9.B.1. PRSR 05-08-2002 9.B.1 .
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
411 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.
91
• PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 1
DESCRIPTION:
PSA Number 1 consists of older neighborhoods currently without urban services. The
area is defined by the Elk River to the south and County Road 35 to the north.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
Map Key: 15 - Oak Knoll Park - Undeveloped wooded lowland adjacent to
t�c� e Elk Ri-
er.
C*4 a eat.-t- 41A44-is
SERVICE SUMMARY:
An additional neighborhood park has been identified in this area, which will be needed if
the area receives urban services and the population intensifies. It is possible that Oak
Knoll Park could serve some of the neighborhood park needs of this area.
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 2
DESCRIPTION:
i
PSA Number 2 is fairly undeveloped. It is defined by the Elk River and Lake Orono to
the north and Highway 10 to the south.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND.
None lZ-�t .�tE 1e-14---
SERVICE SUMMARY
The neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 2 will have to be met by the future
dedication of a neighborhood park.
AI
93
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 3
DESCRIPTION
PSA Number 3 is mostly undeveloped, although it has recently received development
activity. It is bordered by Highway 10 on the north and County Road 30 on the south.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
Map Key G - Pinewood Golf Course - A privately owned, but open to the public, nine
hole executive golf course.
SERVICE SUMMARY..
The neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 3 will have to be met by dedication of a
future neighborhood park.
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 4
•
DESCRIPTION:
PSA Number 4 is mostly developed with larger non-urbanized residential lots. PSA
Number 4 is defined by County Road 30 on the north and the Mississippi River on the
south.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
None 6Vlr.(W
c+'-rX .i �j tIL
SER VICE SUMMARY-
The neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 4 will need to be met by the dedication of
a future neighborhood park.
94
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 5
DESCRIPTION:
PSA Number 5 is approximately half developed by recently established urban lots. The
area is defined by County Road 30 on the north and the Mississippi River on the south. -
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
None. AA I Crol SS W1 Oik-V4
ER VICE SUI1vLI/LARY.:
The neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 5 are proposed to be met with a future
neighborhood park in the proposed second addition of Mississippi Oaks subdivision.
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 6
DESCRIPTION:
PSA Number 6 consists of fairly well developed neighborhoods with the City Hall
complex situated within it. It is defined by Highway 10 and Lake Orono on the north and
east and County Road 30 on the south.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
Map Key 3 - Country Crossings Park - Conservancy park - old growth forest with trail
link
Map Key 12 -Merieletthertter Park - playlot/neighborhood park currently undeveloped.
Map Key 16 - Orono Park/Ballfield Complex -This park is a community park/athletic
complex with numerous amenities.
Map Key 17 - Orono Parkway Park - Orono Parkway Park is currently undeveloped.
SERVICE SUMMARY:
The neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 6 are met with existing facilities.
•
95
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 7
DESCRIPTION:
PSA Number 7 is mostly developed with larger non-urbanized lots. PSA Number 7 is
bordered by County Road 35 on the north and Lake Orono on the south.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
None. is Ato
cwt oN IAI `R1iS ,%4
SERVICE SUMMARY:
The neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 7 need to be met by the dedication of a
•
future neighborhood park.
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 8
DESCRIPTION.
PSA Number 8 is currently mostly undeveloped but is starting to develop with urbanized
lots. The area is defined by the limits of the urban service area of the city on the west and
north, County Road 1 on the east, and the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks on the
south.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
Map Key 11 - Meadowvale Heights Park - This park is currently undeveloped.
SERVICE SUMMARY:
The neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 8 are proposed to be met by the
development of Meadowvale Heights Park.
S
96
• PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 9
DESCRIPTION:
PSA Number 9 is currently undeveloped. However, a large residential subdivision is
planned on the north side of this park service area in the near future. PSA Number 9 is
bordered by the Elk River Country Club on the north, County Road 1 on the west and
south, and Proctor Avenue on the east.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
Map Key 18 - Railroad Trail - The city's railroad trail runs through the center of this park
service area.
