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PRSR INFORMATION 10-09-2002 City of Elkti River MEMORANDUM TO: Facilities Subcommittee - Councilmember Dietz Councilmember Kuester Park & Recreation Commissioner Anderson Park & Recreation Commissioner Peterson Park & Recreation Commissioner Polston-Hork FROM: Pat Klaers, City Administrator Michele Bergh, Recreation Manager Lori Johnson, Finan D' ector Michele McPhersorOirector of Planning DATE: September 30, 2002 SUBJECT: Agenda Memo, October 8, 2002 Meeting Attachments • September 17, 2002 Meeting Notes • Financial Information Overview At the September 17th meeting,the topic of Financial Basics was identified for discussion at the October 8, 2002 meeting. Please review the attached summary financial information provided for discussion purposes. S:\PLANNING\MICHMC\PARKNREC\Facility Subcommittee\9-30 Subcommittee memo.doc PARK& RECREATION ACCOUNTING STRUCTURE Most park and recreation activities are accounted for in two funds: o General Fund o Park Dedication Fund A few park activities such as rental of the Woodland Trails park house are accounted for in a reserve fund. Occasionally, a mower or other piece of park equipment is purchased from this reserve. There is no ongoing revenue source for the reserve fund. Special projects like the Lions Park Center are sometimes funded from other funds as designated by the City Council. Park and recreation revenues are broken down into several sources: o Recreation Fees —all fees for recreation programs o Concessions —rental of concession stands and sale revenue from concession stands o Park Use Fee—rental fee for parks and park shelters, athletic field reimbursements from associations o Facility Use Fee—rental fee for Lions Park Center o Building Rent—rent paid by Lions Club and YMCA for office rent at Lions Park Center Park and recreation expenditures are broken down into several functions: o Park Maintenance —mowing, cleanup, park shelter and equipment maintenance, garbage service, and et cetera at all parks and athletic fields o Park Development—capital expenditures for playground structures, park shelters, buildings, land acquisition, and other capital items o Recreation Administration— recreation department staff and related administrative costs, Lions Park Center and Emporium operating(utilities, supplies, insurance, etc.) o Recreation Programming—park rangers, warming house attendants, and all recreation programs o Concession Stands —operating concession stands at athletic fields All of the above functions with the exception of Park Development are accounted for in the General Fund. Park Development is accounted for in the Park Dedication Fund because state law restricts park dedication fees to certain capital and development uses. Recreation staff maintains additional detail by individual programs. Hours spent by the street department are tracked by project by the street department staff. This detail data is not maintained on the city's financial system. Finance Depaanent 10/2002 Park and Recreation Operating Summary Actual Activity for 2001 and 2002 Proposed 2003 Budget YTD Budgeted 2001 2002 2003 Park Maintenance Expenditures 273,595 210,505 303,700 Related Revenues: Park Use Fee Parks 3,081 2,130 2,500 Athletic Fields 6,336 Balance not funded by user fees 270,514 202,039 301,200 Recreation Administration Expenditures 111,093 153,307 273,700 Related Revenues: Facility Use Fee 6,569 15,000 Building Rent 3,100 3,600 Balance not funded by user fees 111,093 143,638 255,100 Programming Expenditures 125,210 100,350 147,500 Related Revenues: Recreation Fees 65,645 66,116 95,000 Balance not funded by user fees 59,565 34,234 52,500 Concessions* Expenditures - 24,170 50,900 Related Revenues: Concessions 31,469 52,000 Balance not funded by user fees - (7,299) (1,100) Total not funded by user fees 441,172 372,612 607,700 Janitorial services for Lions Park Center have yet not been charged to Recreation Administration. Approximately 15 hours are spent per week by the janitorial staff at the Lions Park Center ($260/wk or$13,564/yr). *Concessions revenue includes gate admissions from tournaments run by the City. Current inventory is approximately $1,000. 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Eo� S. 5.p o o ` y o Pn Ly Fl it A 0.0 ° o'� m p 0 ?_ra.0 0 N 5l A n kz w e m 0 ., n 0- °' r, o m . .-ri R b a 00 _ �� �'_� s < 54. 5 hinlløt x f0 C "€ o a °to a t ,'' h o ' a �! = O - g��� �1 04 p, rs t7 c�^ P ro r� cr q^ x go =5 1 1/4 `° y G N,o w �, .w, C y n X0 0 n [ 1-'s 4 '�O ��,�?p E F' a °'C7 0°.o; p o cam"C �aa 0 w R P: '2 > c n m z °° ' E' n o a�a 0.6'Iwo, p d �C ' n �� o y � 56 rtyy o ncj co N w f/f N O 8 a .0, m fD ns` c ' <^o �' a. o' z ci• ° PN q 0 oe a 0 A w,� �... a "o w N H A '." ,n.., O 0.S O a..., G City of Elk4. River MEMORANDUM TO: Park and Recreatio Commission FROM: Michele McPherso irector of Planning DATE: October 9, 2002 SUBJECT: Park System Vision Discussion Request Prior to the regular meeting of October 9, 2002, the Commission has called a special meeting to discuss the future vision of Elk River's park system and the balance between neighborhood and regional park facilities. This will be the first in a series of meetings on this topic. Attachments • August 30, 2002 Letter from Commissioner Kuester to Chair Peterson • Excerpts from the Comprehensive Plan • Draft Comprehensive Plan Vision Statement • Summary of Park Land Totaled by Type • Land Acquisition Priority List - 2000 • City Park Map • Environmentally Sensitive Lands Catalyst for Discussion Commissioner Kuester's memo is the catalyst for this discussion, and outlines two issues regarding the City of Elk River's Park and Recreation System: 1) What will be the ultimate composition of the system-This includes total number of acres,what will the balance be between neighborhood and regional park facilities, what development will occur at each park and when, etc.; and 2) How will areas outside of the Urban Service Area be serviced by neighborhood or regional parks. Memo to the Park and Recreation Commission Park System Vision Discussion October 9,2002 Page 2 Before the Commission looks forward,it will be helpful to look backward and review where the City has traveled and the status of the current system. Master Park Plan Philosophy In 1997,the City adopted a Master Park Plan. Excerpts from the plan are attached to this memo. In order to better frame the discussion regarding the future vision for the City's Park System, a review of the 1997 Goals and Objectives would be appropriate: 1. Encourage the development of a quality residential community,which retains a semi-rural atmosphere. 