenities and locations are only suggestions at this <br />time and the tree house structure was placed in the corner in order to utilize more of the park. <br />Mayor Grant asked where the storm water ponds would be located. He also asked how much <br />elevation change was included in the plan. <br />Public Works Director Maurer stated the ponds would be located around the perimeter of the <br />park. The plan includes an elevation increase of a couple of feet but this will be determined based <br />on the drainage needs of the park. <br />Councilmember Holmes stated the main concern is getting the drainage problems resolved in the <br />park. <br />