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Memorandum, Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee - Ice Rinks Page Two September 26, 2000 . It is my further understanding that Valentine Hills, at least in 1998, had the lowest participation in terms of numbers of skaters on a total accumulation basis. Part of this reason is due to the reason I mentioned previously, that the rink itself cannot be established until late, and is the first one lost for the season. This probably accounts for some of the low participation, but it also has to be due to the fact that the location and the quality of the product provided are not ideal and, in some part, due to the demographics of the area. I'm sure that you will hear arguments brought forward that there are more kids and more people that desire to use the park this year. While that may be true, I don't think that overall the demographics are changing demographically enough to increase the participation on a routine basis. Another argument you may hear tonight is about the lack of convenience. This goes back to my previous point that the comprehensive plan enables the City to look at the types, location and relationship of the parks to each other in our system. We cannot be all things to all people in the City of Arden Hills. It is simply cost-prohibitive. Therefore, decisions do have to be made about providing the best service we can, for the lowest cost possible, for the greatest number of people. Sometimes, this means not being able to provide a service or program in the immediate neighborhood. This is an inconvenience to the people in the neighborhood, but we do A have spectacular opportunities throughout the City in parks that are readily accessible by vehicle, ,. bicycle, or on foot. During the course of the conversation, you will probably also be presented with an argument that the neighborhood doesn't care about the warming house being open, and in fact might prefer that it not be and that the City should provide the skating rink for their personal ability to use it. A neighborhood Christmas party may be referenced, as well as potential individual holiday parties, and their enjoyment of ice skating during those times. Again, convenience is a factor here, and the City of Arden Hills does provide opportunities that are not difficult to access. The final point I want to leave you with is the fact that the City of Arden Hills tries to do what is best for the entire community. In looking at that, we certainly take into consideration the impact and input from neighborhoods. While we want to consider providing a service or program at a reasonable cost for a neighborhood, it is not the sole purpose of Arden Hills Parks and Recreation. One neighborhood should not drive a particular service or program. cc: City Council Tom Moore, Parks and Recreation Director .