HomeMy WebLinkAbout#04 - Parks Master PlanSTAFF REPORT
DATE: 06/11/2024
WORKSHOP
TO: CITY COUCIL
AGENDA ITEM: Parks Master Plan
FROM: Adam Swanepoel, Assistant Public Works Director
SUBMITTED BY: Marty Powers, Public Works Director
BACKGROUND:
At the October 2023 City Council meeting, the City selected Bolton and Menk to develop and
prepare a new Parks Master Plan. The purpose of an updated parks master plan would help guide
commissioners, council and staff over the next ten years but also provide insight on potential
changes, additions and an evaluation of the current park system.
Bolton and Menk spent the next eight months gathering data and preparing documents for the
next Master Plan. During this time an advisory committee was developed and included
commissioner Kasler from the Parks Commission. The advisory group meet four times during
the preparation of the document to assist in recommendations, suggestions and ideas for the
future plan. Community input was gathered from an online survey and two pop up events held
during Light up Lake Elmo and the Arbor Day tree give away event.
ISSUE BEFORE THE COMMISSION:
City Council is being asked to review the draft Parks Master Plan prepared by Bolton and Menk
and propose any changes or considerations to the plan.
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS:
Part of the development for a new Parks Master Plan, Bolton and Menk was asked to provide the following
items in the Master Plan:
- Goals, objectives, and policy statements with a clear vision and direction for the City
- An updated City Park inventory, evaluation of existing park use layout and its facilities
- An updated trail system and network plan, identify the gaps in the existing/planned trail
system
- Evaluation of existing park use, layout and facilities
- A summary of existing conditions and level of service analysis
- A major park infrastructure repair and replace schedule, considering potential changes in the
existing infrastructure
- Charts, graphs, maps, and other data as needed to support the plan
In addition, Bolton and Menk was asked to consider researching and including additional
information which would help map the future of Lake Elmo and the park system, they included;
- Demographic Trends
- Include compatibility with current ADA requirements
- Recommendations on removal of any obsolete facilities and inclusion on new types of
recreational facilities or amenities to engage the community.
- Prioritizing recommendations for improvement to current park facilities and identify
opportunities for undeveloped parks.
- Create a prioritization strategy to guide decision making and investments in the park
system.
- Phased implementation plan and 20 year CIP
- Identify ideal funding sources such as grants or recreational funding
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are no financial oblations at this time. Funding for the plan was taken from the
professional services budget.
ATTACHMENTS:
2024 Parks Master Plan
PARK SYSTEM PLANCITY OF LAKE ELMO
DR
A
F
T
06/03/2024
i
PREPARED FOR
City of Lake Elmo
3880 Laverne Ave N
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
CITY STAFF
Adam Swanepoel
»Assistant Public Works Director
Sophia Jensen
»City Planner
CITY COUNCIL
Charles Cadenhead
»Mayor
Jeff Holtz
Katrina Beckstrom
Matt Hirn
Nick Dragisich
»City Council Members
PREPARED BY
Bolton & Menk, Inc.
111 N Washington Ave, Unit 650
Minneapolis, MN 55401
PROJECT TEAM
Josh Shields
Principle Landscape Architect
Anna Springer
Senior Project Landscape Architect
Aus Perez
Landscape Designer
Rachel LeMire
Project Communications Specialist
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Bob Horn Michael Schuster
Brad Adams Peter Kastler
Brad Kompelien Todd Bruchu
Greta Farley Tracy Petersen
Matthew Ras William Zins
Michael Bambenek
PARK COMMISSION
Ellen Esch
Hank Hoelscher
Michael Elam
Pat Barrett
Peter Kastler
Tammy Sturtz
Vittorio Bloyer
WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO
City council members, the park commission,
city staff, public works staff, the Advisory
Committee, and the community participants
who provided feedback to help assist in the
planning of this document
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ii
01 | INTRODUCTION....................................................................................04
»Context
»Community Demographics
»The Process + Purpose
»Past Planning Efforts
»Using the Plan
02 | EXISTING CONDITIONS & NEEDS..................................................12
»Overview
»Inventory of the System
»Park Classifications
»Existing Amenities + Facilities
»Existing Programming
»NRPA Agency Benchmarks
»Service Area + Facility Guidelines
»Public Engagement Summary
»SWOT Analysis
»Pop-Up Events
»Community Survey Findings
05 | RECOMMENDATIONS........................................................................62
»Overview
»Park Recommendations
»Facility Recommendations
»Connectivity Recommendations
»Open Space + Preserve Recommendations
»Operations + Maintenance Recommendations
06 | IMPLEMENTATION.............................................................................84
»Setting Priorities
»Funding Resources
07 | APPENDIX...............................................................................................95
04 | TRENDS ANALYSIS..............................................................................50
»Overview of Trends
»Trends 1-8
03 | VISION & GUIDING PRINCIPLES...................................................46
»The Vision
»The Guiding Principles
CONTENT
06
07
09
10
11
64
65
68
78
81
82
52
53
48
49
86
92
14
15
18
21
23
24
26
38
39
40
42
4 | INTRODUCTION
5
0101
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
Lake Elmo provides an expansive system of parks, trails, and open spaces for
its community members and visitors to enjoy. The city’s parks and trails are
clean and well-maintained, and community members feel safe when visiting
them. Residents frequent the park and trail system, with many making weekly
trips to local neighborhood playgrounds and recreational trails. While residents
value their park and recreational amenities, the city recognizes a need to keep
their park system current, continue to meet the needs of the community, and
continue to offer quality amenities to its residents.
The Lake Elmo Park System Plan does not seek to reinvent the park and trail
system or stray too far from the original intent of past planning efforts.
Instead, the plan advocates for thoughtful, community-driven improvements to
the city’s existing parks and trails that are rooted in an understanding of the
system’s history, ecology, and intended purpose.
This plan is intended to be a living document. It can be amended to adapt
to evolving community needs as conditions and circumstances change. The
application of local knowledge should be used to support plan changes to
ensure the plan continues to fit the needs and concerns of the community.
Implementing this plan will require collaboration and coordination between
a variety of stakeholders, including city staff, city council, the parks
commission, and the community.
Figure 1.1: Aerial view of Lake Jane
WASHINGTON COUNTY CITY OF LAKE ELMO
6 | INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
The City of Lake Elmo is located near the confluence
of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers, just west of
the Minnesota-Wisconsin border and east of St.
Paul. The population of Lake Elmo is currently 13,756
people, but the city is projected to grow to upwards
of 18,000 people by 2030, making it the fastest
growing city in the state of Minnesota. Despite Lake
Elmo’s booming growth, the city has maintained a
charming rural look and feel for many years, due its
many acres of agricultural and farm land. The city
encompasses approximately 24 square miles of land
(including woodland, meadow, lakes, and wetlands)
and borders many adjacent communities, including:
• Grant to the north
• Oak Park Heights, Baytown and West Lakeland
Townships to the east
• Woodbury to the south
• Oakdale to the west.
With an interesting mix of rural features, natural
scenery, and suburban comfort, Lake Elmo is
a desirable location due to its proximity to
Minneapolis and St. Paul, accessible and high-
quality neighborhoods, and many lakes and natural
areas. With its picturesque farms, rolling hills, and
extensive park and trail system, Lake Elmo offers a
peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban
life. With 18% of the city’s land acreage protected as
park or open space and an additional 11% of private
land areas protected with a conservation easement,
Lake Elmo is committed to preserving its existing
natural resources and open space framework so that
residents have sufficient opportunities to enjoy the
great outdoors for many years to come.
“OUR COMMUNITY, NEIGHBORHOODS AND HOMES
ARE OUR RETREAT. WE LIVE IN A PLACE WITH DIVERSE
NEIGHBORHOOD PATTERNS AND HOUSING OPTIONS -
BUT EVERY RESIDENT HAS ACCESS TO A GREAT PARK,
OPEN SPACE OR TRAIL... WE ARE A COLLECTION OF
NEIGHBORHOODS THAT TOGETHER SHARE A COMMITMENT
TO MAKING THE CITY AN EXCEPTIONAL PLACE TO LIVE,
WORK, AND RECREATE.”
- LAKE ELMO VISION FOR 2040
Moorhead
St. Cloud
Mankato
Minneapolis
St. Croix River
Lake Elmo
Mississippi River
St. Paul
Rochester
I-
6
9
4
HWY 10
HWY 14
I-94
HW
Y
1
5
HWY 36
7
COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS
Taking a closer look at Lake Elmo’s demographic
makeup reveals a few key characteristics and
insights, including:
• The city has a predominantly white population,
along with smaller communities of Asian,
Hispanic, and African American residents
• The median household income in Lake Elmo
exceeds national averages, reflecting a relatively
affluent community with well-maintained
infrastructure, quality services, and thriving
businesses
• The city highly values education; in fact, nearly
two-thirds of the population has a bachelor’s
degree
• The unemployment rate in Lake Elmo is 3.5%,
reflecting a healthy job market and economy
• Only 3% of households in Lake Elmo are below
poverty level
Key Facts
Population by Age: 5-Year Increments
(2021)
2021 Population by Race,
Age 18+
13,756
2023 Total Population
337
2023 Total (SIC01-99)
Businesses
4,914
2023 Total Households
$163,359
2023 Median
Household Income
8%
7%
6%
5%
4%
3%
2%
1%
0%
Dots show comparison to Washington County
0-
4
10
-
1
4
20
-
2
4
30
-
3
4
50
-
5
4
40
-
4
4
60
-
6
4
70
-
7
4
80
-
8
4
2+ Races
Other Race
Pacific Islander
Asian
Native
American
Black
White
0%10 30 50 70204060 80
Education
No High
School Diploma
21%
Some College
15%
High School Graduate
2%
62%
Bachelor’s/Master’s/Prof
Degree
2017-2021 Transportation to Work
Age 16+
65%
Drove Alone
9%
Carpooled
0%
Bicycled
1%
Public
Transportation
0%
Walked
Employment (2023)Poverty Status (2017-2021)
Persons with a Disability
(2017-2021)
3%
Households Below the Poverty Level
17%
Households with 1+ Persons with a Disability
White Collar
Blue Collar
Services
Unemployment
Rate3.5%
8 | INTRODUCTION
81%
12%
8%
9
THE PROCESS + PURPOSE
STEP 01
INFORMATION
GATHERING
Inventory of existing park and trail amenities & assessment of current conditions and site features
Thorough review of existing conditions, concurrent planning studies, NRPA benchmarks and public input to identify preliminary improvement strategies
Develop recommendations for the park system, as well as budgetary cost estimates for capital improvement planning and implementation
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
Online community survey and in-person engagement events
PUBLIC
OUTREACH
ANALYSIS
IMPROVEMENT
RECOMMENDATIONS
REVIEW, REFINEMENT
AND ADOPTION
STEP 05
STEP 04
STEP 03
STEP 02
This park system planning process was a nine-
month project that began with an inventory and
analysis of each city-owned park and open space
amenity. This analysis documented park amenities,
site furnishings, and notable site features, in
addition to the general condition of these items at
each location.
In order to provide a useful, user-friendly, and
sustainable planning document for Lake Elmo, the
planning team - made up of landscape architects,
parks planners/designers, and community
engagement specialists - had many discussions
with city staff and Advisory Committee members
to uncover issues affecting the city’s parks, trails,
and open spaces. Discussions with city staff and
the Advisory Committee were facilitated by the
consultant team, to better understand the history
of park and trail improvements and evaluate the
existing conditions of each park in the system.
The Advisory Committee provided valuable insight
into how community members and visitors use the
park system, as well as relevant information about
changes affecting the city’s resources over the
years.
Early in the planning process, the public was
engaged through an online survey. This survey was
conducted over an eight week period and resulted
in participation from over 500 community members.
Results from this survey helped inform the needs
analysis and plan recommendations.
10 | INTRODUCTION
PAST PLANNING EFFORTS
There are a handful of past planning efforts that
were considered during the creation of this report.
Key plans, reports and standards that helped inform
the development of this report include:
• Lake Elmo’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan
• Washington County’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan
• The Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan
• Lake Elmo’s 2009 Comprehensive Parks and
Recreation Plan
• Lake Elmo’s Design Guidelines and Standards
The planning team used these documents to obtain
background information on the city, to understand
what goals and strategies have been previously
developed for the city’s park and trail system, and
to inform the development of the recommendations
(and eventual implementation strategies) included
in this plan.
Some key takeaways from past planning documents
related to parks, trails and open spaces in Lake Elmo
include (but are not limited to):
KEY GOALS AND PRINCIPLES FROM PAST PLANNING DOCUMENTS
• Lake Elmo’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan
»Enhance existing natural resources, open space and trails to make a more complete system
»Strengthen the existing trail network in the City, increase public connections, and improve
accessibility (including pedestrian and bikeway connections)
»Endorse and maintain the protected public open space and natural areas throughout the City
»Protect and strengthen existing park facilities and program uses according to demands of
residents that use the facilities, and plan for appropriate programming and facilities in new
neighborhoods
»Explore opportunities to improve the quality of degraded, but important, natural resources in
the City (i.e., impaired lakes, streams, and wetlands)
• Lake Elmo’s 2009 Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan
»Showcase, preserve, and respect the city’s natural resources and let the location of natural
resources guide the placement and use of parks
»Locate parks so that all current and prospective neighborhoods have a local park (where
practical and appropriate)
»Connect city parks to each other and to prominent destination within and outside of the city
through a system of trails
»Locate a significant park at the heart of Lake Elmo that can serve as a community gathering
place and landmark
11
USING THE PLAN
01: INTRODUCTION
»The introduction provides an overview of the
planning process and purpose, as well as a
brief look at demographics and community
context
02: EXISTING CONDITIONS + NEEDS
»This section evaluates the Lake Elmo system
through various lenses and outlines future
needs
03: VISION + GUIDING PRINCIPLES
»This section helps set the stage for what
is desired by the community for the future
system and what overarching ideas should
help steer its future
04: TRENDS ANALYSIS
»Understanding social, demographic, and
recreational trends is an important of
maintaining a responsive park system.
This section highlights key trends that are
impacting today’s parks and recreation
systems and help inform the plan
05: RECOMMENDATIONS
»Recommended actions to help attain the
vision for the system provide the backbone
of the plan, building off the analysis and
vision
06: IMPLEMENTATION
»This section outlines steps to carry out the
proposed recommendations, and includes
priorities, capital improvements, and funding
ideas
07: APPENDIX
»Supporting documents including park
This park system plan document is organized into
seven sections, which include:
»01: Introduction
»02: Existing Conditions + Needs
»03: Visions + Guiding Principles
»04: Trends Analysis
»05: Recommendations
»06: Implementation
»07: Appendix
The contents of this park system plan report include
park inventory data, community input results,
analysis of all collected data, recommendations and
implementation strategies for Lake Elmo’s parks,
trails, and open spaces.
The report’s appendix includes park inventory maps
and the complete community survey results.
12 | EXISTING CONDITIONS + NEEDS
13
0202
EXISTING CONDITIONS EXISTING CONDITIONS
+ NEEDS+ NEEDS
Inventory and analysis is an essential component to the park system planning
process. In order to make informed and appropriate decisions to address the
diverse park and trail-related needs of the community, a deep understanding of
the current state of the city’s parks and trails is required.
This assessment looks at the quantity, distribution, quality, and current use
of the various elements of the systems. The data is collected and compared
to standards and benchmarks provided by the National Recreation and Parks
Association (NRPA), as well as park planning principles including level of
service. Local input from residents, volunteers, and city staff also provide
critical information about the system and its use.
Figure 3.1: Expansive view over Lake Elmo
14 | EXISTING CONDITIONS + NEEDS
OVERVIEW
APPROACH
The recreational opportunities that Lake Elmo’s
parks, trails, and open spaces provide are vital to
maintaining the quality of life that community
members in the city value. These public spaces are
integral parts of the city’s infrastructure and are
proactively managed.
As part of the park and trail system planning effort,
the planning team collaborated with city staff
and key stakeholders to develop near-term and
long-range improvements that will assist them in
directing decision making and allocating resources
toward a clearly defined vision for the community’s
park and trail system. Community input was
gathered using a comprehensive and engaging
outreach process that prioritized accessibility
for all park and trail users. This approach created
opportunities for the public to inform and educate
the planning team about the future park and trail
system they’d like to see.
The goal of this park system planning process is to
support the vision of a healthy, sustainable, and
maintainable park and trail system and to discover
creative, efficient, and long-term solutions to issues
affecting those systems. Lake Elmo needs a plan
they can use to guide decision making - a plan
they can reference when deciding to take topics
and considerations to the parks commission or city
council.
PROCESS PRINCIPLES
The planning process was guided by seven
overarching principles. These principles aim to
provide a plan that propels Lake Elmo’s parks and
trails system into the next 10 years and beyond.
The plan should reflect the
community’s shared concerns,
aspirations, and anticipated future
growth
The plan should be easy to read and
use, avoid technical terms when
possible, and emphasize visuals
(e.g., photos, infographics, etc.)
The plan should create opportunities
for all stakeholders to connect to
open space, greenways, trails, parks,
and conservation areas, thereby
building environmental stewardship
and strengthening relationships to
the outdoors and healthy lifestyles
The plan should be thoughtful
and pragmatic while challenging
conventional wisdom when needing
to achieve an outcome, as well
as recognize and incorporate the
economic benefits of a strong park
and recreation system
The plan should focus on
implementable tools with specific,
measurable outcomes while being
adaptable to future change
The plan should engage the
community throughout the process
to ensure outcomes are responsive
and authentic of Lake Elmo and
embraced by the community
The plan should intentionally
incorporate changing demographics,
disparate viewpoints, needs, and
accessibility with the intent of
hearing and acknowledging all voices
VISIONARY
ACCESSIBLE
CONNECTED
STRATEGIC
INCLUSIVE
COMMUNITYORIENTED
ACTIONORIENTED
15
INVENTORY OF THE SYSTEM
INVENTORY
With over 500 acres of city parkland and more
than 80 miles of trails, Lake Elmo has quite an
extensive park and trail system for residents and
visitors to enjoy and explore. In late 2023, the
planning team and city staff had an opportunity
to conduct an inventory of the city’s substantial
park and trail system to better understand each
park’s existing amenities and features, as well as
record the condition/state they’re currently in. With
an updated and in-depth inventory of Lake Elmo’s
many parks, trails, and open spaces, the city will
be able to better track the condition of their park
equipment and implement a plan and timeline for
their continued maintenance and replacement.
Currently, Lake Elmo’s park and trail system
supports a variety of recreational opportunities,
including organized sports, casual play, nature
appreciation, hiking, cross-country skiing, horseback
riding, picnicking, relaxing, and many other
outdoor activities. Each park in the system provides
quality recreation facilities and open spaces for
the community to use while still maintaining the
history, setting, character, and use that makes each
park unique.
To better understand how well Lake Elmo is meeting
the recreational needs of the community, each
park’s assets (e.g., natural resources, recreational
facilities, amenities, etc.) and issues (e.g.,
environmental limitations, infrastructure problems,
accessibility, etc.) were identified during the
park inventory process. Some key takeaways and
insights drawn from the park inventory process
include:
• Park acreage and distribution and trail mileage
in Lake Elmo are good; most of the gaps in park
and trail connectivity occur in the north-central
and southeastern portions of the city
• Lake Elmo has a nice variety of park types,
including mini parks, neighborhood parks,
community parks, and a Washington County
regional park, all of which serve the community
in important ways
• Lake Elmo’s park facilities and amenities
are generally in good, working condition;
however, some park features (e.g., playgrounds,
ballfields, shelters, etc.) are currently not
meeting the needs of the community or not
functioning to meet demand
• Park and trail connectivity is reduced by a lack
of wayfinding, infrastructure restraints, and
unsafe pedestrian crossings on busy streets
Figure 3.2: Planning team and city staff inventorying the park and trail system
16 | EXISTING CONDITIONS + NEEDS
FIGURE 3.3 | PARKS MAP
17
FIGURE 3.4 | EXISTING + PROPOSED TRAILS MAP
A NOTE ABOUT LAKE ELMO PARK RESERVE
Lake Elmo Park Reserve (LEPR) is a 2,165 acre park located in
the heart of Lake Elmo. It is owned and operated by Washington
County, and features archery, biking, camping, paddling, cross
country skiing, playgrounds, a swimming pond, and other
facilities. Admission is required for all vehicles entering the park.
While Lake Elmo residents have access to this regional amenity,
the city does not have direct input on the improvements,
operations, or maintenance of LEPR. As such, it is largely excluded
from amenity access considerations throughout the plan.
For example, the playgrounds at LEPR are not included in the
playround distribution analysis. LEPR is included, however, in the
park access map, as residents walking or biking into the regional
park are not required to pay an admission fee.
18 | EXISTING CONDITIONS + NEEDS
NRPA PARKCLASSIFICATION STANDARDS
Lake Elmo contains a variety of park types which
can be distinguished from one another based upon
their unique sizes, characteristics, and intended
uses. To help park and recreation professionals
more effectively manage their park systems
and resources, the NRPA developed a set of park
classifications, agency benchmarks, and service area
and facility guidelines (all described in further detail
in following pages) for agencies to utilize. Many
park and recreation agencies use these resources
to compare how their community’s amenities stack
up against other communities. Incorporating these
metrics into the park system planning process can
lead to more informed decisions, better resource
allocation, improved equity, and a higher likelihood
of successful implementation and long-term
sustainability.
According to Lake Elmo’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan,
the city contains the following park classifications:
• Regional Park
»Lake Elmo Park Reserve
• Community Park
»DeMontreville Wildlife Park
»Sunfish Lake Park
• Neighborhood Park
»Carriage Station Park
»DeMontreville Park
»Goose Lake Park
»Heights Park
»Heritage Park
»Ivywood Park
»Kleis Park
»Lake Jane Hills Park
»Lions Park
»Pebble Park
»Reid Park
»Ridge Park
PARK CLASSIFICATIONS
»Stonegate Park
»Tablyn Park
»Tana Ridge Park
»VFW Park
• Natural Resource Protection Area/Conservation
Easement
»Hammes Park
»Homestead Park
»
There were also a few parks in the system that were
not explicitly classified in the 2040 Comprehensive
Plan. They include:
• Unclassified
»Firefly Park
»Hidden Knoll Park
»Legion Ave N Park
»Pilot Park
»
The table on the next page provides additional
information about each NRPA park classification’s
size, service area, typical location, and purpose.
Classifying parks in this way ensures the
appropriate management and conservation
practices are applied based on each park’s specific
purpose and unique characteristics. Developing
and maintaining the system according to these
guidelines will positively impact the community and
its resources into the future.
19
TABLE 3.1 | NRPA PARK CLASSIFICATIONS
CLASSIFICATION SIZE
(TYP.)
SERVICE
AREA
ACCESSIBILITY/
LOCATION
PURPOSE LAKE ELMO
PARKS
COMMON PARK TYPES
Neighborhood
Park
1 to 25+
acres
A 1/4 to 1/2-
mile radius;
within a
walkable
distance to
surrounding
residents
without any
major barriers
Easily accessible
to nearby
neighborhood
residents in a safe
environment with
walking & biking
access
• Provides active recreation
& information gathering
spaces and addresses
day-to-day neighborhood
needs
• Offers fields sized for
practice/youth games”
• Carriage Station,
DeMontreville,
Goose Lake,
Heights,
Heritage,
Ivywood, Kleis,
Lake Jane Hills,
Lions, Pebble,
Reid, Ridge,
Stonegate,
Tablyn, Tana
Ridge, VFW
Community
Park
10-50+
acres;
up to
several
hundred
acres
Community-
wide;
generally
placed in
strategic
locations
throughout
the city
Accessible to
the community
by foot, bike,
automobile &
public transit;
often takes
advantage of
natural amenities
• Serves the entire
community
• May provide access to
natural areas & other
active recreation areas
• Often serves regional
visitors (not primary
purpose, however)
• DeMontreville
Wildlife, Sunfish
Lake
Regional
Park
Up to
several
hundred
acres
Community-
wide &
regional
service
Varies; often
placed/centered
around natural
environments
• Uses vary; focused mainly
on outdoor & natural
resource-based recreation
and learning opportunities
• Lake Elmo
Park Reserve
(Washington
County)
ADDITIONAL PARK/FACILITY TYPES
Special Use
Varies Community-
wide &
regional
service
Site-specific • Serves a single-use
activity (e.g., golf, fitness,
ice skating, nature
education, etc.)
