06-06-2016 Park Board Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY' OF III KES MEMORANDUM DATE: June 6, 2016 TO: Park Board Members FROM: Rick DeGardner, Public Services Director RE: Review St. Clair Estates Development St. Clair Estates is a 35 single family lot residential subdivision located north of Birch Street and east of Hokah Drive. This development borders the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve. The Parks, Natural Open Space/Greenways and Trail System Plan document guides our planning for parks, open space, greenways, and trails. A future park is not identified near the St. Clair Estates Development, nor are any additional trail segments. City staff has received some inquiries from residents in the Spirit Hills Development requesting a mini-park within the St. Clair Estates development, access to the Regional Park, and a trail connection to Rice Lake Elementary School. Request for a Mini-Park-The use of mini-parks (typically 1-3 acres) are typically limited to circumstances whereby a recreational need cannot be effectively met by a neighborhood park or where developmental considerations make it prudent to do so. With both Shenandoah Park and Rice Lake Elementary (RLE) School less than Y mile from the intersection of Birch Street and Ware Road, residents in the Spirit Hills and St. Clair developments have some choices for recreational opportunities. Shenandoah Park is an eight acre park with playground equipment and maintained turf. A controlled intersection at Birch Street and Ware Road provides a safe pedestrian crossing across Birch Street. RLE has playground equipment, full size basketball court, internal paved trail loop, connection to the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional trail system, and numerous ball/soccer fields. While RLE amenities are not available while school is in session, it provides tremendous recreational opportunities in the evening, weekends, and summer. The paved trail along the north side of Birch Street provides suitable pedestrian access for users.