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7. PCSR 03-11-2009Item: 7 fiver MEMORANDUM TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation Director DATE: March, 11, 2009 SUBJECT: Director's Report Staff have been closely following the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The potential list of Parks and Recreation projects include: • Federal highway enhancement funds for the Downtown to Babcock Memorial Park trail • Geothermal heating and cooling for Lions Park Center and the Activity Center • Energy audits on park facilities • New energy efficient lighting system in the Ice Arena • Low emissive ceiling in the Olympic side of the ice arena • New Boilers for the Zamboni room • Energy efficient heater/dehumidifier fox the ice arena Barn Staff will provide an update on the dry floor event being held at the Ice Arena in April. Attachments: Local Trail Connections Grant Application for Babcock Trail Phase II Promotional Poster for Arena Event ~.;, ~ ;:r. , . ~~~ 1 ~ 'A~yx ,a,~-Y x 'mil '.{r'/ "' llty ,}+~.. ~ yX~ ~ nk'' l.r !s' '~ ., - .. -~ -~ .t City of El. ~~ aver City of l,ll; Ki~cr Project # 2009 TRAILS PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION Grant (Select one or more grant programs to apply) Date Recei~ied: Program/s: '(for office use only):.. ^ Federal Recreational Trail Program ® Local Trail Connections Program ^ Regional Trail Program ^~ ;• Before completing this application read the program manual that contains instructions on completing this form. Type atl responses. Handwritten applications will not be accepted. GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION: 1. Applicant (Unit of Government required): 2. Contact Person: 3. Contact Title: 4. Mailing Address: Building Name (if applicable): Street: City, State Zip: 5. Daytime Phone: 6. Fax Number: 7. E-mail Address: 8. Website (if available): City of Elk River Bill Maertz Parks and Recreation Director Lions Park Center 1104 Lions Park Drive Elk River, Mn 55330.. 763-635-1150 763-635-1155 bmaertz@ci. elk-river.mn. us www. ci. elk-river.mn. us TRAIL ORGANIZATION PROJECT PARTNER/CLUB (If applfcable): 9. Contact Person and Title: 10. Organization/Club Name: 11. Mailing Address Building Name (if applicable): Street: City, State Zip: 12. Daytime Phone: 13. Fax Number: 14. E-mail Address: 15. Website (if available): Page 1 LOCATION OF PROJECT: 16. County Project is located within: 17. State Legislative (House) District: 18. Legislative House Representative: 19. State Senate Representative: 20. Congressional District: 21. Congressional Representative: Sherburne 16B,48A Mary Kiffineyer, Tom Hackbarth Mike Jungbauer, Lisa Fobbe 6th Michelle Bachman GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION: 22. 23 Project Title: Elk River Babcock Trail Total Project Amount: $ $1,362,946 (prepared by HKGi) 24. Amount Requested: $ $100,000 25. Local Match $ $62,946 26. What is the source of the local match? City Funds 27. Have those funds been secured? ® Yes ^ No 28. Will other non-local funds be used for this project? ® Yes ^ No If yes, give amount: $ $1,200,000 29. What is the source of the non-local funds? The City of Elk River has submitted a request for stimulus funds through the federal enhancements program. 30. Have those funds been secured? ^ Yes ® No 31. If this project has received federal funding through the Enhancements Program, please indicate which year your organization is programmed for construction? (please include a copy of the awaYd notification as attachment "G ") FFY: Page 2 32. FOR FEDERAL RECREATIONAL TRAIL GRANT PROGRAM ONLY If this project has received DNR Grants-in-Aid funds for capital development, please indicate when the project must be completed by: (Please include a copy of the award letter as attachment "H") Date of Award Letter: 33. If this project is for a new trail development, please indicate estimated length: Feet (if less than % mile): Miles: 34. Below, indicate which primary and secondary recreation uses will directly benefit from the proposed project: Primary Secondary Use Use ® ^ Walking/Hiking ® ^ Bicycling ^ ^ Mountain Bicycling ^ ^ ^ ^ Horseback Riding C C ^ ^ ross- ountry Skiing I Li Sk ^ ^ n- ne ating Snowmobiling ^ ^ ATV Riding ^ ^ ^ Off-Highway Motorcycling ^ 4 X 4 Trucking ^ ^ Other (specify): Page 3 QUALIFYING REQUIREMENTS All applications must address each of the following five qualifying requirements. Failure to provide information on each of the requirements will result in the disqualification of the application. Please complete each section as outlined in the instructions. 35. Project Description: The City of Elk River proposes to develop a trail connection between downtown Elk River and Babcock Memorial Park. This connection is approximately one mile. Elevated walkway or retaining walls would be required in on section due to steep slopes. Babcock Memorial Park is a 13-acre park with a half mile of Mississippi river frontage and a boat ramp. The park was built as a 1938 WPA project and is named for the states first highway commissioner. The City of Elk River has aii maintenance and use agreement with MNDOT. 36. Costs Associated with the Project: Total Project Cost $1,362,946.20 37. Project Timeline: The city of Elk River is prepared to proceed with this project within 90 days after funding is secured. 38. Project Readiness: Cost estimates have been prepared. This project is entirely within MNDOT right of way. MNDoT personnel have iindicated that a limited use permit can be granted for this project. 39. Year Round Trail Usage: Elk River Parks and Recreation routinely plows over 40 miles of trail for winter use and is committed to plowing this trail for winter use. EVALUATION CRITERIA All applicants must address each of the following six evaluation criteria that are listed, and in the order that they are presented below. Failure to provide information on each of the criterion will result in the disqualification of the application. 40. Site and Project Quality: 1.This project will connect a new high density, mixed use devlopment in downtown Elk River with a natural and recreational resource. 2. The site provides opportunities for users to enjoy veiws of the Missisippi River and to access several excellent fishing locations. 3. Phase one of this project was completed in 2008 as a collaborative effort between the City of Elk River and the Elk River Rotary Club. 4. It is proposed that the existing eroded slopes be restored utilizing native plantings and innovative stormwater management practices in order to protect water quality. Page 4 41. Accessibility: ' The City of Elk River is committed to design standards that comply with the American Disability. Act. 42• Public Need for and Benefit of Project for Specified Users (please justify all trail uses indicated from 34 under General Project Information above): 1.Connects high density mixed use devlopment to natural and recreational resource. 2. Creates an opportunity to utilize Babcock Park parking lot for large community events held in River's Edge Commons Park. 3. The 2007 Elk River Redevlopement Task Force identified a long range vision for the 400 acre core of Elk River. The draft report, entitled Mississippi Connections" identified trails and connections to the river as a key element of revitalizing downtown Elk River and it's surrounding core villiage. 