• N/A
Natural Resource
Protection Area/
Conservation
Easement
Varies Community-
wide &
regional
service
Often placed
around natural
resources &
amenities
• Provide opportunities
to interact with natural
environments &
participate in passive
recreation and ecological
education
• Hammes,
Homestead
Youth Athletic
Park
10 to 20
acres
Community-
wide;
generally
placed in a
few strategic
locations/sites
Generally
connected to
trails & sidewalks;
vehicle parking
provided
• Provides youth athletic
fields & their associated
facilities
• Can function similarly to a
neighborhood parks
• N/A
Community
Athletic
Park
10 to
25+
acres
Community-
wide;
generally
placed in a
few strategic
locations/sites
Generally
connected to
trails & sidewalks;
vehicle parking
provided
• Provides organized
athletic recreation with
regulation-sized fields &
their associated facilities
• Can function similarly to a
neighborhood park
• N/A
20 | EXISTING CONDITIONS + NEEDS
FIGURE 3.5 | 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARK CLASSIFICATIONS MAP
21
EXISTING AMENITIES/FACILITIES
Upon completion of the park system inventory, the
quantitative data collected was consolidated into
a comprehensive inventory chart to provide a more
thorough system-wide review of existing facilities
and amenities and to identify any missing asset
or issues in the system. This table also includes
proposed classifications for each park based on size,
amenities, and use.
TABLE 3.2 | EXISTING PARK AMENITIES + FACILITIES
CITY
PARKS
2040 PARK
CLASSIFICATION
PROPOSED
CLASSIFICATION
ACRES AMENITY
TYPE
Carriage Station Park Neighborhood Neighborhood 2.71
DeMontreville Park Neighborhood Neighborhood 6.33
DeMontreville
Wildlife Park Community Natural Area 23.48
Firefly Park *Neighborhood 0.55
Goose Lake Park Neighborhood Community 7.10
Hammes Park NRPA **Neighborhood 1.93
Heights Park Neighborhood Natural Area 6.60
Heritage Park Neighborhood Natural Area 13.65
Hidden Knoll Park *Neighborhood 6.37
Homestead Park NRPA **Natural Area 2.70
Ivywood Park Neighborhood Community 12.11
Kleis Park Neighborhood Neighborhood 6.94
Lake Jane Hill Park Neighborhood Natural Area 6.33
Lions Park Neighborhood Community 3.36
Legion Ave N Park *Natural Area 6.10
Pebble Park Neighborhood Community 19.20
Pilot Park *Neighborhood 1.36
Reid Park Neighborhood Community 61.57
Ridge Park Neighborhood Neighborhood 23.47
Stonegate Park Neighborhood Community 6.04
Sunfish Lake Park Community Special Use 278.26
Tablyn Park Neighborhood Community 8.62
Tana Ridge Park Neighborhood Neighborhood 9.18
VFW Park Neighborhood Community Athletic 3.23
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Totals
(# of parks w/ amenity/facility)517.2 8 2 2 3 2 22 1 1 4 1 1 11 16 20 2 3 14 13 15 5 3 2 1 1
* not explicitly classified/named in the 2040 Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan
** Natural Resource Protection Area
22 | EXISTING CONDITIONS + NEEDS
FIGURE 3.6 | PROPOSED PARK CLASSIFICATIONS MAP
23
EXISTING PROGRAMMING
COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING + EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Lake Elmo offers a variety of recreational facilities
and amenities in their park system, but the city has
limited staff and lacks a recreation programming
department to assist in facilitating programmed
events and opportunities. In the future, the city
should consider developing a programming
coordinator position to get the ball rolling on a
programming to help activate Lake Elmo parks.
The Stillwater Area Public Schools Community
Education organization offers Lake Elmo residents
of all ages, including infants, children, teens,
parents, adults, and seniors, opportunities to
recreate, socialize, and get involved locally. Some of
their offerings for this spring and summer include
(but are not limited to):
• 50 adult classes for activities like strength and
conditioning, golf skills, pickleball and tennis
lessons, kayaking lessons, bird watching, social
media use, etc.
• 129 youth classes and camps for activities like
golf, cheer, ninja/parkour, sports, architecture
and design, art, theater, etc.
• 23 early childhood family education classes
Washington County also offers a variety of programs
and events for folks in Lake Elmo to engage in.
Some of these events and programs include bird
hikes, dog days in the ravine, yoga in the park,
learning to bike, forest bathing, and more. Many of
these activities occur in Lake Elmo Park Reserve,
which is situated in the heart of the city and easy
for residents of Lake Elmo to access.
Figure 3.3: Early childhood family education activities are
offered through Stillwater Area Public School Community Ed
Figure 3.4: Community theater opportunities through the
SAPSCE organization are often sought after by the youth
Figure 3.5: Washington County hosts county-wide
events (like yoga in the park) at Lake Elmo Regional Park
throughout the summer
24 | EXISTING CONDITIONS + NEEDS
NRPA AGENCY BENCHMARKS
MILES OF TRAILS
LOCAL
49 mi.
WASHINGTON CO.
33 mi.
ACRES OF PARKLAND PER 1,000 RESIDENTS
OPERATING EXPENDITURES PER ACRE OF
PARK & RECREATION SPACE
OPERATING EXPENDITURES
PER RESIDENT
82
37.1
$833.27
$31.93$31.93
PARK AND RECREATION AGENCY BENCHMARKS
To support the wide range of needs, interests
and lifestyles of park and trail users in their
communities, park and recreation agencies
must offer a variety of facilities, amenities, and
programming opportunities. This requires the right
amount of staff to support the development and
continued maintenance of those facilities and
amenities.
In the 2024 NRPA Agency Performance Review
report, a number of top-line findings pertaining to
park facilities, programming, the responsibilities
of park and recreation agencies, staffing, budget,
agency funding, and policies are described. Some
highlights from those top-line findings are shown
to the right. The table on the next page provides a
brief overview of various NRPA agency benchmarks
and compares the typical U.S. park and recreation
agency to Lake Elmo. A few key takeaways from the
table include:
• In terms of the number of parks, park acreage,
trail mileage, and acres of parkland per 1,000
residents, Lake Elmo is well above the typical
park and recreation agency
• Lake Elmo has very limited park and recreation
agency staffing and therefore has fewer full-
time staff members per 10,000 residents than is
typical; more staff is needed to accommodate an
ever expanding city and park and trail system
• Lake Elmo spends much less in operating
expenditures than the typical park and
recreation agency; annual operating
expenditures are also much lower than the
typical agency
RESIDENTS PER PARK
573
25
TABLE 3.3 | PARK AND RECREATION AGENCY BENCHMARKS*
NRPA BENCHMARK ALL PARK AND
RECREATION AGENCIES
(MEDIAN)
PARK AND RECREATION
AGENCIES LESS THAN
20,000 (MEDIAN)
LAKE ELMO
PARK FACILITIES
Residents per park 2,386 residents 1,172 residents 573 residents
Acres of parkland per 1,000
residents
10.6 acres 12.6 acres 37.1 acres
Miles of trails 16 miles 4.5 miles 82 miles
STAFFING
Park and recreation full-
time employees per 10,000
residents
8.9 employees 13.7 employees 2 employees
BUDGET
Annual operating expenditures $6,453,357 $1,451,763 $431,038
Annual operating expenditures
per resident
$99.47 $135.53 $31.93
Operating expenditures per
acre of park and recreation
space
$8,260 $9,777 $833.27
Annual operating expenditures
per full-time employee
$110,912 $101,304 $215,519
Typical percentage of
operating expenditures for
staffing
54% N/A 30%
AGENCY FUNDING
Operating expenditures
derived from general fund tax
support
62%N/A 30%
Annual revenue generated
from each resident
$22.58 $47.71 $31.85
Five-year capital budget
spending
$12 million $1,814,000 $2 million ($400k a year)
Targets for capital
expenditures
88% for improvements
7% for acquisition
N/A 80% for renovation
20% for new development
POLICIES
Park and recreation agencies
that ban tobacco products at
their parks and facilities
4 in 5 (80%)N/A 0% (Lake Elmo
bans alcohol and
cannabanoids use in
parks)
Agencies with a commitment
to diversity, equity and
inclusion expressed in their
foundational documents (e.g.,
vision, mission and strategic
plan documents)
77%N/A 100%
* derived from the 2024 NRPA Agency Performance Review
26 | EXISTING CONDITIONS + NEEDS
RECREATION FACILITY SERVICE
STANDARDS
The recreation facility service standards in the
following pages identify a minimum level of service
needed for convenient access to recreation facilities
in Lake Elmo. The following standards also list the
minimum number of facilities recommended in the
community (per population), the recommended
service area of each of the facilities, the target
range/recommended quantity of each facility
type, the current facility numbers in Lake Elmo,
the excess or deficit of each facility based on
the target range, and any notes that provide
additional information. In general, Lake Elmo lacks
indoor recreation facilities (e.g., aquatic centers,
community centers, indoor ice rinks, senior centers,
FACILITY MIN. NUMBER
PER POPULATION
SERVICE
AREA
TARGET
RANGE
CURRENT
NUMBER
EXCESS/
DEFICIT
NOTES
INDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES
Aquatics
Centers
1 per 10,000 to
12,000 Entire city 1 aquatic
center 0 -1
• Stillwater Courage
Center, nearby
YMCAs, Foss Swim
School
Community
Centers 1 per 10,000 Entire city 1 community
center 0 -1
• City Hall provides
some room rental
space
Indoor Ice
Rinks 1 per 8,000 Entire city 1 indoor ice
rink 0 -1
• St. Croix Valley Rec
Center, Lily Lake
in Stillwater, St.
Mary’s Point
Nature
Centers 1 per 10,000 Entire city 1 nature
center 1 0
• Sally Manzara
Interpretive Nature
Center in Sunfish
Lake Park
Senior
Centers 1 per 14,000 Entire city 1 senior
center 0 -1
• Courage Center in
Stillwater offers
many senior
programs
SERVICE AREA +
FACILITY GUIDELINES
etc.), although a number of indoor recreation
facilities are located in nearby communities, like
Stillwater and Oak Park Heights. On the other hand,
there are a number of outdoor recreation facilities
in Lake Elmo for folks to utilize. The community
does lack specialiazed facilities such as a splash
pad, outdoor swimming pool, and skate park.
A NOTE ABOUT SCHOOL FACILITIES
Throughout this plan, school facilities such as
playgrounds, ballfields, soccer fields, etc., have
been excluded from service and distribution / gap
analysis (with the exception of tennis courts at Oak-
Land Middle School, as the city has a joint powers
agreement with Stillwater Area Public Schools for
shared use and maintenance). This is not to say
residents don’t use school facilities, but as the city
does not own them they have not been included as
assets in the plan.
TABLE 3.4 | RECREATION FACILITY SERVICE STANDARDS
27
TABLE 3.4 CONT. | RECREATION FACILITY SERVICE STANDARDS
FACILITY MIN. NUMBER
PER POPULATION
SERVICE
AREA
TARGET
RANGE
CURRENT
NUMBER
EXCESS/
DEFICIT
NOTES
OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES
Alternative
Sports
Facilities
N/A Entire city N/A 0 0
• Bielenburg
Sports Center in
Woodbury, St. Croix
Valley Rec Center
in Stillwater
Baseball/
Softball Fields
Full-size
1 per city + 1 per
5,000 to 10,000
Youth-size
1 per 2,500 to 5,000
Adult
10-15 min.
Youth
1-2 miles
Full-size
2-3 fields
Youth-size
3-5 fields
Full-size
2 fields
Youth-size
8 fields
Full-size
0
Youth-size
+3
• DeMontreville Park,
Kleis Park, Lions
Park, Pebble Park,
Reid Park, Ridge
Park, Stonegate
Park, Tablyn Park,
Tana Ridge Park,
VFW Park
Basketball
(Outdoor)
Full-court
1 per 5,000
Half-size
1 per 3,000
1/2 to 1
mile
Full-court
2-3 courts
Half-court
4-5 courts
Full-court
2 courts
Half-court
2 courts
Full-court
0
Half-court
-2
• Carriage Station
Park, DeMontreville
Park
Community
Gardens 1 per 7,000 to 9,000 Entire city 1-2 gardens 0 -1
• Valley Outreach
in Stillwater,
Cimmaron Mobile
Home Park
(private), private
area kitty-corner
from City Hall
(11343 39th St N),
private area near
Sunfish Lake Park
Golf Course
(18-hole)1 per 10,000 Entire city 1 18-hole golf
course 2 +1
• Cimarron and Royal
in Lake Elmo
• Oak Marsh in
Oakdale, Stone
Ridge in Stillwater,
Applewood Hills
and Indian Hills in
Grant
Outdoor Ice
Rinks 1 per 5,000 to 10,000 10-15 min.2-3 rinks 1 -1
• Lions Park
• Brekke Park in
Oak Park Heights,
Croixwood in
Stillwater, St. Croix
Valley Rec Center
in Stillwater
28 | EXISTING CONDITIONS + NEEDS
Multi-Use
Fields 1 per 4,000 1-2 miles 3-4 fields 11 +7
• Demontreville Park,
Tana Ridge Park,
Tablyn Park, Pebble
Park, Reid Park,
Ridge Park
• Fields intended for
soccer, football,
lacrosse, ultimate
frisbee, etc.
Off-leash dog
parks/exercise
areas
1 per 10,000 to
12,000 10-15 min.1 dog park/
exercise area 1 0
• Rice Creek in
Shoreview, Battle
Creek in Woodbury,
Andy’s Bark Park
in Woodbury, Bald
Eagle-Otter Park in
White Bear Lake,
Hudson
Pickleball 1 per 2,000 to 4,000 10-15 min.3-6 courts 13 +7
• Ivywood Park, Lions
Park, Pebble Park,
Tablyn Park
Playgrounds 1 per 2,000 10-15 min.5-7
playgrounds 13 +6
• 13 city-owned
playgrounds in park
system
Skate Park 1 per 10,000 to
12,000 Entire city 1 skate park 0 -1
• St. Croix Valley Rec
Center has a skate
park nearby
Sledding Hills N/A Entire city N/A 2 +2
• Tablyn Park, Green
Acres snow tubing,
informal sledding
at Carriage Station
Park
Swimming
Pool (Outdoor)1 per 10,000 Entire city 1 swimming
pool 0 -1
• Lake Elmo Park
Reserve has a
swimming pond
Tennis 1 per 2,000 to 4,000 1 mile 3-6 courts 6 0
• Some to be
replaced with
pickleball courts
• The city has a joint
powers agreement
with Stillwater Area
Public Schools at
Oak-Land Middle
School where 6
courts are available
to the public
Volleyball 1 per 7,500 to 15,000 2 miles 1 court 1 0 • Lions Park
TABLE 3.4 CONT. | RECREATION FACILITY SERVICE STANDARDS
29
The following pages contain a
number of maps and engagement
summaries that the planning team
used to better understand the
distribution of park and recreation
elements in Lake Elmo. These
maps, along with community
input and stakeholder feedback,
helped to identify missing links
and community needs in the city’s
park and trail system. Additional
maps, as well as a complete set of
survey results, can be found in the
appendix of this document.
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Oakdale
In
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10th Street North
5th Street North
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P
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LakeOlson
Lake Jane
LakeElmo
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DownsLake
0 1800 3600 5400 7200 Ft ´
Future Land Use Map
2040 Future
Land Use
Map Date: Jan 2024 Planned Roadway (Parkway)MUSA Boundary
C
Closed Landfill
Institutional
ParkBP
LB
V-HDR
V-MU
PSP
ROW
AP
RAD
RSF
RSFS
GC
LDR
MDR
HDR
MU-BP
MU-C
V-LDR
V-MDR
Lake
DeMontreville
Lake Jane
Lake
Olson
Sunfish
Lake
Lake Elmo Downs
Lake
Horseshoe
Lake
Rose
LakeGoose
Lake
Eagle Point
Lake
30 | EXISTING CONDITIONS + NEEDS
FIGURE 3.6 | 2040 FUTURE LAND USE MAP
31
FIGURE 3.7 | PLATTED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT MAP
32 | EXISTING CONDITIONS + NEEDS
FIGURE 3.8 | NEIGHBORHOOD PARK GAP MAP
33
FIGURE 3.9 | COMMUNITY PARK GAP MAP
34 | EXISTING CONDITIONS + NEEDS
FIGURE 3.10 | REGIONAL PARK ACCESS MAP
35
FIGURE 3.11 | NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION AREA GAP MAP
36 | EXISTING CONDITIONS + NEEDS
FIGURE 3.12 | PLAYGROUND GAP MAP
37
FIGURE 3.13 | ALL PARK DISTRIBUTION AND GAP ANALYSIS MAP
38 | EXISTING CONDITIONS + NEEDS
COORDINATION WITH CITY STAFF AND
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
With an invigorated interest in completing a park
system plan to help guide the future of their parks,
trails and open spaces, the city decided to prioritize
the development of this report in 2023. Throughout
the planning process, the planning team has worked
closely with city staff and a number of Advisory
Committee members in the overall development of
the plan, as they have been able to provide local
expertise on the park and trail system, highlight
potential deficiencies, and guide outcomes of the
project (in conjunction with input collected through
public engagement). There were several meetings
with members of city staff during the development
of this plan and four meetings with the Advisory
Committee. These meetings focused on topics
ranging from existing conditions in the parks to
potential improvement recommendations for
improvement.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT EVENTS
During the development of this plan, the planning
team hosted two in-person engagement events:
Light Up Lake Elmo and the Arbor Day Tree
Giveaway. Light Up Lake Elmo is an annual event
and gathering downtown where community
members can engage in winter activities, meet
Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and take part in a tree lighting
ceremony. The Arbor Day Tree Giveaway event
also occurs annually. It provides residents with
an opportunity to pick up a tree sapling they can
take home and plant in appreciation of Arbor
Day. Both events were a success, with many
stopping by to provide feedback on the plan and its
recommendations. Key findings from those events
are included in the following two pages.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY
COMMUNITY SURVEY OVERVIEW
The planning team launched the community survey
to residents of Lake Elmo in December of 2023. The
survey was live for approximately four months and
was accessible online through a shareable web link.
While the survey was live, city staff, the Advisory
Committee, and the planning team spread the
word throughout Lake Elmo. In the end, over 500
participants provided input through the community
survey.
The following pages provide a summary of the
community input received from the community
survey and various in-person engagement events. A
full report of results from the survey can be found in
the appendix of this plan.
ENGAGEMENT AT A GLANCE
553
2
HUNDREDS
SURVEY RESPONSES
IN-PERSON POP-UP EVENTS
OF WRITTEN COMMENTS
39
Early in the planning process, the Advisory
Committee was asked to assist in developing a
visual SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities,
Threats) Analysis. The findings from that exercise
STRENGTHS
OPPORTUNITIES
WEAKNESSES
THREATS
»Excellent culture around parks and nature
»County and state partnerships
»Many park, facility and activity options, especially
for a smaller town
»Considerable acreage for well-used parks
»City is not entirely developed (there is open space
for further park + trail development)
»Sunfish Lake Park - a 280 acre natural park that
provides a great nature experience
»Lake Elmo Park Reserve (Washington County)
»Tranquil feel in neighborhood and community
parks
»Open acreage for additional parks and natural
spaces (if the city decides)
»Dedicated volunteers interested in preserving and
helping manage parks + trails
»Demographic changes (e.g., population, age, race)
in the community
»Park dedication
»City provides varying housing options that bring a
variety of new residents to town
»Partnerships for programming
»Aquatics Center
»Outdoor water fund
»Many open, flex fields in the community that
could become dedicated athletic fields
»Lack of conservation of natural open areas
»Many areas impacted by invasive species
»No indoor play facilities or water features
»Funding model is developer-driven
»Lack of trail connectivity in some areas; trail
connections can be confusing for newcomers
»Not all trails accessible throughout the year
»Lack of city resources dedicated to parks; no
dedicated parks department
»Existing youth athletic fields need expansion
improvements in order to address capacity issues
»City gathering space for events is missing
»No true sports complex
»Lack of recreational programming
»Lake Elmo Park Reserve
»Development
»Over-development - do developers have the best
interest of the residents in mind?
»Misperception of Lake Elmo Park Reserve as a city
asset
»Misperception that parks are superfluous or not
important
»Climate change, invasive species and natural
resource degradation
»Public park space being treated as privately-
owned open space
»Continued operation and maintenance of parks
for the next 15 to 20 years
»One time-funding vs. continued revenue needed
to run parks
SWOT ANALYSIS
are listed below. These findings were strongly
supported by community feedback both in the
survey and at engagement events. Key takeaways
from the exercise include:
40 | EXISTING CONDITIONS + NEEDS
POP-UP EVENTS
LIGHT UP LAKE ELMO
VISIONING BOARD EXERCISE
WHAT DO YOU ENVISION FOR THE FUTURE OF
LAKE ELMO PARK SYSTEM? (35 TOTAL COMMENTS)
ACTIVITIES, AMENITIES AND PRIORITIES
EXERCISE
WHAT ACTIVITIES AND AMENITIES DO YOU
MOST ENJOY ENGAGING IN AT LAKE ELMO
PARKS? WHAT PROGRAMMING SHOULD THE CITY
PRIORITIZE IN THE FUTURE? (304 TOTAL VOTES)
»Redesign/Repair the rusty fasteners at Pebble
Park
»Access to library and post office from north side
is treacherous at best. We need a safe way to
cross Stillwater Blvd
»Continue sidewalk on Stillwater Blvd from 39th
St to Laverne Ave N (or Lake Elmo Ave N)
»Need better/safer CR 14 and CR 17 pedestrian
crossings
»Need path from Goose Lake Park to Lake Elmo
Park Reserve
»Develop a snow removal plan to reduce
confusion in the community
»Year-round trail maintenance
»Greater interconnectivity of walking and multi-
use trails
»Playgrounds = 53 respondents
»Swimming = 52 respondents
»Walking/Running = 33 respondents
»Fishing = 31 respondents
»Informal Sports/Pick-Up Games = 28
»Organized Sports = 28
»Non-Motorized Water Activities = 20
»Dog Walking = 19
»Shelters = 15
»Relaxing = 14
»Picnic/Grilling = 11
Figure 3.6: Engagement with community members at the 2024 Light Up Lake Elmo pop-up event
41
ARBOR DAY TREE GIVEAWAY
KEY FINDINGS FROM ENGAGEMENT
»Developing Lions Park as Lake Elmo’s destination
community park should be a high priority for the
city
»There is some resistance to adding new
amenities and features to parks because of their
impact on natural resources/wild spaces
»Community members would like greater access
to water-based recreational activities
»Implementing a snow removal plan for trails
in the city would help reduce confusion among
community members during winter months
»The community is concerned about the proactive
management of invasive species in the
preserves and parks; determining efforts needed
for management, monitoring, funding, and
control are of high priority
»Addressing trail gaps and unsafe pedestrian
crossings is of the utmost importance, especially
around schools and other community centers
Figure 3.7: Interactive recommendation boards (Top); Engagement with community members at the 2024 Arbor Day Tree
Giveaway pop-up event (Bottom)
42 | EXISTING CONDITIONS + NEEDS
SURVEY RESPONDENTS
AT A GLANCE
AGE GROUPS PRESENT IN
RESPONDENT HOUSEHOLDS
0–2
3–6
7–12
13–18
19–24
35–43
44–50
25–34
51–65
66+
HOW LONG HAVEYOU BEEN A RESIDENT?
