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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-18-2006 Packetcur W L.�KE City of Lake Elmo 14 EL ( C� 3800 Laverne Avenue North Lake Elmo, Minnesota 55042 (651) 777-5510 Fax: (651) 777-9615 Www1akeElmo.Org NOTICE OF MEETING The City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission will conduct its regular meeting on Monday, September 19., 2006, at 7:00 p.m. 1. Agenda 2. Minutes a. August 21, 2006 I Parks CIP 2007-2011 4. Parks Plan Update — TKDA 5. City Council Update 6. Adjourn The public is invited to attend. Lake Elmo Park Commission Minutes of the Regular Meeting August 21, 2006 Chairman Schumacher called the Special Parks Commission meeting to order at 7:00 PM. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Schumacher, Terry Bouthilet, Wafters, Larson, Blackford, Wagner, and Ames. STAFF PRESENT: Public Works Superintendent Mike Bouthilet, Assistant City Planner Matzek, and City Planner Dillerud. Agenda M/S/P Watters/Ames to approve the Agenda as published. 7:0 Minutes M/S/P Blackford/Watters to approve the Minutes July 17, 2006 as presented. 7-0 M/S/P Watters/Wagner to approve the Minutes of July 25, 2006 amending the vote on Agenda Item #3 to read Larson as abstaining rather than, and Watters voting "aye". 7-0 Fields of St. Croix Public Trail Link Assistant Planner Matzek presented the Commission several Power Point slides describing a proposal that Commissioner Larson has been working on for several months that would extend the City public trail system from 501h Street North through Fields of St. Croix to Tana Park, and eventually to the Old Village. She explained and depicted both existing HOA trails that would be converted by easement to public trails and new public trails that would be constructed within HOA outlots. She also reviewed trail signage and intersection modifications that have been developed by Commissioner Larson to clearly define what trails remain private as those trails intersect the new public trails within Fields. Commissioner Larson explained that it was his intent to present the City's proposal to the September annual meeting of the Fields HOA, and seek HOA membership authorization for the HOA Board to continue forward with the necessary easement execution and trail improvements as depicted by the plan presented. Ms. Matzek suggested that from Tana Park there would be an option to continue the public trail south to Highway 5, or west through land that will be developed in accordance with the in -progress Village Area Plan. In either case, the intent (from the Trails System Plan) is to link the Sanctuary (and neighborhood park), Carriage Station (and neighborhood park), Tamarack Farms, Tana Ridge and Fields neighborhoods to Tana Park and the Old Village using this proposed link. She suggested that it may be best to await completion of Village Area plans and development of the Heritage property to the west before extending the link beyond Tana Park. M/S/P Ames/Wagner to proceed with work on the appropriate public trail easements with the Fields HOA and/or Mr. Engstrom as proposed by Commissioner Larson, and recommend to the City Council that the 2006/2007 trails construction program be amended to add the required public trail links within Fields to complete the trail link from 50t' Street North to Tana Park, including the signage and trail intersection improvements suggested by staff and Commissioner Larson. Sunfish Park Land Trust Easement Ms. Matzek provided the Commission with a list of questions from the Minnesota Land Trust the answers to which will assist in the drafting of a Land Trust Easement over Sunfish Park. She asked the Commission to only consider the questions at this time while awaiting progress on the Park Plan update project. She advised that, once the Park Plan update is further along, some answers to the questions regarding potential future uses of a small portion of Sunfish Park may be more obvious. Ms. Matzek also requested the Commission to individually and independently undertake the following assignments in preparation for an upcoming meeting (September) with the Park Plan consultants: • Think about park systems and components in other Metro cities of a similar size (build out at 24,000 population and area of 25 square miles with about 25% developed at "urban" scale and density)... • Review the policies contained in the 1990 Park Plan to determine which may still be valid, which may accomplished, or may be invalid considering the City's 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Also consider any new park planning/development policies that seem appropriate for Lake Elmo in a 25 year park plan. Carriage Station Update .. Mike Bouthilet explained the playground and trails are complete in the park, but need to be backfilled. Quotes were received on the proposed basketball court. He clarified that the basketball