2. Provide and maintain adequate and efficient levels of public services within the community. 3. Develop, preserve and protect environmental resources, such as forests, wetlands,water bodies and their shorelines,within the area with respect to open space, recreational uses, water and air quality and natural ecosystems. 4. Preserve,maintain,and/or strengthen the cultural,social,historical,physical and visual qualities unique to the community. The Commission should review the above goal statements and the related policies stated on page 6 of the attachments. Also enclosed to provide a "framework" to evaluate these statements is a draft vision statement for the 2003 Comprehensive Plan. Will the goals and policies, either in their current form, or revised, help to achieve the future community vision? Status of Current Park System Attached please find a summary of the City's park system. This summary details parks by type and totals the acreage. The Associated park map shows where each park is located. The City's total parkland acreage is now 826.9 acres. Of the total acres of park owned by the City, the division between each park type is as follows: Park Type Total Acres Percent of Total Active 110 13.4 Neighborhood 57.23 6.7 Conservancy 462.7 56 Community 62 7.6 Athletic 62 7.6 Trail 73 8.8 Of the total number of acres, there is an almost even split between developed and undeveloped parks (468.5 acres versus 358.4 acres). The City's land area totals 28,190 acres; the City's parkland is 2.9% of the total. The City has acquired its land through park dedication, purchases, and donations. S:\PLANNING\MICHMC\PARKNREC\10-8 Spec Mtg memo.doc Memo to the Park and Recreation Commission Park System Vision Discussion October 9,2002 Page 3 In 2000,the Commission evaluated the City's remaining vacant land to determine where land should be acquired, either through dedication or purchase. The results of this evaluation include the parks in developing east Elk River: Kliever Lake Fields, Eagles Marsh, Park Pointe, and the recent purchase of land from Grace Assembly of God Church. A list of parcels outside of the Urban Service District was also identified and prioritized(Future Park Property Matrix). Commissioner Kuester and staff spoke with the Bloomdahls regarding possible purchase of their property for a regional park facility. The City has now received 26 acres for a future park north of County Road 33 from the plat of Windsor Park 3rd Addition, the cluster subdivision on a portion of the Bloomdahl property. Striking a Balance Between Land Acquisition. Park Development, and Future Replacement of Improvements With the City's acquisition of 826.9 acres of land for parks,investments have been made in equipment,buildings,and other improvements. As with land acquisition,the City has been able to develop its parks through the use of donations(money,time,materials),grants,and the park dedication fund. These items are tracked by the Finance Department as fixed assets. The total value of these investments is as follows: Land Equipment Buildings Improvements $3,746,804.45 $246,313.00 $169,317.00 $1,264,157.00 Does not include Playgrounds, swing Shelters, barn, Trails, basketball $215,000 spent for sets, slides gazebo courts, field Grace acquisition development,fences, parking lots, landscaping, irrigation, lighting Of the expenditures listed under improvements, the largest ones are: YAC field construction: $300,360.00 Woodland Trails Parking Lot:$122,700.00 Great Northern Trail: $117,000.00 The total value of equipment,buildings,and improvements is$1,679,787.00. Some monies can be subtracted for improvements such as grading for field development,as this will not have to be redone or replaced. However,the bulk of the items noted above will need to be replaced at some point in the future. There are some playgrounds that were installed in the late 1980s, and will require replacement either due to age or safety issues. Most of the equipment has been installed in the late 1990s, so there are a few years (10-15?) prior to replacement occurring. The park dedication fund's current balance is$830,000.00. It is clear that a balance needs to be found between land acquisition,park development,and future replacement if the only source of funds available is the park dedication fund. If a park levy or bond were to occur, the need to balance these three items would still be important, but not as dire. S:\PLANNING\MICHMC\PARKNREC\168 Spec Mtg memo.doc Memo to the Park and Recreation Commission Park System Vision Discussion October 9,2002 Page 4 In addition to acquiring future parcels for development,there is the need for development of current parklands already in the City's inventory. Neighborhood parks such as Kliever Lake Fields,Park Pointe,and Grace will be coming on line in the very near future(less than five years). Improvements such as boardwalks in Meadowvale Heights and a shelter/interpretive center in Woodland Trails Park have also been identified. Improvements at the Youth Athletic Complex are also on going. Questions for Discussion As the Commission discusses the future vision of the Elk River Park System,here are some questions to consider: • What is the mission of the Elk River Park System? What services/amenities/experiences does the system hope to provide the current and future residents of Elk River? • What expectations do the current and future residents of Elk River have regarding parks when they move into a neighborhood and the City? • In what way, if any, is the current park system deficient? • What parcels of land would make the system "complete" • Is the goal of land acquisition to protect open space or environmentally sensitive lands? • Are there parcels that need protection that cannot be protected through other means? • Is the goal to acquire land so that no one else can acquire it for development purposes? • Is there another way, i.e. cluster subdivisions,to protect and preserve open space? • What is the impact to taxpayers when land is taken off the tax roles to be in public ownership? • Is it the role of the City to develop regional parks? • Should the City continue to reimburse developers for bituminous trail construction? S:\PLANNING\MICHMC\PARKNREC\10-8 Spec Mtg memo.doc SEP 0 3 2flr August 30, 02 Duane Peterson, Chair Elk River Park and Recreation Commission 19495 Upland St. NW