9.A.2. PRSR 06-14-2000 •
Item # 9.A.2.
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1k River MEMORANDUM
TO: Park and Recreation Commission
FROM: Michele McPhersoiT;Director of Planning
DATE: June 14, 2000
SUBJECT: Jim Nystrom's Follow-up Letter Regarding Regional Park Planning
Attached please find the June 1, 2000, letter from Jim Nystrom explaining a
possible regional park planning coalition concept. He has provided a list of cities,
counties and townships that would be possible participants in this endeavor. It is
clear from Mr. Nystrom's letter that he is requesting the lead be taken by the City
of Elk River to establish a coalition for regional park planning along the 101 and
169 corridors. This, of course, would take staff time and city resources to devote
to this endeavor and would need buy-in from the Elk River City Council, as well
• as the city councils of the communities listed by Mr. Nystrom.
Recommendation
Staff requests that the Commission review Mr. Nystrom's letter and provide a
recommendation to the City Council as to whether this should be pursued by the
City.
11
S:\PLANNING\MICHMC\PARKNREC\NYSTROM2.DOC
13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • TDD &Phone: (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612)441-7425
P ,
June 1, 2000
4.
Mr.John Kuester
Chairman of Elk River Park Committee
Dear John,
Thank you for the opportunity to make a proposal for the creation a multi-
jurisdictional regional park, trail, and open space plan to the Elk River Park Committee
last month. As I mentioned at the park meeting, the St. Cloud Area Planning
Organization (APO) is well-established agency that among other things, does an
effective job of long range planning for recreational facilities for the Benton, Sherburne
and Stearns County area. The APO has an extensive park and recreational plan that
includes trail rights-of-way, preservation of historic sites, and purchase of large regional
parks and open spaces. In the past, they have successfully made proposals to the state
legislature for requests for bonding or grants for development of their park system. I
believe that one of their reasons for success was that they have professionally prepared
plans based on input of citizens from all communities in the area.
The eastern portion of Sherburne County does not have a similar comprehensive
multi-community park plan or the experience in preparing requests for major grants.
Because of success of the APO park planning, I am proposing that the Elk River Park
Department lead in the establishment of a similar coalition of park and open space
■ organizations from communities along a corridor located along highways 101 and 169
from Rogers to Princeton. These communities all face similar needs, goals, and
problems and have a natural geographical affinity and interest.
The goal of the coalition would be to develop a comprehensive park, trail, and
open-space plan without borders and investigate means of implementing the plan.
Cooperation between communities can provide coordination (or prevent duplication)
of regional parks and open space, continuation of trail corridors, and provide the
resources for professional planning. Requests for development grants from the
legislature and other government agencies are generally more effective when they
represent multiple interests.
This proposal would require from approval from the City Council as well as City
staff time to identify the proper representatives of other communities, draft invitations
and organize the initial meetings. If you have any questions on this proposal please call.
Sincerely, ,-. ),,,7
kv„.
CC: Pat Klaers, City Administrator, Michelle McPherson, City Planner
•
19232 PROCTOR RD • ELK RIVER, MN. • 55330
PHONE: 763 441 2561 FAX: 763 441 7626