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Comments relative to City Center Complex Don Anderson, Chairman, Roseville Parks and Recreation Commission May 20, 1999 The Parks and Recreation Commission has taken no formal position on the work of the City Center Task Force. I have informed them of our actions on a regular basis, as has Bob Bierscheid, Director of Parks and Recreation. However, we have on many occasions reiterated the need to replace the Activity Center on Arana and to move the activities located therein elsewhere. The deteriorating condition of the roof has led to mold, damp floors. In addition the heating system and other facilities need renovation and, or replacement. As one who has spent a great deal of time in the building, I can attest to these needs. As early as August, 1994, we have discussed the possible replacement. While we haven't been asked to formally recommend replacement we have concurred on the action of the City Council in 1996 to solicit bids from developers for redevelopment of this site, leaving a portion for a neighborhood park. Bids were received but no action was taken by the Council. The Commission feels that selling the Arana site, and using the proceeds from this sale to move the activities to the Skating Center site would be in the best interests of the community. The community room, walking track, and in part, the fitness roam, added to the Skating Center as Phase ]I reflect partly shifting of some of these activities. We have discussed, a Phase IJJ potential that would move the remaining meeting rooms, storage areas and Parks and Recreation offices to an addition attached North of the present structure, curving slightly around the oval. One major concern we have had in moving more recreational activities to the City Center site is the lack of adequate parking. Normally, parking can accommodate the nightly (and dally) activities, but parking becomes very tight when major events occur at the Skating Center- the Oval, Ice Arena and Community Room. Fortunately, one season's experience seems to indicate that existing parking will work. As far as other recreational and community activities being located on the site, we have had little or no discussion. The Parks and Recreation Commission has strongly supported cooperation with the School District - the shared Elementary School gyms and the Gymnastic Center at the High School being examples. We have looked at other nearby community centers and have felt that pursing cooperative efforts, either with those communities, the school district or other public bodies, given the space constraints maybe the better route to travel. Some of the community and recreational activities proposed by the Task Force for the City Center sit~ would fall into this ca.tegory. In conclusion, I would reiterate the feeling of the Parks and Recreation Commission that top priority be given to replacing the Activity Center on Aronat with top consideration given to moving the activities to a Phase III site attached to the Skating Center. This would be the most cost effective solution for Roseville.