Elk River, MN 55330 Dear Duane: I am writing to briefly outline several issues that I feel require some clarification regarding the Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission's position on these issues. Speaking for myself, these clarifications would not only be helpful as we conduct our work as a Commission, they would also provide a context in which to represent the views of the Commission to the Comprehensive Plan Task Force. The first issue is the Commission's vision of the ultimate composition of the Elk River Parks and Recreation system. An important element of this vision is finding the balance between regional and neighborhood parks, green space and playing fields, natural areas and more public spaces. Defining this balance then sets up the context in which the Commission makes its recommendations to buy or otherwise acquire land—in what amounts, in which locations and for what purposes. Another important element is the long-range planning which details what level of development takes place at a specific location, when it is scheduled to occur, and the financial support required. Concerning the vision, I think the Commission has taken several key steps toward defining one, but we still need to do a lot of heavy lifting to insure that each member is clear about what our collective vision is, the land acquisition and development priorities inherent in the vision, the financial investment required for both acquisition and development, and the realistic time line required to make it happen. While I still refer to the key list of land acquisitions we conducted several years ago, I think the list needs to be updated and the actual process/criteria for researching and formulating solid land acquisition recommendations to the City Council, needs to be fine-tuned. The second issue is the Commission's view regarding park, recreation and trail development outside of the Urban District boundaries. As the rural areas in Elk River accelerate in development, the boundaries between rural and urban will blur. Right now, our Master Plan—with a few exceptions—has the Commission focused on the Urban District. As the Commission looks ahead for the next 5-15 years, will this position change? Given the current Comprehensive Planning Process, it is somewhat inevitable that the Commission's vision beyond the Urban District will come up. It would be helpful to me to have a Commission consensus to present to the Task Force. I feel that both of these issues will require some discussion time away from our regular meeting. In fact, they may require several such meetings in order to do justice to the topics. I suggest that we address the Urban District boundary question in a special INTRODUCTION PURPOSE The Master Park and Recreation Plan will provide the City of Elk River with a detailed framework for the orderly growth and development of their Park and Recreation System. The rapid growth that has been experienced by the City of Elk River in the 1980's is expected to continue through the 1990's and beyond. As more people are attracted to Elk River because of its rural character, open space and natural beauty, preserving the things that make up the high "quality of life" in the City will become more difficult. The residents of Elk River are clearly concerned with parks and recreation opportunities. The survey of residents that was completed indicates very high demand for park facilities and very high participation in recreation programs,;. The City of Elk River has made substantial progress in providing for the present and future recreational needs of its residents. The City has improved facilities at Orono Park, Lions Park, and Woodland Trails Park, and has acquired significant land for future parks and trails. Major recreation facilities have been built on the school campus, the Oak Knoll Athletic Complex, and the Orono softball field complex. The City recognizes, however, that continued population growth will require that more land dedicated to parks will need to be acquired, more park and recreation facilities will need to be developed and existing natural resources will need to be preserved. In areas of the City that are under continued development pressure, it becomes essential that the City proceed in a timely manner to identify and acquire key properties for future park and recreation facilities. The City of Elk River is committed to providing for the park and recreation needs of the residents. The Master Park and Recreation Plan is an important step in providing a Park and Recreation System that meets those needs. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The Master Park and Recreation Plan is a continuation of the planning effort that was started with the City's Comprehensive Plan. The City's Comprehensive Plan outlined the following goals and objectives for parks and recreation in the City of Elk River. I. GOAL Encourage the development of a quality residential community which retains a semi-rural atmosphere. POLICIES • Continue the low density residential development pattern through the use of open space areas and the designation of buffer areas between non-compatible land uses. 2. GOAL Provide and maintain adequate and efficient levels of public services within the community. POLICIES • Create and maintain a trail system that allows for safe pedestrian movements throughout the City and provide access to parks and other open spaces with active and passive recreational opportunities for residents in all age groups. • Maintain and improve the city's existing public recreation facilities. • Require developers of new areas to either dedicate public open space or make a payment in lieu of dedication to the City's park improvement fund. 3. GOAL Develop, preserve and protect environmental resources, such as forests, wetlands, water bodies and their shorelines, within the area with respect to open space, recreational uses, water and air quality and natural ecosystems. POLICIES • Restrict development of shorelands, wetlands and drainage ways. • Restrict alteration of natural contours and soils and restrict removal of natural vegetation. • Preserve natural systems through acquisition, dedication or easements. • Require that development plans demonstrate a compatibility with natural features and systems. 