Sylvan Hills Park
Overview
Address | 6204 Jupiter Road NE |
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Start Date | Fall 2024 |
End Date | TBD |
Current Status | Implementation Planning |
Park Type | Neighborhood |
Size | 2.6 acres |
Special Use | Flood Storage |
Current Status
Neighborhood park servicing neighborhood #24 but with improved pedestrian access can also help alleviate recreational needs for neighborhoods #31 and housing development area D as noted on the Service Area Analysis Map. This park contains a parking lot that is easily overlooked, a ballfield, single tennis court, full basketball court and a playground at the northern road intersection. The park has water storage that sits in the southern portion of the park.
Plan Your Park Event - August 24
Join us for a community meeting at Sylvan Hills Park on Thursday, August 24 from 5:30-7 p.m. to view future playground concepts and give your feedback.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can also submit your input via an online survey.
Improvements
General recommendations includes replacement of existing amenities with layout modifications for an improved recreational experience and improved safety.
Recommendations include:
- Remove ballfield and convert to lowgrow lawn
- New trails to create internal loop, connect to amenities and connect to crosswalks
- New playground in more central location for improved safety and access from the parking lot to meet varying age groups
- ADA compliant playground surfacing (engineered wood fiber)
- Concrete playground border
- Add unique or challenge equipment piece as focal point of park on the north
- Add gateway feature (public art, small garden or or architectural element)
- New full basketball court (replaces tennis court which is removed in entirety)
- Site furnishings with common characteristic (benches, tables, receptacles, bike racks, drinking fountain, etc.)
- Wayfinding signs
- Additional park signs
- Security light
Resources
A total of $50 million in possible park system improvements were identified in the Park Plan. Based on resident input, Fridley City Council directed staff to work with a Park Plan Refinement Task Force advisory group to recommend $30 million in park projects that would be most impactful to the community.
Further, a resident Finance Task Force recommended funding the park system improvement plan by issuing General Obligation (GO) Tax Abatement Bonds for $20 million in bond proceeds, being repaid over no more than 15 years, with an additional $10 million to come from other City of Fridley funds.
Tax abatement is a tool that can be used by cities to abate all or a portion of property taxes levied by the City for a given purpose, such as public infrastructure improvements. All taxpayers, whether identified as an abated parcel or not, will continue to pay property taxes as they normally would. Minnesota Statute 469.1813 gives cities authority for tax abatement, and this has become an increasingly common means of funding park improvements, as they provide benefit to all residents. A requirement is holding a public hearing for the consideration of tax abatement, and that was held on May 23, 2022.The bonds will be repaid over 15 years with annual debt service payments being levied for and it is likely there will be an increase in property taxes beginning in 2023.
This plan will provide many opportunities for expanded recreation programming, enjoyment of nature and social gatherings. Enhancing and modernizing the city park system will position Fridley as a great place to live, work and play now and for many years to come.