4. Identified in the City of Elk Rivers trail master plan. 5. Identified in the Sherburne County's trail master plan. 6. Aligns with the future Anoka County Mississippi River Regional Trail northern alignment. 7. Contributes to the goal of providing a safe pedestrian route to Elk River's Northstar Commuter rail station which is approximately one mile southeast of Babcock Memorial Park. 8. A 2006 walkability study of Elk River conducted by Bethel University nursing students identified this corridor as having the lowest ranking walkabilty score in Elk River. 9. Creates a link between the Great Northern Trail and a future Mississippi River trail corridor. 43. ~ Community Commitment to Trail Use: In 1990 the City of Elk River commissioned the firm of Sanders, Wacker, Wehrman, Bergly Inc. to develop a master park and recreation plan. This plan identified key pedestrian routes that should be developed: Since 1990 the city has has added over 40 miles of public pathway. This project would create a lcey link identified in the original 1990 trail plan. A survey of of recreational preference taken while preparing the master plan indicated that walking was the number one recreational activity in Elk River. 44. Impact on Adjoining Landowners in the Vicinity of the Project: This project is entirely within MNDOT right of way. MNDOT personnel have indicated that a limited use permit can be granted for this project. 45. Attention to the Potential Environmental Impact of the Project and Efforts to Avoid or Mitigate Adverse Effects: The City of Elk River is committed to a planning process that takes into acount any environmental impact. It is proposed that the existing eroded slopes be restored utilizing native plantings and innovative stormwater management practices in order to protect water quality. It is proposed that the plans for this project will be reviewed by the city's Technical Evaluation Panel consisting of staff from DNR, the Board of Soil and Water the Page 5 Corp of Engineers and the Sherburne County Watershed Board. Page 6 ATTACHMENT CHECKLIST Required. ® All attachments must be 8 %Z by 11 ONLY A h ttac ment A -Required Certifications ® Attachment B -Resolution Supporting Application ® Attachment C -Letters of Support ® ® Attachment D -Project Location Map (8'/~ X 11 ONLY) Att h ^ ac ment E -Site Level Map (8'/ X 11 ONLI~ A h ttac ment F - 20 Year Operations and Routine Maintenance Plan (Federal Recreational Trail Grant Program applications only) Additional Requested information ^ Attachment G -Transportation Enhancement Award Letter (if applicable) ^ Attachment H -Grant-in-aid Award Letter (if applicable for Federal Recreational Trail Program applications only) APPLICATION DUE DATE: Friday, February 27, 2009 by no later than 4:30 p,m. Send six copies of the application to the following address: Traci Vibo, Grant Coordinator Department of Natural Resources Trails and Waterways Division 500 Lafayette Road, Box 52 St. Paul, MN 55155-4052 Phone: (651) 259-5619 Page 7 Attachment A ~EQ~II2El) C)ERTIFIGATIOIlrS ForGrant Applicants: "I hereby certify that a11. of the infonnatipn provided in this application is true and" occur best of my knowledge, T recognize that in the event of the proposed ro'ect being -ate to the document will be used.. as an .addendum. to the agreement between the sponsoring unit of 'this government and the state to guide project scope and reimbursement. I also, acknowledge that all work must be completed by June 30, 2011.,, and no reirnbursetnent will be sought for an in-house labor. services and/or to meet. existing payroll." Far Trail and Pa:rkAdministrat~rs: "I substantiaiIy agree that the proposed -frail related project will be mutually benefcial to the ~OCa~. C0I21rllUTllty, as well .as~ to the goals and gurposes for wluGh this recreation t.uiit was established. I will cooperate in its provision. if the Project proposal should be fancied: ' 1~Iame: Title: Unit of Government: Signature: Date: For All Administrators of i'ublic .bands Crossed/LTtilized in the 'ropased Ilinkage: "I preliminarily agree with plans to develop the proposed trail related project on iazad administered by my agency, and I will eooperaten seeking more formal authorization in the. event the"project proposal is authorized. far reimbursement." .?Name:. `~' ~" Unit of Government: Signature: r1 /~ ~ 1 i4iC. ,.} ~ J ~IL G ~~~ ! fir., .~.~ f r.~.-~c...~ , ~.~.~;:~ Date: ~I ~?~ "', ( %^.i. iii fri y"YC~n f ..".~ ~ vt.~'.":. `y i~!'; ~..{ ~ (~-~fq?,j.^ RESOLUTION 09-06 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING STAFF TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR A DNR LOCAL TRAILS CONNECTION GRANT WHEREAS, The City of Elk River recognizes the importance of providing high quality recreational resources to the community; and WHEREAS, The City of Elk River recognizes the need to partner with other governmental agencies in order to improve natural areas in a cost effective manner; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City of Elk River that a trail connecting River's Edge Downtown Park and Babcock Park, and eventually to the City of Ramsey and the City of Anoka, would be a benefit to the people of Elk River and the neighboring communities. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Elk River has the legal authority to apply for financial assistance, and financial capability to meet the match requirement and ensure adequate construction, operation, maintenance, and replacement of the proposed project for its design life. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon approval of its application by the state, the Ciry of Elk River may enter into an agreement with the State of Minnesota for the above-referenced project, and that the City of Elk River certifies that it will comply with all applicable laws and regulations as stated in the grant agreement including dedicating the park property for outdoor recreation uses into perpetuity. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Director of Parks and Recreation is hereby authorized to execute such agreements as are necessary to implement the project on behalf of the applicant. Passed and adopted this 17`h day of February, 2009. Stephanie Klinzing, Mayor ATTEST: Tina Allard, City Clerk ~~NNESp~4 Minnesota Department of Transportation ~~ ti~ o District 3 ~yrpFrRp`'yQ 7694 Industrial Park Road Baxter, MN 56425-8096 February 26, 2009 Mr. William Maertz City of Elk River 1104 Lions Park Drive Ells River, MN 55330 ~: Proposed Babcock Trail Improvements in Elk River Within Mn/DOT U.S. Highway 10 Right of Way (C.S. 7102} Dear Mr. Maertz: Tel: 2181828-5700 Fax: 218/828-5814 Toll Free: 1/800/657-3971 District 3 has received, reviewed and supports your conceptual layout and draft Deparment of Natural Resources grant application for Babcock Trail improvements within U.S. Highway 10 right of way and the City of Elk River. As you are aware, we feel there are many project design issues, which need fiuther development and analysis. We look forward to further review of some obvious concerns, such as, but not limited to: • Environmental impacts (vegetation, floodplain, erosion control, etc.) • Safety concerns (clear zone issues, access limitations, separation barriers between roadway & trail) • Design details (trail size, location, profile, cross-sectional