The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About11-20-2006 Packetair LAK E City of Lake Elmo EL M G 3800 Laverne Avenue North Lake Elmo, Minnesota 55042 (651) 777-5510 Fax: (651) 777-9615 Www.LakeElmo.Orq NOTICE OF MEETING The City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission will conduct its regular meeting on Monday, November 20, 200, at 7:00 p.m. 1. Welcome new Parks Commissioner, John Booher 2. Agenda 3. Minutes a. October 16, 2006 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 October 16, 2006 Chairman Schumacher called to order the meeting of the Lake Elmo Parks Commission at 7:01 PM. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Schumacher, Steele, Watters, Larson, and Wagner. STAFF PRESENT: Public Works Superintendent Mike Bouthilet and Assistant City Planner Matzek. CONSULTANTS PRESENT: Rich Gray and Berry Farrington from TKDA. Agenda Chairman Schumacher added 3.5 to the agenda "Recognition of Martin Rafferty" and 3.6 "Schumacher's Resignation as Parks Chair." M/S/P Steele/Wafters to approve the Agenda as amended. Vote: 5:0. Minutes M/S/P Wagner/Watters to approve the Minutes of September 1 TKDA Park Plan Update — Rich Gray and Berry Mr. Gray and Ms. Farrington led discussion to select Park Plan. Those cities suggested were: Stillwater, l Apple Valley, Oakdale, Maplewood, and Chaska. Tl Apple Valley, and Chaska. as presented. Vote: 5:0. communities for the Lake Elmo Heights, Woodbury, Eagan, sen to be used were Woodbury, Included in the packet were a set of goals drafted by TKDA that were based on the September meeting discussion. Commissioner Steele suggested thegoals were too specific and instead functioned as statements. The Commission discussed and drafted park system principles and a purpose for the Comprehensive Parks Plan. The Park Commission took a break from 8:00 to 805. The Chairman reconvened the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Mr. Gray explained the handout in the packet regarding national park standards and a proposed classification system. Commissioner Steele would like to include the size and use within the park classification system Chairman Schumacher suggested classifying parks based first on use and secondly on the size. The TKDA consultants distributed the preference menu results. Recognition of Martin Rafferty Chairman Schumacher stated City Administrator Martin Rafferty was a supporter of the parks. He expressed his sadness at his passing. M/S/P, Watters/Wagner to recommend to the City Council the naming of Carriage Station Park after Mr. Rafferty after first being cleared by his family. Vote: 5:0. Schumacher's Resignation as Parks Chair Chairman Schumacher distributed copies of his email to City staff regarding his resignation as Lake Elmo Parks Commission Meeting Minutes of October 16, 2006 Park Commission's Chair. City Council Update Ms. Matzek stated there were no park related items on the last City Council agenda. Adjourn M/S/P Wagner/Larson to adjourn meeting at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kelli Matzek Assistant Planner Lake Elmo Parks Commission Meeting Minutes of October 16, 2006 APPROVED: 10/16/06 City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission Meeting Minutes of September 18, 2006 Chairman Schumacher called to order the meeting of the Lake Elmo Parks Commission at 7:03 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Wagner, Larson, Steele, Ames, Watters, T. Bouthilet, and Bruchu (7:04). STAFF PRESENT: Assistant Planner Matzek, Superintendent Bouthilet, and Recording Secretary Anez. CONSULTANTS PRESENT: Rich Gray and Berry Farrington from TKDA. ALSO PRESENT: Susan Dunn. Agenda M/S/P, Ames/Steele to put TKDA first after the minutes and accept the Agenda as amended. Vote: 8:0. Minutes M/S/P, Wagners/Wafters to accept the Minutes of August 21, 2006 as presented. Vote: 6:0:2 Abstain: Steele, Bruchu - Absent. TKDA Park Plan Update — Rich Gray and Berry Farrington Mr. Gray said that TKDA employees Dick Thompson and Angela Flores will offer guidance and expertise through the process. Ms. Farrington said the Park Plan is a policy guide used for making decisions. It will take pressure off the commission in making future decisions. She provided the commission with a general schedule for future meetings. Goals and Issue Identification were identified as the night's subject in order to gather information. Seating was rearranged to a roundtable discussion. CIP 2007-2011 Ms. Matzek recognized an error in the CIP and clarified that the merry-go-round should be moved to Lions Park. Commissioner Schumacher said that the issue regarding the future use of Heights Park needs to be resolved before improvements are made. The Master Plan for Sanctuary, the Sunfish Master Preservation Plan, the play structure for Heights Park, and the estimated remaining balance for the Park Comp Plan Update were