7.0 PRSR 11-18-2009ITEM: 7
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation Director
DATE: November 18, 2009
SUBJECT: Director's Report
- Parks and Trails Legacy Grant Application -The application for the legacy grant for
phase two of the Babcock Memorial Park trail, was submitted on November 13. The
requested amount is $500,000.
- Buckthorn Eradication Initiative -Park maintenance crews have been working at
buckthorn removal the last two weeks. The Great Northern Trail north of 2215` has
been cleared of Buckthorn and crews are now working in Woodland Trails Park.
November is the best time of year to remove buckthorn as it stays green longer than
native plants.
- Great Northern Trail and deer hunting -There is private hunting land adjacent to
the new section of the Great Northern Trail. Staff believes that there is a potential
safety issue during the deer hunting season. The police department is reviewing state
law in relation to hunting adjacent to recreational trails. Staff believes that one option
we should consider for next year is to close the trail north of 33 for the deer hunting
season. This is consistent with what we did in Woodland Trails before we purchase
the northeast portion of the park.
- Oak Knoll Athletic Complex Irrigation- Ciry staff met with staff from Community
Education and discussed the irrigation deficiencies at Oak Knoll and the varsity
baseball field. The city and school fields share a shallow well that has been gradually
drying up. Staff will develop alternatives and potential cost sharing agreements for
replacing this well.
- Pinewood Golf Course -Pinewood Golf exceeded revenue expectations and
expenditures were under the budgeted amount.
- Field Use Fees -Each year, staff reviews the fees charged to youth athletic
associations for field use. Based on the cost of field supplies such as striping paint,
chalk, ag-lime and diamond dry, rental fees will be increased slightly. These fees are
relatively small overall, but serve the purpose of making sure that associations
reserve only what they truly need.