Recommend to City Council the Acceptance of a Donation from Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association (ARAA) for Improvements at Alpine Park

The Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association desires approval to fund and construct (above-grade) dugouts and fencing replacement at Alpine Park. Additionally, the backstops sideline fences would be extended to greatly reduce the amount of foul balls that are hit out of the ballfield on to people and cars. The project would commence late in the summer of 2016 and may continue in the early Spring of 2017. 

The roles and responsibilities for the project are detailed in the attached DRAFT Memorandum of Understanding and Commitment agreement (a previous agreement relating to Central Park) so that all parties are in full accord with expectations and responsibilities.  This agreement has been approved 'in form' previously by the City Attorney.

ARAA has raised approximately $50,000 for the aforementioned project through fund raising by membership.  This dollar amount is generally consistent with the quotes received from two Ramsey businesses for backstops/fence/dugouts and concrete work for ballfields #1 and #2 at the park. 

It may be noted here, that the next Commission case considers a recommendation for City Council to consider 'Advance Construction' of what would be a 2017 Capital Improvement for Alpine Park's fields #3 and #4 for these same improvements.  This is anticipated to be up to $75,000 from the Park Trust Fund—depending upon the fund raising success of ARAA.

The donation and improvements to Alpine Park is necessary, as much of the fencing and attendant accouterments (like players benches) are from the original installation in the late 1990'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.

ARAA Baseball Commissioner, Daniel Franzwa is expected to be at the meeting to address any questions the Commission may have.
 

The funding for improvements to ballfields #1 and #2 would be donation from ARAA.

Staff recommends this project move forward as presented.

Motion to recommend City Council approve Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association’s donation and construction of dugouts and related backstop and fencing replacement at Alpine Park, together with a Memorandum of Understanding and Commitment agreement that identifies the roles and responsibilities for the project.