moved from 2006 to 2007. In 2011, $5,000 was added for basketball court resurfacing in DeMontreville Park. Also added in 2011 were $1,000 for future amenities in Sanctuary Neighborhood Park and $10,000 for squaring off the parking lot in Stonegate Park. Commissioner T. Bouthilet suggested putting more money into Reid Park to better utilize the existing parking lot, trails, and ballfield. He suggested purchasing additional playground equipment. Lake Elmo Parks Commission Meeting Minutes of September 18, 2006 APPROVED: 10/16/06 Superintendent M. Bouthilet said it currently has a climbing structure that cost about $25,000, which is smaller than the equipment at Pebble Park, but approximately the same size and cost as Stonegate, Ridge, and Kleis. Commissioner Steele asked for a bench in Kleis Park. Superintendent Bouthilet said he has an extra bench that can be placed there. Superintendent Bouthilet explained that portable toilets are placed where there are scheduled activities. Three portable toilets were burned in Tablyn Park this year. They are no longer placed in Kleis Park because it is no longer booked for activities but Sunfish has them all winter. Commissioner T. Bouthilet suggested an additional $15,000 for playground equipment at Reid Park. Superintendent Bouthilet said that would not be enough money and suggested $30,000 for a play structure. M/S/P, T. Bouthilet/Wagner to allocate an additional $30,000 into the CIP for additional playground equipment at Reid Park in 2008. Commissioner Ames said he believes we should remain true to the mission of the Park Plan. Commissioner Bruchu noted that $30,000 is almost half of our park dedication money. Assistant Planner Matzek said the income in park dedication is an estimated average over past years and actually fluctuates year to year based on developments within the city. Superintendent Bouthilet said if we are looking at building a central park, perhaps we should allocate money elsewhere. Vote: 6:2 Nay-Steele/Schumacher. Superintendent Bouthilet said that $7,000 for VFW Park in 2007 is leftover for water service. M/S/P, Watters/Ames to recommend the Parks CIP as amended. Vote: 8:0. City Council Update Assistant Planner Matzek said the Basketball Court for Carriage Station was approved. Superintendent Bouthilet said it is a modified court with two hoops. Assistant Planner Matzek said the Parks Commission has received an application and action is being postponed in order for all commission interviews to occur at one time. 9:06 adjourn. Respectfully submitted, Uf Z I Kimberly Aaz Recording Secretary Lake Elmo Parks Commission Meeting Minutes of September 18, 2006 Approved: September 18, 2006 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, Watters, 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 50th 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 50th Street North to Tana Park, including the signage and trail intersection improvements suggested by staff and Commissioner Larson Lake Elmo Parks Commission Meeting Minutes of August 21, 2006 Approved: September 18, 2006 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 Wafters 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. Lake Elmo Parks Commission Meeting Minutes of August 21, 2006 2 Approved: September 18, 2006 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, E Charles Dillerud City Planner/Assistant Administrator Lake Elmo Parks Commission Meeting Minutes of August 21, 2006 3 City of Lake Elmo PARKS COMMISSION 2007 Meeting Schedule December 18, 2006 Monday Tentative because of holiday January 17 Wednesday Monday holiday —Annual Meeting -Election of Officers February 21 Wednesday Monday holiday March 19 Monday April 16 Monday Annual Work Plan Meeting with City Council May 21 Monday June 18 Monday July 16 Monday August 20 Monday September 17 Monday October 15 Monday November 19 Monday December 17 Monday Tentative because of holiday MEMO (November 15, 2006 for the Meeting of November 20, 2006) To: Lake Elmo Park Commission From: Kelli Matzek, Assistant Planner Subject: Lake Elmo Park Plan The formation of the Lake Elmo Park Plan will continue to span over many months and multiple meetings. It is important to remain on -task at the meetings and continue moving forward. Because the Park Commission only meets monthly and attendance has at times left us at the bare minimum for a quorum, I am including summaries on what has happened at the last two meetings to keep everyone up-to-date so we are able to continue to make progress. September Meeting At the September meeting, Berry Farrington and Rich Gray from TKDA asked the Park Commission the following questions in an effort to understand what the commission values in parks: 1. What are some memorable city or town parks that you've been to and what about these spaces made them memorable? 