Informational Meeting Tonight on Roseville Park Improvements

The city of Roseville tonight (Wednesday) will host the first in a series of meetings to review anticipated park improvement projects and continue gathering community suggestions and feedback.

The first meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. today (Jan. 25)  at the               
Roseville Skating Center. The session will provide an update on renewal program projects, timelines and funding schedule, according to the city.
 
"Residents have voiced their support for improvements to our parks and recreation system," the city said. "We are pleased that work will soon begin."
 
During the next several years, Roseville plans to undertake a myriad of parks and recreation projects identified through the city's new parks and recreation master plan. Earlier this month, the  Roseville City Council agreed to give an Arizona State University (ASU) research group $200,000 over three years for a business plan that will streamline the implementation of the city’s $19 million park renewal program - and save the community money over the long haul.

The city's $19 million park improvement program is envisioned to cover the first phase of projects over the next five years. Last summer, the city outlined a master parks and recreation plan that spells out dozens of long- and short-range projects at a projected $80 million to $90 million price tag over the next 20 years.

Currently, a Roseville citziens' group is challenging the city's plans to finance the initial round of park maintance and improvements and construction of a new fire station with bonds rather than holding a voter referendum.  A Ramsey County district court judge in November denied the group's request for a TRO but the group, Responsible Governance For Roseville, last month appealed that decision.

Whatever the ultimate outcome of the citizen group's legal challenge, initial city renewal park projects under consideration for 2012 and 2013 include:
 
Replace the Harriet Alexander Nature Center’s boardwalk and improvements to building and grounds.
Replace buildings at Lexington, Sandcastle, Rosebrook and Villa Parks
Replace shelters at Central Park Victoria East and Central Park Dale Street
Improve some tennis courts and neighborhood ice rinks.
Improve some park playgrounds and athletic fields. 
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Other planned community meetings to discuss proposed park projects include:
 
Feb. 8     
6:30 p.m.    
Roseville Skating Center
Lexington Park improvements and building replacement.
 
Feb. 15  
6:30 p.m.    
Harriet Alexander Nature Center     

Boardwalk replacement and nature center improvements.