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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 18, 2024 8 <br /> Mr. Shearen reported the trend for outdoor hockey rinks was shifting. He noted outdoor hockey <br /> rinks were expensive to maintain. <br /> Councilmember Fabel stated there were a lot of kids using the rink at Freeway Park. <br /> Councilmember Holden recommended the hockey rink be pulled out of the Creek neighborhood <br /> park. <br /> Councilmember Monson summarized the comments from the Council noting one park was to be <br /> universally inclusive/accessible with fencing with sensory friendly amenities. In addition, the <br /> Council discussed dropping the baseball fields and hockey rink. She indicated the Council would <br /> like to have a full sized basketball court and recommended the tennis court be switched out for <br /> pickleball courts. She stated the Council would like the sand volleyball court switched out for a <br /> dog park or skate park, or some other interesting amenity. She commented she liked the idea of <br /> the County doing the dog park. She stated she understood bathrooms would be expensive but she <br /> would like to see these considered, along with a drinking fountain with a water bottle filler and <br /> shade cover. <br /> Councilmember Fabel reported given how space was a minimum, he suggested the basketball <br /> court being half court. <br /> Councilmember Holden clarified tennis courts were not proposed at the Creek neighborhood <br /> park. She asked what amenity should be given up in order to provide space for pickleball courts. <br /> She suggested the park building be given up. <br /> Mr. Shearen stated a park building with restrooms would cost$500,000. <br /> Interim City Administrator Jagoe asked the Council if it was being suggested that Mr. Shearen <br /> take the feedback from the Council back to his staff and that the plans for the three parks be <br /> further refined with cost estimates in preparation for further discussions with Alatus. <br /> Councilmember Holden asked how Mr. Shearen would be billing for this work. <br /> Interim City Administrator Jagoe explained Mr. Shearen would be billing the City. <br /> Mayor Grant indicated he supported the Council following the MOU with the understanding the <br /> City will do the planning and the developer will build the parks. He supported the City working <br /> with Alatus given the language within the MOU. <br /> Councilmember Holden recommended significantly different playground equipment be <br /> considered for the Creek and Hill neighborhoods. <br /> Councilmember Monson explained she recently visited an obstacle/ninja course in Golden <br /> Valley and suggested the City consider pursuing a park amenity like this for one of the TCAAP <br /> parks. <br /> Councilmember Fabel suggested a climbing wall be considered, noting they do not take up a <br /> great deal of space. <br />