2. Today and in your hopes for the future, what does Lake Elmo's park system offer to you and your community? 3. What actions should be taken and what improvements should be made to Lake Elmo's park system? October Meeting Mr. Gray and Ms. Farrington took the comments received from the Park Commission at the September meeting and formulated them into draft Park Plan goals. Some concern was expressed that the goals were too specific and instead functioned as statements. The Park Commission then drafted a purpose for the Comprehensive Parks Plan and created park system principles by rewording the park system goals. Mr. Gray and Ms. Farrington then led discussion to select benchmark communities for the Lake Elmo Park Plan. Multiple cities were suggested by the Park Commission and one was suggested by myself. The three chosen (by sole vote of the Park Commissioners) to be used were Woodbury, Apple Valley, and Chaska. Mr. Gray explained the handout in the packet regarding national park standards and a proposed classification system. If you have any further questions, please call me before the meeting. Thanks. TTlrlr% A z3L"L-& ENGINEERS - ARCHITECTS - PLANNERS 444 Cedar Street, Suite 1500 Saint Paul, MN 55101-2140 (651) 292-4400 (651) 292-0083 Fax www.tkda.com Agenda Lake Elmo Comprehensive Parks Plan Update Meeting 3 November 20, 2006 1. Overview of future park needs 7:00 - 7:45 PM • Level of Service • Service Area - 5 minute break - 2. Park standards 7:50 - 8:15 PM 3. Park site opportunities activity 8:15 - 8:45 PM (natural resources, historic sites, cultural sites, views, other) Next Meeting: Park Standards and Locations, Recreation Programming Date: December 18, 2006? TKDA ENGINEERS • ARCHITECTS • PLANNERS MEMORANDUM To: Lake Elmo Parks Commission Copies To: Kelli Matzek, Assistant Planner From: Rich Gray, ASLA Berry Farrington Date: November 13, 2006 444 Cedar Street, Suite 1500 Saint Paul, MN 55101-2140 (651)292-4400 (651)292-0083 Fax www.tkda.com Reference: November 20, 2006 Comprehensive Parks Plan Meeting City of Lake Elmo, Minnesota Proj. No.: 13713.000 Routing: In preparation for the November 20th meeting, please review the attached draft portions of the Park Plan: • Demographic Assessment, • Parks Classification System and Park Standards, • 2006 Existing Parks Map. The agenda is also attached. We look forward to seeing you on the 20th. An Employee Owned Company Promoting Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity DEMOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT: PARK USERS BETWEEN 2006 AND 2030 POPULATION The Land Use Plan The Comprehensive Plan Chapter III, the Land Use Plan, guides where and how future growth will occur in Lake Elmo. Preserving rural character, maintaining the Old Village as the focal point of the City, and preparing for forecasted growth are key points within the Land Use Plan. The Land Use Plan provides the basis for understanding future demand for parks and future opportunities for the park system. Population Forecasts For park planning purposes, the Land Use Plan can be described as having three areas within Lake Elmo with differing future development patterns: the Old Village, the area south of 10th Street, and the remainder of Lake Elmo. The Land Use Plan describes that the Old Village will continue to develop with a mixture of land uses and at densities that will result in a more urban community fabric. The area south of 10th Street is largely classified as Future Sewered Development, in preparation for future regional sewer service. In the near term, this area will remain rural. With regional sewer availability, the majority of the area south of 10th Street may be developed at more urban residential densities. Future residential development within the remainder of Lake Elmo will occur in rural land use patterns and at a relatively lesser density, preserving Lake Elmo's rural character. The forecasted 2030 population of Lake Elmo is summarized in the land use staging plan within the Land Use Plan. The staging plan reports a total of 8,727 households and a total of 24,000 persons in Lake Elmo by 2030. The Park Plan uses these assumptions to plan for the 2030 park system, and responds to the guidance provided in the Land Use Plan as to how the population will be distributed throughout three general areas of the city - the Old Village, the area south of 10th Street, and the area north of 10th Street and outside of the Old Village. DRAFT Comprehensive Park Plan 1 13713.000 Table — summarizes the forecasted households and population, and their distribution within Lake Elmo for park planning purposes. The data are organized by Old Village - Sewered, Cimarron — Sewered and Other Sewered, and the remainder of households (unsewered). The household distribution described in the Land Use Plan can generally be assigned to the three geographic areas Old Village, South of 1 Oth Street, and north of 1 Oth Street and outside of the Old Village. Table No. _. 