02/04/1991 Park Board Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

fact probably saved some of the large oak stands and adds to the current perception of Lino Lakes as a high amenity area. Stands of willow, aspen, and birch are found adjacent to the wetlands on the higher organic content soils. In more recent times plantings of Norway pine have been made by recent and current residents, adding some winter color. The city's densely settled areas have evolved into the usual "urban forest" with plantings as diverse as Black. -Hills spruce, Kentucky coffee trees, and mock orange. Transportation: For all practical purposes city residents are entirely dependent on auto and truck transportation. However, located in the northwest corner of the city is the Lino Air Park. This unique development has single-family homes adjacent to a sod landing -strip. Presently the development is not completed and several lots remain to be developed. In addition a seaplane base is located on the west shore of Rice Lake. It should also be added that Metropolitan Transit Commission bus service has been extended to the city. Service is available to the correctional facility located just north of I-35W and west of Lake Drive. Service to commuter lots is also provided. For the most part though buses are not used and the service provided is more for political reasons than rider demand. Now to the cars and trucks. Lino Lakes has the enviable position of being served by two freeways. Interstate 35W provides direct access to Minneapolis and I-35E gives access to St. Paul and suburbs. Travel times to both downtown areas. is about 15-18 minutes. In the recently completed citizens' survey this quick access to other parts of the seven county metropolitan area was identified by Lino Lakes residents as one of the benefits of living in the city. Access ranked second behind only aesthetic appearance. one weakness of the interstate system though is the lack of a connection between the two freeways, i.e. there's no way to get from I-35W to I-35E south of Forest Lake save the round- about C.R. 14 through Centerville. Other freeway needs include the need for diamond exchanges at 80th Street and I- 35E and at Main Street and I-35W. The latter would provide direct access to the 2700 acre regional park. The former would be the start of the northern link and would provide access to the northeast corner of the city. Development: While most other cities in the Metropolitan Area have experienced very cyclical residential growth, and most recently have experienced a downtown, Lino Lakes has a history of steadily increasing residential development. Page 6