3.0. SR 01-31-1994
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ITEM 6. 1.
TO: MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
FROM: PHIL HALS, STREET/PARK SUPT~
DATE: JANUARY 20, 1994 ~
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SUBJECT: ~T APPLIC~T=~~~__./
Mike Niziolek, a District 728 school teacher, cross country
running and cross country skiing coach, appeared before the
Park and Recreation Commission at their regular meeting on
December 8, 1993. Mr. Niziolek was requesting support for a
grant application that he is writing. As you can see from the
enclosed material, one main portion of the grant is for an
environmental learning center building which would be
constructed at Woodland Trails Park. The second portion of
this grant is for the purchase of an environmentally sensitive
tamarack bog located two miles north and west of Woodland
Trails Park.
At this writing, Mr. Niziolek has a scheduled meeting with the
property owners regarding the possibility of the tamarack bog
purchase and will have information as a handout at the 1/24/94
City Council meeting.
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The proposed learning center building would be used by District
728 school students for environmental education. Mr. Niziolek
suggested that each classroom of students could spend one day
per year at the park for an opportunity to study natural
sciences and this type of schedule could keep this building
occupied nearly everyday throughout the school year.
Mr. Niziolek will be present at Monday's meeting to further
describe the grant requirements, but it is my understanding
that the grant is for the construction of a building, purchase
of the tamarack bog, and for a two year program director for
the learning center.
The Park and Recreation Commission recommended that the City
support the matching portion of the grant with up to 50% of the
funding, not to exceed $70,000. The Park and Recreation
Commission did not, however, identify any sources of funding.
It is not clear to me at this time whether the City would be
involved with any of the construction work as part of the
matching funds.
Dave Anderson, Park and Recreation Commission Chair, will also
be present at Monday's meeting.
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P.O. Box 490 · 13065 Orono Parkway · Elk River, MN 55330 · (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425