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<br /> <br /> <br />Ms. Amberg reviewed the future plans for Hansen Park. It was noted these plans would preserve tennis and <br />hockey at Hansen Park. The plans for Totem Park, Sunny Square, Lions Park and Brightwood were reviewed <br />with the Council, along with the priorities for neighborhood parks. She commented on the added recreational <br />amenities within the parks system which included pickleball courts, a small dog park, challenge course and <br />splash pad. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jacobsen requested further information on the City’s summer youth programs. Fink reported <br />the City utilized Totem, Sunny Square and Hansen Parks for the summer youth parks. She described how the <br />proposed open air shelters would benefit this program. <br /> <br />Ms. Amberg discussed the plans for the City’s trails, greenways and streetscape corridors. She explained the <br />plan would be to address pedestrian and trail safety, while also improving connectivity throughout the City. <br />The athletic needs for the community were discussed. She then reviewed the goals and priorities of the <br />Steering Committee. A financial estimate was provided to the Council for the proposed parks and trail <br />improvements, which came in at $31 million. The next steps for the City were discussed and staff asked for <br />questions or comments. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson asked when the City began seeing Jones Lake as a park. Fink stated it was her understanding <br />this land had been identified from the beginning as needing water mitigation but also as a passive recreational <br />opportunity. She commented it has only been identified as a potential opportunity. She indicated this was not <br />something the Council had to do, but could consider. Schlichting reported the City would have to work with <br />the watershed district in order to properly excavate and grade the site and at that time a park trail could be <br />considered around the waterway. Fink commented on the benefits of having greenspace amenities in the City, <br />such as bird watching and passive trails. She explained these improvements were being planned for 10 to 20 <br />years down the road. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson inquired what plans the City had for Central Park within NBE. Schlichting commented <br />because the City does not know what the plans are for Block B, plans have not yet been designed for this park. <br />Fink stated if Block B does not develop in five to ten years, ballfields could be considered. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth questioned what the plans were for Block B. Schlichting indicated staff was <br />entertaining any and all development ideas for Block B. Fink explained that if a remnant of from Block B <br />were to remain after the site was developed the City could consider a dog park or field space. <br /> <br />Councilmember Allen commented the EDC has been looking at Block B for several years and recently <br />marketed the site for a hotel or office space. <br /> <br />Mayor Johnson indicated she would like the City to set aside a space within NBE for greenspace or a small <br />park. She then thanked staff and WSB for providing the City with a fantastic park and trails plan. She stated it <br />would be her goal to make this plan happen. She asked what direction staff was seeking from the Council at <br />this time. Fink stated she was looking for comments from the Council on any red flags they may have seen <br />within the plan. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jacobsen stated he would like to see the City place a higher priority on safe and comfortable <br />streets. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth asked if there were any ADA issues that should be addressed within the park <br />master plan. Fink discussed the ADA concerns that had to be addressed at Hidden Oaks Park and throughout <br />the community.