4. GOAL Preserve, maintain and/or strengthen the cultural, social, historical, physical and visual qualities unique to the community. POLICIES • Reserve through purchase, easement, or dedication public access to wetlands, waterways, lakeshore or other natural preservation areas. • Work with other public and private agencies to identify, preserve and protect sites of historical, architectural and cultural significance. • Work with developers to preserve existing natural open space areas. • Require that developers provide for buffer area between differing, non compatible land use, whenever possible making use of the natural land characteristics. 6 PROPOSED PARK SYSTEM PARK SERVICE.AREAS Park Service Areas are proposed in the Plan as a useful method of planning for the acquisitions of neighborhood parks in the urban area of the city. Neighborhood parks and consequently park service areas were not identified in the rural areas of Elk River. It was felt that typical neighborhood park amenities could be accommodated on larger rural lots. Indeed. most individual rural lots themselves are larger that the typical neighborhood park. The Park Service Areas are particularly valuable in implementing a neighborhood park system where geographic distance from residents to park facilities is an important consideration. Neighborhood parks, ranging in size from 2 to 4 acres, are an important component of Elk River's park system. They provide for the recreational needs of the people within walking or biking distance of their homes. In order to serve the entire urban area of the city sufficiently. the park service area boundaries must be defined and mapped. The criteria for differentiating boundaries are physical barriers, geographic distance and estimated population distribution. Physical boundaries include highways, rivers and lakes. The geographic distance is ideally a radius of one mile or smaller to be within a comfortable range of any given Neighborhood Park. It is anticipated that land for future neighborhood parks will be dedicated as property is subdivided. An attempt was made to identify the location of these future neighborhood where land could be dedicated by more than one property owner. However, the suitability of land for neighborhood parks will still need to be considered on a case by case basis. Where existing parks and recreational lands serve neighborhood park needs within a park service area, the addition of a neighborhood park is not planned. The park service areas will need to be adjusted, if the urban areas of the city is expanded and as new collector roads are identified. The following map shows the Park Service Areas in Elk River and the possible location of future neighborhood parks. 9 1 i I11111Iil2IhaII 1IIIIII , Hi , i11ihiIIold! 11 il , dl1l j .l i i ,I !I11! I11 , ill ! ! ;I iiiiiiI llHHIl i r . „..„ i e , y ..,N," 1 hc\--- _y,- c- ' o\,,, 1 _ __, i 9 .i_i . 9,,,...,„ / / , c:._ , F CI 7 .__, . \-0--- - P (-2-"zi_ \,_ 1 a . at '---1 LA nu te _ D. 1 filL Ei _ i a - j 1 Nt a -"gi __ iirrt • IN �Itt, { , i F ' 1 \ P8A , aid, d , PsA-2 O Pakl il i 1 A ' CC O m- ( O ce _Al pin. OBI ir_ I !rte 11111 "111111 1t1 ingj1111 � ; q � il " 111111 11 , . If ; IA ?, 1M1111111111g / Ifil ', PARKS E O MAP C-1.1 NEIGHBORHOOD W t PARK SERVICE AREAS L/ � 't. MAY 11)97 City of �� �, Elk river a H iver �'. \. PLAY LOTS The existing park system currently has six (6) parks that are playlots or somewhere between a playlot and a neighborhood park. North Terrace Park is a true play lot and Elk Hills Park, Meadow Park, Moldenhauer Park, Baldwin Park and Barrington park are playlots/neighborhood parks. These parks can be beneficial to their immediate neighborhood and it is recommended that master plans for the undeveloped ones. Elk Hills Park, Meadow Park and Moldenhauer Park, be prepared and implemented. The Plan does not recommend any additional Play Lots. These parks are very difficult to maintain and serve a limited purpose. In most cases, the need for Play lots can best be met privately rather than as part of the City System. NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS The existing park system currently has two (2) developed neighborhood parks: including Ridgewood East Park and Deerfield 4th Park, and one undeveloped neighborhood park, Orono Parkway Park. There are also five(5) existing playlot/neighborhood parks including Moldenhauer Park, Meadow Park, Elk Hills Park, Baldwin Park and Barrington Park that can partially serve neighborhood park needs. Moldenhauer, Elk Hills and Meadow Parks are currently undeveloped - Meadowvale Heights Park is also anticipated to be developed to meet the neighborhood park needs of the area. It is recommended that master plans for each undeveloped park be prepared and implemented. The Plan emphasizes a neighborhood park system, which reflects the sentiments of the residents as expressed through the Community Survey. Neighborhood parks, or other parks with neighborhood park facilities, are proposed for each of the Park Service Areas. In many cases, the neighborhood park facilities are provided in community parks, athletic complexes, area-wide parks or other parks that service more than one purpose. COMMUNITY PARKS The existing park system currently has two (2) Community Parks: Orono Park and Lions Park, both of which have been substantially developed. These parks are very important components of the park system and Orono Park is currently heavily used by the residents. Both parks however, have various functional and/or aesthetic problems that need to be addressed. It is recommended that master plans for each park be prepared and implemented. The Plan does not recommend any additional Community Parks, however, some proposed neighborhood parks such as Meadowvale Heights Park could evolve into community parks in the future due to changing community growth and needs. 