2030 Household and population forecasts by area 2010 2010 2020 2020 2030 2030 ' Households (Population; Households €Population Households Population Old Village 515 " 1,416 600 ° 1,740 1,100 = _3,025 _ 'Sewered, South of 10th Street �• 2,400 6,960 41100 ,� 11,275 "Unsewered 3,104 V8,536 MM3,324 T 9,640 —M 3,527 WmM m 9,700 TOTAL 3,619 9,952' 6.324 ! 18,403' 8,727 24,000 `North of 10th Street and outside the Old Village 2005 and 2006 Population Estimates The Metropolitan Council estimates that Lake Elmo's population in 2005 was 7,966 persons. The forecasts show an average growth of 450 persons per year between 2005 and 2010. Therefore, the Park Plan assumes the population of Lake Elmo in 2006 (the base year for the Park Plan) to be 8,416 persons. This population figure is the baseline in understanding park demand on today's park system. DRAFT Comprehensive Park Plan 2 13713.000 AGE Recreation and Age Association A parks system provides for recreation and enjoyment of open space - activities that appeal to all age groups. Still, certain park activities are associated with certain age groups. Active recreation, such as skateboarding, hockey and playgrounds are usually favored by younger people. Passive recreation, such as picnicking or fishing, is generally associated with older people. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 2004 Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey examined the association of recreation activities by adult age groups. The survey found strong and moderate association among younger adults and active recreation including ice skating/hockey outdoors, sledding, inline skating, downhill skiing/snowboarding, and outdoor court sports (volleyball, basketball, tennis, horseshoes). Older aged adults are found to have strong and moderate association with activities such as nature observation and photography, visiting nature centers, visiting historic or cultural sites, and walking/hiking. The survey associates people in their middle ages with snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and horseback riding. Many activities, especially water - related activities such as swimming, wading and boating, appear to be universally enjoyed by adults of all ages in Minnesota. Of particular note to Lake Elmo is the survey finding that adults age 35 to 44 have the highest per capita hours spent on outdoor recreation than any other adult age group. Lake Elmo Age Distribution The United States 2000 Census provides a baseline for understanding Lake Elmo's age distribution. Lake Elmo's age distribution in comparison to the age distribution within the Twin Cities overall provides a point of consideration for how Lake Elmo's park system will serve the community over the next 25 years. Lake Elmo has proportionally more school -age youth (ages 5 to 19) than the Twin Cities, and has about the same proportion of children younger than 5 years old as the Twin Cities. Using the Twin Cities as a basis for comparison, Lake Elmo has typical to above average number of children and youth. Youth are associated with high levels of park usage, especially active recreation opportunities. DRAFT Comprehensive Park Plan 3 13713.000 85+ 88-84 75-79 7B-74 65-69 68-64 55-59 56-54 45-49 48-44 35-39 3e-34 25-29 2e-24 15-19 18-14 5-9 8-4 .y m Corresponding to this school -age population is a greater than average number of adults in the age groups 35 to 44 and 45 to 54. The Department of Natural Resources survey finding that 35 to 44 year olds spent more hours on outdoor recreation than any other adult age group highlights the potential for a stronger demand for outdoor recreation in Lake Elmo than in other Twin Cities communities. Lake Elmo has fewer young adults and seniors compared to the Twin Cities overall. The 2000 Lake Elmo population age groups of 20 to 24 year olds (4.7% of total population) and 25 to 34 year olds (9.4%) are less prevalent than in the Twin Cities, where these age groups respectively made up 6.5% and 15.5% of the population. Lake Elmo's population age 75 and up is noticeably less than this age group's presence in the Twin Cities. These trends are visible in the 2000 population pyramids for Lake Elmo and for the Twin Cities. Figure No. _ Lake Elmo and Twin Cities Population Pyramids 2000 Population for all races: Lake Elmo city (Washington County) Male ■ Fenale Source: Minnesota Demographic Center 85+ 66-84 75-79 76-74 65-69 68-64 55-59 58-54 45-49 46-44 35-39 3e-34 25-29 28-24 15-19 18-14 5-9 8-4 2000 Population: Minneapolis -St. Paul. MN -WI (MN PART) Male . Fenale DRAFT Comprehensive Park Plan 4 13713.000 Table No. Lake Elmo and Twin Cities Age Groups as a Percent of Total Population, year 2000 Age Group Percent Lake Elmo Population Percent Twin Cities (Minneapolis -St. Paul, MN -WI MSA Under 5 years 7.1 7.2 5 to 9 years 8.0 7.6 10 to 14 years 8.7 