12-12-2019 Planning Commission Packet

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Parks System Overview Little Canada’s park system is comprised of a variety of parks, facilities, and trails. Residents currently have access to 178 acres of public park space within the City limits, including 9 city parks, 1 county park, 2 school parks, and 1 nature area. Park Classifications Park classifications define and clarify the intended use of each park type and clarify the area served, the size, and ideal site locations. The following table and map are useful when planning for new parks or when contemplating park needs for major redevelopment projects. Classifications will help guide facility and use plans. Little Canada does not currently have any parks classified as youth athletic, community athletic, or mini. Collaboration with Other Entities The Little Canada park system benefits through collaborations with other government and quasi‐government entities. For example, the City of Little Canada and the Ramsey‐Washington Metro Watershed District collaborated in the development of Gervais Mill Park. In addition, Gervais Beach is a Ramsey County Park, located within the City of Little Canada, which provides recreation opportunities for Little Canada residents as well as others in the region. The City also has cooperative agreements with the Saint Paul Regional Water System and shares Xcel Energy transmission line right‐of‐way for trails and parks. The Little Canada Historical Society and Ramsey County have also been good collaborative partners. The City should continue to collaborate with other government entities to provide parks, open space, and trails that not only benefit the residents of Little Canada, but also the region. Collaboration with Schools The Roseville Area School District ‐ ISD #623‐ has two schools in Little Canada; Little Canada Elementary School at 400 Eli Road and Roseville Area Middle School at 15 County Road B‐2 East. Although schools are not city parks, residents use the schools’ recreation facilities, and the City of Little Canada has a unique relationship with the Roseville Area School District. The City has facility use agreements with the district, utilizes school field space, and contributed funds to aid in the construction of the gym at the elementary school. In addition, Community Education (part of the Roseville Area School District) offers and facilitates recreation opportunities throughout the school district that benefit Little Canada residents. The City of Little Canada and the Roseville Area School District have a synergistic relationship that allows both entities to work together to ensure that all residents in the city and the school district have an excellent park system and recreation program. Saint John the Evangelist School at 2621 McMenemy Street is a private school that provides recreation facilities for its students. However, others in the community may also benefit from the school’s recreation facilities. As budgets tighten, the need for open communication and cooperation between the City and the schools becomes even more critical. The schools and their relationship to Little Canada’s park system are described in more detail throughout this Plan. City of Little Canada 6‐2 Parks and Trails Plan