11-06-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Existing entry walk at Wargo Nature Center Existing kayak storage at the main dock Existing signage and entry to compost site WARGO NATURE CENTER EXISTING CONDITIONS AND NEEDS The Wargo Nature Center extends from the peninsula within George Watch Lake, where the nature center building is located, to the Heritage Lab site located across County Road 14 on Peltier Lake. Most visitors access Wargo Nature Center along the 3/4 mile entry drive that is shared with the Anoka County Compost Site, passing through upland, wetland, and prairie areas. Existing conditions and needs at Wargo are discussed at three scales; the full site, the nature center campus, and the nature center building. The full site includes the peninsula within George Watch Lake where the nature center building is located, as well as the Heritage Lab area east of County Road 14.The nature center campus focuses in on the area within the peninsula around the nature center building. Full site Main Entrance and Entry Drive Existing Conditions Public access for the Wargo Nature Center site is along the 3/4 mile, 24' wide paved entry road that is shared with the Anoka County Compost Site. The entrance/entry drive: • Provides a pleasant driving experience as it passes through uplands, wetlands, and prairie • Lacks a dedicated lane or trail for bicycles and pedestrians • Currently relies on a main entrance sign that does not provide visual interest or reflect Wargo Nature Center's mission and vision Needs • A more prominent entry sign on County Road 14 • Bicycle and pedestrian trail and amenities along the entry drive to connect Wargo Nature Center to the regional trail along County Road 14, and the wider park system • A parking lot for"after-hours"trail access The Heritage Lab Existing Conditions The Heritage lab is utilized jointly with the Lino Lakes YMCA and is used to host outdoor programs for three weeks each fall, rotating students through eight different stations and camps in the summer. The area is not open to the general public. Currently, the area is unimproved, and would benefit from permanent restrooms, reliable shelter, and water. Needs 20 Chapter 3: Existing Conditions & Needs • Permanent restrooms • Reliable shelter/designated program space • Water