7.6 15 to 19 years 7.9 7.0 20 to 24 years 4.7 6.5 25 to 34 years 9.4 15.5 35 to 44 years 19.8 17.8 45 to 54 years 17.3 13.7 55 to 59 years 5.9 4.4 60 to 64 years 4.2 3.2 65 to 74 years 4.8 4.9 75 to 84 years 1.8 3.4 85 years and over .4 1.3 Source: United States Census Bureau, Census 2000 As Lake Elmo's population increases, the population will tend to grow proportionate to its age makeup today. The cost of land and the appeal of Lake Elmo will continue to attract households that are financially well -established, more so than first-time home buyers. These households will likely be headed by adults in their prime earning years, usually in their 30s and older but before retirement age. However, changes in land use patterns as described in the Land Use Plan will bring a greater variety of housing types to Lake Elmo which may be attractive to empty nesters and young adults. In the near -term, the park system will continue to largely serve adults in their mid 30s through 50s and their children. In the longer -term, the park system may increasingly serve adults in their 20s to early 30s as well as empty nesters and seniors. DEMOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT SUMMARY The Lake Elmo Land Use Plan provides a framework for identifying future park needs. The forecasted population growth and the Land Use Plan's guidance for development are the basis for planning change and expansion of the park system. Overall, Lake Elmo's population is forecasted at 24,000 people by 2030, with greater population densities in the Old Village and in the area south of 10th Street than in the rest of Lake Elmo. Planning for parks that serve residents within localized neighborhoods requires consideration of these different development patterns. DRAFT Comprehensive Park Plan 5 13713.000 Lake Elmo's park system will continue to predominantly serve adults in their mid 30s through 50s and their children. Of all adult age groups in Minnesota, adults age 35 to 44 spend the most time at outdoor recreation activities. This age group made up nearly 20% of Lake Elmo's population in 2000, so planning for the recreation needs of these adults is an important consideration. As change occurs in development patterns in the Old Village and South of 10th Street, the park system may increasingly serve adults in their 20s to early 30s as well as empty nesters and seniors as a greater variety of housing types become available. DRAFT Comprehensive Park Plan 6 13713.000 PARKS CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM AND PARK STANDARDS INTRODUCTION A classification system identifying the types of parks that make up the system is a valuable planning tool. A classification system provides the common language needed to describe and differentiate park lands and the variety of purposes that parks sere. The parks classification system is a framework in which to organize standards and policies. It provides for consistency in serving the needs of Lake Elmo's neighborhoods and the needs of the city as a whole. The parks classification system assists the community in evaluating how the parks system adequately and equitably serves the community. The standards within the parks classification system are not a substitute for park master planning when new park land is acquired or when major capital improvements are proposed within a park. Rather, the park classification system and associated standards are general park development parameters and a starting place for master planning. The Lake Elmo parks classification system established in the 2020 Comprehensive Plan was refined based on the classification system established by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The Lake Elmo parks classification system updated through 2030 consists of the following park types: Neighborhood Park Community Park ' Mini Park Special Use Park Sports Complex i>I& Natural Resource Areas Greenways DRAFT Comprehensive Park Plan 1 13713.000 OVERVIEW OF STANDARDS Each type of park within the park classification system consists of a set of standards. The standards are generated from the Park Plan Principles, and incorporate analysis of existing Lake Elmo parks and current park planning practices. Standards include guidance in park purpose, service area and location, size, level of service, key facilities and a facilities menu that offers a range of recreation facility options. Natural Resource Areas and Regional Park types have additional policies to address considerations unique to these park types. Purpose Each park type within the system has a unique purpose. The purpose defines the needs that the park type meets and its defining characteristics. Service Area and Location Service area is expressed as a distance from the park's edge to describe the home locations of the park's primary users. The service area of some park types is the entire Lake Elmo