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I I I- I I I I I I Ie I I I I I I I Ie I ARDEN Hll.LS CITY COUNCll. - JULY 25, 1994 10 erosion have not been successful. Staff is proposing that grant funding be used to eliminate the erosion problem by leveling off the entire site. The configuration of the site would be changed to include four ball fields with the parking area near the entrance of the park. Ball fields would not overlap, and parking spaces would be increased from 80 spaces to 100 spaces. The play area would be moved adjacent to New Brighton Road next to the warming house. The warming house and hockey rinks would remain as they are today. The driveway would not be moved, and the trees along New Brighton Road would remain. Mr. David Sand, Chair of the Park and Recreation Committee, introduced other members of the Committee who were present: Megan Ricke, Lynette Kreidler and Dorothy McOung. He stated that for years the Committee has hoped to find a way to increase the number of ball fields in the City to accommodate the tremendous need. It was hoped that the arsenal property would be opened, but year after year the arsenal property is not available. With the need for safe, accessible ball fields in the City, Perry Park is a natural choice because it is the closest thing the City has to a community park. It is used by more softball teams than any other park in the City and lends itself to the proposed adjustments. With this pinwheel layout effect, the park will be safer, offer additional parking, and add lights to two ball fields which would extend the playing time. Four layouts were considered, and this one is the best use of the property. Mr. Sand stated that the City's contribution to the cost of the redevelopment of Perry Park is contingent upon receipt of the grant award. The City would match the amount of the grant. If the grant is not sufficient to cover the costs of the proposed improvements, the Committee will address the issue at that time. He commended Ms. Severtson for her hard work and hopes the grant application will be successful. . Hicks asked if the plan addresses erosion and if surface water could be converted into piping. Ms. Severtson stated that with redevelopment, a storm sewer would be put in with curbs and gutters. That work is already included in the price estimate. Erosion will be addressed by leveling the site so the water can be channeled. Hicks asked the rationale for the granting agency to fund this project. Ms. Severtson stated that reasons to fund these improvements include: alleviating safety hazards, compliance with ADA requirements, prevention of soil erosion and the extended use of ball fields with lighting. Fritsinger stated that one of the criteria considered by the State is the amount of activity and usage by the residents of the community. This is a unique situation where the school has its recreation programs at this park site. That will be a factor of consideration. It also has more activity than a neighborhood park.