fit, etc.) Similarly, Minnesota Department of Trans ortation limited use. permit (LUP) will be required for this prop(~o ed tra 1 fac lity within e trun~tC hnghwa~y righ~ fwa . Please seethe enclosed draft LUP. y Again, we support and look forward toward further involvement with your trail improvement project. Sincerely, ~'- Jamie Hukriede District Right of Way Engineer min Enclosure: Draft Limited Use Permit cc: Mark Renn - Mn/DOT - St. Cloud (electronic copy) An equal opportunity employer ~ ~-~ i= T' z/26/o~ STATE OF MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION LIMITED USE PERMIT FOR NON-MOTORIZED RECREATIONAL TRAIL C:S. 7102 T.H. 10 City of Elk River within Sherburne County LUP # 7102 In accordance with Minnesota Statutes Section 161.434 and 23 C.F.R. 652 also published as the Federal-Aid Policy Guide, a Limited Use Permit is hereb Pe-mittee. This permit is for the purpose of constructing, mai training and operafing a' non- motorized recreational trail, including lighting and landscaping appurtenances, (hereinafter called trail), within the right of way of Trunk Highway No(s). 10 as shown in red on Exhibit "A", which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. This. permit is executed b the Permittee pursuant to the attached resolution. In addition, the following special provis ons shall apply: SPECIAL PROVISIONS 1. The construction, maintenance, and supervision of the trail shall be at no expense to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. 2. Before construction of any kind, the plans for such construction shall be approved in writing by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, through the District Engineer. 3. No permanent structure(s) or advertising device(s) in any manner, form or size shall be constructed, placed or permitted to be constructed or placed upon the State of Minnesota right of way. 4. No commercial activity or activities shall be allowed to operate upon said State of Minnesota right of way. 5. Any and-all maintenance of the trail shall be provided by the Permittee; this includes, but is not limited to, the plowing and removal of snow, lighting and landscaping appurtenances, drainage, and the installation /removal of regulatory signs. LUP - Nonmotorized Recreational Tram Page 1 of 4 LU 1001 2/26/2009 6. This permit is non-exclusive and is granted subject to the rights of others, including, but not limited to public utilities which may occupy said right of way. 7• The Permittee shall presence and protect all utilities located on the )ands covered b this permit at no expense to the Minnesota Department of Transportation and it shall b the responsibility of the Permittee to call the Gopher State One Call System at 1-800-252-1166 at least 48 hours prior to pertorming any excavation. 8• Any crossings of the trail over the trunk highway shall be perpendicular to the centerline of the highway and shall provide and ensure reasonable and adequate stopping sight distance. 9. The Permittee shall construct the trail at the location shown in the attached Exhibit "A" subject to verification by the Minnesota Department of Transportation District Engineer that the construction geometries and procedures result in a trail that is compatible with the safe and efficient operation of the highway facility. 10. Approval from Minnesota Department of Transportation District En ineer sh required for any changes from the approved plan. g all be 11. Upon completion of the construction of the trail:, the Permittee shall restore all disturbed slopes and ditches in such manner that drainage, erosion control and aesthetics are perpetuated. 12. This permit does not release the Permittee from any liability or obligation imposed by federal law, Minnesota Statutes, local ordinances, or other agency regulations relating thereto and any necessary permits relating thereto shall be applied for and obtained by the Permittee. 13. Any use permitted by this permit shall remain subordinate to the right of the Minnesota Department of Transportation to use the property for highway and transportation purposes. This permit does not grant any interest whatsoever in land, nor does it establish a permanent park, recreation area or wildlife or waterfowl refuge facility that would become subject to Section 4 (f) of the Federal-Aid Flighway Act of 1968, nor does this permit establish a Bikeway or Pedestrian way which would require replacement pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 160.264. 14. This permit shall be subject to cancellation and termination by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, with or without cause, by giving the Permittee.90 days written notice of such intent. Upon said notice of cancellation the trail shall be removed within 90 days by the Permittee. Upon cancellation of said permit, or any portion thereof, the Permittee will be required to return and restore the area to a condition satisfactory to the Minnesota Department of Transportation District Engineer. The removal of the trail and the return and restoration of the area shall be at no cost to the Minnesota Department of Transportation and at the sole expense of the Permittee. LUP -Non-motorized Recreational Trail Page 2 of 4 LU1001 2/26/2009 15. The Permittee, for itself, its successors, and assigns, agrees to abide by the provisions of Title VI Appendix C of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which provides in part that no person in-the United States, shall on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from, or denied use of any trail. 16. The State of Minnesota, through its Commissioner of Transportation, shall retain the right to limit and/or restrict the parking of vehicles and assemblage of trail users on the highway right of way over which this permit is granted, so as to maintain the safety of both the motoring public and trail users. 17. No assignment of this permit is allowed. 18. The Permittee shall not dispose of any materials regulated by any governmental or regulatory agency onto the ground, or into any body of water, or into any container on the State's right of way. In the event of spillage of regulated materials, the Permittee shall provide for cleanup of the spilled material and of materials contaminated by the spillage in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, at the sole expense of the Permittee. 19. The Permittee shall hold harmless and indemnify the State of Minnesota, its Commissioner of Transportation and employees and its successors and assigns, from liability claims for damages because of bodily injury, death, property damage, sickness, disease, or loss and expense arising from the operations of the trail or from the use of the portion of highway right of way over which this permit is granted. 20. The Permittee shall hold harmless and indemnify the State of Minnesota, its Commissioner of Transportation and employees and its successors and assigns from claims arising or resulting from the temporary or permanent termination of trail user rights on any portion of highway right of way over which this permit is granted. 21. The Permittee will hold harmless and indemnify the State of Minnesota, its Commissioner of Transportation and employees from claims resulting from temporary or permanent changes in drainage patterns resulting in flood damages. 