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

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Chapter 2 Park System Plan Background and Vision City of Little Canada, Minnesota 2‐2 Preliminary Draft: February 27, 2009 The City dedicated its first park, Spooner Park, on July 4, 1976. Since the acquisition of Spooner Park, the City has acquired and developed many more parks and trails. Refer to Chapter 3: Parks and Recreation Plan and Chapter 4: Trail System Plan for additional information. THE PEOPLE OF LITTLE CANADA This section analyzes key characteristics of the people of Little Canada to gain a better understanding of the community’s present and future parks and recreation needs. Population Growth According to the U.S. Census, the population of Little Canada was 9,771 in 2000 – an increase of 8.9 percent from the population of 8,971 in 1990. The Metropolitan Council estimated that Little Canada’s population grew to 10,157 in 2007 and it has projected continued population growth. The City of Little Canada, in its Comprehensive Plan, projects an approximate five percent (5%) increase in population by the year 2030. (Refer to the City’s Comprehensive Plan for additional information). This anticipated increase in population will affect the park system in several ways: 1. An increase in population will result in an increased use of the City’s parks and trails; 2. As land is further developed and as redevelopment of existing property occurs, there is likely to be additional pressure on the City's natural resources and open space; and 3. As the City nears the point that it is fully developed, there will be less cash and/or land coming into the City through the parkland dedication process. Population Density The area of Little Canada that is east of I‐35E is predominantly a low‐ density, single‐family detached residential area with a limited amount of moderate to high‐density residential uses. Residents in this area have good access to community parks, open space, and trails. In contrast, the area west of I‐35E has a higher percentage of moderate to high‐density residential uses. Residents in this area historically had less convenient access to community parks, open space, and trails. However, the City developed three parks (Nadeau in 1992, Rondeau in 2001 and Round Lake in 2002) to help serve the residents of this area. The Roseville Area School District also provides recreational facilities in this area. To learn more about the demographic characteristics of the people of Little Canada, please visit the U.S. Census website at: www.census.gov/