ITEM: 5.2 New Business- Jim Kappelhoff
Title
AURELIA PARK NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING
Background
After the Aurelia Park discussion presented to the Park Board at the September meeting, it was recommended by the Board that a neighborhood meeting be conducted in November. The purpose of the meeting is to invite residents around the park to have input on the future of what should be proposed for the replacement of the basketball and tennis courts that were removed due to their poor condition. The area of the park where the courts were removed is 1.42 acres and is located on the corner of Jefferson Street and 91st Avenue. The area is also separated from the main park by Jefferson Street.
A notice of this meeting was mailed to 472 residents around Aurelia Park. The notice informed the neighborhood this is an opportunity to be involved in discussions that may include but not limited to the following:
· Replacing both tennis and the basketball courts.
· Replacing one tennis court and the basketball court.
· Replacing basketball court only.
· Replacing with other amenity such as a sand volleyball court.
· Not replacing and leave as open play area.
· Funding.
In addition, the Park Board requested staff to provide the following information prior to the neighborhood meeting:
1. Soils testing of the basketball and tennis courts removal area.
Soil tests were conducted by Public Works and Engineering Departments and showed good soil conditions and no corrections are required to support facility construction.
2. Real costs to replace the tennis and basketball courts.
The estimated costs that include labor and materials for tennis and basketball courts were obtained from average 2008 construction costs at Jim Peterson Athletic Complex and the Engineering Department concurs that the estimations can be used for today's dollars. Estimates attached.
3. Estimate to construct a sand volleyball court.
The sand volleyball court is the actual cost from the 2009 bid for the complete install, materials and equipment for the Lakeside Commons Park court. Estimate attached.
4. Locating other areas in the park for basketball and tennis courts.
Locating the same size foot print of this area in the main park is possible but would be intrusive to the function of one or more of the three ball fields by reducing outfield distances. If removing a field is considered, the south field has the least amount of use. Map of this location is attached.
5. Private fund raising for the tennis/basketball courts replacement.
Fund raising could be done with local businesses and charitable organizations. The City could assist with residents who would be willing to lead this effort.
Possible Discussion Items:
· Based on resident input, what, if any, amenities should be considered for replacement and where?
· Should the costs be included in the 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan?
· Should a survey with a list of replacement options be mailed to the Aurelia Park neighborhood?
Recommendation
Discussion and direction to staff.