03-02-2017 Parks & Rec Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Preliminary Draft: February 27, 2009 2-1 Chapter 2 BACKGROUND AND VISION REGIONAL CONTEXT Little Canada is located in Ramsey County, roughly 4‐1/2 miles north of downtown Saint Paul. The city has an area of approximately 4.49 square miles and is bounded or bisected by the major highways of I‐35E, I‐694, and State Highway 36. Little Canada's close proximity to major employment centers, its easy access to the transportation system, its abundance of natural features, and its small town character are qualities that make Little Canada a highly desirable community. HISTORICAL CONTEXT Little Canada has a rich history that is well recorded in the book "Little Canada – A Voyageur's Vision." From its history as a summer camping ground for Dakota Indians to its settlement by French‐Canadian pioneers in 1844, Little Canada takes great pride in its past. Until it became a village in 1953, Little Canada was part of a larger area known as New Canada. The Village of Little Canada officially became the City of Little Canada in 1974. The natural beauty of Little Canada has always been important to the community. In 1959, the Saint Paul Dispatch newspaper quoted Village officials as saying: "Little Canada residents are interested, first and foremost, in retaining the contour of their beautiful countryside, generously laden with sparkling lakes, and green and gentle knolls.” Village leaders, including Carl Spooner and Murph Jespersen, encouraged the Village to set aside land for future parks. In 1973, the Village established the first Park Planning Committee, which later evolved into the Park and Recreation Commission. Regional Context Map (Source: MapQuest) Sign Reflecting the City’s Pride in its History (Source: City Website)