Discuss 2011 Parks Capital Improvement Projects

The purpose of this case is to outline a general plan for implementing the 2011 Parks' Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). The following are those projects (no order), recommended by the Commission and adopted for discussion by City Council as part of the overall 2011-15 CIP for Ramsey.

 

 

 

 

As the Commission is aware, each capital improvement is required to be brought to Council for authorization; accordingly the projects above are identified below with when they may be expected to be discussed by the Commission and Council - together with relevant details.

 

Drinking Fountain and Mister for Riverdale Park  Each of the next several years includes these two popular amenities for those remaining parks that have municipal water available. For Riverdale Park this fountain (with pet attachment) and mister is anticipated to be timed to coincide with Shelter and Restroom for Riverdale Park.  The shelter is also a local match for the Transportation Enhancement grant for the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) from Anoka's King's Island to Mississippi West Park.  Both capital improvements are projected to funded by the Park Trust Fund, and will be discussed as soon as March 2011 as part of the discussion to 'advance construct' the MRT.

 

Community Building and Playground for Elmcrest Park  This project is two distinct capital improvements, in the same location at the same park.  It is expected that if approved, they will be developed at the same time.  Both are proposed to be funded by the Park Trust Fund.  Of the estimated $500,000 project cost, half, or $250,000 (for the building) is identified as being contributed from a funding source external to the City.  This may be a combination of sources, including a youth athletic association, volunteer labor, or contributions from a philanthropic organization.  These external funding sources have been viewed as fundamental to the project moving forward.  Therefore, once these contributions have been identified, these two projects should be immediately discussed at the Commission and Council level, as the public processes for a building of this magnitude can take 6-months or more to construct.

 

Redevelopment of Central Park's Access and Parking  The essence of this project is improving the flow and direction of internal park traffic to improve safety and also adding parking by acquiring additional land east of the existing park.  The process and dialog to receive the land is in process.  The estimated $135,000+ would come from the Park Trust Fund.

 

Landscape Improvements for Parks  Each year, $5,000 are included within the CIP for landscape projects with volunteers.  This $10,000 represents adding landscape and trees within 'North Park' in The COR.  Presently City Council is looking at the 7- acre, City-owned parcel to identify what ratio of the property may be sold, and what is needed for park uses.  This represents the 2010 and 2011 CIP allocations, for a early spring project. A plan can be expected to be before the Commission in March.

 

Parking Lot for Rhinestone Commons  As the Commission may recall, this was bid as part of the construction of The Draw, but was 'pulled' due to bidding irregularities. Staff will receive City Council approval and let bids on this estimated $150,000 improvement for March.  The funding is 'fees collected from developers', (Park Trust Fund).

 

Park Security Enhancements  This capital improvement represents 360 degree digital camera surveillance for both Sunfish Lake Park, and the skate park area at Alpine Park. the $15,000 Park Trust Fund project is expected to be discussed in early spring and may be somewhat conditional with the installation of fiber optic cable in the ROW of the adjoining roads.

 

 

 

The funding sources for the 2011 Parks' Capital Improvements are listed with the individual projects above, and are predominately the Park Trust Fund, (fees collected from developers).

Commission Action:  Motion to proceed with the 2011 Parks' Capital Improvements as presented.