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I I I Council Meeting Minutes December 14, 1993 Page 3 Council Business. continued The area includes 5 acres of undeveloped land which about 2.5 acres is owned by the City and the remainder has been acquired through the park dedication ordinance. The park configuration brings many homes into direct contract with the park and dictates the park be designated a neighborhood park rather than a community park. Over the past year, staff, residents and the Park Board had extensive contacts regarding the park's development. The residents noted concern that the park would adversely effect the value and usability of their properties. Anderson presented an overview of proposed park facilities and trail system. The park would contain a youth soccer field, gazebo, 20 car parking lot, play equipment, trails, basketball hardcourt area, and possible tennis courts. The tennis courts are currently not funded and staff recommends they be lowest priority. Landscaping and plantings will be applied throughout the trail system to help shield the paths from nearby homes. The trail system includes about 5 acres of pathways. The park improvements would be completed over a three year period. Benke asked if the pond would be suitable for ice skating. Anderson said it is possible, but noted the surface problems with the Brightwood Hills pond's ice and questioned whether this pond might have similar problems. Benke asked if the park would include a shelter with restrooms. Anderson said the plan includes a gazebo to provide shelter, but would not contain restrooms. The Park Board and staff does not feel a shelter is necessary in a neighborhood park. However, if Council prefers a shelter with restrooms, that could be added at a cost of about $100,000. He added that the park's entire budget is about $120,000. Rebelein questioned whether residents living near the Fridley border would find this park location to be inconvenient. Anderson said those residents could utilize both this park and Hidden Oaks Park. Rebelein asked if the Park Board considered installation of a bocce ball court. Anderson said bocce ball courts require a small amount of space and their cost is relatively modest. Dan Johnson, 2851--12th St., said staff previously stated the trail material would be crushed limestone, now the proposed material is asphalt. He feels asphalt requires extensive grading and would lessen natural park conditions. Also, the trail elevation gives park users a direct view into his homes. He feels four park accesses are more than needed, and suggests leaving one access in its natural state. Anderson said that to leave the park in its present state would prevent people from entering the park and may cause park users to wander through backyards in order to find access. At the resident meetings, people specifically requested asphalt paths so that bicycles could be used. Asphalt requires less grading modifications and is a much cleaner material than crushed limestone or woodchips. Because the main access area is a 10-12 foot distance from adjacent homes, staff suggests the existing grade be lowered to allow for privacy. Benke asked if a trail material other than asphalt would create problems for wheelchairs or strollers. Anderson said a natural path is more difficult for wheelchairs to maneuver than strollers, however, other accesses do meet ADA requirements. Additional easements are not required for trail construction. Council Business Innsbruck 5th Addition Park Plan Report 93-335