22. The Permittee (for itself, its contractors, subcontractors, its materialmen, and all other persons acting for, through or under it or any of them), covenants that no laborers', mechanics', or materialmens' liens or other liens or claims of any kind whatsoever shall be filed or maintained by it or by any subcontractor, materialmen or other person or persons acting for, through or under it or any of them against the work and/or against said lands, for or on account of any work done or materials furnished by it or any of them under any agreement or any amendment or supplement thereto; agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the State of Minnesota from all such liens and claims. LUP -Non-motorized Recreational Trail Page 3 of 4 LU 1001 2/26/2009 MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT CITY OF ELK RIVER OF TRANSPORTATION RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL By Its And Its By: District Engineer Date APPROVED BY: COMMISSIONER~OF TRANSPORTATION By: Director, Office of Land Management Date The Commissioner of Transportation by the execution of this permit certifies that this permit is necessary in the public interest and that the use intended is for public purposes. LUP -Non-motorized Recreational Trail Page 4 of 4 LU 1001 2/26/2009 02/26/2009 10:40 AM Babcock Trail -Phase II Ci of Elk River, MN ~ SCHEMATIC COST ESTIMATE • Februa D9 item. Descri fion OuantiN Unit Unit Cost I Pay wnrv _ Ea thwcrks rou h redin fine radio ISM ~r a 4.25 $ I/,ooZsu 3,150 SY $ i.90 $ 5 985.00 to soilim ortands read 210 CY $ 28.00 $ , 5,880.00 ~„~,~.. _ ._ _ __. BlWtntr es iral - c,~nmtal Ea~hwrrks S 29.502.50 „v 106,655.0 - - - - 15,000.00 _ _ Ele,atedTreil - ~ ~~-~ s~ ' S 123,855.00 Elevated Trail • 10' Width Pretab Bdd a ti45 LF $ etu.tiii $ 522 450.00 Abutments Transition Retainin walls 7 EA $ 9,500.00 $ , 66,500.00 440 SFF $ 55.00 $ 24,200.00 ..._ ~,... .„_, _, , _ _ _- - La la I SuhtdtalElevatedTrail -- _.. ; 613,150.00 sca~ny l ..... ~ _ 2.5 ' cal. Deciduous tree n86 26 EA `-` $ 35G.uu S °°~' tu0.00 5 Native Ornamental Trees 140 EA $ 210.00 $ , 29 400 00 Shrubs 400 EA $ 65.00 $ , . 26 000 00 turfseed 13,700 SY $ 0.50 $ , . 6,850.00 -r TrailLi0~9 ._~ - ~_. Subtotal Landscaoinq E 71.350.00 10' Ornamental Ped Li hts at 150' O.C. a ~ ~ ~ _ ElectdcalDisMbu6on _ ~ - ` ~ v -- - - ~ - D - --n-. __ Othertm~rogem~nts •,-° _ ~ ,. ,.:~~_ : : ;~z, rc - S ~ i ~ 00 ~. .~._,..e, .____.-. Renovation of OvedooklFishin Platform and Raili 1 ~S b 47,000.OU $ 47,000.(ni Sub totalOtherlm rovements $ 47,000.00 ProectSubtotal S 1,025,357.50 Mobilization 6% $ 61,521.45 10 % Conlin en S 106,687.90 14 % design tees S 167,379.36 - Pro'ectTotal S 1,362,946.20 Page 1 of 1 ~„ y . x {~ ` ~1 .. -, r. . r ~~'~ ~'~ E~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ,~.` $_~ ° PHASE I ~ ~ ~ ~ { ~`~~~ ~~~_ - COMPLETED ~~~~~ ~~ ~~ ~~, t; E` Y s s ~c„t ~3 ': li`2~'°'V~oh~iy ~ ~ -" T_r h~_-~~' n w?. 3`,~- ~ ¢ ~ } r ;mac ''S. ~ ~"-.r ~ -' ~... a ~ „p't ,., k'Y 1 {; S. RIVER'S ~~;'* Fw rt nl Y ~- (- ' . ~r'~~'i i f r, EDGE COMMONS .PARK 1_ ~_ t~ ~~~I .~ 4?, ~~ i1 ~vt.l 4' ~ ~T'-: - L- K ~ 4 r-4 +Y '' } ~t f ~d~ t Il. ~ ~ ;.~ .. . ., ~`' z ;x ~ , ~M~ r i Ea ~ ~ ~ .~ ~ ~~ ~ ~~ ~. ht ~~ ~ ~ ~, +~ } ~' '~`~y"ik ~ u~ ~ ~' ~ ,.f.~,. s ~~f :~. :- 4;,~ ~' ~' <i?'-~ ~. ~:; Py} ~' ~ ~.{. M1~ # I I ~ ~~., ~yf.. ir~^' ~'^ .yr CO' . " . n Y t -~ ~~ ~ ~ ~I~'Y ~ ~'~~ 1F - i 1f ~ ~l ~,,. . 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Lkwv Pax .nru ,• ~~• ~~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -~ ~ Y`~ BB SINar OaNlf •••uu N '~ :~ ~ ry ~ P !~ N 1~ P lbhry N • Nagpkmkm4 PaM ~ r ry. x F I ~; ?p09 COMPREHENSIVE PARK PLAN ~?'E ~~` BABCOCK TRAIL PHASE II oe,awn e': 111VeY• ELK RNER, MINNESOTA SCALE: fi~iT TU SCALE A L(3 ~r ~ ~ .,,~ 1. ~... ~:= ~~„- ~ .c ~/~'_ ~ l~" Anoka County Parks and Recreation _ , . ... ,, 550 Bunker Lake Boulevard NW, Andover, MN 55304 February 26, 2009 Mr. William Maertz Director of Parks and Recreation 1104 Lions Park Drive Elk River, MN 55330 Re: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) Local Trail Connections Grant Application Dear Bill: I am pleased to provide this letter of support, on behalf of the Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department, for the Local Trail Connections grant application the City of Elk River is submitting to the MnDNR. As you may be aware, Anoka County developed a Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan that was adopted by the County Board in 2006. A major component of that plan was the creation of a county-wide trail system which includes connections to regional and local community trails inside and outside the county. The proposed project was identified in our planning process as a valuable link to the Mississippi River Regional Trail which will provide an alternate method of transportation along the Highway 10 corridor. In addition, the proposed project will provide direct access to the state's most valued natural resource, the Mississippi River. We are very encouraged by the grant application the City of Elk River is submitting to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource's Local Trail Connections Program. I would urge the MnDNR to consider funding this project through this grant program. Thank you again for this opportunity to submit a letter of support on behalf of the Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department. I look forward to working with you in the future. Sincere , John Von eLinde Director OPEN SPACES IN NEARBY PLACES Phone: 763.757.3920 v,~ww.anokacountyparks.com Fax: 763.755.0230 V. BOUNDARIES AND ACQUISITION COSTS For this master plan, the proposed trail corridor is broken down into five segments that illustrate the primary route and several alternative routes. It is proposed that if the primary route cannot be constructed, the alternate routes will be considered; however, most of the alternates are intended to be additional trail locations that will interconnect with other existing and proposed trails. Segment 1 -Appendix A, Sheets 1, 2 & 3 of 8 The primary route forSegment 1 is approximately four miles in length. It begins at the Anoka County/Sherburne County Line and ends at the west end of Mississippi West Regional Park. This trail segment will include a 10 foot bituminous trail south of and adjacent to the Highway 10 right-of-way until Bowers Drive NW where it will then be routed through an agricultural field and wooded area. From there it. will travel along the south side of 142"d Avenue NW in the existing road right of way. This segment of trail will require approximately 75,000 SF in trail easement acquisition at a cost of approximately $175,000. Approximately 13,050 LF crosses agricultural fields or open space. In these areas, Anoka County proposes that as the land is developed, the trail could be required as part of the development with little cost to the city or the county. The proposed alternate for Segment 1 routes the trail through the agricultural field and acts as an extension of Riverdale Drive. This could also serve as an important connection to the existing trail along Riverdale Drive. With that alternate, Riverdale Drive could have a trail along its entire length, which would be very convenient and useful to that entire area after development. Page 7 of 26 ,~ ~~ C 15>b