10-20-15 PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes October 20, 2015 Page 2 B. Rice Creek Commons – Park amenities Acting Chair Straumann asked that a written list be created to track the various amenities the Committee will be requesting in the Rice Creek Commons area. He outlined for resident guests Keri and Josh Bloyer where Rice Creek Commons is located on a map and detailed the map features to help familiarize them with the area being discussed. Acting Chair Straumann stated the Committee would like to have trails connecting the parks and noted the park locations have not yet been officially determined. He indicated at present the parks have been broken down into the following areas: the creek area, the hill area which will have two parks, and the Town Center area. Acting Chair Straumann directed everyone to the green area of the map and stated the indicated trails will definitely be included at this location. He then noted the Committee discussed their recommendations for amenities at the last meeting and would now revisit those recommendations based on what Arden Hills would need as a whole. Councilmember Holden questioned the need for adult softball fields as it was her understanding this was not necessary. Acting Chair Straumann stated that the fields would be more of a multi-use type field. Staff Liaison Grant indicated this would be similar to the multi-use field located at Cummings Park where the youth soccer field is in the outfield of the ball field. Acting Chair Straumann listed the following amenities for the creek area: • A playground in a residential area • A half-court basketball court • A multi-use field Councilmember Holden asked for clarification regarding the playground structures as they would pertain to youth and seniors. Staff Liaison Grant stated that at the training she and Recreation Staff Member Thelen recently attended, it was discussed how playground equipment can also be used by adults as exercise equipment. She said that the City of Plymouth provided pictures of adults using playground equipment for various exercises. Committee Member Van Valkenburg asked that more information regarding this option be provided at the next PTRC meeting. A short discussion ensued about the types of structures that would be needed to accommodate the various age groups that would utilize the new playground equipment. The discussion proceeded to the east side of the green area. Councilmember Holden indicated it was her understanding a shelter would be built in this area.