7.a. PRSR 11-18-1998 Item# 7a
ity of � MEMORANDUM
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River TO: Park and Recreation Commission
FROM: Stephen Wensman, Planning Intern
DATE: November 18, 1998
SUBJECT: Meadowvale Heights Park,Wetland
Mitigation Plan Concept
Overview
On October 14th, Steve Rohlf presented a wetlands mitigation plan to the Park
and Recreation Commission for their consideration. The City is looking for off-
site wetland mitigation sites in the city as part of the County Road 13 /Tyler
Street extension. The City has identified Meadowvale Heights Park as a
potential site.
The concept presented by Steve Rohlf included dredging out an area adjacent
• to the existing wetland for mitigation and to use as a skating rink. The fill
from the dredge could be used to level off the hillside for a ball field and
possibly a soccer field. Steve Rohlf suggested lights could be added to the
rink.
Attachments
• Location Map
• June 10, 1998 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes
• Wetland Mitigation - Concept C (Prepared by Howard R. Green Co.)
Park of the Month
On June 10, 1998, the approved concept plan was presented to the
neighborhood. The neighborhood approved of the concept plan with the
following improvements:
• Assess need for play structure in the future.
• Enlarge park to include a looped paved path around wetland and through
the park.
• Floating boardwalk over marsh area.
•
£\shrdoc\planning\stevewen\parkmmo\mvalemit.doc
13065 Orono Parkway • P.O.Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • TDD&Phone: (612)441-7420 • Fax: (612)441-7425
• • Pedestrian access to park through new development from the northwest
and northeast, through the Elgin Court cul-de-sac to the east and from
192 1/2 NW to the south.
• Information/map kiosks at entrances.
• Optional parking access from 192 1/2 NW from the south and/or in future
subdivision to the northeast.
• Picnic structures on both sides of the wetland in the northwest and east
central park.
• Picnic tables.
• Benches along looped trail
• 200'x200' open field
• Prairie restoration of open rolling hill
• Landscape park entrances
Proposed Wetland Mitigation/Park Plan
The approved concept plan prepared as part of the "park of the month" can be
modified to accommodate the wetland mitigation. After studying the proposed
concept, several issues have been identified as follows:
• Leveling the hillside with fill material may create 25% (4:1) slopes in
excess of 40 feet long. This may have the effect of making some of the
wetland edges inaccessible.
• • The skating pond will also be somewhat difficult to access comfortably
with 25% (4:1) slopes.
• A skating pond may require a warming house or shelter and a light.
• It appears as though a ballfield, soccer field, and parking cannot all be
comfortably fit on the site. The parking from the south or the soccer field
may need to be eliminated or reduced in size.
• Although the proposal would add more wetland to the park, it will also
provide more usable flat, dry ground.
• The overall concept developed as part of"park of the month" can be
maintained and accommodate the wetland mitigation as proposed by
Steve Rohlf.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Park and Recreation Commission recommend
approval of the proposed wetland mitigation concept at Meadowvale Heights
Park.
•
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LOCATION
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River
13065 Orono Parkway•P.O.Box 490
Elk River,MN 55330
Park&Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2
June 10, 1998
• 7.a. Neighborhood Meeting to Discuss Meadowvale Park- 7:15- 7:45 p.m.
Planner Steve Wensman reviewed the park development concept for
Meadowvale Park which was endorsed by the Park & Recreation Commission at
their May 13 meeting. Steve explained the proposed amenities as well as the
location of trails, floating dock bridges, and parking areas. A neighboring
resident suggested including a trail for horseback riding. Staff and the
Commissioners were in agreement that there is not adequate space for horse
trails within this park.
Discussion followed regarding snowmobiles and 4-wheelers using the park. It
was the consensus of the Commissioners to place signage in prominent areas to
warn violators that no motorized vehicles are allowed in the park.
Residents in attendance expressed favorable comments regarding the park
concept.
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONCEPT FOR THE
MEADOWVALE PARK AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER PETERSON SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
7.b. Park of the Month Discussion
Planner Steve Wensman reviewed the following park concepts:
• Gagne Park-Gagne Park is a 48.27 acre parcel with two level open field areas.
Steve reviewed access to the park and use of the park property by neighboring
residents for access to their homes. Steve explained that since most of the site is
in the flood plain, permanent structures are not allowed and temporary
structures would have to be removed in times of flooding. The open field areas
in the floodplain are well suited for soccer or baseball fields. A picnic/restroom
facility, concessions, rental facility and children's playground would be suitable
in the northern open field area above the floodplain.
Commissioner Olson arrived at this time (7:55 p.m.)
Concept A
- Includes acquiring properties to the east and south to provide additional river
access, as well as a southern vehicle access and parking lot, across the river
utilizing an old bridge structure for pedestrians
-Main access at the end of Waco with cul-de-sac for parking and canoe
launching area.
- North open space includes ballfields, picnic facility, restrooms, parking and
paved looping trail
-Southern space contains prairie for walking, picnic facility and paved trail from
north to south
- Prairie open space with walking trails, benches, rest/picnic area for canoeists,
trail to east and looping through the woods and along Elk River
- Possibility to serve as upstream boat/canoe launching site with rental services,
• concessions, and stream side picnicking.
- Possibility to include Harris Island Park as picnicking/camping location.
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