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Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee — August 20, 2024 Page 7 Recreation Supervisor Johnson did not know that information. He said a Park Master Plan will avoid issues like this. He said there seems to be a missing link since 2014, as very little has been done with parks since then. Committee Member Jacobson thinks Freeway Park is really, two parks. The upper and the lower. She is hearing there is only money to improve the lower park. She thinks the upper park is extremely visible. She remembered a conversation about hard surfacing the rink so it could serve a dual purpose in the winter, as well as, in the summer. She understands that surface would take the entire budget for the park. There is no funding for both parts of the park. She said playground equipment is easy. You pick the location and put the play structure in. The upper part of the park is more complicated. She thinks if this park won't be reevaluated for 25 years, maybe the improvements should put on hold until the City can improve both parts of the parks at once. Recreation Supervisor Johnson said the 25-year plan is only for the playground equipment. Committee Member Anderson asked if there was discussion of use of the park. She thinks the upper part of Freeway Park seems to be used more widely among city residents than the lower portion. The bottom part is used almost exclusively by that neighborhood. Council Liaison Rousseau said the Council is in budget discussions and are talking about different numbers regarding Public Works vehicles/equipment, adding funding for Pickle Ball nets or adding that Park Manager. They are hoping to avoid shocking residents with the levy. There is $75,000 in the budget to have a consultant complete a Master Parks Plan. However, she said there isn't much money budgeted to implement that plan. As the budget discussions continue it would be a good idea to try to add some more money for implementation. She believes it's 0.5% levy increase for every $26,000. Adding $50,000 for that would equate to a 1% increase to the levy. She will bring it back to Council. Committee Member Rogers asked if there is any way to adjust the amounts on the 25-year plan, or is it specified for just playground equipment. Recreation Supervisor Johnson confirmed it was just equipment but he believes the potential cost has already been factored into it. He believes the plan goes out to 2030 but basically every two years, two parks will be improved. He stated the consultant from Bolten and Menk said $250,000 is the bare minimum you would want to spend on a playground upgrade. Committee Member Loosbrock wondered if Rotary would take on the hockey rink and could permanently sponsor that. They could provide landscaping and make it look good. Council Liaison Rousseau said it would make sense to request that the Rotary agree to a 1- or 2- year commitment. There are discussions regarding Adopt -A -Park. She sent an email to Shoreview. That contact said it is an easy process to manage that program. Committee Member Loosbrock admitted it wouldn't fix everything, but it would, at least spruce it up and make it look nicer.