109 ATHLETIC COMPLEXES The existing park system currently has three (3) athletic complexes: including the softball complex portion of Orono Park, which is city owned, Oak Knoll Athletic Complex, which is co-owned by the city and school district and the school campus. which is owned by the school district. All of these facilities are and fully developed and are heavily used at the present time. The plan recommends that additional athletic complexes be developed immediately. It may also be possible to meet some future needs through playfields on future school sites or neighborhood parks. AREA WIDE PARKS The existing park system currently has three (3) area wide parks: including Woodland Trails Park, Hillside Park and Shiely Park. Shiely and Hillside are currently undeveloped. Master Plans for these parks should be prepared and implemented. The plan recommends that possibly four (4) additional area wide parks be developed: one on the Houlton Farm along the Mississippi River, (possibly Houlton's Island) one in the northeast portion of the City (possibly by Eagle Lake) , one in the northwest portion of the city (possibly a unique Tamarack Swamp located there) and one in the southeast portion of the city along the Mississippi River (possibly adjacent to the Kelly Farm). LINEAR PARKS The existing park system currently has one (1) Linear Park, the Railroad Trail. The plan proposed an extensive trail system, including several trail corridors that should be considered linear parks. particularly the proposed trail corridor along the Mississippi River. HISTORIC PARKS The existing park system currently has one (1) Historic Park, the Kelly Farm, which is privately owned and operated by the Minnesota Historical Society as an historic preservation site. The Plan does not specifically propose additional historic parks, however, it does recommend that the Town Square or Jackson/Main Park possibly be restored, and a park established on the Houlton Farm could fall into the category of Historic Parks. CONSERVANCY PARKS The existing park system currently has two (2) Conservancy Park, including Deerfield 2nd park, which is a wetland area, and Country Crossings which is an old growth forest. 110 Both were conserved as part of the park system. Oak Knoll Park could also be considered a conservancy park. The plan does not specifically designate additional Conservancy Parks, however, they should be added to the park system as the City has an opportunity to acquire and preserve special landscapes and environmentally sensitive areas that are threatened by development. SPECIAL USE The existing park system currently has seven (7) Special Use Parks, including the Jackson/Main Park (Town Square) which is City owned, and Babcock Wayside Rest, Elk River Country Club. Pinewood Golf Course, County Fairgrounds, Meadowvale School and Handke School, which are non-City owned. The plan proposes the addition of one (1) Special Use Park, which is the Downtown River Walk. Ill PROPOSED TRAIL SYSTEM PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE TRAILS The Elk River Master Park and Recreation Plan proposes an extensive system of trails serving all areas of the City and accommodating a wide variety of activities. The Community Survey indicated very strong support for a trail system and particularly a system developed for both pedestrian and bicycle use. The proposed trail system is essentially a networking of paths to connect the major parks and open spaces. By forming the connections between parks, trail loops are developed that offer a wide variety of experiences and distances, thereby accommodating differing user needs. The connections are very important to the city's park system because they provide convenient access to various park sites without having to drive to each destination and at the same time providing an enjoyable recreation activity. The proposed trail system will also provide safe pedestrian movements to non-park destinations. Most trails are proposed to serve both the pedestrian and the bicyclist, however, in heavy use areas, separate trails could be provided. Detached trails in their own right-of-way/corridor not associated with roadways, are preferred. The proposed trails in the plan are shown in the preferred locations as much as possible. However, the exact locations and the need for additional trails have to be determined as property develops and new road corridors are established. The Plan recommends that trails be designed to the standards illustrated in the following sections as well as those standards described in the Appendix titled "Guide for Development of New Bicycle Facilities". Due to funding problems, it is anticipated that in the rural areas, at least temporarily, widened shoulders will need to serve as trails. These widened shoulders will need to be minimum of six (6) feet and preferably twelve (12) feet wide. It is recommended that a plan for funding development and maintenance of trails is prepared and implemented. Special consideration must be given to tying into regional trail systems such as the Mississippi River Trail. 113 IMPLEMENTATION The Master Park and Recreation Plan provides the City of Elk River with a detailed framework for the orderly growth and development of the Park and Recreation System. Implementation of the Plan requires thoughtful consideration of priorities, policies, phasing, financing, maintenance and operation. The following discussion and recommendations for implementation should provide a sound foundation for proceeding with the Park and Recreation Plan. PRIORITIES The community survey conducted by Decision Resources, Ltd., in December, 1989, provides the basis for establishing priorities that are consistent with the current preferences of the residents of Elk River. The survey indicated a very strong demand for park and recreation facilities. The most popular activity was hiking or walking, followed by bicycling and nature walks. All of these activities suggest that trails should be a very high priority in the Park and Recreation Plan. The survey also indicated strong demand for a broad range of activities, including swimming, fishing, golfing, softball, picnic areas, sliding hills and soccer. The concept of a downtown river walk was favored by 74% of the residents. A nature trail was favored by 74%, an outdoor swimming pool 65%, a nature area/interpretive center 66%, and play equipment 44%. Sixty-five percent of the residents supported the concept of acquiring land for park development along the Mississippi River. Seventy-four percent of the residents supported the construction of an Elk River Community Center. In summary, the community survey clearly indicated that the residents of Elk River desire an improved and expanded park and recreation system. Support for financing an expanded park and recreation system is more difficult and points out the importance of having well-planned park proposals that are in line with resident preferences. The determination of park and recreation priorities is also influenced by other factors. Additional considerations may include the following: Existing Ci& Ownership of the Land Land that is currently owned by the City of Elk River may be a higher priority for improvement simply because it is available and can be developed more quickly and at a lower price. 