Map Key F - Meadowvale School - Developed with playfields and playground
equipment.
SERVICE SUMMARY:
The neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 9 are currently met by facilities at
Meadowvale School. As this park service area further develops however, additional
neighborhood park needs will have to be met by the dedication of a future neighborhood
park.
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 10
DESCRIPTION:
PSA Number 10 is mostly devoted to industrial uses with very limited residential
development. PSA Number 10 is bordered by County Road 1 on the north and the
Burlington Northern Railroad tracks on the south.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
Map Key 14 - Oak Knoll Athletic Complex - developed athletic complex with flat
playfields and parking.
SERVICE SUMMARY.:
With limited residential potential in this park service area and Oak Knoll Athletic
Complex being situated within it, no further neighborhood parks are planned.
97
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 11
DESCRIPTION:
PSA Number 11 consists of well established older neighborhoods. It is bordered on the
north by the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks and Highway 10 on the south.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
None.
SERVICE SUMMARY:
The neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 11 will need to be met by the future
dedication of a neighborhood park. However, little vacant land remains in PSA 11
adjacent to its residential districts. The city will need to stay vigilant in order to identify
an opportunity to create a neighborhood park in this area.
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 12
DESCRIPTION.
PSA Number 12 consists of well established older neighborhoods and is bordered by
Highway 10 on the north and Lake Orono on the south.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
None.
SERVICE SUMMARY:
The neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 11 will need to be accommodated by the
dedication of a future neighborhood park. Virtually no vacant land remains in this park
service area and it will be difficult to acquire land for a park.
98
• PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 13
DESCRIPTION..
PSA Number 13 consists of some older established neighborhoods on the north side. It is
bordered on the north by Lake Orono and the Elk River and on the south by the
Mississippi River.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
None.
SERVICE SUMMARY.
The neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 13 will need to be met by the dedication of
a future park. There is adequate vacant land with development potential to gain this
future park. PSA Number 13 also has historic significance being the location of two
major Indian battles between the Ojibwe and the Sioux. These battles took place on the
floodplain between the Elk River and the Mississippi River. A trail along the Mississippi
River with significant associated green space is proposed in this location.
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 14
DESCRIPTION:
PSA Number 14 consists of well established older neighborhoods and is bordered by
Highway 10 on the north and the Elk and Mississippi Rivers on the south.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
o $ 4OMS
Map Key 8 - Jacicon and Main-Street- This is a special use park devoted mostly to
parking. c*".e.e./
Map Key D - Handke School - This special use park provides play area and playground
equipment.
SERVICE SUMMARY:
The neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 14 are met by Handke Elementary School
which is centrally located within this area. However, a trail along the river with
410 significant associated green space is proposed.
99
• PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 15
DESCRIPTION:
PSA Number 15 has intense apartment use on the north and west sides. The remainder of
PSA Number 15 is devoted to commercial and industrial uses. PSA Number 15 is
bordered by School Street on the north and Highway 10 on the south.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
Map Key 9 - Lions Park
SERVICE SUMMARY.
Lions Park is centrally located within PSA Number 15 and can serve the neighborhood
park needs of this area.
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 16
lDESCRIPTION..
PSA Number 16 consists of well established older neighborhoods in the west two thirds,
and commercial uses on the east side. Virtually no vacant property exists in this area.
PSA Number 16 is bordered by Jackson Avenue on the west, School Street on the north,
Highway 169 on the east, and Main Street on the south.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
Map Key 13 -North Terrace Park - This playlot serves a limited area because it is
isolated with poor access.
SERVICE SUMMARY
Some neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 16 can be met by North Terrace play lot
and St. Andrews School, which has playground equipment.
S
100
• PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 17
DESCRIPTION.
PSA Number 17 is totally devoted commercial and school uses. The area is bordered by
Jackson Avenue on the west, Highway 10 on the east, and School Street on the south.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND.
