Highlight Park Department Collaborations with Youth First Community of Promise

For several years, the Anoka, Andover and Ramsey's Youth First's Community of Promise has officed in Ramsey along Hwy's #10 & 169, approximately 1/4 mile west of Sunfish Lake Boulevard.  The city owned building includes a vacant filed to the east of Youth First's facility.

The site serves dozens of young people - most of which reside in the manufactured home park immediately to the east.  Programming places an emphasis on assisting with homework and instilling healthy behaviors and lifestyles.  This includes indoor and outdoor recreation for the kids.

To assist Youth First with their mission in Ramsey, parks staff mow the field approximately 6 times per year (no trimming), and a few years ago, also flooded a rink for them (that was not well utilized that therefore discontinued).  Additionally, about 3 years ago, staff took two damaged goals originally purchased by the youth athletic association and combined them into one and placed it on the field - that is very well used.  Most recently, a Youth First Board member volunteered to stripe the soccer field, and many in the community are looking out for an additional goal to complete the field.

In May of this year, Youth First's Director, Heidi Geiss contacted the city requesting some assistance in thinking about a volleyball court for the kids.  Just prior to this, Park and Recreation Commissioner Shane Bennett had also made an inquiry looking for a day-time volunteer opportunity for his work unit at Target Corporation.

The two needs were matched up and the project came together successfully with Youth First securing the donated poles and fabric from Lowell's, with Bennett receiving the donated concrete for the volleyball poles.  Later in the day, Target employees played the Youth First kids in a match-up - and at the meeting the Commission and Council will be informed as to the winner.

This case is informational, and does not require funding.

None required - based upon discussion.