9.C.3. PRSR 02-09-2000 ,---(.r
Item# 4,ti.
_ity of
71k River MEMORANDUM
TO: Park and Recreation Commission
FROM: Stephen Wensman, Planner
DATE: February 9, 2000
SUBJECT: Parks Review
Overview
As part of the Master Park and Recreation Plan review, the Work Plan for February
includes a review of the following parks:
• Hillside Estates 5th Addition Park and proposed 8th Addition
• Deerfield 4th Addition Park
• • Elk Hills Park
• Barrington Park
• Baldwin Park
• Deerfield 2nd Addition Park
Process
To assist the Commission in its review of the parks, Staff has prepared base maps
(where appropriate) of the parks, reviewed previous concept plans and the Master
Park Plan. On each map, staff has added comments regarding additional
improvements, ADA improvements or other changes. A video tape has been
prepared to provide Commissioners a visual reminder of the parks.
Staff will review with the Commission the video tape, the base maps and staff
comments for each park. The Commission is then invited to provide further
comments and direction to staff for each park. Staff will then prepare a formal
concept plan for adoption by the Commission at a later date in 2000.
The Commission may want to rank each park as high, medium, or low priority for
development or improvement to assist with the CIP development process.
0
13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • TDD&Phone: (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612)441-7425
Memo to the Park and Recreation Commission/pkrvw
February 9,2000
Page 2
Hillside Estates 5th Addition Park
•
A concept plan for Hillside 5th Addition Park has been approved by the Commission,
however due to neighborhood opposition, no improvements have been made.
Recently, Riverside development has prepared a 2.21-acre concept park plan for
Hillside Estates 8th Addition that includes a tennis courts, a basketball court, a tot
lot and parking. The park is central to the overall Hillside Estates development, is
bound by public streets, is relatively flat and is well connected well to the power line
corridor and Hillside Estates 5th Park. As proposed, the 8th Addition conceptual
park is proposed with amenities that are redundant with those of the 5th Addition
Park concept plan. Staff believes the proposed Hillside Estates 8th Addition park is
a better location for the proposed amenities. If the park concept for 8th Addition is
accepted, then an alternative use for the 5th Addition Park should be considered.
Hillside 5th Addition might be used for a natural area with a prairie restoration with
paths and possibly a picnic shelter with tables. The two Hillside Estates Parks,
along with the power corridor and trails could function as one larger park complex.
Deerfield 4th Addition Park
Staff has prepared a park plan with existing park features on it and suggests the
following additions to the plan:
• Park boundary markers
• Park identification signs
• • Hedge and fence the property line along Highland Road to stop winter sliders
from crossing the road.
• Plant herbaceous plants around park side of pond and shrubs along road.
• Add play equipment to play structure
• Add plantings near upper basketball court to prevent balls from rolling down
hill
• Convert 1/2 court basketball and sand volleyball to a full court.
Elk Hills Park
Elk Hills Park is a 120 ft x 240 ft rectangular shaped park on Elk Hills Drive. The
lot is a rolling ravine and heavily wooded. The Master Park Plan included the
possible addition of a picnic area, playground equipment and trail connection. Staff
recommends that this park be preserved as open space.
Barrington Park
Staff has prepared a park plan with existing park features on it and suggests the
following improvements:
• Enlarged play structure (remove volleyball court)
• More landscaping and trees
• A paved path to the play structure and courts
111111 • A place for garbage/recycling
\\elkriver\sys\shrdoc\planning\stevewen\parkmmo\pkrvw.doc
Memo to the Park and Recreation Commission/pkrvw
February 9,2000
Page 3
• Benches
• • Lighting
• Park identification sign
All the above improvements are consistent with the current Master Park Plan.
Baldwin Park
This Park is landlocked and located in the center of several apartment buildings.
There is no public access or parking. Staff has prepared a park plan with existing
park features on it and suggests the following improvements:
• Parking (exchange additional parking for landscaping improvements)
• Lighting
• Sidewalks from the entrances to the play structure
• ADA changes to play structure
• Vines on the fence
• Additional trees to beautify the area
• Additional screening from Highway 169
• Benches
The current Master Park Plan also suggests a picnic area.
Deerfield 2nd Addition Park
411
No additions to the park concept plan are proposed.
41.
\\elkriver\sys\shrdoc\planning\stevewen\parkmmo\pkrvw.doc