court will not be coming back to the Park Commission because it had previously been approved. Chairman Schumacher asked if any trees were removed. M. Bouthilet informed him that some were transplanted. He also informed the Commission of the MNDOT approved grant to plant approximately 130 trees along State Highway 5 in the spring of 2007. The grant is through the MNDOT Community Landscaping Partnership Program. Commissioner T. Bouthilet said he had been at the park and had noticed trash in the dirt. Chairman Schumacher said it is important to call the Washington County non -emergency phone number when appropriate. Pebble Park Safety Incident Chairman Schumacher said he had read a newspaper article the previous week in which four juvenile males were found with a gun at Pebble Park. The article stated the Washington County police were called. Chairman Schumacher said he believes Pebble Park is the most mis-used park. Commissioner Watters stated she had visited the park on Sunday and noticed trash dumped at the park. She asked M. Bouthilet if there was something that could be done. Commissioner Bouthilet identified Tablyn Park as being a close second for parks having trash dumped in them. Chairman Schumacher suggested Commissioners visit the City parks and to call the Washington County non -emergency phone number when appropriate. Commissioner Larson asked M. Bouthilet and Ms. Matzek if there was something that could be done to study adjustments to the parks to reduce the trash dumping problem. Chairman Schumacher asked Ms. Matzek to recommend 'TKDA look into rearranging parks (existing equipment, parking, etc.) to make them better used — reduce trash dump - offs, etc. Commissioner Larson asked that Tablyn Park and Pebble Park be specifically identified. Buckthorn Chairman Schumacher stated he had received a letter from Joan Ziertman, Chair of the Community Improvement Commission (CIC), saying the CIC was not able to head up buckthorn removal this fall. City Council Update Ms. Matzek stated there were no park related items on the last City Council agenda. Adjourn M/S/P Ames/T. Bouthilet to adjourn meeting at 7:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Charles Dillerud City Planner/Assistant Administrator AMENDED & APPROVED: AUG. 21, 2006 City of Lake Elmo PARKS COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING Minutes of July 25, 2006 Chairman Schumacher called to order the special meeting of the Lake Elmo Parks Commission at 6:00 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Heroff, Steele, Larson, Watters, Wagner, T. Bouthilet (6:02), Bruchu (6:09). STAFF PRESENT: Planner Dillerud, Assistant Planner Matzek, and Recording Secretary Anez. 1. Introduction The Planner introduced Kelli Matzek as the city' s new assistant planner and gave a short background of her education and work history. The Planner said she will be the support for the Parks Commission. 2. Agenda No changes could be made to the agenda. 3. Consultant Selection for the Park Plan Update The Planner said he and the Assistant Planner reviewed the three consultant proposals. They ranked them 1. TKDA, 2. Sanders Wacker Bergly, and 3. S.E.H., Inc. He said that TKDA best suits the city and their proposal stayed within budget but they have never done a project like this before. SWB has immense experience but overbid the contract. S.E.H. gave us a rather thin proposal and did not do well in the interview. Assistant Planner Matzek said that S.E.H. missed the inventory the Parks Commission has already tackled. The Planner said that any change orders to the contract will need to be approved by the City Council. Commissioner Steele said his only reservation with TKDA is that he is concerned with their ability to write and with their typographical errors within their presentation. He said it was not a clean proposal. M/S/P, Watters/Steele to recommend entering into a contract with TKDA to do the city's Comprehensive Park Plan Update. Vote: 6:0:2, Abstain: Larson/Wagner, they missed the interviews. The Planner said the recommendation will go the City Council at their August 2, 2006 meeting. Commissioner Watters called for adjournment and the chair adjourned the meeting at 6:21 p.m. Respectfully submitted, KimberltAnez Recording Secretary Lake Elmo Parks Commission Special Meeting Minutes of July 25.2006 APPROVED: AUG. 21, 2006 City of Lake Elmo PARKS COMMISSION MEETING Minutes of July 17, 2006 Due to the length of the previous special meeting of consultant interviews for the Park Plan Update, Chairman Schumacher called to order the meeting of the Lake Elmo Parks Commission late at 7:14 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Steele, Blackford, Watters, and Ames. STAFF PRESENT: Administrator Rafferty, Planner Dillerud, Parks Superintendent M. Bouthilet, Assistant Planner Matzek, and Recording Secretary Anez. ALSO PRESENT: Mayor Johnston. 