HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-02-28 NAC Ltr to MN DNR Forwarding Outdoor Recreation Grant Application •
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C O M M U N I T Y P L A N N I N G • D E S I G N • M A R K E T R E S E A R C H
28 February 1996
Ms. Audrey Mularie
FiLE
Local Grants Program
Department of Natural Resources
Office of Planning, Box 10
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155 -4010
RE: Oak Park Heights- Outdoor Recreation Grant Program Application
FILE NO: 798.04 - 96.06
Dear Ms. Mularie:
Please find attached the City of Oak Park Heights' application request form for the Outdoor
Recreation Grant Program. We are requesting the grant to assist the City in completing
priority projects for three of its parks. Each of these parks play an important recreational
function for the citizens of this growing Washington County community. These projects
will likely not be possible unless assistance can be obtained through the matching funds
of the grant program.
The City of Oak Park Heights does not currently have an in- progress Outdoor Recreation
Grant project from the Department of Natural Resources. We look forward to working with
you in further defining our projects and in completing an application.
Thank you for your ongoing assistance during this process.
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
.1. li
Scott D. Richards
Senior Planner
pc: Mike Robertson
Janet Robert
5775 Wayzata Blvd. • Suite 555 • St. Louis Park, MN 55416 • (612) 595- 9636•Fax. 595 -9837
• APPLICATION REQUEST FORM
Local Grants Program
Applicant City of Oak Park Heights County Washington
Contact Person Scott D. Richards
Title City Planning Consultant
Address 5775 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 555, St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Phone Number (during normal working hours) (612) 595 - 9636
Project Name Brekke, Cover, and Valley View Park Improvements
Program (check the appropriate program(s) and provide an estimated total cost per project):
Outdoor Recreation Grant Program X Natural and Scenic Area Grant Program
Total Estimated Cost: $ 116,900.0F Total Estimated Cost: $
Congressional District (1 -8): 6 Legislative District (1A -67B): 56A
Project Description(s):
See attached project descriptions.
• •
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
LOCAL GRANTS PROGRAM
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
The Oak Park Heights Parks Commission has recommended the following projects for
Brekke, Cover and Valley View Parks be included in the application for Outdoor
Recreation Grant Funding:
Brekke Park:
Pathway /Play Area Enhancements. An asphalt pathway connecting the parking lot to an
existing play structure is necessary to increase accessibility and provide an appropriate
surface for strollers, tricycles and those with mobility impairments. The pathway would
encircle the playground providing the City's first safe tricycle play area. The area would
be further improved by providing tables and benches (some of which would be fully
accessible), shade trees, and a perennial garden.
The primary goal of these improvements is to provide access and activities that appeal to
all age groups and abilities.
Project Cost $15,500.00
Outdoor Maze. Area is available at the park near the pathway and play area to provide
a natural evergreen maze with a center shelter and benches.
The purpose of this facility is to provide a fun activity that can be enjoyed by people of all
age groups and abilities. The trail surface and shelter area would be fully accessible.
Project Cost $5,400.00
Outdoor Skating Facility. The existing skating /hockey rink would be provided with a
permanent concrete surface to extend the season for outdoor ice and provide a facility for
summer skating activities. During both the summer and winter, the skating facility would
be given dedicated hours for open skating versus hockey, thus allowing a wide range of
age and ability levels to enjoy the facility.
The primary goal of the facility is to expand the utilization of this site and provide a
summer activity for youth of all age groups that may or may not participate in other existing
summer recreation activities.
Project Cost $44,000.00
Total Cost, Brekke Park $ 64,900.00
• •
Cover Park:
Bank Restoration /Garden. An unusable sloped area of the park would be transformed
into a perennial garden and mixed shrub wildlife area. The improvements would include
a stone retaining wall and perennial garden installed and maintained with donated plants
and labor by a neighborhood garden committee. The remaining slope would be
professionally planted with mixed shrubs designed to attract birds and other small wildlife.
The primary goal is to enhance the Cover Park neighborhood which is the oldest part of
the City with the highest concentration of low income homes. The project will provide a
focal point for pride and community building.
Project Cost $12,000.00
Total Cost, Cover Park $ 12,000.00
Valley View Park:
Prairie Restoration. A ten acre portion of Valley View Park has been set aside for prairie
restoration. The project would include site preparation and planting of wild flowers and
native grasses.
The primary goal is to restore an area of the park to the type of prairie that existed before
settlement. The area would attract wildlife and be used as a learning center for persons
of all ages.
Project Cost $13,000.00
Trail for Prairie and Wetland Accessibility. A trail system has been proposed through
the area proposed for prairie restoration. The one -third mile of the trail would have an
asphalt base to allow full accessibility and another one mile would be a wood chip base.
The trails would be provided benches and the parking area serving this area would be
expanded to include an accessible stall. The trail would extend to a wetland area with a
boardwalk and observation deck. Proper signage for the trails and identifying the park
boundaries would also be included.
The primary goal of the trail system is to provide accessibility to the natural areas of the
park and to the wetlands for education and passive recreation use. Much of the area
would be opened up to people of all ages and abilities that before was difficult for them to
reach.
Project Cost $27,000.00
Total Cost, Valley View Park $ 40,000.00
TOTAL OVERALL COST $116,900.00