The Park and Recreation Committee have been very excited
about their most recent projects. The
Fishing Boardwalk was not working out as intended and needed a new plan to
achieve the goals for the structure.
Fishing that required a fish to be dragged over slim to no water didn’t
make sense. The boardwalk was removed
and reconstructed with floats and new railing structures. The channel at the location was excavated so
the boardwalk was able to float. It was
reconstructed in pieces, floated in place and linked together. After assembly a review of the finished
project revealed that the additional railing on each end caused those sections
to dip somewhat. This prompted the
addition of an additional float leveling the structure. The project has a nice feel, looks good, and
provides much better fishing than the previous setup.
Another project that has been ongoing is that of the Disc
Golf Course. We currently have 9 holes
established and it was hoped that the back nine would be completed last
summer. With the numerous bad storms
that hit Breezy Point last summer the Public Works crew were busy with more
pressing matters. Some of the course was
cleared for fairways and brush piles were made. A portion of the work continued to occur
during the winter months with some tree clearing and brush being burned, but a
good portion of the work needed to happen during warmer months.
After seeing the course being used some improvements were
felt necessary. The tee mats were not
staying in place. With rains, sand was
washing over them as well. A better
solution was required. The tee marking
which were painted on the mats was wearing off.
A better solution was needed for these.
Park Benches were installed in the front nine but were needed for the
back nine. Signage and the expansion of
the parking area with improved drainage were also needed.
The Parks Committee discussed these needs and agreed to
amend the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to provide for these additional
costs. Tee boxes will be installed, tee
makers of etched stones will be installed, park benches and signage will be
purchased and the parking area will be expanded and regraded. The plan was approved by the City Council at
the June meeting. These improvements are
planned to be completed this summer.
The CIP was also amended to deal with the possible paving of
a parking lane at the Fishing Boardwalk.
For 2019 the committee felt we needed to have the city park reviewed
towards a master development plan. They
have lots of ideas about what could go in the park but wanted to thoroughly
review what should be included and what should go where. Finishing out the plan it is hoped another
ball field can be included in the park. They
feel the space available maybe too small for a regulation field so have
contemplated a little league field.
The plan has a number of long range goals. Additional improvements to the ball filed are
included. Trails along all the collector
streets are proposed. There is mention
of an additional disc golf course and a mountain bike trail near the existing
disc golf course. Other amenities being
considered include a bocce ball court and a pickle ball/tennis court. Lots of great ideas are being considered and
are part of the long range plans. With
time and money they hope to make parks a more viable part of Breezy Point.
