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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/16/1990 Park Board Packet CITY OF LINO LAKES PARK BOARD July 16, 1990 6:00 p.m. AGENDA 1. Roll Call and Call To Order 2 . Consideration of Minutes 3. Overall Land Use Study for City Parks/Braur & Associates. 4 . Consideration of Park Dedication for Willow Ponds/Dennis Ericksons Addition. 5. Minor Subdivision for the creation of one lot. Diane Schilling 6. Old Business 7. New Business 8. Adjournment n - PARR BOARD MINUTES June 4, 1990 Ray Johnson brought the regular park board meeting to order at 7: 00 p.m. at the Lino Lakes City Hall. Members present were: Chairperson, Ray Johnson; Board Members, Bob Williams, George Lindy, Bill Nissen, Ken Johnson and John Bauman. Board Member absent: Candy Toffoli. Also present were: Council Member Andy Neal; Public Works Director, Don Volk; Parks Superintendent, Marty Asleson; and Planning Secretary, Laura Elken. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES Bill Nissen moved to approve the minutes of the May 9th meeting. John Bauman seconded the motion and the motion was approved unanimously. PARR DEDICATION PROPOSAL FOR PINERIDGE, RICK CARLSON'S SUBDIVISION/RICK CARLSON & TED MAHTKE A special meeting was held after the city council denied the rezoning of PineRidge. One of the reasons for denial was that the park issue was not resolved. Mr. Carlson submitted a proposal for park dedication n consisting of two options. They were: 1. $400.00 per lot cash contribution with the City of Lino Lakes leasing an area outlined in red (approximately the size of an R-1 zoning lot) as a temporary tot lot. 2. 10% land dedication. Ray Johnson did discuss the fact that this is not the proposal that was discussed at the special meeting. Mr. Carlson stated that the size of the tot lot was not decided on. The proposed tot lot consisted of a lot within an outlot on the southwest section of the plat. Ray Johnson suggested that the tot lot be installed now as a temporary park. When the Barrott property is developed then the play ground equipment will be moved to that property. Rick Carlson said that there is no guarantee to him that this will be a temporary park. Don Volk stated that he felt the entire outlot be dedicated as an open play area and that a yearly lease would be drawn up for the parcel. A hold harmless clause would be made available to Mr. Carlson. Mr. Carlson's development in phase 1 consists of 31.56 acres ^ of land. Land park dedication would then consist of 3 . 16 Page 1 PARK BOARD MINUTES n June 4, 1990 acres. Bill Nissen stated that both the city and Rick Carlson could benefit from this temporary tot lot. A temporary ballfield could also be installed on the parcel. Don Volk discussed sewer availability to the Barrott property. The city council recently ordered a feasibility study to be completed to extend city utilities to this area. It is possible that the utility trunk line would go through the outlot. A temporary easement may be required to run the sewer through the outlot. Don felt it would take approximately one year to complete the construction. Don stated that it would be possible to reroute the sewer construction so it wouldn't touch the park. That has not been decided yet. Don Volk would like to see the park board obtain the 3 . 16 acres of land within the outlot as park dedication. Then when the Barrott property is developed the city could trade that parcel for a parcel of land that was originally considered for park land in the southwest section of the Barrott property. If the park board would obtain the outlot as park land, it would not be platted. Ken Johnson stressed to Mr. Carlson that the residents purchasing the lots would have to be told that the park is temporary until the Barrott property is developed. Mr. Carlson assured the board that they would be informed. Rick Carlson stated that the outlot consists of approximately 5 1/2 acres including Coyote Trail, 3 . 16 acres would complete the park dedication requirement, and the city would purchase the additional acres. Rick Carlson stated that he would sell the remaining outlot area for $8,000 an acre. Rick Carlson stated that as soon as the grading is completed at the site the city would be given clear title to the land. Rick Carlson stated that he would extend Coyote Trail to the park. MOTION: George Lindy moved to recommend to the city council park dedication for PineRidge as follows: Acceptance of a 3 . 