1994-01-25 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I Council Meeting Minutes January 25, 1994 Page 4 Council Business. continued The park configuration brings many homes into direct contact with the park, and resulted in the decision to create a neighborhood park rather than a community park. Staff, residents and the Park Board have had extensive contact regarding the park's development. Residents bordering the park have opposed development of park facilities near their property, but other residents feel strongly that there should be park facilities and access from all sides of the park. The park as planned would contain a youth soccer field, two ponding areas, parking lot, trail system, hardcourt area, gazebo, and playground equipment. One tennis court is shown on the plan, but the Park Board and staff rank it as low priority. Anderson explained that the pond's depth is between 4 and 5 ft., and that depth could increase after a heavy rainstorm. The pond is located about 2 ft. further south than shown on the map and the west end is more shallow than originally planned. The storm sewer inlet is lower than was listed on the approved plan and is lower than the outlet pipe. The developer has agreed to these modifications. The Park Board feels the plan reflects good park planning practices and will serve the City and neighborhood well. There may be some minor planting alterations. Anderson confirmed that the park's acreage is about 4.8 acres. Samuelson asked if the pond could present safety concerns for children. Anderson feels that the ponds and creeks located in other City parks are more dangerous than this pond. The pond's banks are heavy clay soil and stable with no dropoffs. Benke asked if the pond's banks could be lined with rock. Anderson supports this idea, but additional funding would be needed. Samuelson asked the reasoning for an asphalt trail surface versus a grassy path. Anderson said a grassy trail does not allow for the use of bikes, strollers and wheelchairs. The bulk of the City trails are asphalt, except for one trail in Hansen Park which is crushed limestone because of the park's unstable soil. Samuelson noted that asphalt trails allow for winter use. Anderson is not a fan of asphalt trails, but feels they are necessary . Williams confirmed that grass will surround the pond, and asked if the developer plans to eliminate the cUa-"Tent silt problems in that area. Anderson said the developer is aware of these problems and has been extremely cooperative. Anderson said the Berkley Risk Services recommendation supports the 8 ft. trail width; and he feels the 8 ft. width is needed to provide for safety. Originally, the Black Oak trail was proposed to be 6 ft. wide because the access is only 10 ft. wide. However, the adjacent property owners agreed to the use of its entire width for park plantings, and staff will work closely with these owners in regards to landscaping. Fulton confirmed that Berkley's width recommendation was higher than the Park Board recommendation. Gunderman asked the estimated construction costs for the tennis court. Anderson said that if the soil conditions are good, the costs should be about $30-40,000. If the soil conditions are bad, that cost would be much higher. Construction would not go forward without Council approval.