Title
Approving the vision plan for Merriam Park, to release DEED funds for construction of a new, larger skate park.
Body
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Park and Recreation Commission (“Commission”) is an appointed body established to advise the Mayor and City Council on long range and city wide matters related to the Department of Parks and Recreation (“Department”); and
WHEREAS, the City plans to provide phased improvements to Merriam Park to create a more welcoming community space; and
WHEREAS, the City has identified Common Cent funds for the initial design and construction work for the first phase of site improvements to include a new play area, improved baseball field, new tennis courts, new basketball court, community gathering area; site amenities including benches, drinking fountain, picnic tables; and
WHEREAS, future phasing includes design and construction of a skatepark to replace the first skatepark in Saint Paul built in 2003; and
WHEREAS, the City in partnership with City of Skate has secured $500,000 in DEED grant funds for the skate park project; and
WHEREAS, this appropriation is not available until the St. Paul City Council approves this project in its overall vision plan for Merriam Park after soliciting public input; and
WHEREAS, the vision for the site began with the 2008 Merriam Plan Master Plan, which was overseen by the Union Park Parks and Recreation Committee; and
WHEREAS, in 2024-2026 community engagement for the project has included coordination with the Union Park District Council and Design Advisory Committee meetings, neighborhood notifications of the project and solicitation for participation, digital survey, tabling at 2 on-site events featuring information and opportunities for input, meetings with Four Seasons Elementary School students and faculty, rec center building tenants, Recreation Services and Parks and Recreation’s Operations and Maintenance, and 1 Community Open House; and
WHEREAS, the Parks Commission voted to approve...
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