11-22-05 PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING NOVEMBER 22, 2005 Page 5 of? . Chair Henry acknowledged Committee Member McClung's concerns adding that it is a point well taken. He explained that this is a vision for the parks and trails for the City of Arden Hills. He stated that the City has already spent a lot of money on Currunings Park and Perry Park and the priority now should be the trail connections. He explained that this is a five-year plan and agreed that the PTRC should identify all park proj ects as they are just as important and should be included in the discussion with Council. Committee Member Zilmer agreed stating that they have focused on the parks for the last ten years and now it is time to focus on getting the trail system up and going. Committee Member Straumann referenced Rice Creek noting that the plan is currently being developed. He stated that the Arden Hills north connection would not happen unless a trail can be placed in this area. He also indicated that Tony Schmidt Park might become a regional park and reviewed with the Committee. Committee Member Williams noted that if Tony Schmidt does become a regional park it conld provide the City with an opportunity to create a partnership with the Metropolitan Council that would provide access to additional funding for park projects. Committee Member McClung stated that he is trying to find a broader tie-in for the PTRC Vision Statement that could be accomplished within a five-year timeframe. He stated that he would not . support the proposed Vision Statement at this time unless it is broader and encompasses more than trail connections. He stated that it is his belief that if they add or broaden the focus it would give them a bigger win with the Council. He suggested including Frisbee Golf at Ingerson as an option for parks. Chair Henry asked if a north/south trail connection should be placed if Arden Hills does obtain the land from TCAAP. Council Liaison Larson noted that they could also utilize the existing road system and develop the site from south to north once the underpass is completed. He suggested including this connection along with the East/West connection across Tony Schmidt on the agenda for discussion with the Council. Committee Member Crassweller stated that with the funding the City has received from Guidant, $600,000 has been invested in parks and park buildings over the last five years and nothing towards trail connections. He stated that it is time to focus on trails as a part of the PTRC vision and plan. Council Liaison Larson agreed that the argument could be made that enough has been done on the parks and that the focus should now be on trail connections. He stated that in looking over their plan, signage is currently on hold and ifthe PTRC is thinking of adding sellable items for . discussion they could include signage.