<1 year
1–5 years
6–10 years
10+ years
Of respondents believe parks, trails and open
spaces are VERY important to overall quality of
life.
86%
Of respondents are residents of Lake Elmo.
Respondents from other communities include
Afton, Bayport, Lakeland, Oakdale, Stillwater,
Woodbury and more!
88%
553!Total Responses
40%32%
6%
22%
PARKS VISITED MOST
OFTEN BY RESPONDENTS
1 2 3Sunfish
Lake Park
Lions
Park
COMMUNITY SURVEY FINDINGS
SEE APPENDIX FOR FULL SURVEY
43
0–2
3–6
51–65
3Reid
Park 4 5Pebble
Park
Carriage
Station
Park
HOW OFTEN PEOPLE
VISIT CITY PARKS OR TRAILS Most participated in activities and
events at parks
Other common activities include:
1st
Using walking &
running trails
Informal sports
(pick-up games)
5th
49%
31%
17%
.5%
At least once a week
Once a month
Daily
Never
2nd
Using park
playgrounds
3rd
Dog walking
4th
Organized sports
teams/leagues
• Bike riding
• Bird watching
• Relaxing
• Picnic/Grilling
81.7% (89 out of 109 respondents)
72.9% (54 out of 74 respondents)
Baseball/Softball
Pickleball
Top organized sports participation
Top informal sports participation
Proximity to work/home
Type of equipment/facilities available
Sidewalks/walkable access to parks
75%
38%
34%
Why are some parks visited more than others?
44 | EXISTING CONDITIONS + NEEDS
Other popular priorities:
TOP 5 PRIORITIES FOR THE CITY TO FOCUS ON IMPROVING
Additional
Seasonal Use
Facilities
Inclusive
Playground
Equipment
Additional/New
Walking
Trails
Creation of
Multi-use
Courts
Added Dog Park
Facilities
• Fitness/Health Stations
• Flat lawn/multi-use recreational spaces
• Baseball/Softball fields
• Wayfinding signage
USED VS IDEAL METHOD OF TRAVEL TO PARKS
Walk/Run Bike Drive Other
USED 7%39%
54%
<1%IDEAL 2%47%
24%
27%
TOP 3 COLD MONTH ACTIVITIES
Sledding Ice Skating Snowshoeing
45
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46 | VISION + GUIDING PRINCIPLES
47
0303
VISION & GUIDING VISION & GUIDING
PRINCIPLESPRINCIPLES
Although the community developed a city-wide vision statement in the 2040
Comprehensive Plan, it was not entirely specific to Lake Elmo’s park and trail
system. To ensure the long-term success of this park system plan, the planning
team engaged with a variety of stakeholders to develop an updated vision
statement - a statement that can be adapted over time to more accurately
reflect the community’s needs and aspirations for their park and trail system -
as well as several guiding principles and values.
The vision statement and guiding principles in this section of the report are
meant to serve as a guiding framework for the successful development and
management of Lake Elmo’s park and trail system. As the community’s needs
related to parks, trails, and open spaces evolve, the city should reflect on
this vision statement and set of guiding principles and make adjustments as
needed.
Figure 4.1: Natural vegetation in Sunfish Lake Park
48 | VISION + GUIDING PRINCIPLES
VISION STATEMENT
It’s no secret that the urbanization of some
areas in Lake Elmo is happening and has
accelerated over the years. With a massive
boom in growth over the past decade,
preserving and improving Lake Elmo’s park
and trail system is of the utmost importance.
While the city has adequately maintained park
facilities and amenities thus far, they will need
to adapt their offerings and increase staff
support to satisfy the needs of residents in the
future.
In order to best plan for the future of Lake
Elmo’s park and trail system, the planning team
collaborated with a number of stakeholders,
including city staff, Advisory Committee
members, and the general public to develop a
unified community vision statement. It reads:
THE VISION
LAKE ELMO’S PARKS, TRAILS, AND
OPEN SPACES SHALL PROVIDE
CONVENIENT ACCESS TO A WIDE RANGE
OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL RESIDENTS
TO RECREATE AND CONNECT.
49
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Similarly, collaboration with city staff, the
Advisory Committee, and the community led to
the creation of four guiding principles specific
to Lake Elmo’s parks, trails, and open spaces.
These guiding principles provide an overarching
framework to help inform the development of
the goals, policies, and initiatives found in the
recommendations section of this report. During
the planning process, they helped define the
actions that should be taken to achieve the
vision for Lake Elmo’s park and trail system.
Guiding principles for this plan include:
THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES
1
2
3
4
CONNECT
This plan should connect the community to
parks, trails, open spaces, nature, reliable
information, and each other, as well as
strengthen relationships to the outdoors
and healthy lifestyles
GROW This plan should enhance and improve Lake
Elmo’s existing assets, as well as provide
room for future growth of the park and trail
system
This plan should provide guidance and
recommendations that are implementable,
maintainable, and sustainable.
This plan should assist the city in adapting
to ever-changing trends in park and
recreation, as well as Lake Elmo’s rapidly
growing population
MAINTAIN
ADAPT
Figure 4.2: Scenic field of native plants in Lake Elmo
50 | TRENDS ANALYSIS
51
With changes in demographics, technologies, and social and recreational
trends, Lake Elmo city staff and other decision makers will need to consider
how park and recreation facility and programming needs will be met as the
future unfolds. After all, park and recreation trends are ever-changing, can vary
by region or climate, and are often impacted by social influences. In order to
better adapt to future demands, city staff will need to be nimble and flexible in
response to the ever-changing needs and desires of the public.
This section of the report explores a handful of park and recreation-related
trends (listed in no particular order) and their potential implications for the
future of Lake Elmo’s parks and trail system.
0404
TRENDS ANALYSISTRENDS ANALYSIS
Figure 2.1: Trail segment in DeMontreville Wildlife Park
52 | TRENDS ANALYSIS
According to recent U.S. Census data, Lake Elmo
is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Twin
Cities metropolitan area. In fact, Lake Elmo has the
potential to double in population in less than six
years if it continues to grow at its current rate.
With this large and continuous influx of new
community members, the city has both a challenge
and an opportunity to adapt and grow with
its residents. Understanding emerging social,
recreational, and demographic trends is critical to
best support current and future residents.
OVERVIEW OF TRENDS
In the following pages, several trends are
highlighted. They include:
»The Impacts of Climate Change
»Shifts in the Workplace
»Technology in the Park System
»Dog Ownership
»Pickleball + Cricket
»A Rise in Non-Traditional Recreation
»Inclusivity + Accessibility
»Other Emerging Trends in Programming
»Increasing need for partnerships with
local schools
Figure 2.2: Children’s nature play area at Pebble Park
53
STATISTICS
TREND 1
THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Unfortunately, climate change has already started
to have and impact on parks, trails, and other
recreational environments. Heatwaves, droughts,
floods, and other extreme weather events have
become more frequent in the last decade, impacting
not only the landscape but also the enjoyability
of parks, trails and open spaces. In coming years,
communities must develop strategies to adapt
and evolve to the changing conditions the world is
facing.
Implementing green infrastructure (e.g., rain
gardens, permeable pavements, bioswales, etc.),
preserving, protecting and expanding natural
resources, and integrating climate resilience into
park planning and management are just a few ways
to counteract the impacts climate change is having
on our health and well-being.
75%
40%
6 out of 10
of Americans believe that climate change will cause
significant environmental harm
of Americans believe that climate change will directly affect
their communities and outdoor spaces
Americans believe that rising sea levels will cause migration
away from coastal areas
Figure 2.3: Carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere contributes to the effects of
climate change
Source: “Top Trends in Parks and Recreation for 2024” -
National Recreation and Park Association (2024)
Figure 2.4: Wildfires have become an
increasing concern in heavily-wooded
areas
Figure 2.5: The frequency of flood events
has significantly increased in recent years
54 | TRENDS ANALYSIS
TREND 2
SHIFTS IN THE WORKPLACE
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020,
the workplace has shifted quite substantially. As
communities around the world went on lock-down,
a large portion of the workforce began working
from home. As a way to get outdoors and engage
in physical activity while still adhering to social
distancing guidelines, many community members
turned to their city’s parks, trails and open spaces to
recreate, and continue to do so post-pandemic.
Many workers have reallocated the time they
spent commuting to activities that enhance their
wellbeing and leisure time, including walking,
biking, and outdoor recreation.
STATISTICS
90%
65%
81%
of younger workers support flexible work options
of employees want to continue to work from home despite
the firm employer conviction to bring employees back to
the office
of the full-time workforce supports a four-day work week
Source: “Top Trends in Parks and Recreation for 2024” -
National Recreation and Park Association (2024)
Figure 2.6: Hybrid work environments allow
for some much-need flexibility
Figure 2.7: Traffic congestion on a busy
highway
Figure 2.8: Park users enjoying a day off from
work
55
STATISTICS
TREND 3
TECHNOLOGY IN THE PARK SYSTEM
Technological innovation, including the use of
artificial intelligence, has already had a large
impact on the park and recreation industry in recent
years. For example, advancements to AI chatbots,
AI algorithms, and AI-assisted analytics have
allowed park and recreation staff to more quickly
respond to shifts in park usage and public demand
for informations, more efficiently process data to
make operations and maintenance decisions and
predictions, and more accurately monitor community
safety and security.
Location analytics companies such as StreetLight can
analyze geolocated devices without compromising
privacy, therefore providing park and recreation
agencies with more detailed information about their
community members’ interactions with the park
system.
$200,000,000,000
25
Current value of the market for data brokers collecting and
selling location-based and personal information
Amount of apps recording and tracking location on the
average smartphone
Source: https://time.com/6209991/apps-collecting-personal-
data/
Figure 2.9: Electronic and interactive
wayfinding kiosks provide helpful
information to park users
Figure 2.10: A park’s “social media appeal”
has become increasingly important to
young park users
56 | TRENDS ANALYSIS
TREND 4
DOG OWNERSHIP
During the COVID-19 pandemic, dog ownership in the
U.S. surged. Since then, love for dogs hasn’t changed
a bit; in fact, dog parks remain the fastest-growing
type of park, while off-leash dog parks are the
fastest-growing type of dog park.
In coming years, parks and recreation agencies
should consider adding dog-related facilities and
amenities in their communities.
45%
dog parks
85%
of all families currently own a dog
Fastest-growing type of park
of dog-owning families consider their dogs to be members
of the family
STATISTICS
Source: “Top Trends in Parks and Recreation for 2024” -
National Recreation and Park Association (2024)
Figure 2.11: Off-leash dogs in a park
Figure 2.12: A dog-owner on a walk in an
urban area
Figure 2.13: A dog enjoying a run in the
snow
57
STATISTICS
TREND 5
PICKLEBALL
As the fastest-growing recreational sport in
the nation, pickleball can be found in many
communities across the country. Pickleball is
enjoyable for a variety of reasons: it’s inclusive to
people of all ages, provides a healthy and active way
to recreate socially, and boosts mood and mental
health.
However, there are concerns over the noise that
comes from pickleball courts. These concerns have
prompted many park and recreation agencies to
reconsider where to site new pickleball courts.
Demand for new courts may warrant the conversion
of underutilized tennis courts to pickleball courts.
pickleball
600 feet + under 40 dB
up to 50%
The fastest-growing recreational sport in the nation
Recommended distance pickleball courts should be placed
from a home + recommended level noise should be under
Amount of noise reduction to paddles and balls when using
sound-deadening equipment
Source: “Top Trends in Parks and Recreation for 2024” -
National Recreation and Park Association (2024)
Figure 2.15: Pickleball can be a noisy
activity for nearby residents
Figure 2.16: Tennis courts can easily be
converted to accommodate pickleball
courts
Figure 2.14: Community members engaging
in a game of pickleball
58 | TRENDS ANALYSIS
TREND 6
A RISE IN NON-TRADITIONAL RECREATION
Recreation trends generally shift based on societal
changes and preferences over time. In recent
years, there has been a rise in non-traditional and
informal recreation in parks, trails, and open spaces
across the country. Often times, non-traditional and
informal activities are more inclusive and appeal
to a wider range of people, which encourages
participation from folks of all backgrounds and age
groups.
As recreation in parks and trails continues to
become more informal, cities will need to reconsider
their recreational offerings and adjust accordingly.
A few examples of informal recreation include
mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, disc golf,
dancing, geocaching, pickleball, skateboarding, and
seasonal/holiday-themed sports.
from 45% to 38%
Percentage by which the restriction imposed by the
pandemic reduced participation in youth sports (2018)
4 in 5
91%
Urban park and recreation agencies partner with local schools
to coordinate efforts that connect youth to nature (e.g.,
through coordinated after-school programs, nature-based
field trips, and formal and informal shared usage agreements
that transform schoolyards into publicly accessible spaces
where children can play outside of school hours)
of U.S. adults seek park-centered entertainment and social
events that allow them to mix and mingle with others
STATISTICS
Sources: “Parks and Recreation is Essential” - National Recreation
and Park Association (2023); “Top Trends in Parks and Recreation
for 2024” - National Recreation and Park Association (2024)
Figure 2.17: Mountain bikers navigating an
informal trail in a woodland
Figure 2.18: Hiking has become an
increasingly popular activity on trails
Figure 2.19: Teens playing ultimate frisbee
59
STATISTICS
TREND 7
INCLUSIVITY + ACCESSIBILITY
Adaptive and inclusive programming in parks and
open spaces is crucial for promoting a diverse
and cohesive community. Prioritizing inclusive
programming creates opportunities for social
interaction and physical activity by catering to
individuals of all abilities and backgrounds. Not only
does embracing diversity in recreational activities
encourage understanding and empathy among
people, it also helps create better-functioning and
healthier community dynamics.
To ensure people of all abilities can participate,
local park and recreation agencies must make
changes to current policies and practices to become
more accessible and inclusive.
90%
1 in 3
81%
of U.S. adults agree it is important that local park and
recreation agencies create and provide recreation
programming that is adaptive and inclusive so persons of
all abilities may participate
Park and recreation agencies offer adaptive/inclusive sports
activities
of U.S. adults want parks and recreation to ensure
inclusivity through policies and practices
Sources: “Parks and Recreation is Essential” - National Recreation
and Park Association (2023); “Top Trends in Parks and Recreation
for 2024” - National Recreation and Park Association (2024)
Figure 2.21: Inclusive and accessible
playground equipment
Figure 2.22: An accessible plaza area for a
person with visual impairments is crucial
Figure 2.20: ADA-accessible ramps help
those with physical impairments navigate
spaces
60 | TRENDS ANALYSIS
TREND 8
OTHER EMERGING TRENDS IN PROGRAMMING
With demographics and interests constantly in flux,
programming trends are always shifting. According to
observations from park and recreation agencies around
the country, emerging programming trends include but
are not limited to:
»Family engagement nights
»Season festivals/new seasonal programming
»Outdoor fitness programming
»Programs for older adults
»Programs for teens and young adults
»Partnering with libraries for community events
»Using outdoor spaces for educational purposes
»Developing community gardens
»Incorporating adventure and nature play
44%
Percentage by which community gardens in parks have
increased since 2012 (2022 Trust for Public Land Survey)
ADDITIONAL TRENDS
According to a 2023 survey from recmanagement.com,
programs that saw an increase in participation from last
year included:
»Holidays and other special events (up 6.2%)
»Youth sports teams (up 4.1%)
»Fitness programs (up 3%)
»Educational programs (up 2.2%)
»Festivals and concerts (up 2.2%)
»Programs for active older adults (up 1.4%)
STATISTICS
Source: https://recmanagement.com/articles/153715/trends-
parks-recreation-2023
Figure 2.23: Movie in the Park community
event
Figure 2.24: Walking trail for residents of all
ages
Figure 2.25: Community garden plots in a public
park
61
STATISTICS
TREND 9
INCREASED NEED FOR PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL SCHOOLS
As bugdets are increasingly tight for both
municipalities and school districts in the US, it is
not uncommon for both entitites to reduce their
spending on programming, recreation facility
improvements, operations, and maintenance. Often
times, this results in reduced collaboration between
schools and local governments, as both may lack
the capacity and funds to run programs and operate
facilities. Simultaneously, community desire for
safe, accessible, and affordable options for play and
recreation is increasing as populations grow.
To create efficiences and maximize economical use
of public resources, collaboration between school
districts and cities is important and should be
considered. Clear, formalized joint use agreements
can make resource sharing easier and more
agreeable for both parties.
$360 billion
$60 billion
Lost spending on US K-12 public school funding between
2016 and 2021 as 39 states devote a smaller share of their
economies to funding public schools
deferred maintenance backlog facing local parks in the US
Figure 2.27: Children interacting with school
playground amenities
Figure 2.28: Joint use agreements can lead
to better collaboration between school
districts and cities
Figure 2.26: School amenities availability
signage
Sources: “Opening School Grounds to the Community After Hours - a
toolkit for increasing physcial activity through joing use agreements”
ChangeLab Solutions (www.changelabsolutions.org); American
Federation of Teachers; ASCE’s 2021 Infrastructure Report Card
62 | RECOMMENDATIONS
63
0505
RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations were informed by community input and
engagement, feedback from a variety of stakeholders and city staff, and
an in-depth inventory and analysis of the existing conditions, city context,
and amenities and facilities in Lake Elmo’s parks and trail system. The
following recommendations are meant to provide a comprehensive approach
to preserving, restoring, and enhancing Lake Elmo’s parks, trails and open
spaces. Depending on available funding and partnership opportunities in the
community, it is intended that the following improvements will be phased. The
information provided here is intended for planning and budgeting purposes,
and each project will require additional exploration and design to refine project
scope and cost expectations.
This section of the report dives into recommended improvements for five
aspects of the system: parks, facilities, connectivity, open space and preserves,
and operations and maintenance. Preliminary budgetary costs for specific
actions associated with select initiatives are identified in further detail in the
next section of this report.
Figure 5.1: Narrow-leaved purple coneflower
64 | RECOMMENDATIONS
OVERVIEW
The following pages provide a set of goals, policies,
and initiatives that the city can follow to improve
their parks, facilities, connectivity, open spaces and
preserves, and operations and maintenance. The
recommendations in this section of the report are
organized in the following way:
Goal = broad statements that describe a
desired outcome and are often long-term
Policy = the general way in which programs
and activities are conducted to achieve
a goal, and reflect underlying values or
principle
Initiative = practices that support policy
statements and may identify the “who, what,
when, where, and how” of achieving a goal or
policy
1. Goal
1.1 Policy
1.1.1 Initiative
Figure 5.2: Playground equipment at Pilot Park
65
PARK RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Provide access to parks for all residents to foster
community connectedness, health, and wellbeing
• 1.1 - Ensure all residents have safe and convenient access to a
great park within a 10 to 15 minute walk from their home (1/2
mile to 3/4 mile radius)
»1.1.1 - Work to fill the park access gap in the southeast and
north central areas of the city when development occurs
»1.1.2 - Plan for future park integration by:
* Adding parks as the community grows
* Requiring the dedication of parkland in strategic locations
that aligns with the long term goals for park size, access
and amenities
* Locating parks with at least one side along a public road
* Planning for the inclusion of off-street parking areas
»1.1.3 - Connect parks to neighborhoods, destinations, and other
parks by adding trail and sidewalk connections that link to a
greater trail network
»1.1.4 - Collaborate with school districts on shared ammenities
* Work with Stillwater Area Public Schools on the
partnership at Oak-Land Middle School (including the
tennis courts and the 3.7 acres at the NE corner of the
school property at the SW corner of the intersection of
Manning Ave N. and 10th St N.).
• 1.2 - Provide a distributed network of neighborhood parks that
meet resident’s current and future day-to-day needs
»1.2.1 - Ensure every neighborhood park has a playground or
play feature, a flex field for informal play and recreation, and a
special or distinctive feature to distinguish it from other parks
»1.2.2 - Ensure every neighborhood park has a seating option,
picnic table, bike rack, shade (trees or structure), trash and
recycling receptacles, and park identification sign.
»1.2.3 - Classify Hidden Knoll and Pilot Park as neighborhood
parks, and Reclassify Firefly and Hammes from a Natural
Resource Protection Area to a neighborhood park
• 1.3 - Provide a network of special use parks that provide
residents access to unique features and special places
»1.3.1 - Reclassify Goose Lake Park to special use, providing
visitors with access to Goose Lake
Figure 5.3: The mature oak trees and scenic
forested backdrop at Kleis Park distinguish
it from other neighborhood parks.
Figure 5.5: Off-street parking areas in city
parks provide easy and safe access to
park facilities and amenities
Figure 5.4: Public art can be a defining,
functional park feature that helps set a
park apart from others
66 | RECOMMENDATIONS
»1.3.2 - Reclassify Sunfish Lake Park from community park to
special use
»1.3.3 - Look for opportunities to develop a special use or mini
park in the Old Village, and/or support the private development
of public space in the Old Village
• 1.4 - Provide a network of community parks that provide
residents and visitors a place to gather for special occasions or
use
»1.4.1 - Combine Ivywood and Stonegate Parks into one park,
reclassify the combined park as a community park, and rename
it with a hybrid of Ivywood and Stonegate:
* Develop a long-range plan for this new park, working
with the community to evaluate the addition of off-street
parking and recreational amenities
»1.4.2 - Reclassify Lions Park, Pebble Park, Tablyn Park, and Reid
Park from neighborhood to community park
»1.4.3 - Ensure every community park has a seating option, picnic
table, bike rack, shade (trees or structure), trash and recycling
receptacles, entry signage, informational kiosk, a drinking
fountain, and shelter
»1.4.4 - Develop Lions Park as Lake Elmo’s destination community
park:
* Develop a long-range plan for Lions Park that maximizes
its functionality as a community gathering place for larger
events and strengthens its connection to downtown
* Track opportunities to expand Lions Park
• 1.5 - Provide a network of athletic parks dedicated to meeting the
needs of recreational, league, and tournament play baseball and
softball
»1.5.1 - Reclassify VFW Park from neighborhood to athletic park
and support competitive and town ball play here
»1.5.2 - Develop a new athletic park to support baseball and
softball (competitive and town ball for ages 9+)
• 1.6 - Encourage residents to take an active role in the
development of their parks
»1.6.1 - Continue to engage residents and park users in the
planning and design process when updating existing or adding
new parks
»1.6.2 - Support volunteer efforts at parks for/after gatherings,
events, and clean-up days
»1.6.3 - If demand warrants, provide extra amenities at parks
such as portable restrooms and posting boards
Figure 5.6: Pocket parks provide gathering
opportunities in relatively small spaces,
often transforming underutilized areas
into community assets
Figure 5.7: Providing shelters at
community parks supports everyday use
and special events
Figure 5.8: Volunteers are vital to parks,
trails and open spaces; their assistance
is essential to keeping the park system
healthy and well-maintained
67
FIGURE 5.9 | PROPOSED PARK CLASSIFICATIONS MAP
68 | RECOMMENDATIONS
FACILITY RECOMMENDATIONS
2. Provide a system of recreational facilities to meet the
active and passive needs of residents
• 2.1 - Provide a mix of recreational activities to meet a wide range
of needs
»2.1.1 - Look to add a special facility to meet the needs of
tweens, teens, and young adults; consider a challenge-course
facility, skate park, or disc golf course
»2.1.2 - Look to provide additional court facilities in the southeast
area of the city; engage with neighbors to determine type of
court (tennis, pickleball, basketball, volleyball, or other)
»2.1.3 - Look to provide additional field space in the southeast
area of the city; engage with neighbors, clubs, and
organizations to determine type and size of field (flex, lacrosse,
football, soccer, etc.)
