09-16-14 PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 16, 2014 Page 3 Committee to draft an article for the newsletter for early next spring. Committee Member Stephens indicated she would volunteer to be the contact person between the PTRC and Communications Committee and would also work on drafting an article for the newsletter. The Committee Members felt that a sign should be placed by the lower park area at Freeway Park. Mr. McClung indicated they could try to get this in as a maintenance item. Co-Chair Van Valkenberg expressed concerns about the parking lot and the drainage issues. Mr. McClung commented that at this point the parking lot could possibly be a low dollar maintenance type project versus reconfiguring it, as the parking lot may get done as part of the bridge project or when the trail goes in. Co-Chair Kramlinger felt the painting of the hockey boards would be a low cost maintenance item and would be a huge improvement to the park. Ms. O’Malley expressed concern regarding the fence and felt it should be removed. It was noted that this may be a MnDOT fence and not a City fence. Mr. McClung commented that any major changes would more than likely be a post-bridge project. Discussion ensued on the concerns with the park and the adjoining area. Council Liaison McClung indicated that some land may be used if they install another right turn lane to get onto the southbound jog on 51. He asked Ms. Grant to check with Public Works Director Maurer to see what, if any, ability the PTRC would have to do any improvements to the parking lot and also to check on what could be done with the fence. Mr. McClung stated that after they get the information from Ms. Grant, the committee can then check to see what else they could do at Freeway as part of the bridge project. From several of the comments for Hazelnut Park, the committee determined that the basketball and soccer nets need replacing. Ms. Grant reported that the dog park at Hazelnut is well used. It was indicated, however, that the gate needs to be lowered so smaller dogs can’t get out. Discussion ensued and the committee felt that Perry Park might be a good spot for another dog park. Ms. Grant mentioned that on Tuesday nights the Perry Park hockey rink is used for overflow parking. Council Liaison McClung suggested they solicit some feedback from the community and if they find the dog park is working as well as the committee thinks it is, they can look at expanding the dog park to a second location. Ms. Grant indicated she has come up with a new rec idea called “Bark and Rec” where families can bring their dogs to the dog park for some scheduled event. By holding this event, she could also determine how many people are actually using the dog park. It was noted that the basketball hoops at Ingerson Park are broken and should be replaced. Council Liaison McClung indicated that this should be addressed this year. Co-Chair Van Valkenburg indicated he would like to know when the backboards were put in. Ms. Grant stated she would research this and report her findings at the next meeting. Staff Liaison Grant reported that the tennis court at Johanna Marsh is scheduled to be resurfaced and Council Liaison McClung reported that the park signage will be replaced.