05-21-13 PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes May 21, 2013 Page 2 to the question of what parks are visited regularly, they could have a question on what type of activities they participate in at the parks. Chair O’Malley asked that question #9 read “comments or suggestions” instead of just “comments.” Ms. Olson asked the committee if they wanted to send a postcard that gives the link to the survey or if they would prefer to simply put the link on the front page of the website. Discussion ensued and it was suggested the survey be placed in the newsletter. Committee Member Peck asked how many addresses would the mailing go to if they mailed a postcard. Ms. Olson indicated that the Recreation Guide is mailed to approximately 3,000 residents, but they could save money by sending it as a bulk mailing and it would probably be around $300. Chair O’Malley asked Council Liaison Holmes if she felt the Council would be in agreement with that and Ms. Holmes indicated it would depend on how important the Council thinks the survey is. She also mentioned that June 7 is the due date for the July th newsletter and if they had the meeting with Council on the 28, they could try to get the survey information in the July issue. MOTION: Committee Member Peck motioned to present the edited survey to Council for review, seconded by Committee Member Garretson. The motion carried unanimously (9-0). B. Freeway Park Enhancements Ms. Olson recapped that at the joint work session the committee presented to Council potential improvements to Freeway Park and Council was open to the idea. She indicated that she attached a diagram of the proposed improvements and also provided a summary of the improvements. Ms. Olson noted the item that has been discussed the most is whether they would be taking too much of the pleasure rink by increasing the size of the parking lot. She mentioned that one thing the committee should be aware of when getting into the off-leash dog proposal is that other cities have indicated they were surprised at how much parking is needed. Ms. Olson pointed out that when looking at the diagram, the pleasure rink isn’t going to be losing too much and they would want to account for parking if the committee really wants to have an off-leash dog park at that site. Committee Member Van Valkenburg indicated he called different cities regarding dog parks and that was one of the big issues, to make sure there is enough parking. He questioned if the parking lot was not more maintenance type work as opposed to improvements. Ms. Olson indicated she would not consider it maintenance because they would be adding curb and asphalt since it currently is gravel. Also, by adding the curb, this would give the division between the pleasure rink and the parking lot so you would not need a fence. It would also help with drainage and then they would have a rain garden by the sign. Ms. Olson mentioned one enhancement that wasn’t necessarily recommended, but is an option, is to paint the outside of the hockey rink green. The committee also felt having the Arden Hills logo stenciled on the outside of the rink would be a good idea since the rink is very visible. Another suggestion was to use green stain as opposed to green paint for the hockey rink. Committee Member Peck questioned if there were other materials, such as plastic, that could be used. Ms. Olson indicated that plastic was far too expensive. Discussion then ensued on the entrance to the rink. Ms.