community. Size A minimum area, in acres, is a standard to allow adequate room for the facilities and open spaces that make up a park. Size standards are based on evaluation of Lake Elmo's existing parks and on NRPA guidance. Level of Service Levels of Service standards are ratios that describe adequate park facilities for a community. For park types, the ratio is expressed as the number of park acres per 1,000 persons. Park planning practices regarding Level of Service have shifted in the last ten years. Since the 1930s, the NRPA had published national Level of Service standards, most recently published in 1983. In 1996, the NRPA changed this practice and published guidance for local communities to develop Level of Service standards that reflect local interests, needs and realities. DRAFT Comprehensive Park Plan 2 13713.000 Fundamentally, Level of Service provides a point of comparison in understanding how parks meet the needs of different service areas. The new guidelines from NRPA specify that not all park types will have a Level of Service policy. For example, park land that is used to protect natural resources must respond to the unique natural resource base, not the human population served by the natural resource. This park plan provides a Level of Service standard for Neighborhood Parks and Community Parks. The Lake Elmo Level of Service standard recommended by this plan for Neighborhood Park land is 11 acres per 1,000 people. The 2006 existing Level of Service is 16 acres per 1,000 persons. However, a few of Lake Elmo's Neighborhood Parks are larger than the rest (Reid Park, Ridge Park, and Pebble Park). These parks have land area that is part of Lake Elmo's natural resource base in addition to areas used for active recreation. The natural resources are an important element of the park system, but their land area need not be counted in determining a Level of Service standard, which represents a minimum land area needed. The area in natural resources would be in addition to the minimum standard. The Park Plan uses the median size of all Neighborhood Parks - 6 acres - to estimate a 2006 Level of Service of 11 acres per 1,000. The Lake Elmo Level of Service standard recommended for Community Park land is 15 acres per 1,000 persons. This standard is based on discussion of the need for a community gathering place in the heart of Lake Elmo. The Park Plan assumes that one Community Park within the Old Village will meet this need. The standard of 15 acres per 1,000 persons produces a need for 360 acres using 2030 population forecasts. Given that Lake Elmo today has 305 acres of Community Park land in Sunfish Lake Park and Demontreville Wildlife Area, an additional 55 acres would allow for planning a significant Community Park in the heart of Lake Elmo. Level of Service is a helpful policy tool in defining the park demand generated by growth and development. For example, with a Neighborhood Park Level of Service standard of 11 acres per 1,000 persons, the City may demonstrate that a new subdivision with an expected population of 200 will generate demand for 2.2 acres of Neighborhood Park land. Level of Service may be factored in to park dedication requirements. DRAFT Comprehensive Park Plan 3 13713.000 Key Facilities and Facilities Menu Key Facilities are park facilities that should be included in each park of that type. The Facilities Menu is a range of options of suitable facilities from which to choose during park master planning. The facility standards are based on input gathered through the Recreation Preference Menu filled out by Lake Elmo officials and residents, and NRPA guidance. It is important to note that a park is not intended to have all of the facilities listed in the Facilities Menu. Rather, the Menu is a starting point for the park master plan. The facilities chosen for each park will depend on the park's site characteristics. The provision of a Facilities Menu is a newer park planning practice as the NRPA moves away from prescribing park facilities. DRAFT Comprehensive Park Plan 4 13713.000 PARK TYPES AND STANDARDS Neiahborhood Park Purpose o Recreational and social focus of a neighborhood and the basic unit of the park system. o Within walking distance where practical. Service Area and Location o Preferred service area is a quarter -mile to half -mile distance. o A service area of a quarter -mile is preferred for neighborhoods with more urban residential densities. o If the park is connected to a Greenway or off road trail, the service area may be extended one mile along the Greenway or trail, to homes within an eighth -mile of the trail. Size c Minimum size is 3 acres. o Preferred size is 5 to 10 acres. c Parks may be larger if combined with Natural Resource Areas. Level of Service o 11 acres per 1,000 persons. Key Facilities o Play equipment, multi -purpose playing field (unlit), multi -purpose court (unlit), picnic/sitting areas, portable toilet, park identification sign, off- street parking spaces. Facilities Menu o Gardens, ice skating rink, Natural Resource Areas, water feature, sledding hill, paths, trail connections, drinking fountain. Lake Elmo Neighborhood Parks (2006) Neighborhood Parks Acres Carriage Station 3.0 Demontreville 6.3 Heights 5.0 Heritage 8.0 Homestead 3.0 Kleis 8.0 Lake Jane* 3.7 Lions 3.0 Pebble 17.0 Reid 30.0 Ridge 24.0 St. Croix's Sanctuary 6.4 Stonegate 5.0 Tablyn 9.0 Tana Ridge 5.0 Total 136.4 . This draft of the Park Plan reclassifies Lake Jane from a Mini Park to a Neighborhood Park. DRAFT Comprehensive Park Plan 5 13713.000 Communitv Park Purpose o Serves recreation and open space needs for residents living throughout the city. o Preserves unique landscapes and open spaces. o Provides community gathering places and locations for group activities that would be too large for a Neighborhood Park. Service Area and Location o Service Area is community -wide. o An additional Community Park will be located within the Old Village. Size o Minimum size is 20 acres. o The inclusion of Natural Resource Areas within Community Parks is required. Level of Service o 15 acres per 1,000 persons. Key Facilities o Natural Resource Areas, picnic and sitting areas, park identification sign, portable or permanent bathroom, off-street parking spaces. Facilities Menu o Gardens, ice skating rink, skate park, disc golf course, off -leash dog area, water feature, sledding hill, shore fishing, swimming beach, boat launch, natural and cultural interpretation, paths, trail connections, park shelter, drinking fountain, shared parking arrangements. Lake Elmo Community Parks (2006) Community Parks Acres Sunfish Lake 284 Demontreville Wildlife Area 24 Total 308 DRAFT Comprehensive Park Plan 6 13713.000 Mini Park Purpose o Serves a concentrated population or preserves a unique point of interest. o Mini Parks may be developed to augment the parks system for a concentrated population, such as a senior housing development, a shopping area or an office complex. o Mini Parks are used to preserve a unique natural, historic, cultural or recreational point of interest that cannot otherwise be preserved within another park type. Service Area and Location o For Mini Parks serving a concentrated population, Service Area is a quarter -mile distance or less. o For Mini Parks preserving a unique point of interest, Service Area is community -wide. Size c Less than three acres. Facilities Menu o Mini Parks are customized for the use of the concentrated population or for the preservation of the unique feature. Mini Parks typically do not require off street parking area dedicated only for park users. Facilities may include sitting areas, scenic overlooks, signage for park interpretation, small play structure. Lake Elmo Mini Parks (2006) None. Lake Jane Park in this draft of the Park Plan is reclassified as a Neighborhood Park. DRAFT Comprehensive Park Plan 7 13713.000 Special Use Park Purpose o Single -purpose use, for recreation facilities that are not integrated into Community Parks or Neighborhood Parks. o User fees may be established in some cases for Special Use Parks. Service Area o Community -wide. and Location o Special Use Parks are serviced by arterial or collector streets. Size o Dependant on the use; no minimum or maximum. Key Facilities o Sitting areas, off street parking, portable or permanent bathroom. Facilities Menu o Specialized facilities dependant on the use. o Examples of uses that may be suitable for a Special Use Park: arts center, lit ball field, water park, off -leash dog park, ornamental garden, skate park, community -wide playground/creative play area, golf course. Lake Elmo Special Use Parks (2006) Special Use Parks Acres VFW 3.0 Arts Center 0.2 Total 3.2 This draft of the Park Plan reclassifies the VFW and the Arts Center to Special Use Parks. DRAFT Comprehensive Park Plan 8 13713.000 Sports Complex Purpose o Consolidated athletic fields for programmed use. o A Sports Complex should be built in partnership with user groups, associations or organizations to ensure that it is developed based on user demand and meets the specific needs of users. o User fees may be established. Service Area and Location o The minimum Service Area is Lake Elmo community -wide. A Sports Complex developed in partnership with other agencies or municipalities will have a larger Service Area. o Lake Elmo will not have more than one Sports Complex. o A Sports Complex is serviced by arterial or collector streets. Size o 40 acres minimum, with 80 to 150 acres optimal. o Guidelines for area needed for each athletic facility type are: • 3 to 4 acres per baseball/softball diamond • 2 to 3 acres per soccer/football field • 7,200 square feet per tennis court • 6,000 square feet per basketball court Key Facilities o Off street parking, g, permanent