1. Introduction Kelli Matzek introduced herself as the city's new assistant planner and gave a short background of her education and work history. The Planner said she will be staff support for the Parks Commission. 2. Agenda Add 6.4 Heights Park, 6.5 Carriage Station Update, 6.6 Public Works and Water Tower, 6.7 Arts Center, 6.8 Trail Construction Update, and establish a special meeting date for selection of a consultant for the Park Plan Update. Vote: 5:0. 3. Minutes of May 15, 20W Steele: Part 3, add the word "to" for CC to review policy. Part 4, Second paragraph, second line, Carriage Station residents (plural). Blackford: Page 2, Part 7, Move the paragraph about Chairman Schumacher wanting to protect Sunfish now to the beginning of the section. Add "Because City Council at their April 5, 2005 meeting directed the Parks Commission to look at the Land Trust specifically for Sunfish Lake Park." Strike the sentence about concern for the minutes in the same paragraph. 41h Paragraph, 3`a line Land Trust as a protective tool... add, "Specifically for Sunfish Lake Park." M/S/P, Steele/Watters to accept the Minutes of May 15, 2006 as amended. Vote: 5:0. 4. Tapestry -Request for Horseback Riding Trail into Sunfish Lake Park The Assistant Planner summarized the requested proposal to add a wood chip trail from north to south along the western side of the Tapestry subdivision. She noted that the proposed trail crosses two private driveways and Julep Avenue. She did not have information regarding the width of the trail and distance from the roadway. She asked if wood chips are the best material for the area because they don't always work well; sometimes they wash away. The city would need to confirm easements for such trails. Signage identifying private or public trails may be required where the trail meets the boundary for Sunfish Lake Park and within the park. She said there appears to be a gap of about 120 feet from the end of the trail to the existing horse trails in the park. Mark Youngdahl, developer of Tapestry and homebuilder Mr. Youngdahl said the area where the proposed trail meets the park is a flat area of Oak Savannah. He said there would be no tree destruction, maybe just some underbrush. The Land Trust would need city approvals and they require an elaborate grazing plan before they will authorize that use on the parcels. The trail would extend from the pastures to the trails in the park. Commissioners asked questions on such topics as: how many horses; how wide the trail; material options other than woodchips; maintenance of the trail; shelter for the horses; who would construct the additional 120 feet of trail; if the trail would be able to accommodate horse traffic from the north, west, and east; if the trails would be exclusively for horses; and who would own the horses. Mr. Youndahl said there would be no more than 10 horses and the trail width will be six to eight feet wide. Chips are recommended because horses take to them, and the trail will have to be maintained by the homeowners association. Mr. Youngdahl agreed to build the additional 120 feet of trail in the Park. The easements would be sought from the two homeowners whose driveways would be crossed. The chip trails would be solely for horses. There would be no boarding -only homeowners would keep their horses Lake Elmo Parks Commission Meeting Minutes of July 17, 2006 1 APPROVED: AUG. 21, 2006 there. He said he would like to see the trails open for horses beyond the development but he is not sure how that could work, they would have to make it clear and there could be a liability issue. Commissioners asked staff if more horse access can be supported in the park, if it could be a traffic issue, if would it be an enforcement issue, and dates of horseback riding in the park. Superintendent Bouthilet said no horses are allowed in the park until May 15. He stated until now there has been low impact by horses in the park. Once the 120 feet are constructed within the park, the city will maintain it and will need access within Tapestry to do so. The Planner said the idea is intriguing but an amendment will be required for the Open Space Preservation Final Plan. M/S/P, Steele/Ames to recommend the construction of horseback trails within Tapestry and connecting to the trails within Sunfish Lake Park subject to further details along with an amendment to the Open Space Preservation Final Plan of Tapestry at Charlotte's Grove. Vote: 5:0. 