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9 <br />THE PROCESS + PURPOSE <br />STEP 01 <br />INFORMATION <br />GATHERING <br />Inventory of existing park and trail amenities & assessment of current conditions and site features <br />Thorough review of existing conditions, concurrent planning studies, NRPA benchmarks and public input to identify preliminary improvement strategies <br />Develop recommendations for the park system, as well as budgetary cost estimates for capital improvement planning and implementation <br />Information developed during planning process is compiled into this report, reviewed by the city and Advisory Committee, refined and presented to city council for consideration and adoption <br />Online community survey and in-person engagement events <br />PUBLIC <br />OUTREACH <br />ANALYSIS <br />IMPROVEMENT <br />RECOMMENDATIONS <br />REVIEW, REFINEMENT <br />AND ADOPTION <br />STEP 05 <br />STEP 04 <br />STEP 03 <br />STEP 02 <br />This park system planning process was a nine- <br />month project that began with an inventory and <br />analysis of each city-owned park and open space <br />amenity. This analysis documented park amenities, <br />site furnishings, and notable site features, in <br />addition to the general condition of these items at <br />each location. <br />In order to provide a useful, user-friendly, and <br />sustainable planning document for Lake Elmo, the <br />planning team - made up of landscape architects, <br />parks planners/designers, and community <br />engagement specialists - had many discussions <br />with city staff and Advisory Committee members <br />to uncover issues affecting the city’s parks, trails, <br />and open spaces. Discussions with city staff and <br />the Advisory Committee were facilitated by the <br />consultant team, to better understand the history <br />of park and trail improvements and evaluate the <br />existing conditions of each park in the system. <br />The Advisory Committee provided valuable insight <br />into how community members and visitors use the <br />park system, as well as relevant information about <br />changes affecting the city’s resources over the <br />years. <br />Early in the planning process, the public was <br />engaged through an online survey. This survey was <br />conducted over an eight week period and resulted <br />in participation from over 500 community members. <br />Results from this survey helped inform the needs <br />analysis and plan recommendations.