8.4. PRSR 01-12-2005Item # 8.4.
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Bill Maertz, Director of Parks and Recreation
DATE: January 6, 2005
SUBJECT: Land Acquisition Prioritization
Planning staff and the Park Commission prioritized park property acquisitions in 2000,
and again in 2002. Based on these lists, there are eight properties that appear to have the
highest potential. This list is intended to generate discussion. Some points to consider are:
o Is the entire property needed for a park?
o Will parts of the property become available through park dedication during the
development process?
o Where does it fit into the NRI?
o How does it fulfill recreation needs?
o What are the opportunity costs of each possible acquisition?
1. Bailey Point:
Area Wide/Community/History/Neighborhood
Notes: This property is part of the NRI greenway corridor, has waterfront, fills the need
for an area wide park in the center of town, enhances riverwalk concept.
2. Malmstrom Property:
Area wide, attach to Top of the World/ Woodland Trails
Notes: East gateway into the Top of the World/Woodland system creating east-west
connectivity, part of NRI greenway corridor.
3. Gruys Property
Area Wide/ Community Park
Notes: Diverse landscape, intersection of NRI greenway corridors, this area is lacking
parkland.
4. Top of the World Addition
Attach to Top of World/ Woodland Trails
Notes: Grant applied for, part of NRI greenway corridor, already in use for skiing, creates
natural hub of over 300 acres when combined with existing parks.
5. Bloomdahl Property
Area Wide/Community Park
Notes: Intersection of NRI greenway corridors, possible acquisition of key parts through
park dedication, tamarack woods
6. Specht Property
Area Wide/Neighborhood Park/Regional Trail
Notes: River frontage is most desirable, possible acquisition of key parts through park
dedication
7. Hoebelheinieh Property
Community/Athletic Complex
Notes: Some waterfront, adjacent to Anoka County Twin Lakes Park.
8. Houlton Property
Area Wide/Conservation/Historic/Neighborhood
Notes: Riverfront, historic value, fills need for area wide park in this area. Potentially
very expensive, possible collaborative effort with other entities
S:\PARK & REC\Jan OS Packet\Item 8.4 Memo.doc