120 Land Acquisition Priorities for land acquisition are influenced by the cost and availability of the land. The city may need to move quickly to take advantage of land that is for sale or to acquire land that is under development pressure. The city may also have to adjust priorities to recognize land that is available to the city through the park land dedication ordinance. Some of these opportunities cannot be anticipated by the Plan and, therefore, the Plan needs to be flexible enough to accommodate changes that are beneficial to the city and compatible (though not identical) to the Plan. Funding Programs In some cases, the source of funds to implement the park and recreation system will affect the priorities. For example, federal and state park grant programs establish eligibility requirements in which they fund certain types of park facilities and not others. They also utilize a rating system for grant applications in which park facilities on their priority list(such as boat launches, water related facilities and trails) are ranked higher than other facilities (such as parking areas, play areas and picnic facilities). Economic Development Park projects are sometimes part of an overall economic development strategy where they can be beneficial to the city in terms of facilitating targeted economic development projects. The downtown river walk may be an example of that type of project where, because of the positive effect on downtown development, the river walk may be given a higher priority. Natural Resources Protection of natural resources, such as woodland, wetland, native prairie, lakes, streams and rivers is an important objective of the Park and Recreation Plan. The opportunity to preserve these valuable natural resources will need to be recognized in the determination of priorities. Recreation Program Demands The demand for specific recreation programs and activities greatly affects the priorities for facilities. If there is a greater demand to participate in a program than existing facilities can accommodate, then those facilities should receive a higher priority that facilities with lesser participation. This is the case with athletic complexes. The facilities available for soccer, softball and baseball have not kept pace with the growing participation in these activities. The demand for athletic complexes is expected to continue to grow as new families locate in Elk River. 121 GENERAL PRIORITY AREAS The following general priority areas are proposed: 1. Athletic Complexes The acquisition and development of land for community athletic fields is the highest priority area for the parks and recreation program. - The participation in youth soccer, softball and baseball is growing and there is shortage of available facilities to accommodate the growth. - Land areas that do not have significant natural vegetation and that are not burdened with urban service assessments should be considered. Other land areas that have appropriate topography and soil conditions, that are easily accessible and that do not present potential conflicts with residential areas should also be considered. The potential for a joint effort between the city and the School District to develop additional athletic complexes should be pursued. Since youth athletic activities draw from the entire #728 School District, fair participation in the development of athletic complexes by all communities within the district should be pursued. 2. Trails Extensive trail development is proposed to meet the demand reflected by the community survey. Walking trails, bicycle trails and nature trails are a high priority. - The development of the railroad corridor for hiking/biking trails and cross-country ski trails is high priority. - The development of internal park trails. particularly in Hillside Park, is a high priority. 122 The development of a trail adjacent to the Mississippi River, especially from downtown Elk River southeasterly, is a high priority. The green-space associated with this trail should be as wide and significant as practical. Park linkages and loops that connect various parks and neighborhoods are important but, in comparison, are a moderate priority. The utilization of utility corridors takes advantage of land and right-of-ways that may be immediately available. The agreements and/or permits that are necessary to utilize this land for trails are a high priority. Improvements to the trail system within the utility corridors are a moderate priority. The parkway system is a concept that must be implemented over a long period of time. As major changes or improvements are planned for these roadways, the trails and bikeways should be incorporated into the improvements. Due to the long range nature of this project, the parkway system is a low priority. Many trails will follow existing road corridors. Therefore, providing trails to these roads and widening shoulders as they are upgraded is a high priority. 3. Existing Parks Hillside and Top of the World Parks provide excellent opportunities for an outstanding area-wide park. Development of amenities in these parks and clean-up of the dump site at Hillside Park are high priorities. Town Square Park is an important historic and aesthetic resource for the city and the downtown area. The restoration of this park depends on the resolution of parking issues. Town Square Park is a moderate priority. Lions, Woodland Trails, Oak Knoll Athletic Complex and Orono Parks are very important, heavily used parks. All of these parks are substantially developed and, therefore, improvements and/or changes are a moderate priority. Improvements and/or changes are also a low priority for the following already developed parks: Baldwin. Barrington, Deerfield 4th. North Terrace, and Ridgewood East. 123 Other park areas, such as Country Crossings. Deerfield 2, Elk Hills, Meadow Park, Meadowvale Heights. Moldenhauer, and Oak Knoll Parks should be developed as the neighborhoods develop and as demand for recreation facilities increase. These park improvements range from moderate priority to low priority. 