16 acre parcel within the outlot located in the southwest section of PineRidge. The park board would then purchase at $8,000 an acre, the remaining portion of the outlot (which would be approximately 2.3 acres) . The City of Lino Lakes would obtain clear title to the outlot. An appropriate interest rate would be established. Rick Carlson would be offered the first right of refusal to repurchase the land at the original cost + 10% per year. Rick Carlson will bring the outlot to grade according to the grading plan on the Page 2 PARR BOARD MINUTES June 4, 1990 plat. Bill Nissen seconded the motion and the motion was approved unanimously. CONSIDERATION OF PHEASANT HILLS PRESERVE PARR DEDICATIONILARRY SIEBERLICH, ED VAUGHAN, Larry Sieberlich addressed the board. He stated that the proposed Pheasant Hills Preserve will be the largest residential development to be .constructed in the. City of Lino Lakes. The development consists of 307 acres. Of that 307 acres, 210 will be platted as Pheasant Hills Preserve. Of the 210 acres, only 43% will actually be platted as lots because of the extensive wetlands on the site. The development will be constructed in phases. Phase 1 consists of 22 1/2 acres or 25 lots. Because of open areas, only 15 acres will be platted with lots. Jeff Shopek from Merilla & Association displayed maps outlining the proposed trail systems through the plat. He explained that there are many natural amenities within the site. The plat is surrounded by Anoka County Regional Park land. Mr. Vaughn spoke with Dave Torkildson, Anoka County Park Director. He informed Vaughn that an area north of this plat is planned for active recreation. Marty Asleson added that he spoke with Ron Cox on this subject and gave Marty the same information. Mr. Vaughn stated that once development occurs in the county park land it would have to be fenced in, and center posts would have to be installed on the trails entering the park land so that vehicles could not enter the park. Marty stated that the city would not have access to scheduling time for and ballf ields that may be constructed in the county park site. The developer will install passive walking trails, wild life areas, and scenic overlooks. The Centennial School District owns a 40 acre parcel of land in the center of the south end of the plat. Mr. Vaughn is unsure of the school's intentions with the parcel. He is hoping that the school district will sell the property to Vaughn. Don Volk stated that water service to this area will come from the west. City sewer will be extended from the LaMotte sewer area. The following options were discussed for park purposes. -" 1. Obtaining the Anoka County Regional Park Land. Page 3 PARK BOARD MINUTES June 4, 1990 2 . School District Property. If a school is built on this site, a joint facility could be provided. 3 . Off Site. The developer could consider an option to buy a parcel outside of his plat. 4. The Island. The island is approximately five acres in size and is located in the western portion of the Pheasant Hills property. It is heavily treed and has a topographic relief of 12 to 14 feet. It is accessible from the southwest. 5. The Peninsula. This area is located in the eastern portion of the Pheasant Hills site. It contains approximately 2 .5 acres of upland located adjacent to the wetland area. It is accessed by the proposed trail system. This land is both treed and open. It is suitable for both passive and certain types of active recreation. Don Volk addressed the board. He proposes that the city try to lease the Anoka County Regional Park land. Secondly, he recommended to obtain the island for part of the park dedication and use it for an interpretive nature center. It would tie into the city's overall trail system extremely well. After further discussion a motion was made. MOTION: Ray Johnson moved to recommend to the city council that park dedication for Pheasant Hills Preserve includes an island consisting of approximately 10 - 15 acres of land and a peninsula consisting of approximately 3 acres. This park dedication would satisfy the requirement for the entire plat of Pheasant Hills Preserve including the school property only if Mr. Vaughn obtains that parcel. John Bauman seconded the motion and the motion was approved unanimously. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED PARK DEDICATION FOR RICE LAKE ESTATESIMARTY ASLESON Marty Asleson submitted three maps that Jon Tennessen sent him that illustrated his neighborhood park concerns. Mr. Asleson also displayed a map drawn up by Barry Brainerd This map depicted a joint agreement between the City of Circle Pines and Lino Lakes to use the Circle Pines area to the north west of the Lino Lakes well house. Lino Lakes could install a tennis court and/or playground equipment that could compliment the Baldwin Park area, including a trail to the park and possibly around the swam. Marty stated that an exercise trail could be incorporated into this type of trail. --', Marty said that Mr. Kineth seemed to like the idea in Page 4 PARK BOARD MINUTES June 4, 1990 concept and this issue will go before the Circle Pines Park Board. The park board would sell the two lots that are currently part of the park dedication and use this money towards the development of the joint park. Feasibly the park department could receiv- $40,000 for the two lots. Don estimated the cost of a double tennis court to be $30,000. MOTION: Ray Johnson moved to recommend to the city council to proceed with a joint agreement with the City of Circle Pines for meeting park dedication requirements for Rice Lake Estates by installing a tennis court and play ground equipment on Circle Pines property northwest of Lino Lakes Well #2 . Ken Johnson seconded the motion and the motion was approved unanimously. PROPOSAL FOR IRRIGATION AT BIRCH PARK Marty Asleson presented the board with a cost estimate for the installation of an irrigation system in Birch Park. Marty stated that the total cost would be approximately $15, 130.00. Irrigating a portion of the park was discussed. The park board discussed the need for a building at the park. At the present time the city is renting a mobile trailer. MOTION: Ray Johnson moved to recommend to the city council that the park department to install an irrigation system to the ballfield at Birch Park. The cost for this would be approximately $16,000. George Lindy seconded the motion and the motion was approved unanimously. George Lindy requested that staff check into the costs for a semi-permanent structure. The park board felt that even a structure compatible to what is there now with nicer siding would be adequate. CONSIDERATION OF AMENDING THE PARK DEDICATION ORDINANCE/REVIEW OF PARK DEDICATION SURVEY. Laura Elken completed a survey asking area cities what their park dedication requirements are. This survey was discussed briefly. The park board will continue discussion next month. DISCUSSION OF INITIATING A COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PARK PLAN. Don Volk and Marty Asleson met with Braur and Associates - +� They feel that there is a great need for the City of Lino Page 5 PARR BOARD MINUTES June 4, 1990 Lakes to initiate a plan of this kind. Many area cities have completed overall city park plans. Lino Lakes is at a stage where a plan like this could make a great difference. Ray Johnson moved to table this item until next month. Meeting adjourned 10:20 p.m. Page 6 A-N June 13, 1990 Mr. Donald Volk j Public Works Director City of Lino Lakes 1189 Main Street Lino Lakes, MN 55014 RE: Comprehensive Park Plan and Development Guide B&A #90-1-50 Dear Don: Enclosed is the information I sent to Marty Asleson with respect to the Comprehensive Park Plan and Development Guide. Please review the document as your time permits. If you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call. Thank you. I am looking forward to discussing this further in the near future. Sincerely, BRAUER & ASSOC IA S LTD. ref y . S hoenbauer, R.L.A. J�Vi - esident N A ch m .P 7901 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344 ❑ (612) 941-1660 June 11, 1990 r^� Mr. Marty Asleson Parks Superintendent/City Forester City of Lino Lakes 1189 Main Street Lino Lakes, MN 55014 Re: Comprehensive Park Plan and Development Guide for the City of Lino Lakes. Dear Marty, As per your and Don VoWs request,the following outlines the approach that we typically recommend for a park system study for a community such as Lino Lakes.Please keep in mind that this approach will have to be tailored to meet the specific needs of Lino Lakes once those needs become better defined. For now, it is my intention to outline the typical approach to a project like this so that both the City staff and Park Board can develop a better understanding as to the process of developing a Comprehensive Park Plan and Development Guide. TYPICAL APPROACH STEP 1: FOCUS MEETING The planning process typically begins through a focus meeting between Brauer&Associates and City staff/Park and Recreation Board/community leaders.The general purpose of the focus meeting is to allow the Brauer Team the opportunity to develop a clear understanding of the scope of the project; who the key individuals and committees are and their level of involvement in the project; and the general planning concerns related to the project. Specifically, the meeting would focus on: - a broad based discussion about park planning in a general sense - specific planning issues, community background, etc. - identifying key individuals and city staff members who will be directly involved in the project. - identifying key committees and organizations who will have a direct impact on the project. - developing a clear and concise understanding of the scope of the project. Upon completion of the focus meeting, Brauer &Associates will put together a formal proposal in which the exact scope of the project (as determined in the meeting) is clearly defined along with the associated fee schedule. STEP 2:MISSION STATEMENT,GOALS,OBJECTIVES,AND POLICY STATEMENTS Basic to any park system study is the establishment of the Park and Recreation mission statement, goals, objectives, and policy statements. This aspect of the study is important in the sense that it sets the "tone" for cn much of the study.As such, it should be viewed as the point in which the overall"vision" of the park system is determined. The Mission Statement describes, in a relatively short verse, the duty or function of the parks and recreation system in Lino Lakes. A goal is best described as the defined manner in which the mission will be achieved or carried out. . m _ A set of objectives(one or more) is essentially a manner by which a goal can be qualified or more clearly defined. (i.e.-provide a more detailed measure of achievement toward a specific goal). 