03-08-06 PRMEMO
Date: March 1, 2006
To: Park & Recreation Commission
From: City Administrator Mike Robertson
Re: Non -Conventional Park List
I have enclosed a list of what I would call non -
conventional items that have occasionally been
discussed for future parks. Though the Council has
discussed some of the items and determined that they
would not be installed or constructed until a much
stronger demand is demonstrated it would not hurt for
the Park & Recreation Commission to establish a rough
priority for these items.
1. Nature Park - This would be a park without any play
equipment or organized activities. It would have
trails and be oriented toward some scenic amenity.
This type of park has been discussed for the
Wilson -Berge land at the NE corner of 85th & Odean;
along the Creek running through NW Otsego to the
Mississippi River; where the old clock shop is at
County 42 and Hwy 101; and at the Kadler boat landing
at the Mississippi River.
2. Big Ballpark - This would be a baseball park big
enough (350-400 foot fences, bleachers for 100+ people)
to hold baseball games for 14+ year olds.
This field would need a large parking lot and a
water source. Possible sites for this use would be the
west end of Prairie Park and the land west of the new
Public Works building.
3. Hockey Rink - This refers to a hockey rink done the
"right way", not our volunteer effort rink of the past.
Such a rink would probably consist of a specially
prepared base with perhaps chiller pipes underground.
You can expect that if this is discussed there will be
a strong request to include a second rink for non
hockey uses. You can probably hire someone to teach
figure skating at the second rink to budding Nancy
Kerrigans, Tanya Hardings, and Jeff Galoolies.
This rink could be constructed almost anywhere but
should have access to a large parking lot and a water
source. If a warming house is needed there will be a
strong request for the City to staff it so kids don't
do bad things in it. That would require significant
expenditures for seasonal staff, along with management
time to see that the seasonal staff doesn't do bad
things.
4. Outdoor Swimming Pool - This refers to an outdoor
swimming pool deep enough to dive into and big enough
to hold a number of kids on those warm summer days we
remember so fondly.
This could be built almost anywhere but would
require a large parking lot and a source of water.
Many you have heard me say that an easier way for a
city to lose money would be to just open the wallet and
let the money blow away. That's because the city would
have to hire staff (certified lifeguards) even on those
summer days we don't remember that aren't warm and
sunny and no one shows up to swim.
5. Outdoor Wading Pool - This refers to a small
outdoor pool that's about two feet deep.
This could be built anywhere there's a parking lot
and a water source. The advantage of these pools is
that most people don't expect the City to staff them
with lifeguards. They would still have to be cleaned
and maintained on a daily basis while open.
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6. Soccer/Baseball/Sport Complex - This would be a
large area with multiple fields where regional
tournaments could be held that would "Put Otsego on the
Map!"
This would require a site that is at least 20 acres
and up to 40 acres or more. This would require a water
source (probably City water for volume and pressure)
and plenty of parking.
7. Lacrosse Field - This would be the size of a
typical soccer field and could be put in almost any
park.
8. Model Airplane Flying Site - This would be an area
where enthusiasts could fly their model airplanes
without fear of them crashing into anything (or
anyone) .
According to the club that used to fly in Prairie
Park a minimum of 20 acres is necessary.
9. BMX Track - This would be an area for BMX Bikes.
Several acres would probably be needed. There has
always been a concern it would be used (destroyed?) by
ATVs.
10. Splash Park - This would be a concrete area with a
variety of permanent fixtures installed which would
spray water down or out. The fixtures can work on
timers or motion sensors.
This use would require a parking lot and a water
source. It would not take up much more space than a
full size pool. The advantage of this type of activity
is that you do not need to staff it. It does require a
lot of maintenance though.
11. Disc Golf Course - This would be an area with
permanent or semi permanent structures that people
would aim Frisbees or other flying instruments at.
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This use could be in almost any park as long as the
open space was a few acres.
12. Dog Park - A place where doggies could walk and run
and poop to their heart's content.
This would require several acres. People could
only enter if they had a Pooper-Scooper.
13. Horse Park & Trails - Horses have been sadly
neglected in Otsego. If you don't believe me, just ask
the horse owners. They will tell you horses should
have a place where they can run and poop to their
heart's content.
This would require several acres and a Super Duper
Pooper Scooper.
M
MEMO
Date: February 28, 2006
To: Park & Recreation Commission
From: City Administrator Mike Robertson
Re: City Update
1) The City Council approved the plans and
specifications for the three new parks planned for
construction in 2006. The total estimated cost of the
three parks if all alternates are accepted is
$1,772,977. The bids are due Wednesday, April 19, 2006
at 2:00 p.m. and will be a decision is expected at the
Council meeting Monday, April 24th
2) I will bring budget copies to the meeting. We just
received our final bill from Community Ed.
3) We have just received an application for a large
commercial area to be built on the west side of Hwy 101
just south of Christ Lutheran Church and the Bank of
Elk River. It will consist of a major retailer, other
retail, restaurant and office uses. They don't want to
talk about the major retailer in the commercial area
but their Target is to break ground this year and have
the major retailer open by July 1, 2007.