5. Land Trust Chairman Schumacher asked if a stronger, more succinct recommendation for placing Sunfish Lake Park into the Land Trust is in order. Mayor Johnston said two issues could use more definition: an easement should not necessarily preclude other park and recreational activities and should be specific, and what will be the cost to do it? He said they are looking for permanent protection with a reasonable plan for additional use. Chairman Schumacher said the cost will be $10,000 with a grant for $5,000 of it. The easement with the Land Trust will cost the City that much payable to the Land Trust as a "Stewardship Fee" Assistant Planner Matzek was asked to detail acreage of areas of the park and she determined there are 4 acres for the road, 18 for the crop land, and 284 for the balance of the park. Commissioner Watters said Sunfish Lake Park should be made part of the Park Plan and determining the easement areas should be done systematically. Superintendent M. Bouthilet agreed that Sunfish Lake Park should not be planned in isolation. 6. City Council Update Superintendent M. Bouthilet said they are holding off on putting in the trails at Carriage Station until the playground is done. The main part of that play structure will be done this week with the net and another piece still to come. Trail construction go ahead has been given for 55t' Street from Sanctuary to Marquess. The Planner said Commissioner Larson is making progress with getting a public trail easement in Fields II almost to Highway 5. He and Commissioner Larson will make a presentation to the homeowner's association. 6.7 Arts Center The Administrator said the Art Center has had multiple shows. They have applied to change the rear of the garage for a stage. 6.4 Heights Park Resident Bob Mear lives on 27 b Street and has lived there in Lake Elmo Heights 2nd Addition for 18 years. He said Mrs. Brady's petition last year was not presented to him or his neighbors on either side and park improvements will have direct impact upon his property. He said when the 3Td Addition went in, the agreement was for a passive park. Superintendent M. Bouthilet reminded the commission they set money aside in the CIP for a play Lake Elmo Parks Commission Meeting Minutes of July 17, 2006 2 APPROVED: AUG. 21, 2006 structure and small field. It is currently the staging area for water lines and when water is done, there is opportunity for improvement. He said in passive parks there may be tables and chairs and no play structures. Resident Noreen Dillon and her husband Tom have enjoyed 14 years of a rural buffer. She said there are tons of trees and she would like to preserve it as natural. Mrs. Dillon said that other neighbors have told her the same thing. She asked the commission to preserve five to eight acres into the future. She said the City's stated objective and mission is to continue some rural quality with wildlife and natural shoreland. Commissioners recommended that she talk to her neighbors, doing some research and coming back. Superintendent Bouthilet said the commission will be reviewing the CIP again soon. 6.6 Public Works and Water Tower The Administrator said the Public Works building will open in the next couple of weeks. 6.8 Trail Construction Update Superintendent Bouthilet said the city has reviewed a trail and an entrance in the northeast quadrant of the Park Reserve on Klondike but they have run into difficulties because of the current grades there. He suggested a pedestrian walkway might be possible adjacent to the road and they still have to get the county to open up the park to the trail there. M/S/P, Wafters/Ames to set a special meeting date for selection and recommendation of a consultant for the Park Plan Update as Tuesday July 25, 2006 at 6:00 p.m., and to use that process with the consultant to assess how we can best protect Sunfish Lake Park. Vote: 5:0. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, "Anez KR Lake Elmo Parks Commission Meeting Minutes of July 17, 2006 TKDA 1500 Piper y Plaza 444 Cedar Street ENGINEERS • ARCHITECTS •PLANNERS Saint Paul, MN 55101-2140 (651)292-4400 (651) 292-0083 Fax www.tkda.com MEMORANDUM to. %-Ity, Vi 1,aKe bingo rarks Keierence: September i is 2006 Comprehensive Commission Parks Plan Meeting Keiiiiviatzek, Assistant iltanner City of Lake Eimo, iviinnesota Copies To: Proj. No.: 13713.000 From: Rich dray, ASL.A Touting: Berry Farrington Date: September 11, 2006 We are looking forward to joining you at the next Parks Commission meeting and to begin our work together on the Lake Elmo Comprehensive Parks Plan. In preparation for the meeting please find attached: ■ Schedule and overview of the meeting agendas ■ How cities use parks for... Green Infrastructure ■ An Overview gfMinnesota's 2003-2008 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan The Green Infrastructure piece provides some good information as to the value of planning for a parks system. rather than developing parks one at a time. The overview of the state's Plain (SCORP) describes Minnesota's goals for parks. This is one example of how goals are set forward within'a plan. These materials are "food for thought" for next Monday's meeting. See you on the 18th! An Employee Owned Company Promoting Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity TKDA ENGINEERS - ARCHITECTS - PLANNERS Agenda Lake Elmo Comprehensive Parks