7901 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344 ❑ (612) 941-1660 Policy statements define the appropriate action and political position that must be taken in order to achieve specific objectives. It is important to note that establishing the mission statement,goals,objectives,and policy statements will evolve throughout the course of the project as apposed to being developed during a specific timeframe.As the project makes its way through the various steps,new information often becomes available which may impact these issues. STEP 3: PARKS AND RECREATION NEEDS ASSESSMENT The parks and recreational needs within Lino Lakes, both as it exists now as well as on into the future, is undoubtedly going to be the driving force in the development of the park system.As such, it is important to clearly assess and understand current and anticipated future needs. Assessing both current and future needs typically involves: parks and recreation needs assessment survey and public hearings to discuss and determine the type of parks and recreational facilities that are most desired by the community. - projecting population growth patterns and anticipated changes in user demographics/socio-economic patterns to determine what type and number of individuals can be expected to be using the parks(i.e.- young families,senior citizens,day care groups,etc.)as well as determine the appropriate timing of park development. assessing the City's adopted land use guide plan, zoning requirements, etc. to determine how they will impact the park system plan (or vis-a-versa). The results of the assessment of Lino Lakes park and recreation needs will be instrumental in guiding the planning, acquisition, and development of the park system. STEP 4: PARK SYSTEM FRAMEWORK A park system framework is best described as the "guidelines for establishing a park system" within a given community. This framework is based on established park planning methodology, national park planning guidelines/standards and previous park system studies. Typically, the framework consists of three essential components: Park System Classifications: Depicts the park"types"which will be utilized within the communities park system.A properly defined system classification will insure that sufficient facilities are planned within a reasonable service area of a recreational need. The existing park system classifications within Lino Lakes should be affirmed, modified, or expanded as determined to be appropriate through the needs assessment. Typical park system classifications would include neighborhood parks, community parks, athletic complexes, trails, special use, etc. Park System Facility Standards: Defines the type and number of recreational facilities necessary to accommodate a communities needs.These standards,as set by organizations on the national,state,and local level (such as the National Parks and Recreation Association), must be tempered by local conditions and needs. As with the park system classifications, existing park standards for Lino Lakes should be affirmed, modified, or expanded as needed to meet current and future requirements. Park System Elements:Describes the physical characteristics of each park site as well as the park system as a whole. Specifically, these elements describe the cultural, ornamental, conservation, reserve, and recreation orientation of the park system,whereby the relative balance of these elements within the park system can be determined. Naturally, specific circumstances, needs, and the communities infra-structure will play significant roles in the establishment of a park system framework for the City of Lino Lakes. �-- STEP 5: PARK SYSTEM PLAN The Park System Plan describes, in detail, the components of the Lino Lakes Park System. The plan is based on the needs assessment, planning considerations and park system framework established as part of the study. The plan generally consists of the following major components: INVENTORY OF EXISTING PARES Existing parks and their development are cur rently meeting a certain degree of the community's recreation needs. An inventory of these facilities must be completed to determine which needs are being accommodated and how adequately. At the same time,an analysis of each existing park should be made to catalog it's natural amenities and to affirm it's suitability for current and future uses. An updated park program should be developed to illustrate the future development<of the site as determined by the needs assessment. A priority ranking for future development should be developed as it relates to the overall funding and implementation plan. Since other providers of public recreation exist in most communities, an inventory of the sites and facilities available in the city should also be undertaken. Private recreation providers also meet some of the needs of the community. These facilities are generally of special use and interest and have amenities that are usually unfeasible for a municipality to provide. These should not be considered competitive but complementary to a park system. An