2019-9-3_PR Comm Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Roseville Parks & Recreation is proud to submit the acquisition and development of Unity Park for consideration in the Administration or Management strategies category of the 2018 MRPA Award of Excellence. Unity Park was a small private parcel of land that was NOT identified in the relatively recent Parks and Recreation System Master Plan for acquisition but was pursued because of strong community interest and the uniqueness of its location relative to numerous apartment buildings that are occupied by New Immigrants/Americans. When the property came up for sale it was brought to the city’s attention by the community at large to be considered. With strong community support and encouragement and the potential funding assistance to acquire and develop the property, it was considered by the City Council. The overall interest was to create a safe learning, play and gathering space close to the apartments. New Immigrants are not accustom to American ways and this was an opportunity to create a space where intergenerational, interethnic could gather and where Parks and Recreation and other service providers could stage programs, services and other offerings. The property was purchased through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The design and construction was funded through a variety of source’s with more than 50% coming from non-city funds. This project is unique & deserving of an Award of Excellence because of its community driven nature that brought; o the direction, support, adaptation and flexibility of forward thinking decision makers, o the energy, passion & ambition of many who looked to provide local green space & recreation opportunities to New Americans in a location not otherwise planned for, and o an opportunity to fulfill community interests & bridge a cultural gap. Project Description and Planning Process: In 2016 the City of Roseville purchased a .68 acre of property for park purposes through a CDBG Grant at 1716 Marion Street (subsequently named Unity Park to signify everyone coming together in Unity!). The property is located in the midst of numerous apartment buildings and streets with no immediate green space. Youngsters were playing in the streets. The property was not identified to aquire, was not on the radar of anyone and would have been considered ony if there were a complete redevelopment of the entire area. The community brought the proposal to purchase the property to decision makers to consider something out of the ordinary. This was an effort to coordinate a place for the apartment dwellers (Immigrants/New Americans) to gather and to prepare a staging area for programs and other community services. The parcel will be used for programming efforts and in cooperation with the nearby Tamarack Park and Lake McCarrons Park and Beach. In May of 2017, the Parks and Recreation Department and Commission proposed a planning/community engagement process to the City Council subsequently hiring LHB for planning and design services and to assist in the public engagement strategy to develop a Park Master Plan for the property. In February of 2018, after an extensive planned and unique community engagement process, the Parks and Recreation Commission made a recommenation to the City Council to approve a Park Master Plan and authorize a funding and implementation package for the park. The Parks and Recreation Commission also studied the naming of the property as per city policy. The Commission used the following process: 12