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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, May 16, 2016 Page 17 various parks. Mr. Brokke reviewed the "Passport to Play" program for ages 4— 10; and the "Leaders in Training" program for ages 11 — 15; found popular in oth- er areas of the community and other communities, specifically geared toward new Americans and acclimating that option with other programming in the communi- ty. Specific to the 1716 Marion Park property, Councilmember Willmus noted that with the playground equipment grant not being received from U. S. Bank, would the park development come to fruition or would it develop in some other direc- tion. Councilmember Willmus noted this proposed program was broader for other parks and was a bigger project. However, Councilmember Willmus asked if there were other parks in the SE Roseville area having a direct connection to Karen community housing that could be used; or wasn't defined to this on� parcel. Parks & Recreation Director Brokke responded affirmatively that other connec- tions were available and the programs didn't hinge on that one parlc, but had stat- ed conversations about them. From a policy perspective, Councilmember McGehee opined that this proposal sounds more top down from the city and Parks & Recreation Department rather than play space acquisition and types of activities; with providing input from resi- dents as to what they actually wanted. Councilmember McCiehee noted discus- sions had also been held that involved having a place for the elderly and others in that community to be involved; as well as bringing pieces to them such as through the Police Department and/or Ramsey County Health Department and Library system. Councilmember McGehee opined that she did feel it was important to in- tegrate this community in what the city already had to offer at other parks, but the first place to start needed to be with them and their comfort level. Parks & Recreation Director Brokke agreed with that point, opining that this was just a small start to begin working with the Karen community and get their input, building from there; with this intended as a program start to make those connec- tions. Mayor Roe opined that from his perspective, most of the rest of the Roseville community engages in recreation programming already based on their knowledge of those programs and services; but this served as an effort to be proactive and bring offerings to those in the community who may not know how to engage or have transportation to engage. Mayor Roe opined that his takeaway is that the Parks & Recreation department, whether through new parks or upgrades to exist- ing parks, is to engage people in the process versus imposing something they might not find appealing. Parks & Recreation Director Brokke Lonnie stated this outreach would be no dif- ferent than those previous processes.