None.
SERVICE SUMMARY-
Since there are no residential areas in PSA Number 17, no neighborhood parks are
planned.
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 18
DESCRIPTION:
110 PSA Number 18 consists of well established older neighborhoods with little vacant land
left for development. PSA Number 18 is bordered by Proctor Avenue on the west,
Jackson Avenue on the east, and School Street on the south.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
Map Key 19 - Ridgewood East Park - a fully developed neighborhood park.
Map Key H - School campus - developed athletic complex consisting of extensive
athletic fields and the hockey arena.
SERVICE SUMMARY..
The neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 18 are adequately accommodated by
existing park and recreation land.
•
101
• PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 19
DESCRIPTION.
PSA Number 19 is currently being developed with commercial uses on the west and
residential uses in the remaining area. PSA Number 19 is bordered by Highway 10 on
the west.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND.
None. ltit-,424.s - S W 1 (( -)
SERVICE SUMMARY:
The neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 19 are proposed to be met by the
dedication of a park in a future phase of Hillside Estates.
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 20
•
DESCRIPTION..
The eastern portion of PSA Number 20 consists of residential development. The
northwest and southwest corners of this park service area are developed or are proposed
to be developed with commercial uses. PSA Number 20 is bordered by Highway 169 on
the west.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
Map Key 5 - Deerfield 444 Park- developed neighborhood park.
SERVICE SUMMARY:
The neighborhood park needs of this area are met by Deerfield Park.
Ot
e
102
• PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 21
DESCRIPTION
PSA Number 21 consists of established neighborhoods on the west and vacant land
earmarked for future residential development on the east. PSA Number 21 is bordered by
Tyler Street on the east.
EXISTING PARK A.ND RECREATION LAND:
None. Wit,: o1A6l--Y J� �o?� GF c1ez ' hceeoisrner.1
it Attet
SERVICE SUMMARY:
The neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 21 are planned to be met by the dedication
of a future neighborhood park.
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 22
DESCRIPTION:
PSA Number 22 has a mix of commercial and residential uses on the west side. The east
side of this area consists of vacant land planned for future residential development.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
Map Key 1 - Baldwin Park - a playlot/neighborhood park with playground equipment is
meeting some of the neighborhood park needs of the adjacent apartment dwellers.
Map Key 2 - Barrington Park - a playlot/neighborhood park meeting some neighborhood
park needs of the adjacent apartment dwellers.
Map Key 6 - Elk Hills Park - a currently undeveloped park which could serve some
neighborhood park needs in the future.
SERVICE SUMMARY:
The future neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 22 are proposed to be met by the
dedication of a future neighborhood park in the undeveloped eastern portion of this area.
•
103
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 23
DESCRIPTION:
PSA Number 23 is mostly undeveloped at this time. PSA Number 23 is bordered by
County Road 13 on the west and north and County Road 12 on the south.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
None. 1 `rte- ---
SER VICE SUMMARY:
The neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 23 are proposed to be met by the
dedication of a future neighborhood park.
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 24
DESCRIPTION..
PSA Number 24 consists of well established older neighborhoods on the north side with
the remainder of the area being devoted to commercial and industrial uses.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
Map Key 10 - Meadow Park - an undeveloped neighborhood park.
SERVICE SUMMARY.
The neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 24 are planned to be met by the
development of Meadow Park. Little opportunity for additional parks in this area exist.
104
• PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 23
DESCRIPTION-
PSA Number 23 is mostly undeveloped at this time. PSA Number 23 is bordered by
County Road 13 on the west and north and County Road 12 on the south.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
None. �i izt 'bicsaj . --`�,G- _-
SERVICE SUtvfMARY..
The neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 23 are proposed to be met by the
dedication of a future neighborhood park.
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 24
DESCRIPTION..
