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<br />~. <br /> <br />Parks & Recreation Committee <br />Meeting Minutes November 2, 2005 <br /> <br />process, it is completely done with compression and heat. The estimated life span of these <br />timbers are 50 to 80 years or more, they are graffiti resistant, do not require painting or staining, <br />although they can be painted, and at the time the research was done the pricing. was not the <br />lowest, but comparable. Treated timbers last approximately 10 years. Earl F. Anderson, Inc. is <br />the manufacturer and the City has worked with them previously on projects. Score Funds cannot <br />be used even if purchasing recycled products as Score Funds are for educational purposes only. <br />Committee Member Seeley also supplied the committee with a sample of shredded tires which <br />would be used instead of wood chips. Two years ago the closest place to get shredded tires was <br />in Missouri so transportation costs were quite high, but they were looking for more facilities at <br />the time to process the tires to make it more economically feasible. The shredded tires cannot be <br />mixed with existing wood chips, they are considered ADA accessible, and only need to be <br />replaced every 5 years opposed to wood chips which decompose and need to be replaced every 1- <br />2 years currently. The committee was very impressed with the materials and would like to use <br />recycled materials for any work done in the parks. It is more expensive initially, but will be a <br />cost savings over time. <br /> <br />Royal Meadows was the last park that was designed and built by the Parks & Recreation <br />Committee / City and it required extensive planning. Chairperson Peterson suggested forming a <br />subcommittee to work on the planning of the Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park play structure to do <br />research for this park outside of the committee. However, all committee members want to be <br />involved so it was suggested this item be put on the next agenda and the committee will pick a <br />date, perhaps on a Saturday, to begin planning. Committee Member Seeley will get updated <br />information on the recycled materials she presented to the committee. <br /> <br />Wheels Skate Park Vandalism <br /> <br />Chairperson Peterson was disheartened to report that there has been a lot of damage done to the <br />Wheels Skate Park equipment. The sign was damaged almost immediately and had to be redone <br />and covered in plexi-glass to prevent more damage. Vandals have attempted to steal the logos <br />that are dead bolted onto the equipment. Public Works Staff caught it in time and re-enforced the <br />bolts. Equipment has been ruined, pieces removed and thrown into the field surrounding the <br />Skate Park. Everyday there has been a trash issue with Public Works Staff picking up the trash. <br />The Public Works Staff has talked to the kids using the park, but it doesn't seem to do any good. <br />Committee Member Seeley mentioned that working with Anoka County Parks this issue has been <br />dealt with a couple of different ways. Monitor the area and require those responsible to pick it up <br />or ticket them; or make a committee or group responsible to pick trash, such as volunteer boy <br />scouts. Experience has shown that if the kids are picking up the trash they are less likely to litter <br />and they will also use peer pressure to keep the other kids from littering. There is not a feasible <br />way to monitor the area at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park. There is a four (4) foot fence <br />surrounding the park which is not a deterrent if locked, as it is low enough to just jump. There is <br />not a simple answer, but the committee members felt somewhat disillusioned since the <br />jnvestment of the new skate park pad and equipment was substantial and they had hoped there <br />would be some pride in the community for the equipment and park. It was suggested it be <br />handled the same as the vandalism that was ongoing Royal Meadows Park, when something was <br />ruined, it was not replaced, simply removed, unless it was a safety issue. No more money was <br />invested into the park. Chairperson Peterson has seen advertisements from other cities looking to <br />buy used skate park equipment so that is an option also. It was decided to put this information on <br /> <br />30f6 <br />