Plan Update Meeting 1 September 18, 2006 1. Introductions 2. What is a Parks Plan? ■ Lake Elmo Park Planning Process 3. Parks Planning Group Exercise ■ Three Questions: envisioning Lake Elmo's future park system ■ Developing themes 1500 Piper Jaffray Plaza 444 Cedar Street Saint Paul, MN 55101-2140 (651) 292-4400 (651)292-0083 Fax www.tkda.com 7:30 — 7:35 PM 7:35-7:50PM 7:50 — 8:50 PM 4. Preparation for next meeting 8:50 — 9:00 PM Next Meeting: Park Planning Context Parks inventory Parks classification system —� Future population growth and land use patterns Date: October 16, 2006, 7:00 PM In Preparation: Review draft Goals and Policies (to be mailed out). Complete the Preference Menu and submit to Kelli Matzek by October 2. Develop a list of potential benchmark communities. An Employee Owned Company Promoting Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity TKDA ENGINEERS - ARCHITECTS - PLANNERS 1500 Piper Jaffray Plaza 444 Cedar Street Saint Paul, MN 55101-2140 (651) 292-4400 (651) 292-0083 Fax www.tkda.com Comprehensive Parks Plan Schedule Meetin Agenda Meeting l: Big Picture • What is a parks plan? September ■ Planning process ■ Exercise to establish themes for goals and policies Meeting 2: Park Planning Context ■ Goals and policies October ■ Parks inventory and parks classification system ■ Future population growth and land use patterns Meeting 3: Location, Size, and Level of Service Standards ■ Park planning standards November ■ Lake Elmo -specific standards Meeting 4: Recreation Programming ■ Benchmarking findings December ■ Lake Elmo recreation programming Meeting 5: Additional Policies • Regional parks system statement January ■ Preservation of City park land ■ Parks Plan — ls` Draft Community Open House Present draft planning concepts and gather feedback February Meeting 6: Further develop Parks Plan ■ Review comments from Open House February ■ Any other additions, deletions and changes to the Draft Parks Plan City Council: Staff Present Plan to City Council March An Employee Owned Company Promoting Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Executive Summary Just as growing communities need to upgrade and expand their built infrastructure of roads, sewers, and utilities, they also need to upgrade and expand their green infrastructure, the interconnected system of green spaces that conserves natural ecosystem values and functions, sustains clear air and water, and provides a wide array of benefits to people and wildlife. Green infrastructure is a community's natural life support system, the ecological framework needed for environmental and economic sustainability.' In their role as green infrastructure, parks and open space are a community necessity. By planning and managing urban parks as parts of an interconnected green space system, cities can reduce flood control and stormwater management costs. Parks can also protect biological diversity and preserve essential ecological functions while serving as a place for recreation and civic engagement.They can even help shape urban form and reduce opposition to development, especially when planned in concert with other open spaces. KEY POINT #I: Creating an interconnected system of parks and open space is manifestly more beneficial than creating Barks in isolation. No single park, no matter how large and how well designed, would provide citizens with the beneficial influences of nature; instead parks need to be linked to one another and to sur- rounding residential neighborhoods. —Frederick Low Olmsted' The recreational and social values of city parks are well known. However, linking parks, greenways, river corridors, and other natural or restored lands together to create an interconnected green space system provides far greater benefits for people, wildlife, and the economy. It helps connect people and neighborhoods, provides opportunities for exercise that can counter today's trends in obesity and adult onset diabetes, and enhances emotional well-being by bringing nature "close to home." A network of parks can also provide pathways for wildlife moving from one isolated natural area to another. And just as it is necessary to design and construct road networks and other built infrastructure in advance of metropolitan growth, it is also important to plan and protect urban green infrastructure as a city grows. Montgomery County, Maryland, initiated green infrastructure planning in the 1940s by planning a stream valley park system far in advance of the county's rapid growth.The county began buying land along all of its major stream corridors in the 1940s and 1950s—well before land development had made it impossible to preserve these ecologically important areas.Today all of the county's major stream corridors are public parks. In 2001,the county began adding to this system with a 10-year, $100 million initiative to complete a county -wide network of open space composed of