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7 Winter 2013-14 Trail System, Park Utilization Priorities for 2014 In 2014 Lake Elmo taxpayers can look forward to improve- ments in their parks. The Lake Elmo Park Commission spent the last quarter of 2013 looking heavily into priorities for the following year. The commission has currently committed to spending $300,000 toward the overall improvement of City Parks. Three-quarters of the budget will be invested into the re- vitalization of current parks, adding recreational amenities that will attract more taxpayer use of public lands, and re- placing outdated and damaged playground equipment to create a safe environment in all parks. The remaining bud- get will go toward vehicle needs. In November the commissioners conducted an audit of neighborhood parks and the results will be used to priori- tize parks in terms of need. “During the audit we found many areas for improvement,” said park commissioner Pam Hartley. “We look forward to addressing these issues in 2014.” Based on the results, work will most likely be done in Tab- lyn, Reid, and Pebble Park. The commission will consid- er allocating more developer funds toward Sunfish Lake Park depending upon what the newly formed Sunfish Lake Subcommittee determines as appropriate improvements needed. The commission has also been working with resi- dents in Sanctuary to build a new park that will serve mul- tiple neighborhoods. Another priority of the commission in 2014 is to insure that a parks and trail system is constructed and maintained. The commission formed a trail subcommittee that has been working on a plan to develop a regional trail that will provide transportation from Oakdale to Stillwater with con- nections at Tablyn Park, the Lake Elmo Park Reserve, and the Old Village. The desire for a trail system was indicated by 80% of residents in favor of one as on the city-wide park and recreation survey that was conducted this past summer. The park commission also maintains a key role with devel- opment occurring in the I-94 corridor, serving as a review body to make sure that the “open space” character is pre- served in new developments. Not familiar with your city parks? Subscribe to “Fresh,” Lake Elmo’s weekly e-newsletter to receive “park of the week” features beginning in January. The Park Commission has been focusing on developing a plan of work for 2014. Above, the commissioners discuss priorities at a November retreat. Public libraries are community gath- ering places. Make the Lake Elmo Public Library a regular part of your life. Whether you come in as a library patron or as a library volunteer, you will be welcomed. Libraries have no membership restrictions. They are not clubs, religious organizations, schools, or a workplace. Everyone is welcome. The Library is looking forward to an- other exciting year of programs. Area authors will be talking about their work and a book discussion series is planned as the part of the City’s Speak Your Peace initiative. Watch the li- brary’s website, “Fresh,” and regional news outlets for more information. Are you looking for a fun volunteer opportunity? Adults and teens are eli- gible to apply. The library is in need of talent including staffing the circulation desk, shelving materials, fix-it work, providing homework help, serving on committees, and preparing library ma- terials for use. Library staff will work to match skills and interests of volun- teers to the library’s needs, and train- ing is provided. Volunteer hours are flexible. Sign-up forms are available at the circulation desk. The library exists in order to meet the information and literacy needs of the community. If you have a question, li- brary personnel will help you find the answer. If the library doesn’t have a title that you want, let a volunteer know and they will consider purchas- ing it and adding it to the collection. If you are looking for a certain type of program, please suggest it to the staff or the volunteers. The library strives to be responsive to your needs. What better place to talk about citizen collaboration for the public good than at the library? If you are interested in participating, or have book titles or speakers to recommend, please stop in at the library, at 3537 Lake Elmo Av- enue N., call 651-773-4926, or email Linda, Library Director, at lepldirec- tor@gmail.com. Lake Elmo Public Library: A Community Gathering Place