01-14-2004 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Little Canada Memo January 8, 2004 Page 2 • Our goal would be to develop and demonstrate a zero stormwater nmoff site. We would implement new technologies that will trap and treat water. We will use the site as a demo for Little Canada and for others, similar to how H.B. Fuller is used for tours, etc. Could bring the U of M into the design phase to gain exposure from the academic side. "- -how it may harm environmental conditions, cultural /educational programming that may occur at the building or in the park, etc." • The building and parking areas will replace the existing grassed areas, however, site development for zero runoff would mitigate any stormwater nmoff impacts. • The close proximity to Gervais Mill Pond Park will provide a prime location for a variety of field exercises related to basic ecology, stormwater management, and natural resources management. Education would include elementary schools all the way to adult groups. Because of these opportunities and the increased use of the Mill Pond in education, an increase level of our staff resources could be allotted to managing the natural areas associated with the Mill Pond. Over a period of years, this system would harbor exceptional natural habitats. Our program would benefit as well as the multitude of patrons that use this Little Canada Park. • A District building would also likely include some indoor educational resources and materials. We could consider having a resource library and educational exhibits available to individuals and groups. "In short, what will the Watershed's project bring to the site /park /neighborhood /community versus what leaving the property as open space would do for the site /park/neighborhood /community. " • The neighborhood could either view the development as an amenity that enhances their enjoyment of the remaining open space or view it as a reduction of open space they are currently enjoying. The current area is not actively used by the public, but it does give a nice sense of open space to the creek corridor when approached from Little Canada Road. The District facility would be designed to fit with its surroundings and be compatible with the environment. The exact architectural design would be developed in consultation with an advisory group that could include City staff, Council member, or a neighborhood representative. The facility should compliment the City Hall across the street. • The site would also be landscaped with native grasses and forbs. The site would be developed to serve as an example of the good management practices that we promote. The landscaping would likely include no -mow grass, pervious pavement, native wild flower and grass gardens, rain gardens, and roof water management (rain barrels or green roof system). Our landscaping would be designed to serve as an educational resource for the District and the City on native landscaping techniques and rain gardens. • Little Canada will gain a high level of District staff involvement and assistance with management of the open space that surrounds the District complex. • The community of Little Canada can list the Watershed District complex as an amenity if the development design is conducive to providing community education and meeting space, as well as an enhanced open space visitation experience. If the District complex could be designed to be a regional low impact development (LID) "icon," Little Canada will become well -known as its host. • We would view this as a long -term improvement and education project. Community involvement would occur at the design stage through construction, restoration, maintenance and on -going management /education. Groups we would anticipate involving would include: - The City of Little Canada - University of Minnesota 2