protected farmland, stream valley parks, ecological reserves, trail corridors, and green space preserves. KEY POINT #2: Cities can use parks to help preserve essential ecological functions and to protect biodiversity. When managed to maintain and restore natural ecological communities, city parks can help protect the biological diver- sity of local plants and animals.When connected strategically with riparian areas, wetlands, and other urban green spaces, the ecological value can far exceed the value of any one park -This is because isolated natural areas can "leak" native plant and animal species and suffer from the disruption of natural ecological processes, while connected parks can thrive as a wildlife habitat system and help to restore and maintain vital ecological functions and services. Portland, Oregon: Forest Park, Covering more than 5,000 acres and containing old growth trees and many types of wildlife, Portland's Forest Park is one of the largest natural forested urban parks in the U.S. A 1982 wildlife survey identi- fied more than 112 species of birds and mammals in the park' It serves as the anchor for Portland's regional parks, trails, and greenspaces system.The Metropolitan Greenspaces Master Plan, adopted in 1992 by the Metro Council, describes a vision for a unique regional system of parks, natural areas, greenways, and trails for wildlife and people.The plan, being implemented by local park providers, schools, businesses, and citizen groups, identifies 57 urban natural areas and 34 trail and greenway corridors that define the green infrastructure for the Portland metropolitan region Chicago Wilderness is a regional system of nature reserves that includes more than 200,000 acres of protected natural lands from southeastern Wisconsin through northeastern Illinois and into northwester Indiana.The protected lands include forest preserves, state parks, federal lands, county pre- serves, and privately owned lands. Chicago Wilderness is a coalition of more than 160 public and private organizations working together to protect, restore, study, and manage the precious natural ecosystems of the Chicago region for the benefit of the public.Their vision, as described in the Biodiversity Recovery Plan, includes "a network of protected lands and waters that will preserve habitat for a complete spectrum of the region's natural communities... A critical mass of sites will be large enough to maintain a sustainable complex of interdependent species and natural communities. Carefully monitored habitat corridors will connect sites, both small and large, opening paths for ancient patters of migration and dispersal.."' 2 OF 4 American Pla.nn.ing Association KEY POINT #3: When Manned as part of a system of green infrastructure, parks can help shape urban form and buffer incompatible uses. Another value of interconnected urban green space systems is that they can enhance city aesthetics, help shape urban form, and improve urban quality of life. In Seattle's University District, residents and visitors can walk only a few blocks to descend into Ravenna Park and escape the city's hustle and bustle in a protected green oasis. Strategic design and placement of green space elements across the urban landscape can provide visual relief, separate incompati- ble land uses and complement the placement of new build- ings, roads, and other city infrastructure. Minneapolis, Minnesota In 1883, the Minneapolis Board of Trade adopted a resolution to establish an independent park commission, reasoning that the rapid growth of the city "warns us that the time has come when, if ever, steps should be taken to secure the necessary land for such a grand system of Parks and Boulevards as the natural situation offers" The state legisla- ture then authorized a voter referendum that was overwhelm- ingly approved that same year. One of the first acts of the newly established board was to engage the services of two well-known landscape architects of the time, H.W. S. Cleveland, the former head of the Boston park commission, and Frederick Law Olmsted.They both pressed for acquiring parklands well in advance of the existing need.The board followed their advice, acquiring large areas of land that would have been prohibitively expensive, if even available, in later years. Theodore Wirth, parks superintendent from 1905 to 1935, was largely responsible for the development and expansion of the Minneapolis park system in its formative years.The park system he built, influenced by Olmsted's vision, reflects the individuality of the various components contained within. Today the 53-mile Grand Rounds parkway system contains numerous parks and parkways, 22 lakes within the city limits, streams and creeks, the Mississippi River, and the 53-foot high Minnehaha Falls, made famous by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his "Song of Hiawatha."The 6,400-acre park system is designed