• 2.2 - Provide places for larger group gatherings by providing
higher amenity shelters at select community parks
»2.2.1 - Look to develop a reservable shelter with potable water,
electrical, and permanent restrooms
• 2.3 - Distribute playgrounds or play features for children of
all ages and abilities throughout the community, taking into
consideration the needs and demographics of the surrounding
neighborhood
»2.3.1 - When replacing or adding new equipment, add play
features designed for the following age ranges:
* 6 to 24 months
* 2 to 5 years
* 5 to 12 years
* Ages 13+
»2.3.2 - When replacing or adding new equipment, incorporate
inclusive play features that are accessible to those using
mobility devices
Figure 5.10: A park challenge course is an
active, fun way to engage tweens, teens,
and young adults
Figure 5.12: A park with inclusive playgrounds
for children of all ages will attract visitors
from throughout the community
Figure 5.11: With the exception of Lions
Park, the park system is currently lacking
outdoor volleyball courts
69
• 2.4 - Provide year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation
»2.4.1 - Look to add winter facilities and activities in the city (e.g.,
ice skating, cross country skiing, etc.)
»2.4.2 - Explore the opportunity to add fire pits into parks where
appropriate, beginning with a pilot site to test success
• 2.5 - Communicate regularly with local organizations,
associations, and clubs to understand their changing needs
• 2.6 - Increase access to water-based recreation opportunities
»2.6.1 - Support the addition of a fishing pier in Sunfish Lake Park
»2.6.2 - Look for opportunities to add boat launches, fishing piers,
and swimming beaches
»2.6.3 - Share and publicize the locations of fishing piers, boat
launches, swimming beaches, and nearby aquatic facilities in
online and paper maps
»2.6.4 - Explore the possibility of partnering with Washington
County to give Lake Elmo residents free access to Lake Elmo
Park Reserve, which has boat launches, a fishing pier, and a
swim pond
Figure 5.13: Cross country skiing
opportunities are currently lacking in the
southeast part of the city
Figure 5.15: Lake Elmo Park Reserve’s swim
pond is the only accessible swimming
beach in the community
Figure 5.14: Fishing piers provide park
visitors with increased access to water-
based recreation opportunities
70 | RECOMMENDATIONS
FIGURE 5.16 | BALLFIELD DISTRIBUTION MAP
71
FIGURE 5.17 | FIELD DISTRIBUTION MAP
72 | RECOMMENDATIONS
FIGURE 5.18 | COURT DISTRIBUTION MAP
73
FIGURE 5.19 | PARK AMENITY DISTRIBUTION MAP
74 | RECOMMENDATIONS
FIGURE 5.20 | PLAYGROUND DISTRIBUTION AND SCHEDULED REPLACEMENT MAP
75
FIGURE 5.21 | WINTER ACTIVITY DISTRIBUTION MAP
76 | RECOMMENDATIONS
FIGURE 5.22 | WATER ACCESS DISTRIBUTION MAP
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77
78 | RECOMMENDATIONS
CONNECTIVITY
RECOMMENDATIONS
3. Provide a system of trails and sidewalks that connect
neighborhoods, parks, schools, community destinations,
and neighboring communities safely throughout the city to
encourage active living and recreation
• 3.1 - Work to fill existing gaps in the trail system, prioritizing
safety, connectivity, and cost
»3.1.1 - Address gaps identified in the Connectivity
Recommendations + Search Corridors Map
»3.1.2 - Explore additional trail connections to and through the
southeastern and north-central portions of the city (through
easements or land purchases)
»3.1.3 - Prioritize trails that connect to schools, neighborhood
and community parks, and other community destinations to
improve safety for younger populations
• 3.2 - Integrate trail development into the planning and design
process for public improvements and land development
»3.2.1 - Preserve outlots and abandoned or vacated right-of-ways
for future trails
»3.2.2 - Include a parks and trails needs assessment process to
the concept plan review process for land development
• 3.3 - Improve crossing safety at busy roads and intersections near
parks, dense trail networks, and other open spaces
»3.3.1 - Address crossing issues identified in Gap Maps and the
Connectivity Recommendations + Search Corridors Map
»3.3.2 - Support the development and implementation of a
crosswalk marking policy
• 3.4 - Collaborate with partner agencies (e.g., MnDOT, Washington
County, neighboring communities, etc.) to implement new trail
connections, enhance active transportation facilities, and provide
trail opportunities that the city does not currently have
»3.4.1 - Collaborate with Washington County to establish regional
trail connections to existing city trail segments
Figure 5.25: In the future, partnerships
with Washington County and others will
further increase trail connectivity
Figure 5.23: Trail connectivity to important
community destinations is important for
younger populations
Figure 5.24: Enhanced pedestrian crossings
are essential at busy intersections near
parks
79
4. Develop a system that is highly accessible and enjoyable
to a diversity of users
• 4.1 - Improve the trail user experience through improved
maintenance, wayfinding, signage, and amenities
»4.1.1 - Incorporate wayfinding signage in strategic locations to
assist users in better understanding locations, destinations,
and distances throughout the system
»4.1.2 - Identify and resolve any trail surfacing issues that make
trails difficult to use
»4.1.3 - Add seating opportunities along trails favored by younger
and older residents
»4.1.4 - Further expand opportunities to tie non-athletic outdoor
activities into the trail system, such as birdwatching and hiking
»4.1.5 - Look for opportunities to collaborate with artists to
implement public art along the trail
»4.1.6 - Add soft surface trails within open space preserves
• 4.2 - Reduce barriers to accessing and enjoying Lake Elmo’s trail
system
»4.2.1 - Implement a snow-removal plan for trails
»4.2.2 - Ensure there is safe, accessible, and nearby trail
access to senior citizen centers and multi-family housing
developments
»4.2.3 - Explore opportunities to pilot a mobility-device charging
station at a key trail connection location
»4.2.4 - Look for opportunities to develop trail loops of different
lengths throughout the community and in certain strategically
chosen parks
»4.2.5 - Increase awareness and understanding of the trail
system by developing and publicizing online and paper trail
maps
»4.2.6 - Explore opportunities to develop trailheads
• 4.3 - Integrate opportunities for gathering along/near trails to
promote social experiences for trail users
»4.3.1 - Create informal gathering spaces (with benches/seating
and litter receptacles) at major trail intersections where room
allows
Figure 5.26: Wayfinding signage
and kiosks (like the one above in
DeMontreville Wildlife Park)help orient
park visitors to nearby parks, trails, and
destinations
Figure 5.27: Lake Elmo does not currently
have a snow removal plan for trails, which
causes confusion for some community
members
Figure 5.28: Developing trailheads with
amenities and/or accessible restroom
facilities increases trail usership and
safety
80 | RECOMMENDATIONS
FIGURE 5.29 | CONNECTIVITY RECOMMENDATIONS + SEARCH CORRIDORS MAP
81
OPEN SPACE + PRESERVE
RECOMMENDATIONS
5. Protect and preserve public open spaces to connect the
community to nature
• 5.1 - Provide a distributed network of open space preserves
»5.1.1 - Classify the following parks to be natural areas:
* DeMontreville Wildlife Park (from community park)
* Heights Park (from neighborhood park)
* Heritage Park (from neighborhood park)
* Homestead Park (from neighborhood park)
* Lake Jane Hills Park (from neighborhood park)
* Legion Ave N Park (not currently classified)
»5.1.2 - Preserve additional natural areas if opportunities arise,
designating them as open space preserves
• 5.2 - Look for opportunities to improve the quality of open space
preserves
»5.2.1 - Explore the development of a natural resource
management plan for the open space preserves
• 5.3 - Proactively manage invasive species in the preserves
»5.3.1 - Encourage volunteer efforts to seek and apply for grant
funding to invasive species removal
»5.3.2 - (Continue to) Provide/Match requirement funds for grants
obtained by volunteer groups for invasive species removal
»5.3.3 - Embrace existing and new technologies and approaches
for invasive species removal
»5.3.4 - Create an invasive species management plan for the
preserves
»5.3.5 - Inventory for existing and emerging invasive species
threats
• 5.4 - Expand awareness of the open space preserves
»5.4.1 - Expand awareness of the open space preserves with
mapping, wayfinding, and entry signage
»5.4.2 - Educate the public about the benefits of open space
preserves and the need to preserve them
Figure 5.30: Heights Park, with its open
fields and unprogrammed spaces, is
better suited as a natural area than a
neighborhood park
Figure 5.31: Emerald ash borer and other
invasive pests can cause major damage
to existing trees in preserves and open
spaces
82 | RECOMMENDATIONS
OPERATIONS + MAINTENANCE
RECOMMENDATIONS
6. Plan proactively to provide a high quality system
• 6.1 - Use long-range planning tools to guide ongoing and capital
investments
»6.1.1 - Continue to maintain and utilize an operations,
maintenance, and replacement schedule for park facilities and
amenities
»6.1.2 - Work with Engineering on a trail pavement management
program to make sure trails are high quality
»6.1.3 - Develop and implement a field management plan as the
need arises to ensure high quality fields for ballfields and turf
fields
»6.1.4 - Continue to collaborate with and support the Sally
Manzana Nature Center:
Streamline the process for approving events at the Nature
Center
7. Make sustainable improvements to operations
• 7.1 - Make recycling and composting the easy and clear choice
»7.1.1 - Offer recycling in all parks
»7.1.2 - Explore opportunities to implement a compost collection
system in parks
• 7.2 - Reduce the use of pesticides within parks
»7.2.1 - Pilot a pesticide free park, publicizing the effort and
seeking community feedback
»7.2.2 - Explore the use of integrated pest management
strategies
• 7.3 - Increase biodiversity and habitat with the use of native and
native-cultivar plants
»7.3.1 - Find opportunities to convert turf grass areas to more
naturalized conditions
• 7.4 - Incorporate stormwater best practices into parks
• 7.5 - Publicize the City’s efforts to make sustainable
improvements
Figure 5.32: Well-maintained parks
contribute to the health and well-being of
the community
Figure 5.34: Green infrastructure, like rain
gardens and permeable paving, help to
mitigate the effects of stormwater runoff
Figure 5.33: Composting contributes to
the structure and health of soil and can
collected at parks
83
8. Expand the city’s capacity to maintain and grow the park
and trail system
• 8.1 - Explore partnerships to supplement the city’s capacity
for maintenance, programming, and improvements (work with
recreation clubs and associations, businesses, and other public
agencies)
»8.1.1 - Explore opportunities for revenue generation
»8.1.2 - Explore opportunities for the use of volunteers to support
maintenance or programs
»8.1.3 - Investigate the use of bonds or tax levies to support the
system
»8.1.4 - Work with private property owners who may be
interested in donating land or granting easements
• 8.2 - Explore staffing and departmental updates to respond to
increased demands on the system
»8.2.1 - Create dedicated Parks and Forestry departments
»8.2.2 - Create a program manager position to begin offering
programming in parks and preserves to activate parks, such as
yoga in the park or stargazing events
Figure 5.35: Dedicated parks and forestry
departments are vital to the longevity of
park and trail systems
Figure 5.36: “Yoga in the Park” allows
community members to enjoy nature
while engaging in recreational activity
Figure 5.37: “Movies in the Park” improve
social connections and provide a respite
from the busyness of day to day life.
80 | IMPLEMENTATION
81
0606
IMPLEMENTATIONIMPLEMENTATION
This section will touch on the importance of establishing priorities for
recommendation improvements, explore potential funding mechanisms
and opportunities, and suggest a path to implementation moving forward.
Public partners and local community groups - including residents, the local
government, the school district, local businesses, developers, and other
partnering agencies - must work together to fully realize the vision for Lake
Elmo’s parks, trails, and open space system.
82 | IMPLEMENTATION
SETTING PRIORITIES
Over the years, Lake Elmo has worked to align
funding and mechanisms for land acquisition,
facility additions and improvements, trail
development, and operations and maintenance.
Without a formal parks and recreation department
in place, however, the city has been unable to
develop an efficient process for prioritizing
improvements and identifying potential funding
resources. The city is in need of an adaptable and
flexible framework to help guide the development,
improvement, and projected maintenance of future
park, trail, and open space assets.
The priorities in this plan are drawn from the
improvement recommendations identified in the
Chapter 5. They are organized into five key topic
areas, including:
• Parks
• Facilities
• Connectivity
• Open Space and Preserves
• Operations and Maintenance
Many factors informed the prioritization of
recommendations in this report, including
community and stakeholder input, the availability
of city resources (e.g., time, staff, funding, etc.),
and alignment with past planning documents,
among other factors. Depending on staff resources,
funding, and need, some initiatives will be easier
and faster to achieve, while others may warrant
a long-term commitment to implement. This plan
anticipates the cumulative improvements for the
park and trail system will be completed in phases as
funding is available and opportunities for public and
private partners arise.
In the future, as city staff prepares to implement
park and trail-related improvements, they should
continue to keep residents involved/updated
through social media outlets and the city website’s
“Park Notices” tab (Home > Departments > Parks >
Park Notices).
The following pages include an implementation
matrix which provides information about the
improvement recommendations’ priority levels
and planning-level budget estimates. The general
timelines for implementation for each priority level
are as follows:
• High Priority Level = 1 - 3 years
• Medium Priority Level = 4 - 7 years
• High Priority Level = 8+ years
Following the matrix is a compilation of funding
resources for Lake Elmo to explore.
FIRST PRIORITY: PARKS DIRECTOR
As mentioned, Lake Elmo does not currently
have a parks director to assist in the
improvement and development of the city’s
park and trail system. Adding this position
is the most critical action the city can take
toward improving their park and trail system
as the future unfolds. Without a dedicated
parks director, the recommendations and
implementation strategies discussed in this
plan will be difficult to fulfill.
ACTIONS PRIORITY LEVEL COST RANGE NOTES
LOW MED HIGH
PARKS
INITIATIVE 1.1.1 Work to fill the park
access gap in the southeast and
north-central areas of the city when
development occurs
Accept the 5% land dedication in the
rural north-central district of the city
and develop a neighborhood park •$400,000 to $650,000
Accept the 10% land dedication in the
urban south eastern district of the
city and develop a neighborhood park
•$500,000 to $750,00
INITIATIVE 1.2.2 Ensure every
neighborhood park has a seating option,
picnic table, bike rack, shade trees or
structure, litter and recycling receptacle,
and park identification sign
Add seating to DeMontreville, and
Ridge Parks •$1,500 to $2,500
Add picnic tables to Firefly, Kleis, and
Ridge Parks •$3,000 to $4,500
Add bike racks to DeMontreville,
Hammes Park, Hidden Knoll Park,
Firefly, Kleis, Pilot, Ridge, and Tana
Ridge Park
•$8,000 to $10,000
Add shade trees (or a shade structure)
to Ridge Park •$800 to $12,000
Add park entry sign to Ridge Park •$2,500 to $3,200
INITIATIVE 1.3.3 Explore the addition of
a special use park in the form of a mini
park in the Old Village
Engage the community in a planning
effort to study and identify potential
park sites and opportunities in the Old
Village
•$20,000 to $30,000
INITIATIVE 1.4.1 Combine Ivywood and
Stonegate Parks and reclassify the
combined park as a community park
Develop a long-range plan for
this new park, working with the
community to evaluate the addition
of off-street parking and additional
recreational amenities
•$20,000 to $35,000
83
TABLE 6.1 | PRIORITY INITIATIVES & COST ESTIMATES
ACTIONS PRIORITY LEVEL COST RANGE NOTES
LOW MED HIGH
INITIATIVE 1.4.3 Ensure every community
park has a seating option, picnic table,
bike rack, shade (trees or structure), trash
and recycling receptacles, entry signage,
informational kiosk, a drinking fountain,
off-street parking, and shelter
Add shelters to Reid and Tablyn Parks •$140,000 to $160,000
Improve parking lot at Tablyn Park •$70,000 to $80,000
Improve parking lot at Ridge Park •$70,000 to $80,000
INITIATIVE 1.4.4 Develop Lions Park as
Lake Elmo’s destination community
park
Develop a long-range plan for Lions
Park that maximizes its functionality
as a community gathering space
•$40,000 to $50,000
Renovate Lions Park - implement the
long-range plan •$650,000 to $950,000
INITIATIVE 1.5.1 Reclassify VFW Park from
neighborhood to athletic park
and support competitive and town ball
play here
Update parking lot (reorganize and
pave)•$80,000 to $90,000
Replace existing dugouts •$35,000 to $50,000
INITIATIVE 1.5.2 Develop a new community
athletic park to support baseball and
softball (competitive and town ball for
ages 9+)
Complete a feasibility study to
identify potential sites and high-level
configurations and costs
•$18,000 to $20,000
Develop a long-range plan for this
new park •$18,000 to $25,000
Implement a new community athletic
park •$2,000,000 to
$5,500,000
Costs vary with level
of development and
acquisition prices
84 | IMPLEMENTATION
TABLE 6.1 CONT. | PRIORITY INITIATIVES
ACTIONS PRIORITY LEVEL COST RANGE NOTES
LOW MED HIGH
FACILITIES
INITIATIVE 2.1.1 Add special facilities to
meet the needs of tweens, teens, and
young adults (e.g., challenge-course facil-
ity, skate park, disc golf course, etc.)
Add a challenge course facility at Reid
or Pebble Park •$250,000 to $400,000
Add a skate park at Tablyn or Ridge
Park •$150,000 to $250,000
Add a disc golf course at Ridge or Reid
Park •$25,000 to $35,000
Develop an outdoor fitness park at a
community park •$60,000 to $70,000
INITIATIVE 2.1.2 Provide additional court
facilities in the SE area of the city
Add an additional sand volleyball
court, potentially in a future park •$25,000 to $35,000
INITIATIVE 2.1.3 Provide additional field
space in the SE area of the city
Look to provide additional field space;
engage with neighbors, clubs, and
organizations to determine type and
size of field (flex, lacrosse, football,
soccer)
•$45,000 to $60,000
Consider locating in
a new Community
Athletic Park
INITIATIVE 2.2.1 Provide a reservable
shelter with potable water, electrical, and
permanent restrooms
Add a large shelter to Lions Park as
part of future park renovation •$400,000 to $600,000
INITIATIVE 2.2.3 Replace existing play
features or add new features that are
designed for a variety of age ranges
Update playground at Pebble Park
(community park)•$120,000 to $130,000 2024
Update playground at Demontreville
Park (neighborhood park)•$90,000 to $100,000 2024
Update playground at Kleis Park
(neighborhood park)•$60,000 to $70,000 2025
Update playground at Lions Park
(destination community park)•$230,000 to $300,000 2026
85
TABLE 6.1 CONT. | PRIORITY INITIATIVES
ACTIONS PRIORITY LEVEL COST RANGE NOTES
LOW MED HIGH
Update playground at Tablyn Park
(community park)•$120,000 to $130,000 2026
Update playground at Ridge Park
(neighborhood park)•$90,000 to $100,000 2026
Update playground at Stonegate Park
(community park)•$125,000 to $135,000 2027
Update playground at Carriage Station
Park (neighborhood park)•$90,000 to $100,000 2028
Update playground at Tana Ridge Park
(neighborhood park)•$90,000 to $100,000 2030
Update playground at Hidden Knoll
Park (neighborhood park)•$90,000 to $100,000 2032
Update playground at Reid Park
(community park)•$125,000 to $135,000 2033
INITIATIVE 2.4.1 Add winter facilities and
activities
Add trail signage to support cross
country skiing at DeMontreville
Wildlife Park (natural area)
•$4,000 to $6,000
Add outdoor ice skating at a new park
in the southeast part of the city •$45,000 to $200,000 Costs vary with level
of development
INITIATIVE 2.6.1 Support the addition of a
fishing pier in Sunfish Lake Park •$150,000 to $250,000
CONNECTIVITY
INITIATIVE 3.1.1 Address gaps identified
in the Connectivity Recommendations +
Search Corridors Map
Central Greenway Regional Trail
Development •$500,000 to $600,000
Add trail along Manning, connecting
Oak Land Middle School to Stillwater
Blvd
•$1,000,000 to
$2,300,000
Add trail on east side of Keats Avenue
N •$420,000 to $600,000
Address trail gap on 5oth St N east of
Lily Ave N •$16,000 to $30,000
Add trail on south side of 43rd St N
west of Lake Elmo Avenue •$100,000 to $225,000
Add trail on south side of 50th Street
N and 47th St N, west of Keats to Lily
Ave N
•$625,000 to $1,300,000
86 | IMPLEMENTATION
TABLE 6.1 CONT. | PRIORITY INITIATIVES
ACTIONS PRIORITY LEVEL COST RANGE NOTES
LOW MED HIGH
Add trail connection on south side of
Julep Ave N to Tapestry Rd •$150,000 to $325,000
Add trail on north side of 10th St. N
from Manning to Inwood •$1,200,000 to
$2,600,000
OPEN SPACE + PRESERVES
INITIATIVE 5.2.1 Develop a natural
resource management plan for the open
space preserves/natural areas •Work with
volunteers currently
engaged with this
effort
INITIATIVE 5.3.4 Create and implement
an invasive species management plan for
the open space preserves/natural areas
•
Add a program
manager to
coordinate with
volunteers currently
engaged with this
effort
INITIATIVE 5.4.1 Expand awareness of
the open space preserves with mapping,
wayfinding, and entry signage
•
Update and/or add entry signs to the
6 open space preserves/natural areas •$15,000 to $20,000
OPERATIONS + MAINTENANCE
INITIATIVE 7.3.1 Find opportunities to
convert turf grass areas to more
naturalized conditions
Expand forested areas and/or
establish micro forests •$300 to $500 / acre
INITIATIVE 8.2.1 Create a dedicated Parks
& Forestry department ** FIRST PRIORITY
Hire a full time parks director •$120,000 to $165,000 /
year
Estimate includes
total compensation
Hire a full or part time forester •$100,000 to $150,000 /
year
Estimate includes
total compensation
INITIATIVE 4.2.1 Implement a snow
removal plan for trails •$50,000 to $60,000 /
year
Estimate varies
based on approach
(additional hire or
contract service)
INITIATIVE 8.2.2 Add a program manager
position to begin offering unique
programming in parks and preserves
•$100,000 to $150,000 /
year
Estimate includes
total compensation
TOTALS •$2,719,000 to $4,890,000 (high priority)
(excludes operations and maintenance costs)•$6,040,000 to $11,950,000 (medium priority)
• $1,720,000 to $2,885,000 (low priority)
87
TABLE 6.1 CONT. | PRIORITY INITIATIVES
FUNDING
OPTION DESCRIPTION SOURCE
General Funds
A city’s general fund is the main
operating account that covers basic
operating costs such as planning,
police and fire services, and street
and park maintenance
Money collected by the city in taxes,
fines, fees, and revenues
Dedicated Tax Levy
City’s can hold a referendum to
levy a dedicated tax for a specific
purpose. In the case of parks
and recreation, the tax can fund
operations, maintenance, and capital
improvement projects
Property taxes
Bonding
Borrowing obligations that incur
interest and require repayment at
a specific date. These are typically
issued to pay for larger capital
projects
Annual appropriation bonds, tax
abatement bonds, and revenue bonds
Local Option Sales Tax
Minnesota Statute gives cities the
authority to levy a local sales tax
by an election process for specific
capital improvements
Sales tax addition
State Aid
Funds available to pedestrian and
bicycle improvements on state aid
roadways (key county highways),
most beneficial during construction
or reconstruction projects
State of Minnesota
Park and Trail Dedication
Land or cash in-lieu of land from new
subdivision developments that must
be used for new equipment or park
facilities
Developers
Partnerships
Partnerships with private and/
or other public entities can be in
many forms, including funding,
design, operations and maintenance
agreements, etc.
