Approve Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association’s Request to Fund and Construct Dugouts and Fencing Replacement at Central Park

The Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association (ARAA) desires approval to fund and construct (above-grade) dugouts and fencing replacement at Central Park. The project would commence in the Fall of 2015 and may continue in the Spring of 2016.  The scope would consist of improvements to up to five ballfields, of the seven fields at the park. The roles and responsibilities for the project are detailed in the attached Memorandum of Understanding and Commitment agreement so that all parties are in full accord with expectations and responsibilities.  This agreement is nearly identical to the agreement for the storage garage at Central Park in 2011-12, and also for the batting cage project at Alpine Park in 2013-14 and have been approved 'in form' previously by the City Attorney.

Attached is a site location map for Central Park with the field numbers indicated on it.

 

ARAA has budgeted approximately $75,000 for the aforementioned project through donations and fund raising by membership.  This dollar amount is generally consistent with the quotes received from two Ramsey businesses (samples attached) for fence/dugouts and concrete work for ballfields #1 - #4 at the park.  However, some additional investigation remains on the precise costs (like permitting), so Council authorization is understood to apply to fields #1 - #4 and the baseball field (sometimes referred to as #7)—as additional funds may be raised into 2016 by ARAA to perform all the work envisioned.

In July of 2015, the Park and Recreation Commission recommended City Council accept the donation from ARAA for Central Park discussed herein, provided that the batting cage project at Alpine Park is completed. (The maintenance border for the perimeter of the two batting cages remains to be installed.  This is required for the proper esthetic and to limit on-going maintenance costs.)  It is anticipated that the batting cage project will be completed this fall.

The donation and improvements to Central Park is necessary, as much of the fencing and attendant accouterments (like players benches) are from the original installation in the 1980's, and are in need of replacement.  ARAA and the City have a long and successful history of collaboration in serving our mutual constituents—the children and families using Ramsey's park system.  This project exemplifies this alliance.

 

 

 

The primary funding source is the donation, from ARAA for Central Park in the amount of the contracted work of approximately $75,000.  (Fencing, dugouts, concrete work, and new players benches.)

There has been a significant amount of staff time involved in 2015 on this project, and some coordination and administration will likely occur into 2016.  This is accounted for within the 2015 and 2016 General Fund budget.

The dugout aspect of the project will necessitate removal of some of the bituminous trail associated with ballfield #1 and a rerouting to provide for ADA access to the cloverleaf of ballfields #1 - #4, and to accommodate maintenance vehicles.  This will be in excess of $3,000.  This trail relocation and paving shall be performed in 2016 as part of the Parks' General Fund budget for trail maintenance that occurs each year.  ($25,000 in trail maintenance paving/overlay is included within the 2015 budget, a similar amount is expected for 2016.)

 

Staff recommends approval of the donation for ballfield improvements at Central Park.

Motion to approve Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association’s donation and construction of dugouts and fencing replacement at Central Park, and the Memorandum of Understanding and Commitment agreement that identifies the roles and responsibilities for the project.