so that every home in Minneapolis is within six blocks of green space.The Minneapolis park sys- tem has been called "the best -located, best -financed, best - designed, best maintained public open space in America."' KEY POINT #4: Cities can use parks to reduce public costs for stormwater management, flood control, transportation, and other forms of built infrastructure. Perhaps the greatest value of an interconnected green space system is the financial benefit that may be gained when green infrastructure reduces the need for built infrastructure. When designed to include stream networks, wetlands, and other low-lying areas, a city's green space system can provide numerous stormwater management benefits, including stor- ing, carrying, and filtering storm runoff. American Forests esti- mates that the 187,767 acres of tree canopy in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region provides 949 million cubic feet in avoided storage of water, valued at $4.7 billion annually.' Other benefits include the provision of alternative, less expensive modes of transportation. The Rails -to -Trails Conservancy estimates that one-third of weekday trail users are commuting in major urban areas with trail systems, such as Washington, D.C., Seattle, and Tampa. Believue,Washington. Flood control and stormwater management in urban areas typically involve vast networks of underground storm sewers that feed into channelized streams or ditches and eventually into natural waterways.These sys- tems are very expensive, and under extreme flood conditions they often fail. Bellevue has reclaimed its natural systems through the coordinated design of a citywide park system and a stormwater management program. In the early 1970s the city government made a decision to change its stormwater systems from an underground piped system to a less expen- sive surface drainage system.Today two city agencies, the Storm and Surface Water Utility and the Parks and Recreation Department, use the same land to accomplish multiple objec- tives.The utility bears responsibility for water resources and has a budget for land acquisition.The parks department man- ages much of the utility's land for parks, ball fields, playgrounds, interpretive areas, and trails. Many of these open space assets are also elements of the stormwater system. As a result of this partnership, both agencies have reduced their costs while achieving their diverse objectives. 3 OF 4 American Planning Association Orlando, Florida.The Parramore Greenprint Plan blends together two essential elements for the revitalization of the Parramore neighborhood in Orlando. Former mayor Glenda Hood believed that creating park amenities was critical to stimulating private development in the community. Also criti- cal to attracting private development was an economical and integrated stormwater management system to handle cur- rent and future development runoff and attenuation.The plan identifies strategic parcels for ponds to serve as water features in newly created parks.To maximize the benefit of the new parks, the plan identifies linkages between proposed facilities and existing sites. References 1. Benedict, Mark A., and Edward T. McMahon 2002. "Green Infrastructure: Smart Conservation for the 21 st Century." Renewable Resources Journal 20:3:12-17. 2. Little, Charles E. 1989. Greenways forAmerico. Baltimore:The Johns Hopkins Press. 3. www.friendsofforestparkorg 4. www.metro-region.org 5. www.chiwild.org 6. wvvw.mplib.org/history/cg4.asp/ 7.American Forests. 2002. Urban Ecosystem Analysis for the Washington DC Metropolitan Area An Assessment of Existing Conditions and a Resource for Local Action. For a diversity of resources on green infrastructure concepts, practices, and educational opportunities, visit www.greeninfrastructure.net, a website hosted by The Conservation Fund and the USDA Forest Service. When the economy is lagging and budgets are tight, park and open space funding is often on the chopping block It is considered an unaffordable luxury. However, infrastructure is thought of as a necessity, not an amenity; something that communities must have, not just something that is nice to have. By thinking of parks as green infrastructure, communi- ties can better understand that parks and other green spaces are a basic necessity that should be planned and developed as an integrated system. Note For an expanded discussion of this topic, please contact the authors, Ed McMahon and Mark Benedict, of The Conservation Fund's Center for Conservation and Development, 703-525-6300, www.conservationfund.org. City Parks Forum Briefing Papers This is one in a continuing series of briefing papers on how cities can use parks to address urban challenges.We hope the informa- tion here helps you to create great urban parks in your city. Please visit our website at www.planning.org/cpf to learn more about The City Parks Forum. Copyright © 2003 by American Planning Association 122 S. Michigan Ave, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60603; www.planning.org. Photo of Loring Park, Minneapolis copyright © Chris Gregerson, 2001. 