Public or private organizations, clubs,
agencies, governments, etc.
Donations
Gifts of cash, equipment, labor or
others from private individuals or
groups
Individuals, businesses, groups, etc..
88 | IMPLEMENTATION
TABLE 6.3 | FUNDING RESOURCES
FUNDING RESOURCES
Securing additional funds to invest in Lake Elmo’s park and recreation system is critical to future
implementation and realizing Lake Elmo’s vision for 2040. The city should explore and consider the following
sources, mechanisms, and partners.
FUNDING
GRANT DESCRIPTION OF GRANT AGENCY
AARP Community Challenge Grant
Small grants to fund quick-action
projects that can help communities
become more livable for people of all
ages
AARP
America Walks Community Change
Grants
Awards stipends to communities for
projects related to creating healthy,
active, and engaged places to live,
work, and play
Foundation
American Trails Trail Fund
Assists the trails community with
funding to support maintenance,
research, and stewardship training
needs
Foundation
Bridge Investment Program
Provides funding for communities to
replace, rehabilitate, and preserve
bridge infrastructure
U.S. Department of Transportation
Invasive Species Eradication Funding
Opportunity
Provides funding for projects that
seek to eradicate invasive species
(part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure
Law)
U.S. Department of the Interior/U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service
Clean Water Funding
Provides hands-on environmental
stewardship and service-learning
opportunities to youth and young
adults while providing low-cost labor
to eligible applicants
Minnesota Board of Water and Soil
Resources (BWSR)
Community Facilities Direct Loan and
Grant
Provides affordable funding to
develop essential community
facilities in rural areas
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Conservation Partners Legacy Grant
Program
Provides funding to restore, protect,
or enhance prairies, wetlands,
forests, or habitat for fish, game or
wildlife in Minnesota
Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (MNDNR)
Environment and Natural Resources
Trust Fund
Aims to protect, conserve, preserve,
and enhance Minnesota’s air, water,
land, fish, wildlife, and other natural
resources
Legislative-Citizen Commission on
Minnesota Resources (LCCMR)
Federal Recreation Trail Program
Provides funding to encourage the
maintenance and development
of motorized, non-motorized, and
diversified trails
Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (MNDNR)
Fields for Kids
Provides financial support to improve
baseball and/or softball facilities
for youth in the Upper Midwest and
Southwest Florida
Minnesota Twins Community Fund
Fishing Pier and Shore Fishing Area
Program
Joint Power Agreement with the
DNR for installation, operations an
maintenance
Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (MNDNR)
89
TABLE 6.3 CONT. | FUNDING RESOURCES
GRANT NAME DESCRIPTION OF GRANT AGENCY
Local Trail Connections Program
Provides funding to promote short
trail connections between where
people live and significant public
resources
Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (MNDNR)
Minnesota Festival Support Grant
Program
Provides arts experiences through
festivals celebrating arts, building
community, and exposure to diverse
art forms
Other - Minnesota
Natural and Scenic Area Grants
Provides funding to increase, protect,
and enhance natural and scenic
areas
Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (MNDNR)
No Child Left Inside
Aims to support and increase
efforts to expand programming that
connects youth to the outdoors
Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (MNDNR)
Our Town Grant Program
Supports projects that integrate arts,
culture, and design activities into
efforts that strengthen communities
by advancing local economic,
physical, and/or social outcomes
National Endowment for the Arts
Outdoor Recreation Grant Program
Provides funding to increase and
enhance outdoor recreation facilities
in local and community parks
throughout the state
Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (MNDNR)
Parks and Trail Legacy Grant Program
Provides funding for parks and trails
of regional significance outside of
the seven county metropolitan area
Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (MNDNR)
PeopleForBikes Community Grant
Program
Provides funding that supports
bicycle infrastructure projects and
targeted advocacy initiatives that
make it easier and safer for people
of all ages and abilities to ride
Other - Minnesota
The Rapid Response Fund
Provides financial resources to
assess and support response actions
for quick containment or eradication
of newly detected species
National Park Service
Rivers, Trails, and Conservation
Assistance Program
Supports community-led natural
resource conservation and outdoor
recreation projects across the nation
National Park Service
Rural Initiative Grant Fund Program
Provides funding to encourage
collective and involved endeavors
among citizens in rural communities
Foundation
Safe Routes to School Infrastructure
Grants/Safe Routes to School
Planning Assistance Grants
Provides funding for the development
and implementation of infrastructure
projects which enable students to
walk and bicycle to and from schools
Minnesota Department of
Transporation (MNDOT)
State Park Road Account Program
Provides funding to assist local
governments in improving access to
public recreation facilities
Minnesota Department of
Transportation (MNDOT)
90 | IMPLEMENTATION
TABLE 6.3 CONT. | FUNDING RESOURCES
91Figure 7.1: Vegetation in Heritage Park
INVENTORY MAPS..............................................................................90 - 113
COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS...................................................113 - 195
POP-UP EVENT BOARDS................................................................195 - 200
92 | APPENDIX
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#NO, I AM NOT A RESIDENT; PLEASE SPECIFY WHAT CITY YOU RESIDE IN:DATE
1 Marine on St. Croix 1/24/2024 8:12 PM
2 Stillwater 1/18/2024 11:45 AM
3 West Lakeland 1/17/2024 7:51 AM
4 W. Lakeland Township 1/16/2024 9:38 AM
5 Woodbury, but in Stillwater School District 1/15/2024 5:29 PM
6 Woodbury 1/15/2024 12:56 PM
7 Afton 1/15/2024 7:27 AM
8 Afton 1/14/2024 8:51 AM
9 Lakeland 1/13/2024 1:57 PM
10 Woodbury 1/13/2024 8:58 AM
11 Bayport 1/13/2024 7:13 AM
12 Stillwater 1/12/2024 7:03 PM
13 Woodbury 1/12/2024 2:16 PM
14 Woodbury 1/12/2024 12:44 PM
15 Woodbury 1/12/2024 12:27 PM
16 Afton 1/12/2024 12:22 PM
17 Stillwater 1/12/2024 11:22 AM
18 Lakeland 1/12/2024 10:29 AM
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Yes
No, I am not a
resident;...
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No, I am not a resident; please specify what city you reside in:
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19 Stillwater 1/12/2024 9:20 AM
20 Lakeland 1/12/2024 4:28 AM
21 Stillwater MN 1/11/2024 5:55 PM
22 Stillwater 1/11/2024 10:46 AM
23 stillwater 1/11/2024 9:05 AM
24 West Lakeland Township 1/11/2024 8:15 AM
25 Woodbury- district 834 1/11/2024 7:15 AM
26 Stillwater 1/11/2024 5:50 AM
27 May Township 1/11/2024 5:28 AM
28 Oakdale 1/10/2024 10:20 PM
29 Woodbury 1/10/2024 8:51 PM
30 Baytown 1/10/2024 8:49 PM
31 Baytown 1/10/2024 8:43 PM
32 May Township 1/10/2024 8:14 PM
33 S tillwater 1/10/2024 7:57 PM
34 Lakeland 1/10/2024 5:25 PM
35 Woodbury 1/10/2024 5:19 PM
36 Stillwater 1/10/2024 3:50 PM
37 Woodbury 1/10/2024 2:35 PM
38 Lakeland Shores 1/10/2024 2:18 PM
39 West Lakeland Township 1/10/2024 1:56 PM
40 Afton 1/10/2024 1:45 PM
41 West Lakeland Township 1/10/2024 1:17 PM
42 Lakeland Shores 1/10/2024 1:11 PM
43 West Lakeland 1/10/2024 1:08 PM
44 Woodbury 1/10/2024 12:41 PM
45 Lakeland Shores 1/10/2024 12:41 PM
46 West Lakeland 1/9/2024 8:57 PM
47 West Lakeland 1/9/2024 7:09 PM
48 West Lakeland 1/9/2024 7:56 AM
49 Mahtomedi 1/9/2024 12:58 AM
50 Woodbury 1/8/2024 9:51 PM
51 Stillwater 1/8/2024 8:09 PM
52 West Lakeland 1/8/2024 7:50 PM
53 West Lakeland 1/8/2024 7:42 PM
54 West Lakeland 1/8/2024 7:26 PM
55 Stillwater 1/8/2024 7:18 PM
56 Oakdale 1/2/2024 12:05 PM
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57 Moving there, from Plymouth 12/21/2023 3:32 PM
58 Stillwater area 12/19/2023 8:29 AM
59 Woodbury 12/8/2023 6:44 PM
60 Oakdale 12/4/2023 3:01 PM
61 Live on the boarder in Oakdale 12/3/2023 11:12 AM
62 Oakdale 11/25/2023 10:49 AM
63 Oakdale 11/21/2023 4:16 PM
64 White bear lake 11/18/2023 8:39 AM
65 Baytown 11/16/2023 1:07 PM
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5.62%29
39.73%205
21.51%111
33.14%171
Q3 How long have you lived in Lake Elmo?
Answered: 516 Skipped: 37
TOTAL 516
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Less than 1
year
1-5 years
6-10 years
More than 10
years
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Less than 1 year
1-5 years
6-10 years
More than 10 years
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Q4 What age groups are represented in your household? (Select all that
apply)
Answered: 553 Skipped: 0
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
0-2
3-6
7-12
13-18
19-24
25-34
35-43
44-50
51-65
66+
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15.01%83
25.14%139
33.27%184
21.70%120
12.30%68
17.00%94
30.20%167
18.08%100
28.75%159
15.55%86
Total Respondents: 553
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
0-2
3-6
7-12
13-18
19-24
25-34
35-43
44-50
51-65
66+
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86.78%479
12.14%67
0.72%4
0.18%1
0.18%1
Q5 How important are parks, trails, and open space to the overall quality of
life in Lake Elmo?
Answered: 552 Skipped: 1
TOTAL 552
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Very important
Important
Indifferent
Somewhat
unimportant
Not important
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Very important
Important
Indifferent
Somewhat unimportant
Not important
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Q6 If you’re going to visit a park or trail, how do you typically get there?
(Please rank in order)
Answered: 535 Skipped: 18
38.50%
206
34.77%
186
25.79%
138
0.93%
5
535
3.11
53.83%
288
22.06%
118
21.87%
117
2.24%
12
535
3.27
7.48%
40
41.68%
223
44.67%
239
6.17%
33
535
2.50
0.19%
1
1.50%
8
7.66%
41
90.65%
485
535
1.11
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Walk/Run
Automobile
Bicycle
Other
1 2 3 4 TOTAL SCORE
Walk/Run
Automobile
Bicycle
Other
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47.07%257
26.74%146
24.54%134
1.65%9
Q7 What method of travel would you prefer to take when you visit Lake
Elmo Parks?
Answered: 546 Skipped: 7
TOTAL 546
#OTHER (PLEASE DESCRIBE)DATE
1 Walk and drive 1/11/2024 1:09 PM
2 I'm OK with current drive, bike, walk 1/10/2024 7:37 PM
3 Walk and or bike 1/10/2024 4:03 PM
4 None 1/9/2024 7:09 PM
5 Walk run and bike just depends on what I wanna do that day 1/9/2024 1:14 PM
6 Teleport 1/6/2024 9:56 AM
7 does not matter 11/29/2023 4:23 PM
8 Walk and Bike 11/28/2023 11:34 AM
9 Dosen't matter 11/20/2023 9:43 AM
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Walk/Run
Bike
Drive
Other (please
describe)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Walk/Run
Bike
Drive
Other (please describe)
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28.23%140
48.79%242
45.56%226
15.12%75
Q8 What are the barriers to using your preferred method of transportation
to visit Lake Elmo parks? Choose all that apply
Answered: 496 Skipped: 57
Total Respondents: 496
#OTHER (PLEASE EXPLAIN)DATE
1 Lake Elmo Regional Park is closest to me, but I can't afford the admission fee, so I have to
bike there down the county road with traffic whizzing by at 55, and then by the time I get there
I'm half-pooped out already. I wish they had free or reduced permits for low income locals. You
look at a map of the parks and they are all located where the rich folks live and not a single
one near Cimarron.
1/18/2024 9:41 AM
2 Too much stuff to bring with and young kids 1/16/2024 10:07 PM
3 No barriers 1/15/2024 12:56 PM
4 Distance 1/13/2024 7:13 AM
5 busy roads 1/11/2024 9:10 PM
6 Not aware of parks a nd locations!1/11/2024 6:55 PM
7 none 1/11/2024 5:55 PM
8 Residents seem to use the closest walkable park, unless they are seeking a specific park 1/11/2024 2:48 PM
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Time (too busy)
Lack of safe
routes for...
Lack of safe
routes for...
Other (please
explain)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Time (too busy)
Lack of safe routes for walking
Lack of safe routes for biking
Other (please explain)
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amenity, such as softball, pickle ball, dog park, play structure, pool, bike trail, skate park etc.
Variety of amenities is key. Quality over quantity.
9 none 1/11/2024 1:30 PM
10 distance from home 1/11/2024 9:48 AM
11 Disability 1/11/2024 5:50 AM
12 none 1/10/2024 11:28 PM
13 Options are leading and very limited 1/10/2024 8:36 PM
14 No current issues 1/10/2024 8:16 PM
15 Location 1/10/2024 8:01 PM
16 Too far from home and no sidewalks or safe bike lanes 1/10/2024 7:15 PM
17 Put in bike lanes 1/10/2024 5:12 PM
18 Lack of safe routes for walking and biking, path not cleared in winter 1/10/2024 4:03 PM
19 My son uses a walker and the paved trails have lines cut that make them unusable for him 1/10/2024 3:15 PM
20 Not enough baseball fields 1/10/2024 2:09 PM
21 No Barriers 1/10/2024 1:47 PM
22 Lack of safe enjoyable playgrounds 1/10/2024 1:10 PM
23 Not enough paved areas for strollers 1/10/2024 12:21 PM
24 Sidewalks that connect the parks to communities.1/10/2024 12:14 PM
25 I walk to lions Park in the summer to play pickleball. They are shutting down those courts and
have built new ones too far from the city center for walking or biking
1/10/2024 12:10 PM
26 Aging / uncared for playground equipment, and playground equipment that isn’t suitable for
toddlers
1/10/2024 11:59 AM
27 Distance 1/10/2024 11:42 AM
28 Lack of parking 1/10/2024 11:28 AM
29 Some of them are not interconnected. Let's get a connection from Sunfish to the North of Lake
Elmo Park Preserve. Also some neighborhoods don't allow outsiders on their trails.
1/10/2024 11:19 AM
30 Paths are never plowed in the winter 1/10/2024 8:16 AM
31 Like to see more connectors between certain dev elopments 1/9/2024 7:53 PM
32 Not cleared of snow 1/9/2024 7:28 PM
33 Distance from park.1/9/2024 7:09 PM
34 No barriers 1/9/2024 4:42 PM
35 Snow 1/9/2024 3:28 PM
36 The city owned paved paths around neighborhoods and along roads are not plowed all winter. 1/9/2024 3:16 PM
37 Five months out of the year the trails are too icy to walk safely. Pregnant wife slipped two days
ago.
1/9/2024 2:55 PM
38 Trails are not mainta ined in the winter.1/9/2024 2:37 PM
39 Don’t plow paths in winter 1/9/2024 1:53 PM
40 Distance 1/9/2024 1:38 PM
41 Distance 1/9/2024 1:12 PM
42 Some need to park pass, which is hard to fit into my schedule 1/9/2024 1:01 PM
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43 Live on north end of city, too far 1/8/2024 9:04 PM
44 Not taken care of 1/8/2024 8:09 PM
45 Not enough ball fields 1/8/2024 8:04 PM
46 None 1/8/2024 7:42 PM
47 No parking 1/8/2024 4:10 PM
48 Lack of connections and safe pedestrian crossing over roads (cty Rds 14 and 17 in particular). 1/6/2024 1:11 PM
49 Lack of connecting trails, paths along busy roads, and controlled crossings 1/5/2024 8:35 PM
50 lack of trails a nd needed maintenance on the existing trails. Both Oakdale and Woodbury have
much better Trail Systems that are Maintained thru Summer AND Winter.
1/4/2024 6:38 AM
51 No barriers 12/15/2023 6:09 PM
52 Distance to the parks 12/8/2023 5:38 PM
53 Snow covered trails 12/8/2023 2:31 PM
54 No bike lanes, cars drive too fast, narrow roads 12/8/2023 2:20 PM
55 Trails are dead ends and then you have to run on the road 12/2 /2023 7:59 PM
56 Sunfish and regional are the best parks for walking a distance, there is no Legion Ave N park
,its a pond
12/1/2023 11:09 PM
57 Too many bike trails 12/1/2023 4:58 PM
58 None 11/30/2023 2:17 PM
59 Need to make more time...as park facilities are very good 11/29/2023 11:02 AM
60 Weather 11/29/2023 3:57 AM
61 Aging issues 11/28/2023 8:46 PM
62 No trail connectivity 11/28/2023 8:08 PM
63 hanicap 11/28/2023 7:50 PM
64 None 11/28/2023 6:27 PM
65 We would love to see the paved walking path that runs along Stillwater Blvd extended in front
of Lake Elmo Bank area so that we could ride bikes from Fields of St. Croix Phase 2 to Lion's
Park and access downtown Lake Elmo.
11/28/2023 11:13 AM
66 Distance is too great with young kids 11/28/2023 10:18 AM
67 The city of lake Elmo does not plow the side walk on 50th, making the path unusable for the
better part of 5 months of the years even when walking.
11/28/2023 6:56 AM
68 Kids safe/friendly 11/21/2023 1:29 PM
69 lack of safe routes for walking becomes a bigger issue in the winter when/if sidewalks aren't
cleared. lack of safe routes for biking an issue to navigate heavily traveled (mostly county)
roads to get around where city streets/trails dont exist (ie issues on Manning, Stillwater Blvd,
10th St, Lake Elmo Ave, Ideal Ave, Inwood Ave)
11/20/2023 9:32 PM
70 Not cleared in winter - snow 11/20/2023 10:38 AM
71 Specifically on Manning Avenue 11/19/2023 4:32 PM
72 Lack of city trail maintenance in winter 11/19/2023 2:28 PM
73 No issues with getting to parks. Sunfish park , a city park paid for by our residents, is my
favorite, however, no safe walking areas for older residents who enjoy being outside bird
watching and enjoying nature due to making it a mountain biking park .
11/18/2023 11:10 AM
74 Distance to park 11/17/2023 5:25 PM
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75 N/A 11/16/2023 1:07 PM
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Q9 Which of the following parks have you visited? (Select all that apply)
Answered: 540 Skipped: 13
Sunfish Lake
Park
Lions Park
Tablyn Park
Reid Park
Carriage
Station Park
Pebble Park
Demontreville
Park
VFW Park
Goose Lake Park
Tana Ridge Park
Heritage Park
Lake Jane Hill
Park
Pilot Park
Demontreville
Wildlife Park
Legion Ave N
Park
Hammes Park
Kleis Park
Stonegate Park
Firefly Park
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0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Firefly Park
Ivywood Park
Hidden Knoll
Park
Ridge Park
Heights Park
Homestead Park
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66.11%357
61.48%332
40.19%217
36.85%199
35.93%194
31.48%170
25.56%138
23.89%129
18.33%99
16.67%90
15.93%86
14.07%76
12.78%69
12.59%68
12.22%66
11.85%64
10.56%57
9.81%53
9.07%49
8.33%45
5.93%32
4.26%23
3.70%20
1.67%9
Total Respondents: 540
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Sunfish Lake Park
Lions Park
Tablyn Park
Reid Park
Carriage Station Park
Pebble Park
Demontreville Park
VFW Park
Goose Lake Park
Tana Ridge Park
Heritage Park
Lake Jane Hill Park
Pilot Park
Demontreville Wildlife Park
Legion Ave N Park
Hammes Park
Kleis Park
Stonegate Park
Firefly Park
Ivywood Park
Hidden Knoll Park
Ridge Park
Heights Park
Homestead Park
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31.67%171
37.96%205
8.52%46
21.85%118
Q10 How did you become aware of the parks in Lake Elmo?
