Conduct 'Listening Session' within the neighborhood on proposed renovations for Ford Brook Park

The purpose of this case is to hear from the neighbors of Ford Brook Park, their thoughts on a proposed 'renovation' for the park—to include various aspects and improvements, but primarily the replacement (in some manner) of the decades old play equipment in the park.

Some of the existing playquipment (small jungle gym, overhead ladder, slide and swing) were salvaged in the 1970's from a previous use and installed at Ford Brook, following the subdivsion's development. Additionally, the playground surface (pea gravel) and border, together with the concrete climber/tube 'snake' were installed by city staff in the late 1980's.  The playground should be considered for replacement, and to bring it into compliance with both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); and the Consumer Products Safety Commission CPSC) guideline's for playground safety.  Accordingly, this project has been identified with the Park's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for several years, and presently shown in 2020.

The attached flyer has been mailed to the larger neighborhood (approximately 74 homes) around the park (Ramsey and Nowthen) inviting their comments, ideas and observations on the park.

It should be noted that the Rum River Central Regional Park is about a mile to the east at the intersection of CSAH #27 and CSAH #7 and has many amenities, including a fairly elaborate modern playstructure. 

One unique feature of this neighborhood park in Ramsey (Ford Brook), is that it's northern border is the City of Nowthen, and includes approximately 19 Nowthen homes within proximity to Ford Brook.  For this reason, Staff has previously extended an informal invitation to the Nowthen Lions and the City of Nowthen to consider the renovation of the park as a cross-border community project. 

Attached is a site location map, and also pictures of existing conditions at Ford Brook.

 

Discussing improvements for the park at this time does not obligate any funding per se, rather, it may help inform any decision on the return on investment replacing the playground equipment may yield.

There may be multiple funding sources at the time funding is authorized (construction), however the primary funding source is anticipated to be Ramsey's Capital Maintenance Fund, (formerly known as the Park Maintenance Fund).

Staff recommends hearing from residents, their thoughts and ideas for Ford Brook Park, and potentially developing and issuing an RFP for playground and related improvements at Ford Brook, while exploring partnerships for this project in 2019, for construction in 2020.

Based upon discussion, provide staff with planning direction on the disposition, character, and implementation of the 2020 Capital Improvement Plan, which projects some manner of playground replacement at Ford Brook Park.