4OF4 w Cc) u CU CU ;> 'o co u 0 0 v cr CP 40. -w co co 4 Z4 cz Y. bp Cl, aj clt CU cz 4� Z ep 1-4 40 0 7E3 03 >1 cu R aj J-4 U Q o CL Qj Cj cm cc • ru CA NLj— .o cu adX tz Z W = cc cu M cutCU s iC QJ 4- CL ro ro Ln eu m (Ij M cu Ln in rq C i+ +M :tom w+ r ♦M f6 z C to c C r'a O v's m cr m a' w J II5 i� tv i Q sir Qr O V w75�» L c ro u�J ct a as - c C) o cs — ,� t= M v c o c c rya o `- a `a c c res + awn Id o u O C N w rraa aJ 3� w m s3. a v GJ rya sG p ate, o CU to14— s w W J %s c cx c o a'_ " a a, C) — iv n cv L '- slJ s�ate IV "Ln v A- ro - 'Irk ro c ro 0 � LA J Wl W v bit v > •ice � a;. �" O +^ „cr .-� ^ tz tan spa flsm°v ., -6 . ri s orz 4.4 �^� rw�i Tvy 1�r1 �1 Ui CZ � :- cd wco rf~^i IZ In, tl5 0 I.Lo MEMO (September 14, 2006 for the Meeting of September 18, 2006) To: Lake i-imo Park Commission From: Kelli Matzek, Assistant Planner Subject: Parks CIP The following are items that were scheduled for 2006, but will continue into 2007 or were postponed until 2007: - $25,000 for the play structure at Heights Park - $5,000 for the master plan for Sanctuary Neighborhood Park - $5,000 for the Master Preservation Plan for Sunfish Lake Park - $100,000 for trail improvements New items added to the CIP: - $3,500 was added in 2007 for Lake Jane Hills Park for a new Merry -Go -Round - $5,000 was added for resurfacing of the basketball court in Heights Park in 2011 $1,000 was set aside for future amenities in Sanctuary Neighborhood Park in 2011 $10, 000 was added for squaring off the parking lot in Stonegate Park in 2011 $50,000 was added for trail improvements in 2011 The items not yet mentioned were previously on the CIP. CITY OF LAKE ELMO Capital Improvement Program ITEM Amount YEAR 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 FUND BALANCE 340,918 134,418 153,418 142.418 156,418 ' ADDITIONS Parks Dedication 70,000 70,000 70,000 70,000 70,000 Total Additions 70.000 70,000 1 70,000 1 70,000 1 70,000 Carriage Station 40,000 2006 DeMontreville Park Pavillion 30,000 2009 30,000 ResurfaceBasketball Court 5,000 2011 `" 5,000 DeMontreville Wildlife Heights Park Ball Field 25,000 2007 25.000 Play Structure 25,000 2006 25,000 Hertiage Park Homestead Park Kleis Park Lake Jane Hills Park Pet Park 5.000 2010 5.000 Merry -Go -Round 3,500 2007 3,500 Lions Park Pebble Park Tennis Court Resurface 20,000 2007 20,000 Reid Park Parking Lot 12.000 2007 12.000 Playground Equipment 2.000 2007 2,000 Ridge Park Sanctuary Master Plan 5,000 2007 5,000 Future Amenities 5,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 Stonegate Park Parking Lot 10,000 2011 10,000 Sunfish Lake Park Master Preservation Plan 5,000 2007 5,000 Tablyn Park Mill & Overlay Park Lot & Driveway 15,000 2007 15,000 Tana Ridge Park VFW Park Ballfield Improvements 7.000 2007 7,000 Misc. Trail Improvements 150,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50;000 Park Comp. Plan Update 6,000 Total Expenses 276.500 51,000 81,000 56.000 66,000 FUND BALANCE 134,418 153,418 142,418 156,418 160,418 -8- at Park Facilities Is community interest High, Medium or Low? Are facilities Adequate, in Surplus, or in Deficit for park users today? Restrooms Portable toilet Running water Shelter Warming house Park building Parkin Other: Recreational Programming Is community interest High, Medium or Low? medium Low Are facilities Adequate, in Surplus, or in Deficit for park users today? AdequateHigh Surplus Pre-school activities Youth day camps Youthsports 0 Baseball y: Softball Soccer © Football 4 . Hockey :P Tennis U: Volleyball Basketball Other: Youth Instructional dance, martial arts, arts and crafts, etc. Adult Sports !Baseball Y Softball •► Soccer ®Football ,.Hockey : Tennis G Volle ball Q- Basketball Other: Adult Instructional fitness classes, dance, martial arts, etc. �E o Comprehensive Parks Plan TKD,A �V Page 2. Recreational Activity ,ileuu EPIGIP ERS ARGHITEGTS PLAPINERS august 31, 2006 Recreational Activity Is co interest High, Medium or Low? Are facilities Adequate, in Surplus, or in Deficit q p for park users today? Adequate Playgrounds Natural areas — wildlife and nature observation Picnic grounds — tables and grills Nature, history and culture interpretation Swimming beach Lake access and boat launch Shore fishing areas Campgrounds Gardens c �r oo� Indoor programming space — _ c • a cnw . Off -leash dog areas Sledding hill Swimming pool Skate park Disc golf Downhill ski areas Golf course Athletic fields: Baseball/Softball Athletic fields: Soccer/Football/other field games Skating and hockey rinks Tennis courts Volleyball courts Basketball courts Other: �f a oLAKE I Calalpreherlsive Parks Plaii ELMQ Page f. Recreational Activiq,Wenu Aaguct ?!, 2000 TKDA ENGINE€RS- ARCHITECTS -PLANNERS