4. New Parks Neighborhood parks are a high priority as reflected in the Community Survey. The city should establish a neighborhood park system as described in the plan, through timely acquisition of land and through the parkland dedication ordinance, as development occurs. Land acquisition is a high priority. Development is a moderate to low priority. The Houlton Farm and /or Houlton's Island is an exceptional historic, recreation and aesthetic resource for both the city and the region. The acquisition of this property for park and recreation use is a high priority. The downtown riverfront, along with a trail system along the Mississippi River, is an important concept with strong support from the residents and potential economic development benefits to the downtown area. The downtown riverfront is high priority. The expanded trail along the Mississippi is a moderate priority. Eagle Lake is an important natural resource and offers the potential for an outstanding area-wide park. Acquisition of land in this area, or a similar area in the northeast portion of the city, is a high to moderate priority depending on development pressure and the need to protect sensitive natural areas. Conservation areas should be preserved through either acquisition or zoning. It is extremely important that these sensitive areas be protected from encroachment by development. Once destroyed, these unique landscapes can never be replaced. Therefore, depending on location and development pressure, acquisition of these areas is a high to low priority. Protection of these areas through zoning or ordinances is a high priority. The establishment of area-wide parks in the northwestern and southeastern (along the Mississippi River) areas of the city to 124 protect sensitive natural areas while providing park opportunities to these areas of the city is a moderate to high priority depending on development pressure. 5. Special Use Facilities A Community Center is an important special-use facility that would serve the entire community and compliment existing park and recreation facilities. The community survey indicated strong support for a Community Center. The Center is a high priority. An outdoor swimming pool would fill a void in recreation facilities between the beach at Orono Park and the indoor swimming pool provided by the school district. The outdoor pool shows significant support by area residents and should be considered a moderate to high priority. An interpretive center, located at Woodland Trails Park, is a facility that would greatly expand the recreational and educational value of the Park. The interpretive center is a moderate to low priority. Although golf is increasing in popularity and is an important recreation activity, this need in the City of Elk River is being adequately met by the privately owned courses that are open to the public. A city-owned golf course is a low priority. FINANCING The implementation of the Master Park and Recreation Plan is an ambitious undertaking and there are no easy methods of obtaining the necessary funding to make it a reality. FINANCIAL SUPPORT Financial support for the implementation of the Plan will require the following basic actions: 1. Establish priorities based upon the needs and preferences expressed by the residents of the city. The residents must continue to support the development of the parks and recreation system and be involved in the decision making process. 125 Draft-September 2002 Vision for Elk River Importance of a Vision? According to an old story,two stonecutters were asked what they were doing. The first said, "I'm cutting this stone into blocks." The second replied,"I'm on a team that is building a cathedral." This story describes the role of a vision on managing the growth and development of a City. Without a vision, development management works much like the first stonecutter. New pieces are added without a clear picture of what is being built. The vision provides the picture of the"cathedral"that Elk River seeks to become. Each development and redevelopment project must help to build the future, not just fit cleanly with the next "stone block". The Comprehensive Planning process has been described as building the future Elk River. The cornerstone of that building is the vision. The Vision Statement provides a broad and enduring view of Elk River. The Vision serves several purposes: • The Vision serves as a tool for evaluating proposals,projects,ideas and new directions. How does this action fit with the Vision? • Creating a Vision Statement allows a shared understanding of community desires for the future. • The Vision encourages the community to consider the future,even to a future that is twenty years distant. • The Vision provides an anchor in times of conflict and change-a way of finding common ground and shared values. • The Vision encourages imagination,recognizing that the direction it sets will be the reality of the future. • The Vision creates energy and enthusiasm for maintaining the commitment to the Comprehensive Plan. Vision Statement The vision for the future of Elk River consists of several themes. Maintain a distinct identity for Elk River. • Elk River will keep an identity and character all its own. • Natural,cultural and historical resources of the community are essential ingredients of Elk River's identity tt‘ Building the Future The Comprehensive Plan for Elk River Draft-September 2002 Vision for Elk River • Elk River seeks to grow in a manner that preserves the qualities of its "small town" heritage. Create and maintain strong neighborhoods. • Neighborhoods are the basic building blocks of Elk River and shape our views and attitudes about the community. • Residential development is judged on both aesthetics and function. Keep Elk River a "safe" place. • Elk River is a place where people feel comfortable and secure. • Traffic safety is an important factor in all aspects of community development. • A system of streets, sidewalks and trails allow safe and convenient movement throughout the city. • Municipal services (police, fire, water treatment) create both the perception and reality of safety. Preserve and maintain the environment. • Elk River seeks to promote clean air and water in the management of development and the delivery of municipal services. • Development must be served by well maintained and reliable infrastructure. • Development seeks to incorporate and blend the built environment with the natural environment. • Rural, undeveloped areas are part of the Elk River environment. • As Energy City, Elk River seeks to promote sustainable and energy efficient forms of development. Make Elk River a complete place. • Community and economic development policies will seek to attract employment opportunities and goods and services needed by the community. • The expansion of local employment creates more opportunities for people to live and work in Elk River. • Planning and decision making must recognize that the population of Elk River is not a single commodity. Differences in age, economic status and ethnicity must be considered in planning for future development, facilities and services. 