SEG~~E6~T 1 -WEST 7550 Sunwood Drive NW • Ramsey, Minnesota 55303 City Ilall: 763-427-1410 • Fax: 763-427-5543 www.ci.ramsey.mn.us 13 February 2009 William Maertz Director of Parks and Recreation 1104 Lions Park Drive Elk River, MN 55330 Subj: Mississippi River trail project Dear Bill, The purpose of this correspondence is to offer an enthusiastic recommendation for. the construction of the trail connecting Ells River's downtown to Babcock Memorial Park. At the city of Ramsey's Park and Recreation Commission meeting of February 12~, 2009, the Commission discussed Elk River's proposal. The Commission unanimously directed staff to support your project in any manner we can. As you know, for many years our cities have been coordinating future trail connections -with the trail along the Mississippi being of the highest priority. The other high priority shared by Elk River and Ramsey is offering multi. modal transportation choices along the U.S glwy #10 corridor to mitigate the significant auto traffic along this route. When this connection is made, the Babcock trail will be a key element of this goal. , The other observation that I would offer, is that MnDot's park or wayside rest is presently somewhat underutilized. Providing a safe pedestrian route within easy walking distance. of Elk River's downtown would provide for better utilization of this resource along the Wild and Scenic Mississippi River. It probably goes with out saying, but our residents are also looking for locations for low cost recreation, of which this is a great example. In addition to meeting expectations for walkable communities, residents are also seeking locations with which to conduct their personal fitness regiments, which this project fufills as well. Perhaps the' most exciting element of this trail project is the witnessing yet another collaborative bringing another key piece into place within the larger Mississippi River Trail (MRT). This 10-state experience is a 3,000 mile, continuous -trail from the Headwaters to New Orleans, of which 60 % is already in service! Thanks again Bill for Elk River's leadership in serving our constituency in the Ramsey - Elk River area, and for the MRT. Please call on me if I can assist in any way. Yours in Public Service, w~_ Mark Riverblood Parks Supervisor Cc: City of Ramsey Park and Recreation Commission Sherburne County P~41~T~TI1~G ~ Z®1~II~TC~ 14.~I~~I.1Vl,~'2'~'A7'.1"®~T 13880 Highway 10 West 13880 Business Center Drive Elk River, MN 55330 (763) 241-2900 • (8001 438-0578 February 6, 2009 William Maeriz Director of Parks City of Elk River 1104 Lions Park Drive Elk River, MN 55330 Dear Bill I was pleased to hear that you are considering a trail connection between Babcock Park and downtown Elk River. This trail will provide pedestrians and cyclists a safe route to access the park. It will be a nice addition to your trail system. This letter is to let you know that I am very supportive of your efforts and I believe the trail will benefit not only downtown residents, but will make the park much more accessible to the rest of the community. I also applaud you recognizing the need to provide safe and alternate modes of transportation for our citizens. Sincerely, rr' . t Nancy Ri dl Planning & Zoning Administrator 8herts~Jrne Cae.~evty ~esnie2~ 1-000-43^-f157d 13580 Highway 10 763-241-2900 138808usinessCenterDrive Fax 263-241-2910 Elk diver, MN 55330 Fax 763-241-2948 - -. r - •;.HISTORIC - . ~± P ~-- ` T :, `' ~;r DOWNTOWN ~" ~ Y ~~~' ~ ~ .RIVER'S EDGE COMI~'IONS PARK ' ` ., ELK~RIVER`- ~ - ' Cotnpleted~2006~-" f_ .` ~ ~ ~.,, - . ~ ~ PHASE ONE ::TRAIL/OVERLOOI: ~~ ~, ~~~ `.~ ' _ ; ~ > ' Coi~ipleteds2008 ~ . l~ ~- ~ ~' ~ '~ ~ V ~ ;~ ~~ _` Patttsh"Ave crosswalk improvements z r;: ~"` ~ ' , ~ Trail coimection to'downtown & park ~~ ~~ Scenic overlook ~ ,~,;,. ~ F ;~, ~ ,Slope stabilization native plantines r'~ _ s - "'~~ ~, '-a = { PH SSE T~10 : - ,~~ ?,~ ~~`• ~ 'Y ~ = TRAIL; EITENSION -~ ~ r ~~ ,~ ~ - _ :~ ~ • Proposed elevated ~ all:wa~ g~D ~fJ ~. l+ r~ l'' ~ l ~a F ~~ _ _ ~~ ~ Y ~ ~ -. ~ ~~ rs > ~, ~ ~ Proposed bitwninous trail ~~ -.. ,. r- ,' °~ ~ ~ I ~ with lighting ro 4 = ~ f~ ~` Proposed improved overlook' .~* ~. ~~ ~~':,° ~~i' ~~, ~~ ith upgraded railing ' - .. r; ~ µ ~ '~r~ ~ ~ t ' - -- ~ a ~ ~s rte- a s ,, ~.` ~, ~; ~ ,~ ~"` ~.:n ~ ~, Proposed bituminous trail loop;.;'; ~~ ~ r~ > ~f` - - r~ i *y ~ F S' [i 4 vl yh ~G ~ - 3 .. ~i ~,r r ~- r -~ Babco~1.1~4emorial~Pai1.. `_~ ;~* s °~''. ~ `~ s Built as a 1938 ~t'PA`project-and y ~. ~' ~ ~ ~^ ° •~iiamed forthe states fii st, ~ T ~ ~ -- ~;n ~ Highway Commissioner '"~+ '~ ~ `~ ~ ,, Charles M.~Babcock ''_~ ~ ~, -• ExisTin~ boat launch ar, a .t F ` 'yt` i.' ~ S 1~ i i..' 1 WEE * 1 ,~ T~~ d r~ ~ .~. ~ r ..- ...a......r.....u .. ~~ , _ 1,, c i. ~ S '.. ~ r ,--..~ , ~, ~; ,~ . `-~ Trail~Overlool. ~" ~`` ~'~` c:.~- ~L ~. ai ~ ..: ~.,h.• ,z r.e'~ .n ~,,". `~k~::~+ ..- f.. -~ Stone ~'L ;. ~~ <~ 1 .,, . -. ..- ., ..- ~~~.~ ~i ~ ~ ~a t 6 T - A.'g~~ Fa' S p.r Y. ~ x ~~~ ,~ -~~ : r ,~~ i ~i ~ ~u. 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"~ ~J Ivy:' r ~h ~~ ~' ~~ ~~~~ ..1~~ r {:. ~~ F N iI a 3 t -T~ '. =~ '~:'~ l x~ ,e -:>h " _~~ Y ~~ -$ ~~ ~'' g;~a/r ~~ i ~h 3~ ~ ~ t ~ "~~/ ~~° gg--~~ Y. ; ~f ~ a~A : ~ ... } ' . o~ ~ ~ ; Z.. ~:S~ ~ ~O'. ,~y ~h g y~ `'. ~~ ~.~ ti r f t ~r Y ,rr 1- r~rv t ~.. -~ If` ~* ~: ~~ {.`'_fj~~ ~, 5. YX rY o-.. ~ 1 ~ x W '• 4 ~ ; ~,~ F ~ n~ y 'Y'~„~ F~~ ~ ~ a ~~'~Q ~r +~ - ~~ P ~r~ s~R£~~ ~~i ~ ~ ,~ ~ t<Gh~ -'~' a j Mil . ' ~ ~'~ ~ T ~1f y ~ , ~~`~ ~~P- ~ ~ r I _ f. ~, -- o G k ...i ~• 333""" ~. ref r ~~-~.~ r 7 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ :;xi-st 95- ~ _ vaf ``~ ~' ~ ~ ~i ~ '~~ a ~ ~, ~, ~;x ~ ,~ ~ 'n i ~ 4~ l.r F t ~dA ` , ,-e r - _ , "5 ~~ r~C' ~r }v Redevelopment Framework Task Force Minutes August 13, 2007 Page 3 The Task Force continued to discuss the different options and the following related policy issues: • Consistenry of all City plans • Precedence that reacting to this request would set for other neighborhoods • Integrity of the redevelopment planning process that the Task Force agreed upon at their first meeting last November Member Larry Toth asked if die river trail could begin on the southwest end of the Draft Plan area ending at Babcock Point. At this point, audience member John Houlton asked to speak since his family owns a significant amount of property in the area mentioned by Member Toth. Chair Urista invited Mr. Houlton to speak. Mr. Houlton mentioned that he has environmental concerns about the proposed river trail, especially because the area is a floodway (not just a flood plain). In addition, he spoke of the economic encumbrance that the proposed trail puts on his and other people's property along the river. MOVED BY MEMBER DAN TVEITE AND SECONDED BY MEMBER JEAN LIESER, THE TASK FORCE ELIMINATES THE ENTIRE FUTURE RIVER TRAIL IN ITS ENTIRETY FROM THE DRAFT PLAN, ILLUSTRATIONS AND NARRATIVE. THE MOTION FAILED 7-G. MEMBERS MARK URISTA, STE~ART WILSON, LOUISE KUESTER, MOLLY NADEAU, DANA ANDERSON, LARRY TOTH AND MIKE NIZIOLEK OPPOSED. MOVED BY MEMBER STEWART WILSON AND SECONDED BY MEMBER MOLLY NADEAU, THE TASK FORCE REFINES THE DRAFT PLAN, ~~ ;~~ ILLUSTRAIONS AND NARRATIVE TO INCLUDE A RIVER TRAIL °' BEGINNING AT RIVERS EDGE COMMONS PARK (HEADING EAST) . AND ENDING AT BABCOCK PARK. THE MOTION CARRIED 10-3. ';' MEMBERS LOUISE KUESTER, DANA ANDERSON AND MIKE NIZIOLEK OPPOSED. 