CONSIDER ‘SELF-SERVE’ CANOE AND KAYAK ACCESS FOR SUNFISH LAKE PARK AND PUBLIC BIKES FOR THE COR

In 2009, City Council authorized the construction of Sunfish Lake Park funded by the Park Trust Fund in a not-to-exceed amount of $314,198. As the Committee may recall, the bid amounts came in favorable due to the economic climate of the construction industry.

 

In addition to the project coming in under the construction estimate, the city was also able to save small amounts in many different categories by performing changes in the field – and no authorized contingencies were needed. In summary, the portion of the project came in $30,000 under the approved amount.

 

An element of the above park project was the installation of a canoe/kayak rack with lockers. One purpose of this case is to consider recommending to City Council the purchase of public canoes and kayaks and attendant security system for the existing canoe rack installed in the park.

 

Additionally, this past fall, the city received a $28,000 Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) grant to advance biking, walking and community health, and included within the work plan was the provision of canoes/kayaks (with paddles and life jackets) for a not-to-exceed amount of $5,000.

 

Staff has also applied for $2,000 in Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation grant monies for a part of the security and self serve portion of the proposed amenity – and will be informed on their decision in March 2011. That application is attached, which also explains the self-serve system, the public purpose and value of introducing paddling as an added recreational opportunity for residents.

 

Upon investigating cost estimates for the canoes and kayaks (2 each) and related equipment, it appears that approximately $2,900 would be needed – leaving $2,100 in SHIP monies that may only be expended for publicly available equipment, used for fitness or recreation (or planning).

 

Staff is recommending that public bikes also be considered for the bike and pedestrian friendly COR, to be associated with parking ramp. Attached is a quote from Ramsey Bicycle for 6 bikes (3 different styles) – which with the purchase of an assortment of helmet and locks, would total about $2,100.

 

 

How these two systems would function:

• The functioning and process for public canoes and kayaks are summarized in the first attachment.

 

• Public bikes are proposed to be secured under the awning of the parking ramp near where the commuter coach loads and unloads. Bikes (with helmets) would be available during business hours by signing a waiver and leaving a drivers license or credit card with the receptionist at the front desk. In the near future, the hour availability and expansion to weekends may be expanded by transferring this function to a retailer in The Residence at The COR. (Additionally, staff is exploring the cost of the bike docking stations being used by the city of Minneapolis known as Ride Share which has been found to be highly successful.)

 

The value of public bicycles is believed to include:

- Promotion of The COR by visitors during periods of good weather (prospective retailers or developers as well).

- Promoting bicycling to residents, commuters and staff (E.g. lunch trips within The COR, or a short trip to the Farmers Market, the Mississippi River Trail).

- Expanding recreation, fitness and fun opportunities for residents and visitors who do not have access to a bike in Ramsey (including apartment tenants at The Residence at The COR).

 

 

Staff recommends funding this proposal at a not-to-exceed amount of $9,000 from the Park Trust Fund, together with $5,000 in SHIP monies for the boats and bikes. Additionally, the Park and Recreation Commission also recommended City Council approval for the canoe and kayak portion of this project in May of 2010.

- Public canoes and kayaks as well as bicycles – SHIP monies @ $5,000

- ‘Self serve’ security system for Sunfish Lake – Park Trust Fund $8,000 ($6,000 if the city is successful in the     aforementioned small grant application.).

- Electrical supply to the above - Park Trust Fund $1,000.

 

 

Motion to recommend to City Council funding of the self-serve canoe and kayak system at a not-to-exceed amount of $9,000 from the Park Trust Fund, and apply $5,000 in SHIP monies to the canoes and kayaks first, with the public bicycle system as remaining funds allow.