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January 7, 2015 Parks, Recreation and Environmental Commission Page 2 <br /> <br />Director Breuer passed around the current cost projections. Total costs right now <br />based on the plan developed in 1998. These costs are based on doing the work in- <br />house. <br /> <br />Chair Frischman stated this falls into our goals of the strategic plan of walking, biking <br />trails and the concept of making sure every property has quick and easy access to <br />the park system. We do have a need for more access to parks for residents living in <br />the southern portion of the City. There is a significant need for green and park space <br />in the southern part of New Brighton. <br /> <br />Commissioner Fields inquired if the parcels on the east are also being considered for <br />acquisition along with the western portion? <br /> <br />Director Breuer stated the Baptist seminary asked if we are interested in the 26 acres <br />of land. We are trying to get a feel from this Commission if there is still interest in <br />proceeding with the strategic plan from 2006. <br /> <br />Chair Frischman said this is timely that this land acquisition has come to Council, <br />when this Commission had already made proposals about this land. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kunesh-Podein inquired where the access would be. <br /> <br />Director Breuer stated there is access in 2 places from Old Hwy 8 and one by the <br />water tower. <br /> <br />Commissioner Fields inquired if there would be County or State funds available. <br /> <br />Director Breuer stated there may be. There may possibly be some small grant <br />opportunities as well. Grants may also require that you will include specific items. <br /> <br />Chair Frischman said this will definitely help with the development of the trails. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kunesh-Podein inquired if anyone has surveyed the residents in the <br />area to see what they would like. <br /> <br />Chair Frischman remembers a board on display from the Strategic Plan regarding <br />Jones Lake and there was lots of conversation about it. Many people do not even <br />know it is there. <br /> <br /> <br />Chair Frischman asked if this is something the Commission would like to continue <br />pursuing. <br /> <br />Commissioner Fields said he thinks this is an opportunity to pursue additional green <br />space. Nice parks and green space is what attracts people to the community. Since <br />we do not have a lot of green space in this area of New Brighton, it would be good to <br />consider this and would change the feel. <br /> <br />Commissioner Brunell stated he is feeling against putting a million dollars into this <br />park because the property is so isolated. If the entrance is by the water tower, he <br />does not feel people would see it and he does not feel it would get a lot of use. It <br />does not have visibility from Old Hwy. 8. A million dollar park in that area is not a <br />good use of that money. Another strategy would be to just put the trail there (perhaps <br />$100,000) with access by the water tower, but not to put all the money into that park.