6: Highwav 10 Discussion Prior to the Highway 10 discussion, Chair Urista stated that he hopes that the Task Force upholds the integrity of the redevelopment planning process from this point forward and that all members remain stewards of d1e Plan. He does not want to see the Task Force's year-long planting efforts go to waste. Planner Chris Leeseberg provided a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate Community Development Director Scott Clark's staff report regarding Highway 10. City Engineer Terry Maurer stated that he has recommended drat d1e City Council fund a geometric design study to be completed for Highway 10 through downtown Elk River as part of the City's Capital Improvements Program budget for 2008. Member Larry Toth asked why the Task Force was tallying about the different Highway 10 options since the City Council either wants the highway to be elevated or depressed. 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L~ ' rt r ~ 1 r• ~ y ~ ~'r ~ i v '~~ r ~ n ! e 5 O y o 'ti ~+ ~A ~, cOd '~ CJ ao ~ O ~ c~ B 0 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ :~ ~ o ~ o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~o ~ oo ~ .~ ~ ~ Ar ~ ~ ~ ~ n. :~ ~ ~ .y ~ ~ ~ ~ •~ ~ p N ~ ~' ~ '~ ~ i ,y ,~ /1 ce bq ~ ~ ~ ~ 4! C. a~ ~ .a ~ c "d c~ cCC l` ~ ~ ~ _ U -~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ •~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .y C ~ • ~ ~ ~. ~ ~ ~ ..~ O W ~s ~.' ~ ' v i~ 0 v'~ o ca py ,~ ~ b 'U D ~ v ?, H ~ ~+ ~ U ~ y ~ U c~C N V ~ ~ ~~ '.~ ~ ~ ~.a n ~, ~ ~ 00 ~ ~ y ~ ~ ~ ~: e-~ ~ F"'~ ~ U ~ A N N i EXHIBIT 6 IViNDOT HISTORIC ROADSIDE DEVELOPMENT SH-ERC-028 STRUCTURES INVENTORY CS 7101 Babcock Memorial Park H istoric Name. Babcock Memorial Park CS # 7101 Other Name Babcock Wayside SHPO Inv # SH-ERC-028 Location W side of TH 10 just N of TH 101 bridge over Mississippi City/Township Elk River, City of County Sherburne Twp Rng Sec 32N 26W Sec 03 USGS Quad Elk River UTM Z15 E456230 N5015250 Designer I Nichols, A R, Consult Land Arch Builder I National Youth Administration (NYA) Hwy District Reference TH 10 36 214.1 Acres Rest Area Class 15.75 2 SP # 10-3-58-B 7101-02 7101-06 SHPO Review # 98-1869 Historic Use Roadside Parking Area MHS Photo # 013505.01 013508.12-24 Present Use Roadside Parking Area Yr of Landscape Design 1938-39 MnDOT Historic OIs 3.144 Ols 3.145 Photo Album Ols 3.146 Overall Site Integrity. Moderately Altered Review Required Yes National Register Status I Not Eligible, see Statement of Significance Historic Context List of Standing Structures Feat# Feature Type ~ Year Built 01 Council Ring 1 gag 02 Council Ring 1938 03 Picnic Table(s), Stone 1938 04 Well/Pump 1938 05 Picnic Shelter(s) 1972 06 Restroom Bldg 1972 07 Info Board 1972 NOTE: Landscape features are not listed in this table Fieldwork Date 10-31-96 Prep by Gemini Research Dec. 98 G 1. 3 Prep for -~ Site Development Unit Cultural Resources Unit Environmental Studies Unit Final Report Historic Roadside Development Structures on Minnesota Trunk Highways (1998) MNDOT HISTORIC ROADSIDE DE~/E10PMENT SH-ERC-028 STRUCTURES INVENTORY CS 7101 Babcock Memorial Park ^ BRIE1= Babcock Memorial Park is a 15.75-acre site that is located on the western side of T.H. 10, within the city of Elk River, on the northern side of the T.H. 101 bridge that crosses the Mississippi. The park is located on the, eastern bank of the river. ^ STANDING STRUCTURES Counci/ Ring A and Counci/ Ring B. Erected 1938 by the NYA. The original plan specifies two council rings, both extant. They are built of mortared river boulders. Most of the rocks are pieces of pink, gray, red, and black granite that are football- to watermelon-sized. The rings are about 23' in overall diameter. Their walls are about 18" wide and 1' to 1'6" high (the height varies with the terrain). Each ring has an entrance opening on the eastern side. Each ring encloses a grassy area, at the center of which is a circular stone fire ring that is about 6' in outside diameter. Both council rings are missing several stones and need 'repair. Stone Picnic Tab/es. Erected 1938 by the NYA. The original plan specifies 14 picnic tables arranged in pairs with a picnic fireplace located near each pair. Some of these picnic tables were apparently portable wooden tables. There are currently three stone picnic tables with benches. Each set rests on a poured concrete base. The structures are made of tan, roughly-cut, limestone. The sets are about 5'6" in length, 6' in overall width, and 2'10" in height (to the top of the tables). One of the sets is complete, one is missing the eastern bench, and one is missing the table top and the western bench. All stone fireplaces have been removed. Pump. Erected 1938 by the NYA. The park includes a hand pump on a 9'-square poured concrete pad. Picnic She/ters. Erected ca. 1972 by Mn/DOT. The site has two picnic shelters that have gabled roofs supported by timber posts. The shelters stand on poured concrete pads. Restroom Bui/ding. Erected ca. 1972 by Mn/DOT. There is a concrete block restroom building located west of the parking area. A concrete sidewalk finks the building to the asphalt-paved parking lot. /nformation Board. Erected ca. 1972 by Mn/DOT. Agable-roofed woodframe information board is located on the concrete sidewalk just east of the restroom building. ^ OTHER LANDSCAPE FEATURES AND PLANTINGS The site is located several feet below the grade of T.H. 10 and has a somewhat secluded feel and relatively flat topography. The original plan specified (or suggested) a kittenball (also known as softball) field to be located southeast of the original parking area, and a small children's playground to be located east of the southern council ring. The original plan shows the park ending at the drainage ditch south of the southern council ring. 2 MNDOT HISTORIC ROADSIDE DEVELOPMENT STRUCTURES INVENTORY SH-ERC-028 CS 7101 Babcock Memorial Park The site's original access road entered the park east of the current restroom building and entered a rectangular parking area. In circa 1970, the T.H. 10 alignment was shifted westward and the park lost a fair amount of land. In circa 1972, the asphalt-paved entrance drive was reconstructed so that it entered the site at its northern end and then widened into the current long, paved parking area. From the southern end of this parking area, a gravel road was built southward through the park and over the drainage ditch. Anew gravel parking area (with two grassy curb-lined islands) and a boat launching ramp were built at the park's southern edge (just north of the T.H. 101 bridge). The drainage ditch (apparently the original site of a timber footbridge) is now edged with cut log stops and granite riprapping. The park also includes about six metal picnic grills on metal poles- and several recent portable wooden and metal picnic tables. Most of the site is planted with grass. There are widely spaced ash and oak trees planted east of the parking area against the grassy T.H. 10 ditch. There are ash, maple, and linden trees spaced about 20' apart in the grassy picnic area along the river, west of the parking area. The river bank is lined with overgrown brush and small trees and an area of gently sloping grassy lawn. Historic photos indicate that the site was