Answered: 540 Skipped: 13
TOTAL 540
#OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY)DATE
1 sports and events 1/24/2024 8:12 PM
2 Google maps 1/20/2024 9:33 AM
3 Driving around over the years 1/20/2024 7:15 AM
4 Signage, grew up in the area, athletics 1/17/2024 1:30 PM
5 Found them by driving or walking by them.1/16/2024 4:45 PM
6 Local knowledge, passing by 1 /13/2024 2:59 PM
7 Lake Elmo baseball 1/13/2024 1:57 PM
8 Baseball 1/13/2024 8:58 AM
9 Saw them when out and about 1/12/2024 1:35 PM
10 Friends that showed me or went with them.1/12/2024 11:22 AM
11 Baseball 1/12/2024 9:20 AM
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Signage
Word of mouth
City Website
Other (please
specify)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Signage
Word of mouth
City Website
Other (please specify)
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12 Live near 1/11/2024 11:04 PM
13 Driving past mostly 1/11/2024 9:20 PM
14 too long ago - forgot 1/11/2024 9:10 PM
15 Happened to drive by 1/11/2024 6:55 PM
16 lived in the Lake Elmo and Stillwater area my entire life 1/11/2024 5:55 PM
17 Searching for park amenities 1/11/2024 2:48 PM
18 Proximity to home 1/11/2024 1:10 PM
19 I’m actually not aware of many of these!1/11/2024 10:48 AM
20 Baseball 1/11/2024 10:46 AM
21 Discovery by driving around or wal king 1/11/2024 9:37 AM
22 Drove by 1/11/2024 8:47 AM
23 Close to my home 1/11/2024 8:15 AM
24 MORC - Minnesota Offroad Cyclist 1/11/2024 6:53 AM
25 Randomly found them driving and walking/running around 1/11/2024 4:44 AM
26 Used to live there for over 20 years 1/10/2024 8:43 PM
27 The Googles 1/10/2024 8:36 PM
28 Pickleball 1/10/2024 8:14 PM
29 Pickleball 1/10/2024 7:57 PM
30 Google and signs 1/10/2024 7:15 PM
31 Sporting acti vities 1/10/2024 5:25 PM
32 Lived in area my entire lifetime 1/10/2024 5:25 PM
33 Our son plays baseball at the parks 1/10/2024 5:19 PM
34 Live near 1/10/2024 4:03 PM
35 Google search 1/10/2024 3:17 PM
36 Baseball 1/10/2024 2:58 PM
37 Baseball 1/10/2024 2:35 PM
38 Living here for over forty years 1/10/2024 1:46 PM
39 Grew up visiting Lake Elmo Park 1/10/2024 12:40 PM
40 all above 1/10/2024 11:58 AM
41 Driving by 1/10/2024 11:43 AM
42 Just by living here for so long I have seen and visited them.1/10/2024 11:19 AM
43 By being active and walking/biking by 1/10/2024 8:22 AM
44 Internet research 1/9/2024 10:36 PM
45 Maps 1/9/2024 10:36 PM
46 Google maps 1/9/2024 8:01 PM
47 Google maps 1/9/2024 7:56 PM
48 Exploring on my bike and walking 1/9/2024 7:53 PM
49 All of the above 1/9/2024 7:16 PM
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50 Activities, driving by them 1/9/2024 4:42 PM
51 Resident 1/9/2024 3:24 PM
52 Google maps 1/9/2024 3:21 PM
53 Google and city website m 1/9/2024 3:16 PM
54 All trails 1/9/2024 2:27 PM
55 Google maps 1/9/2024 1:39 PM
56 Google maps 1/9/2024 1:38 PM
57 Driving by 1/9/2024 1:23 PM
58 eBird (For bird watching.)1/9/2024 1:18 PM
59 Literally live behind the trail 1/9/2024 1:14 PM
60 Exploring 1/9/2024 1:13 PM
61 Ball fields 1/8/2024 8 :04 PM
62 Lives here 1/8/2024 8:02 PM
63 Coaching.1/8/2024 7:42 PM
64 Baseball 1/8/2024 7:41 PM
65 Living here 1/8/2024 6:27 PM
66 Longtime resident 1/6/2024 8:38 AM
67 Discover them while on a run/bike ride; Reid Park is connected to my neighborhood 1/5/2024 8:35 PM
68 Google maps 1/3/2024 8:43 PM
69 Drive by 1/2/2024 8:44 PM
70 google 12/31/2023 10:54 AM
71 I found them in person 12/29/2023 7:17 PM
72 Lived in area my entire life...continue to stumble upon parks I never knew existed 12/19/2023 8:29 AM
73 Out for runs.12/17/2023 4:21 PM
74 exploring the area 12/11/2023 9:07 AM
75 google maps, EBird website 12/9/2023 8:22 AM
76 I’ve been exploring my area for 40+ years.12/9/2023 7:11 AM
77 Google maps 12/9/2023 12:04 AM
78 We live along sunfish park 12/8/2023 8:20 PM
79 Google 12/8/2023 7:01 PM
80 Google Maps 12/8/2023 5:38 PM
81 Internet 12/8/2 023 5:34 PM
82 Google 12/8/2023 4:16 PM
83 User of and Parks Commissioner for 13 yrs 12/8/2023 3:30 PM
84 From cross country ski club I used to be with 12/5/2023 4:26 PM
85 exploring google maps 12/4/2023 3:01 PM
86 G6 12/1/2023 9:43 PM
87 Google search of parks in Lake Elmo 12/1/2023 9:20 PM
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88 Google maps 12/1/2023 6:19 PM
89 Google maps 12/1/2023 5:41 PM
90 Find by accident 12/1/2023 4:58 PM
91 Drive by 11/30/2023 3:37 PM
92 Driving by 11/28/2023 8:46 PM
93 Living 11/28/2023 8:08 PM
94 From Living here 11/28/2023 5:52 PM
95 Live next to one 11/28/2023 11:03 AM
96 Map App 11/28/2023 10:29 AM
97 neighborhood parks 11/28/2023 10:23 AM
98 just by driving around the City 11/28/2023 10:20 AM
99 Driving by 11/28/2023 10:05 AM
100 just happen to be close by 11/28/2023 9:46 AM
101 In neighborhood 11/28/2023 9:29 AM
102 Drive by, or have soccer games at 11/28/2023 9:10 AM
103 Driving the neighborhood 11/25/2023 10:49 AM
104 Live near it.11/23/2023 5:52 PM
105 google 11/22/2023 11:58 AM
106 In my neighborhood 11/22/2023 9:28 AM
107 been visiting Sunfish Lake park long before websites were available 11/21/2023 4:16 PM
108 Google Maps searches fo r "parks" and then exploring on my bike!11/20/2023 9:32 PM
109 Google Maps 11/20/2023 11:39 AM
110 Seeing them 11/19/2023 4:32 PM
111 Dr Google 11/19/2023 4:30 PM
112 google maps 11/19/2023 8:55 AM
113 Checking out on own 11/18/2023 1:09 PM
114 Helped start the lake Elmo Parks Commission .11/18/2023 11:10 AM
115 Seeing them while driving by 11/18/2023 10:47 AM
116 Saw it 11/18/2023 7:49 AM
117 Google maps 11/17/2023 5:25 P M
118 Grew Up Here 11/16/2023 1:07 PM
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Q11 Which of the following park/open spaces do you visit most often?
(Select up to three)
Answered: 525 Skipped: 28
Sunfish Lake
Park
Lions Park
Reid Park
Pebble Park
Carriage
Station Park
Tablyn Park
Goose Lake Park
Pilot Park
Hammes Park
Tana Ridge Park
VFW Park
Demontreville
Park
Demontreville
Wildlife Park
Firefly Park
Kleis Park
Lake Jane Hill
Park
Ivywood Park
Stonegate Park
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0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Legion Ave N
Park
Heritage Park
Hidden Knoll
Park
Ridge Park
Heights Park
Homestead Park
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41.52%218
36.19%190
15.81%83
14.10%74
12.76%67
12.00%63
10.10%53
9.33%49
8.00%42
7.43%39
6.86%36
6.10%32
4.38%23
4.38%23
3.81%20
3.81%20
3.62%19
3.24%17
2.10%11
1.33%7
1.14%6
0.95%5
0.38%2
0.00%0
Total Respondents: 525
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Sunfish Lake Park
Lions Park
Reid Park
Pebble Park
Carriage Station Park
Tablyn Park
Goose Lake Park
Pilot Park
Hammes Park
Tana Ridge Park
VFW Park
Demontreville Park
Demontreville Wildlife Par k
Firefly Park
Kleis Park
Lake Jane Hill Park
Ivywood Park
Stonegate Park
Legion Ave N Park
Heritage Park
Hidden Knoll Park
Ridge Park
Heights Park
Homestead Park
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50.00%271
31.55%171
17.90%97
0.55%3
Q12 Of the parks you visit most, how frequently do you visit?
Answered: 542 Skipped: 11
TOTAL 542
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Once a week or
more
Once or twice
a month
Less than once
a month
N/A (I don’t
visit parks)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Once a week or more
Once or twice a month
Less than once a month
N/A (I don’t visit parks)
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28.23%155
59.74%328
11.11%61
0.91%5
Q13 When you visit Lake Elmo Parks, how much time are you spending
during your average visit?
Answered: 549 Skipped: 4
TOTAL 549
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Less than 1
hour
1-2 hours
2-3 hours
3+ hours
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Less than 1 hour
1-2 hours
2-3 hours
3+ hours
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Q14 When you visit a Lake Elmo park or open space, what activity do you
and/or your family participate in most often?
Answered: 549 Skipped: 4
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Walk/run
Playgrounds
Dog-walking
Organized
sports
Informal
sports such ...
Other (please
specify)
Relaxing
Picnic/Grilling
Shelters
Swimming
Fishing
Non-motorized
watercraft
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27.69%152
22.04%121
15.85%87
15.66%86
9.47%52
5.46%30
2.00%11
1.09%6
0.18%1
0.18%1
0.18%1
0.18%1
TOTAL 549
#OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY)DATE
1 Biking is my favorite activity, but none of the parks have bike paths except for LERP.1/18/2024 9:41 AM
2 Biking 1/13/2024 7:20 AM
3 Baseball 1/12/2024 2:20 PM
4 Baseball games 1/12/2024 9:20 AM
5 Playgrounds, biking, running 1/11/2024 9:20 PM
6 Biking 1/11/2024 6:40 PM
7 Photography 1/11/2024 5:06 PM
8 Playground, dog walking 1/11/2024 1:09 PM
9 Mountain Biking, walking, Fishing 1/11/2024 6:53 AM
10 Multiple activities,1/10/2024 4:03 PM
11 Mountain biking 1/10/2024 12:57 PM
12 Sledding 1/9/2024 10:36 PM
13 Biking 1/9/2024 7:53 PM
14 Boating 1/9/2024 6:32 PM
15 Bird watching 1/9/2024 1:18 PM
16 Bicycling 1/4/2024 7:27 AM
17 Mountain biking or biking 12/10/2023 7:42 PM
18 birdwatching 12/9/2023 8:22 AM
19 biking 12/8/2023 6 :44 PM
20 Sledding 12/8/2023 3:03 PM
21 Mountain bike or hiking at sunfish 12/8/2023 2:28 PM
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Walk/run
Playgrounds
Dog-walking
Organized sports
Informal sports such as pickleball or other pickup games
Other (please specify)
Relaxing
Picnic/Grilling
Shelters
Swimming
Fishing
Non-motorized watercraft
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22 I live on the "legion ave park", its a pond. why is this included in your list? No one even knows
it is public land
12/1/2023 11:09 PM
23 Tennis 12/1/2023 9:43 PM
24 Biking 11/28/2023 8:08 PM
25 Biking 11/28/2023 7:03 PM
26 Bird watching 11/28/2023 5:21 PM
27 Cycling 11/28/2023 10:55 AM
28 Hiking 11/28/2023 9:39 AM
29 Mountain biking 11/28/2023 6:56 AM
30 biking 11/16/2023 2:08 PM
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Q15 If you answered "organized sports" for question 15, what sport(s) do
you participate in?
Answered: 110 Skipped: 443
#RESPONSES DATE
1 Baseball primarily and football, soccer, dance, basketball, skiing, running, yoga 1/24/2024 8:12 PM
2 Baseball Baseball 1/22/2024 4:44 PM
3 Baseball Baseball 1/19/2024 11:22 PM
4 Baseball Baseball/Softball 1/18/2024 11:45 AM
5 Baseball Traveling baseball 1/17/2024 1:30 PM
6 Baseball Baseball 1/17/2024 7:51 AM
7 Baseball Baseball, soccer, hockey 1/16/2024 9:38 AM
8 Baseball Baseball 1/15/2024 5:29 PM
9 Baseball Baseball 1/15/2024 12:56 PM
10 Baseball Baseball 1/15/2024 7:27 AM
11 Baseball Baseball, Football, Soccer, Basketball 1/14/2024 9:09 PM
12 Baseball LE baseball 1/14/2024 8:51 AM
13 Baseball Baseball 1/13/2024 11:34 PM
14 Baseball Baseball 1/13/2024 1:57 PM
15 Baseball LE Baseball 1/13/2024 8:58 AM
16 Baseball baseball, soccer, flag football 1/12/2024 4:32 PM
17 Baseball baseball 1/12/2024 4:15 PM
18 Baseball Baseball 1/12/2024 2:20 PM
19 Baseball Lake Elmo Baseball 1/12/2024 2:16 PM
20 Baseball Baseball 1/12/2024 12:44 PM
21 Baseball Baseball and Hockey 1/12/2024 12:22 PM
22 Baseball Baseball 1/12/2024 10:29 AM
23 Baseball Baseball LE 12u 1/12/2024 9:20 AM
24 Baseball Baseball 1/12/2024 4:28 AM
25 Baseball Softball 1/12/2024 2:58 AM
26 Baseball Baseball 1/11/2024 8:29 PM
27 Pickleball 1/11/2024 6:55 PM
28 Baseball Baseball 1/11/2024 5:55 PM
29 Baseball Baseball 1/11/2024 10:46 AM
30 Baseball Baseball 1/11/2024 9:37 AM
31 Pickleball 1/11/2024 7:15 AM
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32 Pickleball 1/11/2024 5:28 AM
33 pickleball 1/10/2024 11:28 PM
34 Baseball Baseball 1/10/2024 8:56 PM
35 Baseball Baseball 1/10/2024 8:51 PM
36 Pickleball 1/10/2024 8:49 PM
37 Pickleball 1/10/2024 8:43 PM
38 Pickleball 1/10/2024 8:14 PM
39 Baseball LE baseball 1/10/2024 7:34 PM
40 Baseball Lake Elmo Baseball 1/10/2024 5:25 PM
41 Baseball Baseball 1/10/2024 5:19 PM
42 Baseball Baseball 1/10/2024 4:38 PM
43 Baseball Baseball 1/10/2024 4:14 PM
44 Baseball baseball football hockey 1/10/2024 3:50 PM
45 Baseball Baseball 1/10/2024 2:58 PM
46 Baseball Lake elmo baseball 1/10/2024 2:35 PM
47 Baseball Baseball 1/10/2024 2:18 PM
48 Baseball Lake elmo baseball 1/10/2024 2:09 PM
49 Baseball Baseball 1/10/2024 2:09 PM
50 Baseball baseball 1/10/2024 2:03 PM
51 Baseball Baseball - Lake Elmo Baseball Association 1/10/2024 1:56 PM
52 Baseball Baseball 1/10/2024 1:45 PM
53 Baseball Baseball 1/10/2024 1:17 PM
54 Baseball Youth traveling baseball 1/10/2024 1:11 PM
55 Baseball Baseball 1/10/2024 1:08 PM
56 Baseball Baseball 1/10/2024 12:41 PM
57 Baseball baseball 1/10/2024 12:41 PM
58 Pickleball 1/10/2024 12:10 PM
59 Soccer, football, tennis 1/10/2024 11:56 AM
60 N/A 1/9/2024 2:50 PM
61 Baseball Baseball 1/9/2024 9:48 AM
62 Baseball Baseball, football, soccer 1/9/2024 8:33 AM
63 Baseball Baseball 1/9/2024 8:17 AM
64 Baseball Baseball 1/9/2024 7:56 AM
65 Baseball Lake elmo baseball. Our family also uses the playground facilities at these parks. 1/9/2024 6:04 AM
66 Baseball Baseball 1/8/2024 9:51 PM
67 Baseball Baseball 1/8/2024 9:32 PM
68 Baseball Baseball 1/8/2024 9:13 PM
69 Baseball Baseball & softball 1/8/2024 8:42 PM
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70 Baseball Baseball and Softball.1/8/2024 8:23 PM
71 Baseball Baseball 1/8/2024 8:09 PM
72 Baseball Baseball 1/8/2024 8:04 PM
73 Baseball Baseball 1/8/2024 8:02 PM
74 Baseball Baseball 1/8/2024 7:53 PM
75 Baseball Baseball 1/8/2024 7:50 PM
76 Baseball Baseball 1/8/2024 7:49 PM
77 Baseball Baseball, softball 1/8/2024 7:48 PM
78 Baseball Baseball-softball 1/8/2024 7:42 PM
79 Baseball Watch baseball 1/8/2024 7:41 PM
80 Baseball Baseball 1/8/2024 7:39 PM
81 Baseball Baseball 1/8/2024 7:34 PM
82 Baseball Baseball 1/8/2024 7:33 PM
83 Baseball Baseball 1/8/2024 7:26 PM
84 Baseball Baseball 1/8/2024 7:23 PM
85 Baseball Baseball 1/8/2024 7:18 PM
86 Baseball Kids play softball/baseball 1/8/2024 7:03 PM
87 Baseball Baseball 1/8/2024 6:27 PM
88 Baseball Baseball 1/8/2024 4:10 PM
89 Soccer 1/8/2024 2:37 PM
90 Na 1/5/2024 5:40 PM
91 Baseball Baseball 1/4/2024 9:46 AM
92 Baseball Mountain biking and baseball 12/11/2023 2:14 PM
93 Baseball Baseball 12/8/2023 3:03 PM
94 Baseball Baseball, soccer, football 12/8/2023 2:31 PM
95 Baseball Baseball 12/8/2023 2:25 PM
96 Mountain biking and nature programs 12/8/2023 2:20 PM
97 Soccer 12/6/2023 8:17 AM
98 Would like to be involved in Pickleball but not sure how to do so. Wish there was better info on
what is currently under way.
12/5/2023 4:26 PM
99 Baseball Baseball 12/3/2023 12:56 PM
100 Mountain Biking 12/3/2023 11:12 AM
101 Baseball Baseball 11/30/2023 12:10 PM
102 I did not select organized sport, but soccer is our sport.11/28/2023 11:34 AM
103 Baseball baseball, soccer, lacrosse 11/28/2023 10:20 AM
104 Baseball Hockey and baseball 11/28/2023 9:12 AM
105 Soccer 11/28/2023 9:10 AM
106 Baseball Baseball 11/28/2023 9:08 AM
107 Baseball Baseball 11/22/2023 11:58 AM
148
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108 Soccer 11/20/2023 10:38 AM
109 Baseball Baseball 11/17/2023 10:06 PM
110 N/A 11/16/2023 1:07 PM
149
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Q16 If you answered "Informal sports such as pickleball or other pick up
games" for question 15, what sport(s) do you participate in?
Answered: 74 Skipped: 479
#RESPONSES DATE
1 N/a 1/15/2024 7:27 AM
2 Pickleball Pickleball 1/14/2024 4:23 PM
3 Pickleball Pickleball 1/13/2024 2:59 PM
4 Pickleball Pickleball 1/13/2024 7:13 AM
5 Pickleball Pickleball 1/12/2024 7:03 PM
6 Pickleball Pickleball 1/12/2024 11:22 AM
7 Pickleball Pickleball 1/12/2024 10:07 AM
8 None 1/11/2024 6:55 PM
9 Baseball 1/11/2024 5:55 PM
10 Pickleball Pickleball 1/11/2024 3:53 PM
11 N/A 1/11/2024 10:46 AM
12 Pickleball pickleball 1/11/2024 9:48 AM
13 Pickleball pickleball 1/11/2024 9:05 AM
14 Pickleball Pickleball 1/11/2024 8:15 AM
15 Pickleball Pickleball 1/11/2024 7:15 AM
16 Pickleball Pickelball 1/11/2024 6:46 AM
17 Pickleball Pickleball 1/11/2024 5:50 AM
18 Pickleball pickleball 1/11/2024 5:05 AM
19 Pickleball Pickleball 1/11/2024 4:38 AM
20 Pickleball pickleball 1/10/2024 11:28 PM
21 Pickleball Pickleball 1/10/2024 10:38 PM
22 Pickleball pickleball 1/10/2024 9:17 PM
23 Pickleball Pickleball 1/10/2024 9:11 PM
24 Pickleball Pickleball 1/10/2024 8:56 PM
25 Pickleball Pickleball 1/10/2024 8:16 PM
26 Pickleball Pickleball 4-5 days a week at Lions park throughout the spring, summer and fall
months of the year. My husband and I drive 15 miles each way to play in Lake Elmo Lions
Park.
1/10/2024 8:14 PM
27 Pickleball Pickleball 5 to 6 days per week.1/10/2024 7:57 PM
28 Pickleball pickleball 1/10/2024 7:37 PM
29 Pickleball Pickleball 1/10/2024 3:33 PM
30 Volleyball at lions.1/10/2024 3:13 PM
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31 Pickleball Pickleball 1/10/2024 1:05 PM
32 Pickleball Pickleball 1/10/2024 1:02 PM
33 Pickleball Pickleball 1/10/2024 12:10 PM
34 Pickleball Pickle ball, tennis, volleyball, basketball 1/10/2024 11:42 AM
35 Pickleball Pickleball, ice skating 1/10/2024 7:27 AM
36 Pickleball Pickleball 1/10/2024 5:09 AM
37 Pickleball Pickleball, frisbee 1/9/2024 8:01 PM
38 tennis 1/9/2024 6:30 PM
39 Pickleball Catch, yard games, and pickle ball.1/9/2024 3:16 PM
40 N/A 1/9/2024 2:50 PM
41 Pickleball Pickleball, tennis, basketball, Frisbee 1/9/2024 1:38 PM
42 Pickleball Pickleball 1/9/2024 1:10 PM
43 Tennis 1/9/2024 8:17 AM
44 Pickleball Pickleball and watch baseball 1/8/2024 9:04 PM
45 Pickleball Pickleball 1/8/2024 8:04 PM
46 Baseball 1/8/2024 7:18 PM
47 Pickleball Pickleball 1/8/2024 3:21 PM
48 Na 1/5/2024 5:40 PM
49 Pickleball Pickleball 1/3/2024 7:37 PM
50 Would love to see an indoor and outdoor public pool option for families.1/2/2024 8:44 PM
51 Pickleball Pickleball. Soccer. Playground games.12/30/2023 8:37 AM
52 Sand Volleyball 12/26/2023 12:57 AM
53 Tennis 12/15/2023 7:17 PM
54 Pickleball Pickleball 12/8/2023 6:02 PM
55 Pickleball Basketball, frisbee, pickleball, tennis 12/8/2023 5:38 PM
56 Soccer 12/6/2023 8:17 AM
57 Pickleball Pickle ball soccer football basketball volleyball 11/30/2023 6:59 PM
58 Would love to be involved in pickle ball and planned to teach our kids this past summer but the
courts at Lions Park were booked during the day all summer long. Would love to see LE
families get preference to use the courts, over people from other cities.
11/30/2023 5:21 PM
59 Pickleball Pickleball 11/29/2023 11:02 AM
60 Soccer again!11/28/2023 11:34 AM
61 Pickleball I could only give one response. I walk/hike more, but have just started to play
pickleball.
11/28/2023 11:17 AM
62 Pickleball Pickelball 11/28/2023 10:26 AM
63 Pickleball pickleball 11/28/2023 10:20 AM
64 Pickleball Pickleball 11/28/2023 9:29 AM
65 Pickleball Pickleball 11/28/2023 9:12 AM
66 Tennis 11/22/2023 11:58 AM
67 Gaga Ball 11/22/2023 9:28 AM
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68 Basketball, Baseball/Softball 11/20/2023 11:39 AM
69 Pickleball Pickleball 11/19/2023 4:32 PM
70 Pickleball Pickleball 11/19/2023 4:30 PM
71 Pickleball Pickleball 11/18/2023 1:09 PM
72 Pickleball Pickleball, tennis, basketball, swimming 11/18/2023 8:32 AM
73 Pickleball Basketball, pickleball 11/17/2023 5:25 PM
74 Ice skating(hockey), tennis, horseback riding 11/16/2023 1:07 PM
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74.95%407
38.31%208
34.62%188
12.15%66
19.15%104
14.18%77
Q17 Why do you visit certain parks more often than others? (Select all that
apply)
Answered: 543 Skipped: 10
Total Respondents: 543
#OTHER (PLEASE DESCRIBE)DATE
1 Baseball 1/22/2024 4:44 PM
2 I didn’t know many of these parks exist 1/19/2024 7:39 PM
3 Casual biking 1/18/2024 9:41 AM
4 Traveling baseball games 1/17/2024 1:30 PM
5 Baseball 1/17/2024 7:51 AM
6 baseball games 1/16 /2024 9:38 AM
7 Baseball 1/15/2024 5:29 PM
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Proximity to
home/work/sc...
Type of
equipment/fa...
Sidewalks/walka
ble access t...
Available
parking
Type of
activities...