• PSA Number 24 consists of well established older neighborhoods on the north side with
the remainder of the area being devoted to commercial and industrial uses.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
Map Key 10 -Meadow Park - an undeveloped neighborhood park.
SERVICE SUILIIVL4RY:
The neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 24 are planned to be met by the
development of Meadow Park. Little opportunity for additional parks in this area exist.
104
• PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 25
DESCRIPTION:
PSA Number 25 is currently underdeveloped. PSA Number 25 is bordered by Highway
10 on the west and County Road 12 on the north.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
None.
SERVICE SUMMARY.
As PSA Number 25 develops with residential uses, it is anticipated that neighborhood
park needs will be met by the development of Hillside Park, which is adjacent to the east
of this area.
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 26
DESCRIPTION.
• PSA Number 26 is mostly undeveloped at this time. PSA Number 26 is bordered by
County Road 13 on the north, County Road 12 on the south, and Trott Brook on the east.
PSA Number 26 is planned for future residential development.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATIONAL LAND:
None. 'vrl-vi" , --/
SERVICE SUMMARY
PSA Number 26 has a significant potential for residential growth. As it develops, a
future neighborhood park will be necessary to meet this need. Property adjacent to Trott
Brook would be a logical location for a future neighborhood park.
105
• PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 27
DESCRIPTION..
PSA Number 27 is mostly undeveloped at the current time. PSA Number 27 is bordered
by County Road 13 on the north, County Road 40 on the east, County Road 12 on the
south and Trott Brook on the west. A portion of PSA Number 27 has been mined for
gravel in the past. This gravel mining has left a man-made lake with possible recreational
benefits to the area. This man-made lake is attached to Trott Brook and has a number of
game species of fish.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATIONAL LAND:
None.
SERVICE SUMMARY:
As PSA Number 27 develops with residential uses, it is anticipated that neighborhood
park needs will be met by the development of a future neighborhood park. One logical
possibility for a location is the abandoned gravel mine within this PSA 27.
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 28
DESCRIPTION:
PSA Number 28 is bordered by the Mississippi River on the west and Hwy. 10 on the
east. PSA Number 28 is currently devoted to commercial uses. The Comprehensive Plan
for Elk River anticipates commercial uses into the future in this area.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
None.
SERVICE SUMMARY:
Because the potential for residential development within PSA Number 28 is extremely
low, there are no plans for a neighborhood park in this area. However, a trail along the
river with significant associated green space is proposed.
•
106
• PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 29
DESCRIPTION..
PSA Number 29 is bordered by Hwy. 10 on the west, 165th Ave. on the south and has the
Burlington Northern Railroad tracks running through the approximate center of it Most
of the property adjacent to Hwy. 10 within PSA Number 29 is currently devoted to
commercial uses. NSP's refuse derived fuel plant and other industrial uses are also
located in PSA Number 29.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
None.
SERVICE SUMMARY
All of PSA Number 29 is either zoned commercial or industrial. Very few existing
residences are located in this park service area. Due to the lack of planned future
residential growth in PSA Number 29, no neighborhood park is planned.
PARK SERVICE AREA NUMBER 30
•
DESCRIPTION:
PSA Number 30 consists of one older residential neighborhood and commercial uses on
the north end. The remainder of PSA Number 30 is currently undeveloped. PSA
Number 30 is bordered by the Mississippi River on the west, Hwy. 10 on the east and The
Kelly Farm (a Historical Park) on the south.
EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION LAND:
None.
SERVICE SUMNL4RY
The neighborhood park needs of PSA Number 30 are proposed to be met by the
dedication of a future neighborhood park as residential uses develop. It is logical that this
neighborhood park would be situated to take advantage of the Mississippi River. The
proposed neighborhood park would be an extension of the significant green space
associated with the river trail.
•
107
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PROPOSED FUTURE N MAP C-1.1 ,°6 1 1710
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
NEIGHBORHOOD % i. „.; —
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PARK SERVICE AREAS — 4 ,
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• 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.
•
111