originally shaded by many tall elms. The original plans made use of the natural forest. A 1939 planting plan also specifies 15 Green -Ash, 20 Weeping Willow, and 30 American Elm to be planted at the site. A 1972 planting plan specifies the planting of 18 Silver Maples, 40 White Ash, 10 Red Maple, 8 American Linden, 12 Sugar Maple, and 12 Siberian Elm. ^ SETTING The site is located within the city of Elk River. It is a long, narrow parcel located between the Mississippi River and T.H. 10, which runs north and south, parallel with the river. The site is bounded by T.H. 10 on the east, the T.H. 101. bridge on the south, and the Mississippi River on the west. The United Power Company plant and various commercial structures are located across T.H. 10 to the east. ^ INTEGRITY Alterations The site appears to have been built fairly close to plan. While the park retains several early stone structures, its landscapes have been altered. T.H. 10 has been moved westward circa 1970, cutting into the park's acreage. The original entrance road and parking area have been replaced by the current entrance road and much larger parking area circa 1972. Two gable-roofed picnic shelters, a concrete block restroom building, agable-roofed information board, and the southern parking lot and boat launch were all added to the site circa 1972. New plantings were added circa- 1972. Several picnic tables, 7 picnic fireplaces (apparently stone), and a timber footbridge have been removed. In addition, a marker built by the NYA (probably a rectangular timber sign) has apparently been removed. 3 MNDOT HISTORIC ROADSIDE DEVELOPMENT STRUCTURES INVENTORY SH-ERC-028 CS 7101 Babcock Memorial Park A geological marker was added to the site in 1953. It was located near the current information board. It has since been removed. The property retains integrity of location, setting,. and association. However, its integrity of design, materials, workmanship, and feeling has been compromised by the loss of park acreage, the reconstruction of the entrance road and parking area, the construction of a restroom building, picnic shelters, information board, and southern parking area, and the loss of stone picnic fireplaces and a timber footbridge. While the historic council rings and picnic tables are relatively unaltered, the property's overall landscape design has been changed considerably. Notes on Condition The stone council rings both need repair and are missing several stones. The limestone picnic tables also need repair -- one of the sets is complete, one is missing the eastern bench, and one is missing the table top and the western bench. ^ HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Babcock Memorial Park was constructed in 1938-1939 by the National Youth Administration (NYA) in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Highways and the Babcock Memorial Committee. Overseeing the project for the NYA were John J. Tessari of St. Paul, state supervisor of work projects; John Sullivan of St. Cloud, NYA supervisor; Larry Reider of St. Cloud, area NYA supervisor, and Parker Dragoo of St. Cloud, project foreman. The NYA received an allocation of $5,000 for the six-month period of January to June, 1938, to develop the land for the park. Approximately 35 young men from Elk River and the surrounding area worked as part-time employees. Work began in January of 1938 with the NYA crew clearing underbrush and trimming trees. The project was announced in the January 20, 1938, issue of the Sherburne County Star News: Elk River is to have a large and attractive roadside park along the Mississippi River east of town, to be known as the Babcock Memorial Park. The park will be developed along rustic lines, with trails, stone picnic tables, fireplaces, rustic footbridges and other improvements.. Native split stones will be used in the work and the whole scheme will blend in to the natural beauty of the scenery, with the small brook running through the park being used to good advantage (Sherburne County Star News, Jan. 20, 1938). By the end of the project in November 1938, the NYA had constructed a small marker (probably wooden), foot trails, council rings, fireplaces, a parking area, picnic tables, a rustic footbridge, and a well, besides clearing brush and dead trees. The estimated total cost to the state was $4,965 with the actual state expenditure being $1,295 (Annual Report 1938:28). The ,original plans were signed by A. R. Nichols (Consulting Landscape Architect), Harold E. Olson (Engineer of Roadside Development Division), A. W. Moulster (District Engineer), and O. L. Kipp (Construction Engineer). The plans are stamped "Final Plans Construction Division NYA Nov. 1, 1938." The Department approved a planting plan in May of 1939 fora 4.5-mile stretch of T.H. 10, including Babcock Memorial Park and the National Grange Historical Marker (located a few miles to the south). The plan was signed by A. R. Nichols and Harold E. Olson, as well as six other Highway Department officials: C. W. Lilly (Engineer of Plans), H. E. Chard 4 MNDOT HISTORIC ROADSIDE DEVELOPMENT STRUCTURES INVENTORY SH-ERC-028 CS 7101 Babcock Memorial Park (District Engineer), G. G. Gladman (Engineer of Survey and Design), C. L. Methuen (Assistant Construction Engineer), J. T. Ellison (Chief Engineer), and S. Rex Green (Engineer of Lands and Right-Of-Way). Between 1946 and 1948, the highway department constructed a rustic footbridge of heavy square timbers in Babcock Memorial Park, according to the Biennia/ Report of the Commissioner of Highways of Minnesota from Ju/y 9, 9946 to June 30, 9948 (1948:55). It is not clear where this bridge was located. It may have replaced the original timber footbridge across the drainage ditch near the southern end of the site. The Geological Society of Minnesota erected a marker in the park in 1953. `The geological marker was a metal plaque attached to a dolomite pedestal. The marker was removed fairly recently. (See marker text at the end of this document.) Babcock Memorial Park was named to commemorate Charles M. Babcock (1871-1936), who served as Minnesota's first Commissioner of Highways from 1917 to 1933 and who initiated the "Babcock Plan," which established the state trunk highway system. (See Additional Background Information at the end of this document.) ^ PREVIOUS SHPO REVIEWS A Section 106 review was conducted in 1998 in preparation for a Mn/DOT project to construct a new geological marker at the Babcock Memorial Park (SHPO Rev #98-1869). The review occurred while this Mn/DOT Historic Roadside Development Structures Inventory was underway, and a draft version of the inventory form was submitted to the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) as part of the review. In a letter to Allyson Brooks (Mn/DOT), dated April 27, 1998, Britta L. Bloomberg (MHS) concurred with Inventory's recommendation that the property is not eligible for the National Register (Bloomberg 1998). The documents that chronicle this Section 106 review contain a few items of correspondence. ^ STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Babcock Memorial Park, builf in 1938-1939, is a Rustic style roadside parking area with a complex site design. Babcock is one of only seven properties in this inventory that retain stone picnic tables and one of only eight properties that retain council rings. ~ Babcock is an example of the roadside development work of prominent landscape architect. A. R. Nichols. It is one of a group of Depression-era sites that represent the MHD's earliest roadside development facilities, and is one of 19 properties in the inventory that were built by the NYA in partnership with the MHD. This property has been evaluated within the historic context "Roadside Development on Minnesota Trunk Highways, 1920-1960." It is recommended that, despite the factors listed above, Babcock Memorial Park DOES NOT MEET National Register eligibility criteria due to loss of integrity. The study found that, while some structures (such as the council rings and stone picnic tables) are relatively unaltered, the property has lost many site elements and its overall landscape design has been altered considerably. 