bathroom facilities, field lighting, paths, running water/drinking fountains. Facilities Menu o The Sports Complex's fields, courts and diamonds are multi -use where practical and appropriate. o Based on user demand, the Sports Complex may include, but is not limited to: fields for soccer/football/other field sports; diamonds for baseball/softball; courts for tennis/basketball/volleyball/other court sports; ice rinks. Lake Elmo Sports Complex (2006) None. VFW Park and Lions Park provide for lit fields at this time. DRAFT Comprehensive Park Plan 9 13713,000 Natural Resource Areas Purpose c Showcase, preserve, respect and restore significant natural resources. o Provide aesthetic variety. Service Area c It is preferred that Natural Resources Areas are integrated into and Location Neighborhood Parks, Community Parks, Mini Parks and Greenways to facilitate appreciation of Natural Resource Areas by park users, and so that other park land may buffer Natural Resource Areas. Natural Resource Areas may also be stand-alone elements of the park system. o Location of Natural Resource Areas is dependent on the landscape and its natural resource potential. o Service area is community -wide. Size o Variable, depending on the natural resources and landscape. Additional o Natural resources inform park design. Policies o Recreational use of Natural Resource Areas is provided for through marked trails and viewing areas. o Natural Resource Areas provide for wildlife habitat. Areas are consolidated, contiguous and connected where feasible. o Native plantings are used in Natural Resource Areas to restore prairie, savannah, woodlands, forests, wetlands, streams and lakes. Design Principles for wildlife habitat within Natural Resource Areas. From Drafting a Conservation Blueprint: A Practitioner's Guide to Planning for Biodiversity. Jonathan V. Higgins, Earl C. Saxon, Craig R. Groves, Michael W. Beck. , 8 O C CO (� B F Lake Elmo Natural Resource Areas (2006) Natural Resource Areas are located within existing Neighborhood and Community parks. The system does not currently hold park land exclusively identified as a Natural Resource Area. DRAFT Comprehensive Park Plan 10 13713.000 Greenways Purpose o Corridors that tie park system components together and preserve natural resources. Service Area and Location o Community -wide service area. o Greenways are integrated with the trail system. Size o Minimum of 50 feet wide (25 feet wide in constrained conditions). o 75 to 100 feet wide is optimal. Additional o Greenways are multi -purposed. The functions of Greenways include: Policies • increase vegetation along trails and paths, • periodically widen off -road trails to create rest areas and overlooks, • provide corridors for wildlife movement, linking habitat, • buffer between land uses. o Greenways are primarily developed along corridors that are also identified for off road trails. Lake Elmo Greenways (2006) None. DRAFT Comprehensive Park Plan 11 13713.000 Regional Park Purpose Acknowledgment of Lake Elmo Regional Park Preserve Description Lake Elmo Regional Park Preserve is a 2,165-acre park within the City of Lake Elmo, operated by Washington County and is part of the Metropolitan Regional Park System. Additional NOTE 1111012006: the following policies are drawn from the 1990 Lake Elmo Policies park plan. o Washington County shall be the implementing agency responsible for acquisition, development, operation, and maintenance of the lake Elmo Regional Park Preserve. o The City will participate in the master planning and development process for regional park projects that will have an impact on Lake Elmo. o The City will oppose any use of the regional park for non -recreational purposes. DRAFT Comprehensive Park Plan 12 13713.000 ' s Dlemont vi11eT ark - I ssTH _L: entrevi' le_ Wildlife'-Ar; -I59RD i _ St. Croix's Sanctuary _ e ° Kleis'Park I o SaRp CarriagePar Stat-on- I➢ Mm,rew„F / - 515T- �, OTH- - - � 47TH TanaRioge Park 44TH 43RD \ • I �! --url � � w 40TH �¢ Sunfisfil'L ke w Lake Jane - 1 isenil�,� IHills•Pae Lake Elmo x _ ,Elementary ch' ol- ,I�i our �t s5" =1 51, r,r t rr VFW Ballf ield WorislPark— = — r Center for the Arts I K RTILLWAT _ _ _ I II kr' Reid Park` a1s� TabiyF,�P,ar Z : ° � s I n � +' a e�Elm • � �i' na1�P k _ � ' l ¢Heights,' r Heritage Park W r_ = UPPE Y47H Park 2200 ILI IST ' +_) 201H 1-�-i= / � 1 ' '�' � Fagle Pav7•w� II _ �, l I �/ i��% ♦ W Tartan Park (private) rL z aTN - \ Ridge Park ok � 1 iy Homestead Park -12TH ° �° - ��— -�-__1BT. I BTH 4;:'. Y f I i✓ _'.- L 'I 1�_ i °{MPAH°' : '. 3 its Oakland umor High School --.Z � HGLLV A,,, Stonegate_/Park _ - :I}Cimarron Q - �, Golf Course sTr n 1 _,(p-rivate)_ % w 0 1sT i L L RTF LWI 2006 EXISTING PARK SYSTEM Map Dote: ►o„1'S, LJ TKDA ® Neighborhood Park Mg Mini Park 0 0.5 1 2 IO'Community'Park pZ. Regional Park Miles Special Use Park N2 School DNR Boat Launch 0