Other (please
describe)
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Proximity to home/work/school
Type of equipment/facilities available
Sidewalks/walkable access to the park
Available parking
Type of activities held, please specify activity:
Other (please describe)
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8 Baseball 1/15/2024 12:56 PM
9 Youth Baseball 1/15/2024 7:27 AM
10 Programs 1/14/2024 3:56 PM
11 Baseball practice & games 1/14/2024 8:51 AM
12 Baseball fields 1/13/2024 1:57 PM
13 Skiing and walking 1/12/2024 10:50 PM
14 Pickleball 1/12/2024 7:03 PM
15 sports practices and games 1/12/2024 4:32 PM
16 landscape 1/11/2024 9:10 PM
17 Baseball 1/11/2024 5:55 PM
18 nature hiking. Not interested in paved walkways, playground equipme nt and unnatural lawns
filled with herbicides
1/11/2024 1:30 PM
19 Nature, Wildlife, and Trails 1/11/2024 1:10 PM
20 Attractiveness 1/11/2024 1:07 PM
21 Baseball 1/11/2024 10:46 AM
22 Trails 1/11/2024 9:34 AM
23 Running /biking trails 1/11/2024 9:29 AM
24 Pickleball courts 1/11/2024 8:15 AM
25 pickleball 1/10/2024 10:38 PM
26 Hiking 1/10/2024 10:20 PM
27 Pickleball 1/10/2024 8:49 PM
28 Pickleball 1/10/2024 8:16 PM
29 Pickleball 1/1 0/2024 8:14 PM
30 Pickleball 1/10/2024 7:57 PM
31 Swimming, paved trails 1/10/2024 6:17 PM
32 Baseball 1/10/2024 5:19 PM
33 Baseball 1/10/2024 2:58 PM
34 Baseball practice and/or Baseball game 1/10/2024 1:56 PM
35 Baseball practice and games 1/10/2024 1:17 PM
36 Limited baseball fields 1/10/2024 1:08 PM
37 Pickleball in town center gives me access to post office, coffee shops etc 1/10/2024 12:10 PM
38 play equipment 1/10/20 24 11:58 AM
39 I especially enjoy unpaved trail runs 1/9/2024 9:30 PM
40 Mountain biking 1/9/2024 8:22 PM
41 tennis 1/9/2024 6:30 PM
42 Pickleball 1/9/2024 2:01 PM
43 Quality of trails 1/9/2024 1:55 PM
44 Habitat for birds is marginally better at my preferred parks.1/9/2024 1:18 PM
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45 Nature, and type of trail systems (hiking and mountain biking)1/9/2024 1:13 PM
46 Pickleball 1/9/2024 1:06 PM
47 Baseball 1/9/2024 9:48 AM
48 Sports 1/9/2024 8:33 AM
49 Tennis 1/9/2024 8:17 AM
50 Baseball, football, soccer 1/9/2024 7:56 AM
51 Baseball 1/8/2024 9:32 PM
52 Need more ball fields 1/8/2024 8:04 PM
53 Organized sports 1/8/2024 7:48 PM
54 Baseball 1/8/2024 7:18 PM
55 Baseball 1/8/2024 6:27 PM
56 Sunfish and Reid park s have great walking trails 1/6/2024 7:12 AM
57 Safe biking to the park 1/4/2024 7:27 AM
58 XC Skiing, sand volleyball 12/26/2023 12:57 AM
59 Beauty of park 12/15/2023 6:09 PM
60 Mountain biking 12/10/2023 7:42 PM
61 mountain biking 12/8/2023 6:44 PM
62 Pickleball and playgrounds 12/8/2023 6:02 PM
63 Nature appreciation and hiking 12/8/2023 3:30 PM
64 If there are good nature trails, or mountain bike trails or an engagin g playground 12/8/2023 2:20 PM
65 Trails 12/4/2023 3:49 PM
66 Trails to run on 12/3/2023 7:00 PM
67 Trails and length of trails 12/2/2023 7:59 PM
68 Sunfish is interesting because it has lots of trails and various elevations.11/28/2023 8:46 PM
69 nature 11/28/2023 7:50 PM
70 The natural environment with walking trails.11/28/2023 6:27 PM
71 Many birds who nest or visit there.11/28/2023 5:21 PM
72 Hiking Trails 11/28/202 3 9:17 AM
73 We use the hiking trails 11/25/2023 11:23 AM
74 Off leash dog park, mountain biking, pickleball, would like disc golf.11/25/2023 10:49 AM
75 Running trails 11/25/2023 10:31 AM
76 Basketball, Gaga Ball 11/22/2023 9:28 AM
77 size of park allows escape from urbanization, Sunfish Lake has types of paths I wish to walk
(dirt), opportunity to see some wildlife.
11/21/2023 4:16 PM
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Q18 What NEW amenities would you like to see added to Lake Elmo’s
parks? (Select up to 4)
Answered: 529 Skipped: 24
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Additional/New
Walking Trails
Multi-use
courts...
Other (please
describe)
Seasonal Use
Facilities
Dog park
Inclusive
Playgrounds
Fitness/Health
Stations
Flat
lawn/multi-u...
Wayfinding
signage
Additional
vehicle parking
Functional
game-table...
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62.76%332
35.92%190
29.68%157
22.12%117
21.55%114
20.79%110
13.42%71
12.29%65
9.07%48
7.37%39
5.67%30
Total Respondents: 529
#OTHER (PLEASE DESCRIBE)DATE
1 baseball and sports fields 1/24/2024 8:12 PM
2 Baseball Game playable Baseball fields 1/22/2024 4:44 PM
3 Trails connecting parks and neighborhoods; not good in Lake Elmo 1/20/2024 7:15 AM
4 Baseball More baseball fields so Lake Elmo can meet the needs of the kids local to the
community- so they can play
1/19/2024 11:22 PM
5 Baseball Baseball/Softball Fields 1/18/2024 11:45 AM
6 Biking. While I appreciate that most of the county roads have a shoulder to bike on, it's
dangerous and not very relaxing having traffic doing 55 four feet from your elbow. I wish there
were more bike paths like woodbury has where the bike path is off the road. A simple paved
loop around the parks would be nice, or around a field or woods, something more relaxing than
county road riding.
1/18/2024 9:41 AM
7 Baseball More or upgraded baseball fields 1/17/2024 7:51 AM
8 Baseball More game-use baseball fields are needed 1/16/2024 9:38 AM
9 Baseball Baseball fields 1/15/2024 5:29 PM
10 Baseball Baseball fields 1/15/2024 12:56 PM
11 Baseball Baseball fields 1/15/2024 7:27 AM
12 More natural habitat for training dogs 1/14/2024 2:24 PM
13 Baseball More baseball fields that can be used by the LE baseball league 1/14/2024 8:51 AM
14 Baseball Baseball fields 1/13/2024 11:34 PM
15 Restrooms 1/13/2024 7:13 AM
16 Demontreville Park has a lot of open space and could use more amenities to accommodate
interests. Lots of people in this neighborhood purchase personal ice rinks. A community ice
rink would bring neighbors out and together as well as help with wasting less water on
individual rinks. Another nice option would be a soccer net to ma ke use of the open space.
There are many young soccer players in the neighborhood as well. But currently, the space
rarely gets used, sadly.
1/12/2024 10:50 PM
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Additional/New Walking Trails
Multi-use courts (basketball, pickleball, etc.)
Other (please describe)
Seasonal Use Facilities
Dog park
Inclusive Playgrounds
Fitness/Health Stations
Flat lawn/multi-use recreational space
Wayfinding signage
Additional vehicle parking
Functional game-table (chess, checkers, ping pong)
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17 Baseball Baseball fields 1/12/2024 2:20 PM
18 Golf course 1/12/2024 1:03 PM
19 Baseball Baseball fields 1/12/2024 12:27 PM
20 Baseball Baseball Fields 1/12/2024 12:22 PM
21 Lions park pickleball, community center with water interest and landscaping 1/12/2024 10:07 AM
22 Baseball Baseball fields 1/12/2024 9:20 AM
23 Hockey rink 1/12/2024 2:58 AM
24 Connected trail system!1/11/2024 9:20 PM
25 Baseball More baseball fields 1/11/2024 8:29 PM
26 Biking 1/11/2024 6:40 PM
27 Baseball Multi-plex fields for baseball and general upgrades to fields that exist 1/11/2024 5:55 PM
28 Social spaces, bee safe environments that are environmentally friendly, lawn grass
alternatives that don’t need mowing or much water
1/11/2024 2:48 PM
29 more open land put into trust with nature preservation as the goal.1/11/2024 1:30 PM
30 Better connectedness to the community (access trails/paths/bike lanes)1/11/2024 1:10 PM
31 Baseball More baseball fields 1/11/2024 10:46 AM
32 Baseball Baseball participation is only going up in the Lake Elmo program and could become
a big part of the community. To address this growth it would be great to have more baseball
fields for game and practice use.
1/11/2024 9:37 AM
33 MTB Trails, safer paths to get to parks.1/11/2024 6:53 AM
34 Splashpad, mountain biking/off road trail, or bike skills courses 1/10/2024 8:31 PM
35 Dedicated Pickleball court in the town proper in Lake Elmo 1/10/2024 8:14 PM
36 Splash pad 1/10/2024 8:08 PM
37 I'd love to see Lions Park updated into something big and bold like downtown Burnsville. There
should be one big really cool playground in the mix (like Stonegate school has)
1/10/2024 7:37 PM
38 Baseball Baseball 1/10/2024 7:34 PM
39 Would love upgraded playgrounds and a splash pad 1/10/2024 7:15 PM
40 Would Love to see a walking path along Lake Demontreville (west and north sides of lakes) SO
many people walk it daily and it’s quite dangerous with no shoulder or path.
1/10/2024 5:58 PM
41 Baseball More usable baseball fields 1/10/2024 5:25 PM
42 Baseball Baseball fields 1/10/2024 5:19 PM
43 Bike and walking trails 1/10/2024 5:12 PM
44 Baseball Baseball Fields 1/10/2024 4:38 PM
45 Baseball Baseball Fields 1/10/2024 4:14 PM
46 None keep as is 1/10/2024 4:03 PM
47 More volleyball courts, more walking/running paths, trail connections into the park reserve. 1/10/2024 3:13 PM
48 Baseball Baseball fields 1/10/2024 2:58 PM
49 Baseball Baseball fields 1/10/2024 2:35 PM
50 Baseball Baseball fields 1/10/2024 2:09 PM
51 Baseball Baseball fields 1/10/2024 2:09 PM
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52 Baseball baseball fields 1/10/2024 2:03 PM
53 Baseball Baseball Fields 1/10/2024 1:56 PM
54 Baseball Baseball fields 1/10/2024 1:45 PM
55 Baseball Baseball Fields 1/10/2024 1:17 PM
56 Baseball More Baseball Fields that we can use for games. A good infield and fencing are
needed for game fields.
1/10/2024 1:11 PM
57 Splash pad 1/10/2024 1:10 PM
58 Baseball Baseball fields 1/10/2024 1:08 PM
59 Single track mountain biking 1/10/2024 12:57 PM
60 Baseball More baseball fields - and safe (not too high) playground structures within eyesight
of the baseball fields
1/10/2024 12:41 PM
61 Baseball more baseball fields 1/10/2024 12:41 PM
62 Return pickleball to lions park 1/10/2024 12:10 PM
63 Sidewalks and stoplights/pedestrian crossings to safely get to parks!!!1/10/2024 11:59 AM
64 clean up the grounds, repair play equipment 1/10/2024 11:58 AM
65 senior programs during the day 1/10/2024 11:55 AM
66 Volleyball courts 1/10/2024 11:42 AM
67 Adding one more park with pickle ball 1/10/2024 8:16 AM
68 Win ter plowing of existing asphalt trails 1/10/2024 5:09 AM
69 Plowed trails in winter 1/9/2024 10:36 PM
70 Picnic grills and ash receptacles 1/9/2024 9:30 PM
71 Snow Shoe and Crosscoutry Trails 1/9/2024 8:57 PM
72 More mountain biking please 1/9/2024 8:22 PM
73 Mountain bike trails 1/9/2024 7:53 PM
74 Paths cleared of snow 1/9/2024 7:28 PM
75 Bow shooting 1/9/2024 6:32 PM
76 Park pavilions to rent for events, Tennis courts , ice rinks, play ground, swimming area, open
field space for soccer & other yard sports, cross country skiing & snowshoeing trails, sledding
hills
1/9/2024 6:20 PM
77 Baseball Softball fields 1/9/2024 5:36 PM
78 Please plow the paved trails. It would make the park more usable.1/9/2024 3:16 PM
79 Cleared paths 1/9/2024 2:55 PM
80 Splash pad 1/9/2024 2:10 PM
81 Plow the trail systems 1/9/2024 1:53 PM
82 Bathrooms 1/9/2024 1:49 PM
83 Splashpad 1/9/2024 1:39 PM
84 Nature. Please keep parks as nature.1/9/2024 1:13 PM
85 Baseball Baseball fields 1/9/2024 9:48 AM
86 Baseball both youth size and full size baseball fields 1/9/2024 8:17 AM
87 Baseball The city lacks quality athletic fields for football, soccer, and baseball 1/9/2024 7:56 AM
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88 Baseball More baseball fields for this (and surrounding community's) robust and talented
youth baseball programs, better (safer) playground facilities)
1/9/2024 6:04 AM
89 Baseball Baseball fields 1/8/2024 9:51 PM
90 Baseball Baseball fields 1/8/2024 9:32 PM
91 Baseball More baseball fields 1/8/2024 8:42 PM
92 Mowing, watering 1/8/2024 8:09 PM
93 Baseball Need more ball fields 1/8/2024 8:04 PM
94 Baseball We need more baseball and softball fields for growing communities and youth
programs
1/8/2024 7:48 PM
95 Baseball Town ball baseball field 1/8/2024 7:41 PM
96 Baseball Baseball fields 1/8/2024 7:39 PM
97 Baseball Baseball fields 1/8/2024 7:34 PM
98 Baseball More Baseball fields 1/8/2024 7:26 PM
99 Baseball Baseball field 1/8/2024 7:23 PM
100 Baseball More baseball fields for youth to utilize 1/8/2024 7:18 PM
101 Baseball Soccer lacrosse football and baseball fields 1/8/2024 7:03 PM
102 Disc golf 1/8/2024 6:57 PM
103 Splash Pad 1/8/2024 3:21 PM
104 Connectivity 1/6/2024 8:38 AM
105 Ice Rinks 1/3/2024 8:01 PM
106 Pool 1/2/2024 8:44 PM
107 Dog inclusive amenities 12/29/2023 7:17 PM
108 At least two more sand courts in either Pebble or Demontreville 12/26/2023 12:57 AM
109 Comfortable and assessable places to read or gather (trees, benches etc). Inviting.12/18/2023 1:04 PM
110 Basketball courts with lights; very poor basketball court offerings in Lake Elmo.12/17/2023 4:21 PM
111 More bike trails 12/10/2023 7:42 PM
112 A large, fun splash pad playground similar to what Woodbury has.12/9/2023 11:43 AM
113 Updated playgrounds 12/8/2023 7:01 PM
114 Keep parks nature, less amenities 12/8/2023 6:38 PM
115 Swimming pool or water park 12/8/2023 6:0 2 PM
116 Take out biking. Interferes with bird watching and huge disruption to creature habitat 12/8/2023 3:30 PM
117 Maintenance, bathrooms, upkeep of equipment 12/8/2023 3:03 PM
118 Trails plowed during the winter 12/8/2023 2:31 PM
119 Baseball Baseball fields 12/8/2023 2:25 PM
120 Ski only paths. People walk on groomed trail and ruins it for skis 12/8/2023 2:23 PM
121 Blacktop walking paths plowed 12/8/2023 2:21 PM
122 Designated, safe bike trails to the parks 12/8/2023 2:20 PM
123 Pool more swimming area- bunker beach 12/8/2023 2:08 PM
124 Knowledge of where they are. I was unaware of most of them on the list.12/5/2023 4:26 PM
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125 Splash pad 12/3/2023 10:28 PM
126 Nature play similar to Tamarack Nature Center in White Bear Lake 12/3/2023 12:56 PM
127 Mountain bike trails 12/3/2023 11:12 AM
128 Splash pad/ pools 12/2/2023 7:32 PM
129 Easy to walk to on sidewalks from our neighborhood 12/2/2023 3:19 AM
130 The new neighborhoods should have parks, public spaces for the children in the neighborhood 12/1/2023 11:09 PM
131 Water features like a splash pad! There's not much for pools or water features in the East
Metro. A splash pad would be great. A city pool would be even better.
12/1/2023 9:20 PM
132 Include biking trails 12/1/2023 6:02 PM
133 Gun ranges 12/1/2023 4:58 PM
134 Water access. Skate park, bike pump track 11/28/2023 8:08 PM
135 More bike trails and routes through lake elmo 11/28/2023 7:03 PM
136 Keeping the trails clearned of obstructions .11/28/2023 6:27 PM
137 Our parks are great. I wish that bike/walking accessibility around the city would improve. If
there was any addition I would include, it would be more prairie restoration.
11/28/2023 11:34 AM
138 Updated playground at Tana Ridge park.11/28/2023 11:13 AM
139 Splash pad 11/28/2023 10:18 AM
140 Bike tracks, swimming pool 11/28/2023 10:05 AM
141 Bring back some tennis courts, not just pickle ball, please.11/28/2023 10:02 AM
142 Local community park 11/28/2023 9:23 AM
143 Disc golf 11/25/2023 10:49 AM
144 A 1/4 mile track would be great 11/25/2023 10:31 AM
145 Water pad 11/21/2023 8:54 PM
146 Lit tennis courts and ice rinks with warming areas-It is pretty much impossible to bring young
kids to ice skate without having a place to warm up, and to my knowledge there are no rinks
with warming houses.
11/21 /2023 12:34 PM
147 drinking fountains (appreciate the bathrooms already); water access (i.e., splash pad or city
access to Lake Elmo lake)
11/20/2023 9:32 PM
148 Baseball Aquatic Center, Splash Pads, Mountain Biking Trails, Organized Sports specific
fields (baseball, football, soccer)
11/20/2023 11:39 AM
149 Winter maintained walking opportunities 11/19/2023 2:28 PM
150 Natural undisturbed areas 11/18/2023 11:10 AM
151 Tennis courts 11/18/2023 11:10 AM
152 Swimming 11/18/2023 8:32 AM
153 We need a large sporting complex (soccer, baseball, etc)11/18/2023 7:49 AM
154 Disc gol f 11/17/2023 5:59 PM
155 Ice skating rinks 11/17/2023 5:25 PM
156 mountain bike trails 11/16/2023 2:08 PM
157 More Skating Rinks 11/16/2023 1:07 PM
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52.59%244
31.68%147
26.94%125
23.28%108
22.84%106
9.48%44
8.84%41
8.41%39
Q19 During the colder-weather months (October-April), what draws you to
visit one of the parks? (Select all that apply)
Answered: 464 Skipped: 89
Total Respondents: 464
#OTHER (PLEASE DESCRIBE)DATE
1 walking/running trails (safe/plowed)1/24/2024 8:12 PM
2 Walking/Hiking Walking/hiking 1/20/2024 9:33 AM
3 Walking/Hiking Any ability to walk with dog 1/20/2024 7:15 AM
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Sledding hill
Snowshoeing
Ice skating
Skiing
Other (please
describe)
Winter biking
Birding
Ice fishing
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Sledding hill
Snowshoeing
Ice skating
Skiing
Other (please describe)
Winter biking
Birding
Ice fishing
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4 Walking/Hiking Walking 1/19/2024 7:39 PM
5 Walking/Hiking walking dog 1/19/2024 2:39 PM
6 Walking/Hiking Walking 1/17/2024 1:30 PM
7 Walking/Hiking walking 1/16/2024 4:45 PM
8 Walking/Hiking want trails plowed so I can walk 1/15/2024 8:04 PM
9 Programs 1/14/2024 3:56 PM
10 Training dog 1/14/2024 2:24 PM
11 Walking/Hiking Walking 1/12/2024 10:50 PM
12 Walking/Hiking walking dog 1/12/2024 10:39 AM
13 cross country skiing 1/11/2024 9:10 PM
14 Don’t use 1/11/2024 6:55 PM
15 Walking/Hiking Dog walking 1/11/2024 2:48 PM
16 Trail running 1/11/2024 9:34 AM
17 Walking/Hiking Running, still use trails / paths available 1/11/2024 9:29 AM
18 Walking/Hiking Dog walking 1/11/2024 9:20 AM
19 Playing on playground in snow 1/11/2024 4:44 AM
20 Hiking 1/10/2024 9:07 PM
21 Hiking 1/10/2024 8:31 PM
22 Pickleball 1/10/2024 8:14 PM
23 Cross Country Skiing 1/10/2024 4:40 PM
24 Walking/Hiking Dog walking 1/10/2024 4:27 PM
25 Clear path access from neighborhood would be useful 1/10/2024 4:03 PM
26 Walking/Hiking Walking 1/10/2024 3:59 PM
27 Walking/Hiking walking 1/10/2024 3:50 PM
28 Cross country skiing 1/10/2024 3:33 PM
29 Walking/Hiking Walking 1/10/2024 3:17 PM
30 None, not much available for winter activities.1/10/2024 3:13 PM
31 None 1/10/2024 2:09 PM
32 Walking/Hiking Walking 1/10/2024 1:47 PM
33 Walking/Hiking running 1/10/2024 12:14 PM
34 Walking/Hiking Walking 1/10/2024 8:22 AM
35 Walking/Hiking Walking, but we have to drive to a park with plowed paths 1/10/2024 8:16 AM
36 Walking/Hiking Winter walks 1/9/2024 10:36 PM
37 Playgrounds even in the winter 1/9/2024 7:56 PM
38 Walking/Hiking Walking 1/9/2024 7:28 PM
39 NA 1/9/2024 4:56 PM
40 Nothing 1/9/2024 4:42 PM
41 Walking/Hiking Walking if plowed 1/9/2024 3:28 PM
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42 Outdoor exercise 1/9/2024 3:26 PM
43 Walking/Hiking Dog walking 1/9/2024 3:24 PM
44 The paved trials. Please plow them all winter.1/9/2024 3:16 PM
45 Playgrounds - we go year-round!1/9/2024 2:50 PM
46 Walking/Hiking Dog walking 1/9/2024 2:37 PM
47 Can’t you don’t plow trails 1/9/2024 1:53 PM
48 Hiking using ice cleats or chains on my boots. (Not snowshoeing per se)1/9/2024 1:18 PM
49 Walking/Hiking Running and walking . Would be nice if the trails got plowed 1/9/2024 1:14 PM
50 Walking/Hiking Walking 1/9/2024 1:10 PM
51 Walking/Hiking Dog walking 1/9/2024 1:06 PM
52 Walking/Hiking hiking 1/9/2024 8:17 AM
53 Walking/Hiking Walking 1/8/2024 7:53 PM
54 Walking/Hiking Walking trails 1/8/2024 2:37 PM
55 Walking/Hiking Winter walking/running 1/6/2024 1:11 PM
56 Walking/Hiking Walking????1/6/2024 7:12 AM
57 Walking/Hiking walking / hiking 1/4/2024 3:27 PM
58 Walking/Hiking Walking/Running 1/4/2024 6:38 AM
59 Fat tire biking 1/3/2024 8:43 PM
60 Walking/Hiking Walking 12/31/2023 7:44 PM
61 Maintained Paths and Trails 12/29/2023 7:17 PM
62 Walking/Hiking Walking in nature/green space 12/18/2023 1:04 PM
63 Walking/Hiking Outdoor running (cleared paths)12/17/2023 4:21 PM
64 Safe winter playgrounds 12/15/2023 10:36 PM
65 Don’t go in winter 12/15/2023 6:09 PM
66 Walking/Hiking Hiking 12/13/2023 2:06 PM
67 Walking/Hiking snow hiking 12/11/2023 3:45 PM
68 Walking/Hiking Walking 12/9/2023 7:49 AM
69 Playground 12/8/2023 7:01 PM
70 Walking/Hiking Hiking 12/8/2023 5:38 PM
71 Walking/Hiking Walking / hiking 12/8/2023 4:16 PM
72 Walking/Hiking Hiking 12/8/2023 3:30 PM
73 Walking/Hiking Walking ability 12/8/2023 2:31 PM
74 Ice rink wss not enjoyable with no warming shack to change anf holes in middle of ice rink that
was dangerous
12/8/2023 2:21 PM
75 Walking/Hiking Nature hikes 12/8/2023 2:20 PM
76 Walking/Hiking Running 12/8/2023 2:08 PM
77 Walking/Hiking walking dogs 12/4/2023 3:01 PM
78 Walking/Hiking running 12/3/2023 7:00 PM
79 Walking/Hiking Able to run on trails that are clear 12/2/2023 7:59 PM
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80 Walking/Hiking Walking 12/2/2023 9:47 AM
81 Walking/Hiking Clear paths for walking 12/2/2023 3:19 AM
82 Enjoying nature 12/1/2023 7:20 PM
83 Walking/Hiking dog walking 12/1/2023 6:02 PM
84 Playground 11/30/2023 2:42 PM
85 Walking/Hiking Hiking 11/28/2023 8:46 PM
86 Walking/Hiking Walking on groomed trails.11/28/2023 6:27 PM
87 Hockey at Lions Park 11/28/2023 5:52 PM
88 Walking/Hiking Trails for walking.11/28/2023 11:34 AM
89 Walking/Hiking Winter hiking 11/28/2023 10:55 AM
90 Walking/Hiking Walking 11/28/2023 10:26 AM
91 Fresh air and energy burn for kids 11/28/2023 10:05 AM
92 Do not visit 11/28/2023 9:23 AM
93 Walking/Hiking Hiking 11/28/2023 9:17 AM
94 Walking/Hiking walking 11/28/2023 9:10 AM
95 Walking/Hiking Jogging 11/25/2023 10:31 AM
96 Walking/Hiking Walking trails 11/24/2023 1:10 PM
97 Walking/Hiking Walking 11/23/2023 5:52 PM
98 Walking/Hiking Hiking 11/21/2023 4:16 PM
99 Cleared off paths. My kids will play on the playground in any weather 11/21/2023 1:29 PM
100 Walking/Hiking Walking/Running 11/20/2023 10:38 AM
101 Need to seek other facilities for exercise because parks not maintained 11/19/2023 2:28 PM
102 Walking/Hiking Access to walk there 11/18/2023 1:09 PM
103 Walking/Hiking Hiking 11/18/2023 11:06 AM
104 Playgrounds 11/18/2023 10:47 AM
105 Walking/Hiking Parks with walking/hiking 11/17/2023 9:51 PM
106 Walking/Hiking Walking 11/17/2023 8:01 PM
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92.98%503
7.02%38
Q20 Do you feel safe in the parks/open spaces of Lake Elmo? If not, what
would help you feel safer while enjoying them?