5 MNDOT HISTORIC ROADSIDE DEVELOPMENT SH-ERC-028 STRUCTURES INVENTORY CS 7101 Babcock Memorial Park ^ OTHER COMMENTS This property may require further evaluation for potential archaeological resources. T.H. 10 is fairly busy past this site but the site is below the elevation of, and some distance from, the roadway. The stone picnic tables at Babcock match those at four other parks that were inventoried: Blazer Park, Graeser Park, Lilac Park, and St. Louis Park R.P.A. (all on T.H. 100 west of Minneapolis). This portion of T.H. 10 has been designated part of the Great River Road. ^ REFERENCES Anderson, Rolf T. "Federal Relief Construction in Minnesota, 1933-1941." National Register of Historic Places Multiple Property Documentation Form. Oct. 9, 1990; amended Aug. 30, 1993. Annual Report of the Accomplishments of Roadside Development Along the Trunk Highways in Minnesota. Minnesota Department of Highways. 1938. Astrup, Joni. "Charles Babcock: Solving Local Road Problem Leads to Career Developing Highway System." Sherburne County Star News, Sept. 24, 1985. "Babcock Native of Sherburne County." Sherburne County Star News, July 23, 1931. Biennial Report of the Commissioner of Highways of Minnesota From July >, 1946 to June 30, 1948. Published Dec. 1, 1948. Blegen, Theodore C. Minnesota: A History of the State. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1975. Bloomberg, Britta L. (MHS). Letter to Allyson Brooks (Mn/DOT). Apr. 27, 1998. "Charles M. Babcock Road Commissioner. Governor Burnquist Appointed Local Man to Newly Created State Office Last Week." Sherburne County Star News, April 15, 1917. Clark, James W. "We Owe Our Roads to Charlie Babcock." Minneapo/is Tribune, undated clipping. ".Develop Babcock Memorial Park here as National Youth Project." Sherburne County Star News, Jan. 20, 1938. Final Report Nationa/ Youth Administration for the State of Minnesota: Sept. 9935 to July 9943. U.S. National Youth Administration, Minnesota, 1943. "Former Governor Christianson Eulogizes Memory of Babcock." Sherburne County Star News, Nov. 6, 1947. 6 MNDOT HISTORIC ROADSIDE DEVELOPMENT STRUCTURES INVENTORY SH-ERC-028 CS 7101 Babcock Memorial Park Larsen, Arthur J. The Deve/opment of the Minnesota Road System. St. Paul: Minnesota Historical Society, 1966. ^ ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND TEXT OF MISSING GEOLOGICAL MARKER Charles M. Babcock Charles M. Babcock (1871-1936) served as Minnesota's Highway Commissioner from 1917 to 1933. Born and raised in Elk River, Babcock attended the University of Minnesota in 1892 where he studied engineering. His education was cut short by the financial panic of 1893 and he returned to Elk River to work at the family's general store. Babcock organized a group of farmers and businessmen to improve the roads in Elk River and, as a result, he was elected as a county commissioner. Babcock's success in developing the county's road program led to his appointment in 1910 to the newly-formed state highway commission that was composed of three members. In 1917, the highway commission was abolished and its duties assumed by the office of the State Highway Commissioner. "It was a foregone conclusion that the new office would be offered to Charles M. Babcock. He had been active in good roads work for so many. years, and had acquitted himself so well in his nonsalaried position, that most people seem to have felt that he deserved the place" (Larsen 1966:440). Soon after Babcock was appointed as Minnesota's first highway commissioner in 1917, he developed a plan to improve the state's road system. The local newspaper wrote in 1931: The study of road conditions in Minnesota convinced Mr. Babcock that it was necessary to find a new source of highway revenue. Therefore .Mr. Babcock proposed that part of the cost of maintaining the roads and providing for improvements be borne by those who traveled them. His plan for a state system of trunk highways to be improved and maintained with motor vehicle tax revenue and federal highway aid, is outstanding in the substantial success into which it culminated (Sherburne County Star News, July 23, 1931). The Babcock Plan became an amendment to the state constitution in 1919 and was approved by the voters in 1920. This highway development plan called for improvement to 7,000 miles of roads and the creation of a state trunk highway system of 70 major highways. Additions to the plan in later years included a bond issue that raised additional revenue for highway development, increased car license fees, and instituted a gasoline tax. By 1930, toward the end of Babcock's tenure as commissioner, approximately "1,400 miles of road had been paved, and nearly as many had been given bituminous treatment. These developments were supported by a succession of governors" (Blegen 1975:484). Elk River The Elk River was named for the herds of elk that populated the area. Zebulon Pike christened the river with this name during his journey up the Mississippi in 1805. Two towns developed on the northern and southern banks of the Elk River, Orono on the north, which became known as 'lower town', and Elk River on the southern side. The village of Elk River was platted in 1865, and in 1880 Orono merged with Elk River (the new town was incorporated in 1881). The county seat was moved to Elk River in 1867. 7 MNDOT HISTORIC ROADSIDE DEVELOPMENT STRUCTURES INVENTORY Text of Missing Geological Marker "Geology of Minnesota. Elk River Region. SH-ERC-028 CS 7101 Babcock Memorial Park "The glaciers which covered Minnesota at intervals during the last million years brought with them from Canada thousands of cubic miles of rock debris. The sand, gravel, and granite boulders came chiefly from Ontario to the northeast, the limestone and clay from Manitoba to the northwest. When the ice melted, the transported material -- Glacial Drift -- was dropped to form a mantle of soil over the glaciated area. It is estimated that the fertility of the soil in Minnesota has been increased 30 per cent by glacial action. The glacial deposits in the Elk River region vary in fertility depending upon the proportions of sand, clay and limestone. "The melt waters from the glaciers tended to collect in streams which flowed away from the ice in a radiating pattern. The Mississippi River at this point is such a stream started during the last or Wisconsin stage of glaciation. "Erected by the Geological Society of Minnesota in cooperation with the Department of Highways State of Minnesota, 1953." 8