inventory of these private recreation facilities must be performed to assess their contribution to community recreation needs. PARK LAND ACQUISITION/PARK DEVELOPMENT Growing communities,such as Lino Lakes,must at all times be one step ahead of development in the acquisition of land for future parks. The areas and amounts of land acquisition will depend upon recreation service areas, land availability and projected park needs. Once a specific park need has been determined in a particular part of the community,potential sites for the park can be identified. A field survey of the potential sites should be made to determine which site is most appropriate. Physical attributes of each site, current zoning, guided land use, probable surrounding land use, potential access and impact on future land uses should be identified as evaluation criteria. A weighing or prioritization of the criteria should be made to determine the most suitable site for acquisition. Development of park facilities must also keep pace with demand. Current and anticipated facility needs as determined through the needs assessment study,along with the accepted standards,should be used to determine the type and timing of future park facilities development. SPECIAL USE FACILITIES Special use facilities such as a community center, ice arena, swimming complex, golf courses, etc., play an important role in a community's overall park system. Lists of special use facilities which are not dealt with within the general framework of the plan will be defined. The City's current and projected needs for these facilities should be addressed along with recommendations for locating and providing these facilities within the community. SPECIAL PARK AREAS Special park areas within the community, such as Rice Creek Park, etc., should be identified.Their respective impacts to the Lino Lakes Park System should be analyzed and documented. Policies should be established to regulate the management and use of the special use parks. LINEAR PARKS/TRAE S Linear Parks/Trails are the linkage corridors between the park system components, as well as being a very important form of recreation unto themselves. As such, these elements are vital to the development of a successful park system. Therefore, a great deal of emphasis should be placed on defining the use and location of the linear parks/trails. STEP 6: FUNDING AND IWLEM ENTATION PLAN For the present and near future, an implementation and funding plan should be developed. It will be a direct outgrowth of the park development and land acquisition recommendations which have their roots in the needs assessment study. The timing of future residential,commercial and industrial development in park service areas will be governed in a large part by the location of urban services. The planned extension of sewer and water service will govern the direction and timing of city development and consequently development and acquisition of parks. A funding and implementation plan must provide the City with a reasonable projection of the future timing and costs of land acquisition and park development necessary to meet growing demand. Lino Lakes will have a variety of resources available as it implements its park and open-space improvements. The capital costs of acquisition and development, however, will be substantial. Critical to the successful implementation of the Park Development Plan will be the strategy for phasing priority projects in consideration of the appropriateness of various financing options. A priority rankingsv` stem prioritizes future parks acquisition and/or development. The priority ranking system,which has its roots in the needs assessment aspect of the project,will undoubtedly be affected by demographics, planned community services, land acquisition scenarios, funding options, and implementation considerations. The full range of public and private financing tools should be explored in order to establish the most cost- effective and efficient allocation of resources. Along with commonly identified public programs available for park development from federal, state and local government sources, the plan should also identify prospective opportunities through public/private partnerships and joint use agreements. Finally,ongoing maintenance and staffing should be addressed. FINAL DOCUMENTATION It is our recommendation to format the Comprehensive Park Plan and Development Guide so that it can be readily understood by all interested members of the community who seek a higher level of involvement in the planning of their parks and recreation system. By organizing the information in a logical fashion, all potential users will be able to follow the process from beginning to end and understand how the park system plan was developed. By using this format,all interested community residents will be able to determine where a park in their area will be developed,when it will most likely be developed,what type of development it will be,the anticipated cost of the development, and how the development will be funded. City wide mapping should be developed to