4 14B the Fucure 2 The Comprehensive Plan for Elk River Draft-Septenler 2002 Vision for Elk River • Recreational and cultural opportunities are important elements of a complete place. • A quality education system attracts and keeps people in Elk River. Work to achieve the vision. • Everyone shares responsibility for achieving the vision. It is not the sole responsibility of city government. • The City will seek collaborative efforts with other partners with who have shared interests to achieve this vision. }�� Building the Future 3 \ The Comprehensive Plan for Elk RNer Current Park Inventory by Type Developed/ Park Name Type Acres Undeveloped City Hall Active 3 U Hillside City Active 80 D Ridges of Rice Lake Active 27 U Active Total 110 Baldwin Neighborhood 1 D Barrington Neighborhood 0.67 D Deerfield Hill Neighborhood 2 D Rivers Edge Commons Neighborhood 0.25 D Meadow Neighborhood 0.25 D Fresno Neighborhood 0.5 D North Terrace Neighborhood 0.25 D Ridgewood East Neighborhood 5 D Mississippi Oaks Neighborhood 1.29 D Highlands East Neighborhood 1.3 U Country Crossing Neighborhood 3 D Trott Brook Farms Neighborhood 11.3 D Riverplace Neighborhood 2 D Highlands West Neighborhood 8 U Kliever Lake Fields Neighborhood 7.92 U Grace Neighborhood 11 U Park Pointe Neighborhood 1.5 U Neighborhood Total 57.23 Oak Savannah Conservancy 20 U Sedge Meadow Conservancy 20 U Elk Hills Green Space Conservancy 0.67 U Harris Island Conservancy 12 U Meadowvale Heights Conservancy 40 U Woodland Trails Conservancy 164 D Top of the World Conservancy 80 U Camp Cozy Conservancy 48 U Big Tooth Ridge Conservancy 31 U Windsor Park Conservancy 12 U Park Pointe Conservancy 3.83 U Eagles Marsh Conservancy 5.15 U Windsor Park 3rd Conservancy 26 U Conservancy Total 462.7 Lions Community 34 D Orono Community 28 D Community Total 62 Oak Knoll Athletic Complex 11 D Orono Athletic Complex 12 D Youth Athletic Athletic Complex 39 D Athletic Complex Total 62 Great Northern Trail Trail 73 D Trail Total 73 Grand Total 826.9 Current Park Inventory by Development Status Developed/ Park Name Type Acres Undeveloped Hillside City Active 80 D Baldwin Neighborhood 1 D Barrington Neighborhood 0.67 D Deerfield Hill Neighborhood 2 D Rivers Edge Commons Neighborhood 0.25 D Meadow Neighborhood 0.25 D Fresno Neighborhood 0.5 D North Terrace Neighborhood 0.25 D Ridgewood East Neighborhood 5 D Mississippi Oaks Neighborhood 1.29 D Country Crossing Neighborhood 3 D Trott Brook Farms Neighborhood 11.3 D Riverplace Neighborhood 2 D Woodland Trails Conservancy 164 D Lions Community 34 D Orono Community 28 D Oak Knoll Athletic Complex 11 D Orono Athletic Complex 12 D Youth Athletic Athletic Complex 39 D Great Northern Trail Trail 73 D 468.5 D Total City Hall Active 3 U Ridges of Rice Lake Active 27 U Highlands East Neighborhood 1.3 U Highlands West Neighborhood 8 U Kliever Lake Fields Neighborhood 7.92 U Grace Neighborhood 11 U Park Pointe Neighborhood 1.5 U Oak Savannah Conservancy 20 U Sedge Meadow Conservancy 20 U Elk Hills Green Space Conservancy 0.67 U Harris Island Conservancy 12 U Meadowvale Heights Conservancy 40 U Top of the World Conservancy 80 U Camp Cozy Conservancy 48 U Big Tooth Ridge Conservancy 31 U Windsor Park Conservancy 12 U Park Pointe Conservancy 3.83 U Eagles Marsh Conservancy 5.15 U Windsor Park 3rd Conservancy 26 U 358.4 U Total 826.9 Grand Total Future Park Property Matrix Property Owner Location Size Description Price Desired Park Issues Priority Classification Flat and open, Auburn aptVE LOPEDa%RENVAt" lBWNHOMES Santwire Property 6th St acres Park $58,000 N/A WiR NW 1/4 NE 1/4 Disconnected Section 11 Twp Rolling,mostly open from Grays Phil Barsody 33 20 acres high ground For Sale? Area Wide/Community property Flat and open Adjacent Twin agricultual land with Adjacent Lakes,County 38.63 some low areas on Anoka's Twin Barker(75-124-4400) Rds 31 and 13 acres Twin Lake Community/Athletic Complex Lakes Park 5 Flat and open Adjacent Twin agricultual land with Adjacent Lakes,County 38.63 some low areas on Anoka's Twin Hoebelheinrich(75-124-4300) Rds 31 and 13 acres Twin Lake Community/Athletic Complex Lakes Park 5 190th Ave and PURCHAtE13 fWPPanbii 14 tf FOR 1 I ACRE$ Grace Assembly of God County Rd 13 4 acres some water and trees Discussion Neighborhood Park Downtown and Hal open in Hood Area Widen-ommuniry/Hisiery/ Bailey Point River 11 acres plain Neighborhood 'l Land offered to Lowland and open, Area WNde/Community/ the County for Eugene and Cecelia Scheel 213th Avenue 80 acres along Trott Brook Neighborhood Park a park 225th Ave and 240 Adjacent Grays Schulze(75-102-2000)(75-103-1400) Baldwin St. acres property Area Wide/Community Park 6 30+145+ Greys(75-101-3101)(75-102-1000)(75-102- Section 2,Twp 20+20+2 lowland,peatbog, 4101)(75-102-4105)(75-102-4205) 33 0 acres tamarac wooded Area Wide/Community Park Access 7 Wooded high and low ground with tamarac Future Area WAde/Community David Thompson(75-108-2200) Section 8 40 acres woods Park Wooded high and low Judith and Richard Thompson(75-105-3300)(75 ground with tamarac Future Area Wide/Community 105-4200) Section 5 80 acres woods Park Wooded high and low ground with tamarac Future Area Wide/Community Cart Thompson(75-108-1000) Section 8 50 acres woods Park County Road 1, Wooded high and low DEVELOPED-VjNOSQR$ARK 3RrirADDLTNON0$6 ACRES OF PARMrNCIRT4tIOt&3nunity Bloomdahl(75-108-2400)(75-108-2400) 33 80 acres woods Park 3 Mostly wooded in the undeveloped East of Gagne (+/_)6 flood fringe of the Elk and Gary Westerlund(75-131-2435) Park acres River unbuildable Add to Gagne Park undeveloped East of Gagne (+/-)5 Some woods and and Scott Wallace/Grayce Scott(75-131-2405) Park acres Prairie in flood fringe unbuildable Add to Gagne Park Woods and mostly in the flood fringe with Undeveloped some buildable but could have West of Gagne 11.33 ground off of 189th a house built Richard/Nancy Burnell(75-131-2225) Park acres Ave on it Add to Gagne Park Adjacent Top of Access to the World Park Proctor and Alvema Malmstrom(75-121-4100) and Proctor 40 acres open field trail head Add to Top of the World Park 4 Mississippi River and Hwy 10,near Kelly 300 Flat open along river Future Area 4Mde/Neighborhood On River next Specht property Farm acres and Hwy 10 Park to Kelly Farm 2 Fpkmtx.xls