NRRC Minutes 05-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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10)South Pines Park Review: The design for South Pines Park was shown to the NRRC. Due to a sale, we can purchase a larger piece of playground equipment for this park than we normally could. The total cost (including resilient material and installation) is $49,000. That includes $8,000 for a Pegasus rope climb which can be eliminated to save costs if the NRRC wishes. The basketball hoop will be a plexiglass backboard with an adjustable height. There will be benches in the park, but we are not installing grills, due to low usage. Superintendent Smith mentioned that staff would like to install a different type of curbing with curved corners that is similar to street curbing for this playground. It is better for mowing, since the mower can go right up to the edge, and we should see better drainage for the playground. It is a small cost increase, but it is felt that with the easier maintenance, it is worth it. For handicapped access, we would still need a curb cut. Director Bernstein mentioned that we have the money budgeted to purchase all the planned equipment, but it may be a matter of keeping this park in line with other City parks. The commissioners present agreed that we should go ahead with the park plan as proposed, and that if City Council has any concerns regarding cost, we can remove the Pegasus at that time. The Pegasus was thought to be a unique feature that would be of value for the park. 11)New Business -Vet’s Park Playground Equipment: A petition was received with about 170 signatures on it, although not all of those who signed were Hastings taxpayers. The feeling behind the petition is that although the unsafe equipment should come down, there was disappointment that there were no plans to immediately replace it. Director Bernstein mentioned that the unsafe equipment is scheduled to be removed as soon as possible. To replace the equipment (including resilient material and installation) would cost around $10,000 and would include a slide, platform and small climbing elbow. There is concern about the location of the current playground, as it is in homerun alley for 2 fields. Netting is very expensive and another central location is difficult to find. One possibility would be to plant some form of natural barrier. The commission felt that because the current equipment is non-compliant and the park gets more general use from the City, that we should go ahead and try to get the equipment this year. If nothing else, it should be a budget item for 2007. 12) Old Business - Scholarship Program: The revised scholarship program guidelines were passed out. The income limits are now in line with the ISD #200 school lunch program limits. $38 per person in a household will be granted if the requirements are met. This money is good for one year and applicants need to reapply each year. It can be used system-wide for Parks & Recreation offered programs. Scholarship money comes out of our income revenue. Commissioner Vandehoef recommended that in the future, we try to find a local sponsor to make up the difference. For example, in Inver Grove Heights, the Lions Club donates money for a similar program. - Skate Park: The Tier 1 equipment will be moved to Lions Park. The Tier 2 equipment is not movable and might break if we tried, so it will remain at Vet’s Park for storage. All skate park signage will be removed and “City Storage” signs will be put up. MOTION to Adjourn. th Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 13, 2006. Adjourned at 8:17 p.m. Minutes submitted by: Kristin Behrens