show existing and proposed park site locations, service areas, park districts, etc. These should be incorporated into the final document in the appropriate section to facilitate ease of understanding and use of the guide. FEE SCHEDULE The following fee schedule illustrates,from a historical perspective,what the typical fee ranges are for the various steps involved in a project such as this one. Please keep in mind that these fees are based on my best estimate given what I know about your situation to date.As such,the actual fee structure will be based on what the scope of the project will actually be once we've had an opportunity to discuss it at further length. It is important to note that, given the budgetary constraints often facing communities, there is some degree of flexibility as to the overall scope of the project and how the planning process is structured.In other words,once we have a better understanding of where your greatest need(s) lie, we can put together a proposal package which works within your budgetary constraints.Please keep in mind,however,that to complete a project like this �.� in a professional manner is no small undertaking.There are no real shortcuts to preparing a planning document which will be a viable tool for successfully guiding the development of the park system in Lino Lakes. The following schedule illustrates what I would expect the low and high end would be for fees for this type of project.Again,once we've had an opportunity to discuss the project further,I will put together a proposal which outlines the fees much more accurately.As is common practice, the fees can be structured in a"not to exceed" fashion whereby the City will only be paying for actual time spent on the project. ITEM LOW FEE HIGH FEE STEP 1: FOCUS MEETING $ 500.00 $ 1,000.00 STEP 2: MISSION STATEMENT, GOALS, OBJECTIVES, POLICY STATEMENTS $ 1,5W.00 $ 4,200.00 STEP 3: NEEDS ASSESSMENTS $6,000.00 $12,000.00 STEP 4: PARK SYSTEM FRAMEWORK $ 3,000.00 $ 6,000.00 STEP 5: PARK SYSTEM PLAN $12,000.00 $24,000.00 STEP 6: FUNDING AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN $ 5,500.00 $12,000.00 FINAL REMARKS We here at Brauer and Associates are very excited about the opportunity to work on a project of this scope for the City of Lino Lakes. We enthusiastically look forward to developing a positive working relationship with the staff and citizens of Lino Lakes. It is always our interest to perform up to your highest expectations and in the highest professional manner. Thank you for this opportunity.I look forward to discussing this with you,Don Volk, and the Park Board in the future. Please give me a call if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, je AUER &r O IATES LTD. - A. cauer, R.LA. P eside Donald Volk Merila & Associates '.; : E RI LA Brooklyn lyrd Avenue North. 554 863 - /`^ Brookl n Park. Minnesota 55428 1508 Telephone(612)533-7595 Fax(612)533-1937 r1 June 26, 1990 City of Lino Lakes Parks and Recreation Board 1189 Main Street Lino Lakes, Minnesota 55014 Re: WILLOW PONDS Park Dedication Proposal Merila Project No. 89-051 Ladies and Gentlemen We propose to fulfill our park dedication requirements for this project through a cash dedication of $10,800. 00. This is based on 27 lots and a rate of $400.00 per lot. We do not feel that a land dedication is warranted based on our plat size (approx. 13 . 6 acres) and our proximity to Sunrise Park, which is one half mile to the south. We propose that a walkway system be provided within and adjacent to the north right-of-way of Elm Street. This will allow the residents to reach Sunrise Park by traveling down one of the three short cul-de-sacs to the trail on Elm Street, then to the Sunny Gate Trail on our east plat line. They can then take this south to Sunrise Park. Due to the short length of the cul-de-sacs and the proximity to the freeway. We believe that no other trails are warranted. I will be at your meeting to discuss this proposal. If you have any questions before then, please feel free to contract me. Sincerely, MERILA & ASSOCIATES, INC. Ste en M. ohnston, P.E. Project Engineer SMJ/mel Enclosure cc : D. Erickson ENGINEERING SURVEYING PLANNING CITY OF LINO LAKES n RECREATION, PARK AND OPEN SPACE STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES Standards in the City of Lino Lakes Parks and Recreation Department shall be used to determine: 1) Minimum acceptable facilities 2) Land requirements for various classifications of Park and Recreation areas and facilities These standards may act as a basis for relating recreational needs to space requirement analysis within the City of Lino Lakes Parks and Open Space areas . These standards address minimum, not maximum goals to be achieved. Standards, however good they are written, must also be combined with conventional wisdom and judgement, since every park and recreation area is variable. Many different standards have been developed and used throughout the country. Early standards were developed as an expression of park land per unit of population, exceeding 10 acres or 1000 population. Other standards developed include "percent of area" approach, needs determined by user characteristics and participation projection, and area use based on the carrying capacity of ,.� the land. Standards have evolved with growing awareness and understanding of both participant and resource ( land, water, etc. ) limitations. Balances must be struck to utilize water supply, flood protection, significant natural features with the provisions of needed recreational facilities. Parks are for people. Park and recreation standards serve as one of the bench marks with which the City of Lino Lakes may measure its quality of life. Some factors that influence the selection of standards are: Recreation and leisure attitude changes Demographs Changes in the workplace Changing housing patterns Changes in regional economics Recreation is increasingly being viewed as a necessity and important factor in maintaining adult health, both physically and mentally. It has become a necessary part of our day to day life. Recreation also affords both adults and children the opportunity for social contact, experience in natural environments, intellectual and cultural experience and expression as well as sports . Although Lino Lakes is a young, growing city, as demographics change (we are becoming an older society) the need to facilitate parks to match the physical abilities and activity preferences of services will seem more important. Single parents are also a growing trend. Social contact is needed and recreation opportunity helps this cause. RECREATION STANDARDS ,-� Page 2 On site (for informal play with children and teenagers and open space for adults) space as a part of all developments as well as more space for organized games near dwelling units are both important. Other changes include two-parent working situations where close to home leisure becomes more important . In a recent article by Dr. Robert Reich, Professor at John F. Kennedy School of Government, it is noted that "we have become a poorer nation" . As our purchasing power has decreased it sometimes becomes difficult to travel farther distances to vacation and recreate. We need to provide for these needs. Park and Recreation Planning occurs at three levels in any community. 1 . Policy Plan - "Master Plan" 2. Physical or Concept Plan - "Site - Specific" 3. Operation and Maintenance Plan �•� The Policy Plan expresses the goals and objectives of our community park and recreation needs in areas of standards to be used for acquisition, development and management of park and recreation resources. The policy plan should provide for the key to orderly provisions of park and recreation opportunity. It is to be used together with a long range guide for development , to facilitate recreation programs, also operation and maintenance procedures. Regular review and updating of this policy plan is critical. The plan documents a continuing planning process and records this evolution only for a given segment of time. The planning process in park and recreation has shifted from physical plans to more socially responsive or policy oriented plans . Project oriented planning has shifted more towards the interactive participating mode. More consideration is now given towards developing a frame work for decision making. Interaction with the community identifies issues , problems and priorities. These can be combined with National Standards to make rational decisions. The policy plan and planning process must be directed to and include the citizen. The larger the area, the larger the area of citizen participation should be. Community meetings, site surveys , household questionnaires and interviews are techniques for obtaining data. The planning process should include a citizen participation statement . RECREATION STANDARDS Page 3 Elected and appointed officials are another important factor. Initially, these officials and their goals can provide important input . If park land need can be anticipated and purchased before development, availability becomes a better reality. Internal consistency in the planning process avoids possible litigation problems sometimes associated with arbitrary departures from policy statements. We have made great strides with our joint powers agreement between cities and school districts. Through the effective use of school buildings and parks, our recreation opportunities will be greatly expanded. The possibility of joint acquisition of land with new school areas should be looked at. It is essential that the park and recreation department coordinate with the school board in planning, financing, maintaining and scheduling of these facilities . Once individual park sites have been located in appropriate areas , and fitted into the overall comprehensive plan, concept plans should be done. Construction plans need to follow, with accurate working specifications and possible contract documents. Finally an operation and management plan should be completed to provide the tools necessary for maximizing recreational experience. This falls into our capital improvements program and operations manuals, personnel , tracking plans and maintenance and zoning scheduling. RECREATION STANDARDS Page 4 Our policy plan process should have a flow chart to follow. One suggested model by MRPA is diagramed here. +-----------+ : Trends ; +-------------------+ Report +---------------+ +----+------+ +-----+-------+ +----+------+ +-----+-----+ Neighborhood Citizen Resource : Outreach Survey Inventory ; +-----+-------+ +----+------+ +-----+-----+ +----+------+ +----------------- Needs -------------+ Analysis : ------------- ------------- Policy Plan ; ------------- ------------- Community : Review and: +-------- ; Adoption : ------------- ------------- Action Plan ------------- ---------------- The trends report should provide a basis for conduction the planning process. This document replaces a summary of the status of planning in the community and a staff account of the problems , issues, and trends in recreation and leisure at the local and national level . This report should help to stimulate discussion at the board level and also act as a decision making tool. The needs assessment and analysis includes a citizen survey, equity distribution, statistics and priorities identified at the community/planning district level. Resource inventories is concerned with distribution, location, and size of all public lands , including schools, assessment of significant natural areas and open spaces, O-N evaluation of all community parks, study of the full range of 1 RECREATION STANDARDS Page b leisure programs in the community, both public and private and population characteristics . Data from these and park area inspection reports can be used with neighborhood input and surveys to form the needed assessment . STANDARDS Again, a standard is a minimum acceptable measure. Standards are measured and judged by professional organizations to be acceptable minimums . Each communities parks , recreation and open space standards are unique. The City of Lino Lakes is no exception. Park land directions have a bearing effect on need. Also sizes of parks are identified with different revenues . Standards for the most part are considered for active recreation facilities even though natural open space may be part of the site. The criteria for developing standards should reflect the needs of the people in a specific service area, they must be realistic and attainable, they must be acceptable and useful to both parishioner and policy user and must be based on sound analysis of the best available information. Space, facility and development standards should all be used in planning and designing park and recreation areas. Space Requirements should be large enough to provide sufficient land or recreational space for the full range of facilities and activities needed for the community. The Population Ratio standard (acres of park land per 1000 people) appears to be the most applicable and defensible. (Judged by professional experience over time to provide best results) . Other characteristics that should also be considered are recreation space based on area percentage, needs determined by user characteristics or demand projections, and the land carrying capacity. We are at an important cross-road in the City of Lino Lakes Parks and Recreation. We have worked diligently for three years in order to coordinate the Joint Recreation program to facilitate the use of all park land within the Quad community area. Folks in the cities of Circle Pines, Lexington, Lino Lakes and Centerville all have associated their recreation opportunity as a shared function. The obvious benefits of this program are the direct use of facilities that already exist within each city. The costs of these facilities are always increasing and in competition with other city needs. RECREATION STANDARDS .-� Page 6 This sharing of facilities is a way to keep our costs and our facilities at least at present levels of availability. As more residents move in from areas of organized recreation opportunity we, as all other suburbs community have been made to, will be asked to fill this need. We can also draw on a larger population of people to support these programs. As our recreation demand hits us so too has the policy plan become more complicated with the inherent complications of a fairly fast development rate. I believe that we need help with this commission and that Brauer and Associates or some other land use planner would be very beneficial and necessary to this task. Enclosed is a letter from Jeffery Schoenbauer of Brauer and Associates that shows a logical order to providing for initial phase of the master plan. Brauer and Associates has experience in this type of work and recently completed a master plan for the City of Inver Grove Heights. Their Parks and Recreation Director was extremely pleased with Brauer and Associates and the work that they did for their city. Funding for this might come from dedicated parks funds or general funds. Hopefully a calculated pragmatic approach to parks and recreation planning will get us what we need to satisfy our open space requests for future generations of the City of Lino Lakes .