Answered: 541 Skipped: 12
TOTAL 541
#NO, PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY:DATE
1 Pebble park needs lights 1/20/2024 9:33 AM
2 Playgrounds in close proximity to sports fields 1/19/2024 11:22 PM
3 I feel safe, but would feel a lot better if walking/biking trails were plowed by the city in the
winter.
1/16/2024 4:45 PM
4 Regular patrols to get the teens smoking pot and lighting fires in Pebble park, unfortunately too
close to the new Oakdale development
1/13/2024 5:02 PM
5 Maybe camera in the parking lot. I’ve seen several cars just sit and park, or meet others in the
car at pebble park.
1/13/2024 1:29 PM
6 Heavy drug usage in cars is ALWAYS happening at Goose Lake Park 1/11/2024 1:50 PM
7 Not always as persons park there for drug use at times.1/10/2024 4:03 PM
8 Many playgrounds are outdated 1/10/2024 4:00 PM
9 Cleanup the buildings/area around lions park. Adding more to Reid versus just wooded areas
around it.
1/10/2024 3:13 PM
10 So many people from outside the community 1/10/2024 2:09 PM
11 lack of Sheriff Patrols for drug enforcement 1/10/2024 1:46 PM
12 No safe walking routes to get there due to roads & cars. Once I’m there I feel safe though. 1/10/2024 1:36 PM
13 At the parks themselves I feel safe, but it’s very hard to walk anywhere safely in Lake Elmo. 1/10/2024 11:59 AM
14 Mostly feel safe But Pebble park has a lot of drugs and prostitution happening there 1/10/2024 11:56 AM
15 City walking paths not plowed.1/10/2024 8:22 AM
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Yes
No, please
explain why:
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No, please explain why:
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16 I would feel safe if all the trails were cleared in the winter of ice and snow 1/9/2024 10:36 PM
17 Pebble park frequently has people driving in the parking lot to use bathrooms or kids drink. 1/9/2024 9:41 PM
18 Plowing in winter 1/9/2024 8:49 PM
19 Cleared snow and ice 1/9/2024 7:28 PM
20 Lack of snow plowing 1/9/2024 3:28 PM
21 Ice and snow on paved trails.1/9/2024 3:16 PM
22 Too icy 1/9/2024 2:55 PM
23 Please p low trails and sidewalks 1/9/2024 2:37 PM
24 Way too many off leash dogs in nearly all park spaces. Selfish people forcing others to carry
mace or protection from the dogs.
1/9/2024 1:18 PM
25 Pebble Park has a lot of people in cars waiting for other cars to pull up. Have heard of drugs
there quite a bit
1/8/2024 6:27 PM
26 Walking trails to get to them 1/8/2024 2:37 PM
27 I feel safe in the parks but the walk to them can be risky due to lack of quality pedestrian
crossings.
1/6/2024 1:11 PM
28 Poor maintenance of brush in Reid Park poses tripping hazards.1/6/2024 8:38 AM
29 Trails are not plowed in winter 12/31/2023 7:44 PM
30 We are within walking/biking distance of pebble park. We don’t let our kids go unsupervised
because of the odd vehicles/behavior often parked there. A regular police visit at dusk hours
wou ld help.
12/22/2023 12:48 PM
31 The enclosed parks don’t feel safe - lack of law enforcement & patrol 12/15/2023 10:36 PM
32 If more people used parks. Safety in numbers.12/9/2023 12:04 AM
33 Pebble park is sketchy with lots of cars coming and going 12/8/2023 2:23 PM
34 Getting to any park outside of our neighborhood is almost impossible without a car. We need to
implement biking paths all over our city.
11/28 /2023 11:34 AM
35 Need to enforce leash laws for dog owners 11/21/2023 4:16 PM
36 The only thing that feels unsafe about them is access. Many have poorly marked and
dangerous access from walking/biking trails
11/21/2023 12:34 PM
37 Need cleared trails to access 11/20/2023 10:38 AM
38 Lack of safe use in winter, lack of safe pedestrian crossings on 14 and 17 11/19/2023 2:28 PM
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Q21 What is your biggest concern about Lake Elmo’s parks?
Answered: 323 Skipped: 230
#RESPONSES DATE
1 Space to continue supporting organized sports in area - it is such a positive aspect for youth in
our community.
1/24/2024 8:12 PM
2 Fewer winter activities for kids and adults 1/22/2024 8:09 PM
3 Not enough game playable baseball fields 1/22/2024 4:44 PM
4 Maintaining natural habitat/wildlife.1/20/2024 9:33 AM
5 We have a very poor trail system (either bike and/or walk) in Lake Elmo, compared to other
nearby cities. Sadly, this includes Woodbury which has an excellent system of trails/walking
paths that connect their parks and neighborhoods. We used to say in Lake Elmo that we didn't
want to become another Woodbury, but in this respect they've been far more forward looking
than us.
1/20/2024 7:15 AM
6 Need more baseball fields so kids in the Lake Elmo community can play Playgrounds in closer
proximity to the fields Safe paths for kids to bike around community to and from the parks
1/19/2024 11:22 PM
7 Older parks playgrounds are old worn and outdated.1/19/2024 12:04 AM
8 Not enough baseball/softball space.1/18/2024 11:45 AM
9 Most are so small and boring, really just geared toward kids.1/18/2024 9:41 AM
10 We need more us eable baseball fields and parking (complex with concessions would be ideal).
The VFW field is long overdue to be upgraded, and additional fields would definitely be
appreciated!
1/17/2024 1:30 PM
11 The city should maintain trails in all neighborhoods. It should not be the individual
neighborhoods to do that. There is plenty of taxpayer dollars to support this.
1/16/2024 4:45 PM
12 maintenance done on a ti mely basis 1/15/2024 8:04 PM
13 Nothing 1/15/2024 5:29 PM
14 Not enough baseball fields 1/15/2024 12:56 PM
15 Conserving open space parks and baseball fields as housing developments continue to build 1/15/2024 7:27 AM
16 There are not enough baseball fields to support the teams in the area.1/14/2024 9:09 PM
17 There is high demand for pickleball courts. It would be great to have more of them. New are
being built , but the old at Lion's Park is in great need of repair.
1/14/2024 4:23 PM
18 Not well cared for. Old equipment.1/14/2024 3:56 PM
19 More natural habitat 1/14/2024 2:24 PM
20 Safety- too many teens loitering, play structures are old and falling apart. No sidewalks in tri
lakes area to get to any of the parks.
1/13/2024 5:02 PM
21 Slow development for a growing community 1/13/2024 2:59 PM
22 The maintenance and upkeep of the park is lacking. The availability of fields in groomed
conditions is limited. when visiting teams come to our fields we should have pride that we play
for Lake Elmo instead it’s embarrassing when people come to our fields that are in disrepair
with grass growing on the baseball diamond in the infield where nice dirt should be. At some
point this is going to create an area of safety, as the children will not be able to field ball safely
as the condition of the fields are not well-maintained. Player safety on a baseball field is
paramount. When a field is in disrepair, it poses significant risks such as uneven surfaces that
can lead to trips or falls, divots that can cause ankle injuries, or irregularities that affect
1/13/2024 1:57 PM
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gameplay. Proper maintenance and regular inspections are essential to ensure that the playing
surface meets safety standards, protecting players from potential harm.
23 Walking trails often have downed limbs or trees 1/13/2024 7:20 AM
24 Lack of restrooms 1/13/2024 7:13 AM
25 Lack of options for safe walking around the tri lakes as well as a lack of activities offered at
Demontreville Park. Also concerning is all the destruction and trees plowed down and killed
recently at Demontreville Wildlife park. My walking trail for the past decade is no longer a trail,
but a wide open space. The “Wildlife “ is now missing from the wildlife park. It’s very sad.
1/12/2024 10:50 PM
26 Up keep 1/12/2024 7:03 PM
27 Not enough game useable baseball fields with lights or outdoor ice with warming houses. 1/12/2024 4:32 PM
28 Adequate trail grooming 1/12/2024 4:17 PM
29 accessibility by walking or biking 1/12/2024 4:15 PM
30 vandalism 1/12/2024 1:35 PM
31 Lake Elmo regional park (Wash Cty part) is such a great park with so much better trails, etc
than smaller LE parks can offer.
1/12/2024 1:03 PM
32 Lack of parks 1/12/2024 12:44 PM
33 We need more baseball fields 1/12/2024 12:22 PM
34 Keeping up the maintenance of grounds, parking and play surfaces. Have plenty of containers
for disposables and signs that say “carry out what you carry in”!!
1/12/2024 11:22 AM
35 hard to find not knowing which park i'm in (signage)1/12/2024 10:45 AM
36 Natural areas are being destroyed by loud intrusive activities such as mountain bike trails 1/12/2024 10:39 AM
37 No real big concerns 1/12/2024 10:29 AM
38 Too many small ones with amenities no better than what people have in their backyard 1/12/2024 10:07 AM
39 Not enough 1/12/2024 4:28 AM
40 Up keep 1/12/202 4 2:58 AM
41 Lack of safe routes to bike/walk 1/11/2024 9:20 PM
42 being able to bike there safely 1/11/2024 9:10 PM
43 Not enough baseball fields to support demand 1/11/2024 8:29 PM
44 Knowing where they are and type of activities 1/11/2024 6:55 PM
45 Just love them 1/11/2024 6:40 PM
46 Need more and better baseball fields 1/11/2024 5:55 PM
47 Overuse by bicycles and impact to wildlife 1/11/2024 5:06 PM
48 Lack of path s or sidewalks for getting to the parks 1/11/2024 3:53 PM
49 Managing and maintaining what already exists and doing it in environmentally friendly ways 1/11/2024 2:48 PM
50 Lack of biking trails in the city 1/11/2024 1:47 PM
51 too much focus on urbanization, not enough naturalization 1/11/2024 1:30 PM
52 A lot of them require travel on narrow or major roadways which can be dangerous. I would like
to see more inclusive ways to access the parks such as bike lanes and pathways that are
safer for everyone to use. I would also hope that they continue to celebrate the natural beauty
of Lake Elmo versus leaning towards more flat, treeless fields.
1/11/2024 1:10 PM
53 Maintain Sunfishlake park safety for walkers . The bike trail through such a beautiful park was
a waste and is not safe!!
1/11/2024 1:09 PM
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54 Litter and discarded rubbish.1/11/2024 1:07 PM
55 I would really like to see more walking and biking paths connecting the parks and all the
beautiful nature and green spaces in lake elmo. I would all really love to see a whole
renovation of lions park with a new and bigger playground and efforts to plant more trees and
gardens to make it a space the community wants to gather. The current lions park and
surrounding area is run down and not inviting. As the center of our community, having this
space renovated would bring more people to Main Street.
1/11/2024 10:48 AM
56 The need for more baseball fields.1/11/2024 10:46 AM
57 poor maintenance of pickleball courts at Lions Park 1/11/2024 9:48 AM
58 CIty upkeep, particularly for the parks in the downtown area. It's a really nice area that could
bring in city residents and grow with the city population but Lions and VFW park seem
rundown.
1/11/2024 9:37 AM
59 Not many paths to them 1/11/2024 9:34 AM
60 Lack of accessibility (wide walk or bike path) from neighborhoods (I.e. there is not a walking
path or sidewalk along the highway portion of lake Elmo ave or manning)
1/11/2024 9:29 AM
61 Facilities not kept up because of money 1/11/2024 8:15 AM
62 Poor and unsafe walking/biking paths to get to parks.1/11/2024 6:53 AM
63 Resurface courts 1/11/2024 5:28 AM
64 buckthorn!1/11/2024 5:05 AM
65 Love the new pickleball additions. Thank you!1/10/2024 11:28 PM
66 Some are in poor repair.1/10/2024 9:17 PM
67 Loitering and intentional destruction. People doing drugs.1/10/2024 9:11 PM
68 Disruptive use that prevents other uses 1/10/2024 9:07 PM
69 Lack of upkeep 1/10/2024 8:49 PM
70 Lack o f safe paths to the parks 1/10/2024 8:48 PM
71 Aging play equipment and safety of that equipment plus, they are eyesores!1/10/2024 8:31 PM
72 N/A 1/10/2024 8:16 PM
73 None 1/10/2024 8:08 PM
74 Kleis park is in need of better playground equipment 1/10/2024 8:04 PM
75 Too few pickleball courts. Condition of pavement at courts at lions park.1/10/2024 7:57 PM
76 Too many small parks with few amenities 1/10/2024 7:37 P M
77 We don’t have enough baseball fields. Other city can host tournaments and we only have two
fields. It’s a disgrace.
1/10/2024 7:34 PM
78 Playground equipment needs to be updated 1/10/2024 7:15 PM
79 So many people in lake Elmo now.1/10/2024 7:01 PM
80 Needs better playgrounds 1/10/2024 6:45 PM
81 Most of the playgrounds that are close to us and we frequent are REALLY outdated, in poor
condition, and small.
1 /10/2024 6:17 PM
82 Older equipment.1/10/2024 6:07 PM
83 Some of the facilities are getting old and worn.1/10/2024 5:58 PM
84 Not enough baseball fields 1/10/2024 5:25 PM
85 Playgrounds are damaged and outdated.1/10/2024 5:25 PM
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86 Not enough baseball fields 1/10/2024 5:19 PM
87 No pathways to get to them.1/10/2024 4:40 PM
88 Need more police patrols 1/10/2024 4:03 PM
89 No maintenance of playgrounds 1/10/2024 4:00 PM
90 Playground equipment that is old and in disrepair. Also (if I can name a second concern) the
mountain biking chased me away from Sunfish Lake Park.
1/10/2024 3:59 PM
91 I need to become more educated on the parks we have & the amenities available. Reading
through this list I realized there are a lot of parks to check out!
1/10/2024 3:32 PM
92 The parks are nice, the curb appeal could use improvement around downtown. Also, trail
accessibility to multiple locations.
1/10/2024 3:13 PM
93 Not enough baseball fields limiting the amount of teams feasible which causes talent to go to
Stillwater or elsewhere
1/10/2024 2:58 PM
94 Not enough baseball fields to support the commun ity 1/10/2024 2:09 PM
95 Not enough baseball fields 1/10/2024 2:09 PM
96 There are not enough baseball fields that are usable for games and tournaments.1/10/2024 1:56 PM
97 That there is far too much attention and push for pickleball instead of updating existing
facilities/ playgrounds. Some playgrounds are far past their prime and are rusty, but not being
given the attention they need.
1/10/2024 1:47 PM
98 Ne ed more baseball fields 1/10/2024 1:45 PM
99 Walkable access for kids and adults 1/10/2024 1:36 PM
100 Not enough baseball fields to support growth / level of play 1/10/2024 1:17 PM
101 Not enough safe playground equipment 1/10/2024 1:10 PM
102 Build the fields to offer opportunities for the youth grow and develop.1/10/2024 1:08 PM
103 It would be sad if they closed the mountain bike trails / also worried that the parks will get
swallowed up by new housing
1/10/2024 12:57 PM
104 Need more baseball fields 1/10/2024 12:41 PM
105 Safety - esp at lions 1/10/2024 12:21 PM
106 Need more sidewalks connecting to the new communities to the parks, and safe crosswalks
with lights and signs, b/c high speed traffic on Lake Elmo Ave is very dangerous, especially
around 41st and 39th
1/10/2024 12:14 PM
107 Would like More trails 1/10/2024 12:10 PM
108 Bathrooms 1/10/2024 12:10 PM
109 Developing Lions Park to attract more Seniors to the town Center 1/10/2024 12:10 PM
110 The lack of sidewalks and pedestrian crossings to safely get to parks and the age/accessibility
of playground equipment. Bathrooms or clean port-a-potties at all parks would be very helpful,
too.
1/10/2024 11:59 AM
111 aging over time 1/10/2024 11:58 AM
112 Not updated, espec ially having old playground equipment or equipment that hasn’t been fixed.
Taking away tennis and basketball for pickleball (where is the young people sports). Port-a-
potty’s not being serviced in a timely manner.
1/10/2024 11:56 AM
113 I live in the northwest corner of Lake Elmo, and must walk/bike on narrow, winding roads to
access parks close to my house.
1/10/2024 11:29 AM
114 Parking on street - smal l lot by inwood park would be better 1/10/2024 11:28 AM
115 I would like them to be all interconnected through sidewalks and trails.1/10/2024 11:19 AM
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116 They're extremely aged. The playground equipment is dangerous to use because of its age
(Kleis park is a great example). The playground would get so much more use if it was
modernized and investments were put into it.
1/10/2024 10:17 AM
117 Lack of trails, parks are too far 1/10/2024 8:46 AM
118 City does not plow walking paths. It’s very frustrating since many of us try to stay active even
in the winter.
1/10/2024 8:22 AM
119 lack of protection from the sun with seating and bathroom facilities with young children.1/10/2024 8:17 AM
120 The paved paths are icy and snow covered in winter.1/10/2024 8:16 AM
121 Wheel chair excess ability 1/10/202 4 8:11 AM
122 My biggest concern is city trails not being cleared/maintained during the winter, especially
surrounding Goose Lake.
1/10/2024 7:46 AM
123 Accessibility via sidewalk. We have to cross a busy road with no crosswalk and no
expectation from traffic that pedestrians will be around. Also the sidewalk randomly ends at
multiple locations. (Crossing Stillwater Blvd into downtown Lake Elmo)
1/10/2024 7:27 AM
124 Asphalt trails are not plowed in winter.1/10/2024 5:09 AM
125 That the trails are not free from ice and snow in the winter 1/9/2024 10:36 PM
126 Lack of good playgrounds and outdated equipment. I also live 1 mile away from pebble park
but drive because I don’t feel safe walking or biking on the narrow road.
1/9/2024 9:41 PM
127 Dog owners not picking up behind their pets. Kids roll around in the grassy areas!1/9/2024 9:30 PM
128 Did not like the addition of mountain bike trails at Sunfish. In our opinion, the bike trails and
lack of grooming for ski and snow shoe trails has ruined the beauty of the park.
1/9/2024 8:57 PM
129 Mostly feel safe but there are times where I feel people park to drink, do drugs and buy drugs
shoot off illegal fireworks.
1/9/2024 8:22 PM
130 Aging playgrounds, no trail connectivity 1/9/2024 7:56 PM
131 Commonly used trails are not cleared of snow 1/9/2024 7:28 PM
132 Some playgrounds are outdated 1/9/2024 7:16 PM
133 Nothing.1/9/2024 7:09 PM
134 None 1/9/2024 7:00 PM
135 The walk/pathways aren’t cleared of snow/ice (in some development parks), during the winter
which is a safety hazard for the residents.
1/9/2024 6:36 PM
136 Keeping in clean and safe 1/9/2024 6:32 PM
137 Lack of safe walking/biking infrastructure to get to/from parks (for example, Demontreville
Wildlife Park and Tablyn).
1/9/2024 6:30 PM
138 Not enough options, small 1/9/2024 6:20 PM
139 The need to plow the walking trails during the winter. The trails are a larger reason why we
bought our house in lake elmo and to not have them maintained in the winter is an issue
1/9/2024 6:02 PM
140 We’ve lost softball fields due to th e Royal Golf club and they’ve never replaced them. It’s
unfair to the youth and adult programs. Lake Elmo was the loser in that deal with The Royale.
1/9/2024 5:36 PM
141 Not a lot of walking trails to parks 1/9/2024 5:07 PM
142 Should have more Baseball and softball fields.1/9/2024 4:56 PM
143 Clearing of walkways and paths during winter.1/9/2024 3:52 PM
144 Besides lack of plowing, sometimes sketchy people park there 1/9/2024 3:28 PM
145 We are currently unable to utilize trails during the winter since they are not maintained.1/9/2024 3:24 PM
146 Winter maintenance. The city should be plowing/maintaining these areas and not pushing this 1/9/2024 3:21 PM
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onto HOAs.
147 The city owned paved paths around neighborhoods and along roads are not plowed all winter.
This makes them treacherous to use and limits our ability to be active without driving
somewhere.
1/9/2024 3:16 PM
148 Maintenance of paths in snowy weather 1/9/2024 3:00 PM
149 Updated play equipment, better overall maintenance. More bike paths.1/9/2024 2:50 PM
150 Most look very abandoned and neglected.1/9/2024 2 :44 PM
151 See above 1/9/2024 2:37 PM
152 City should be responsible for maintaining trails/paths within and surrounding the parks instead
of leaving it to residents/HOAs if the park is within a residential community.
1/9/2024 2:36 PM
153 Maintaining trails in the winter months 1/9/2024 2:27 PM
154 Walking paths to parks being maintained year round.1/9/2024 2:20 PM
155 Some parks are run down/ equipment rusting 1/9/2024 2:10 PM
156 Replace old and damaged playground equipment and broken signs 1/9/2024 1:55 PM
157 You do absolutely zero winter maintenance on trail system 1/9/2024 1:53 PM
158 No bathrooms 1/9/2024 1:49 PM
159 Wild animals 1/9/2024 1:39 PM
160 Not enough basketball courts 1/9/2024 1:38 PM
161 Off leash dogs. Always the off leash dogs.1/9/2024 1:18 PM
162 Developing natural areas. Preserve nature and wildlife.1/9/2024 1:13 PM
163 As our population grows, they need to keep up w/ the growing demand, not just for parking, but
providing easy access for those that don't want to (or can't) drive.
1/9/2024 1:10 PM
164 Lack of off-leash dog parks, lack of trails connecting parks to streets 1/9/2024 1:06 PM
165 We do not have enough baseball fields for the kids in area. Given the resources in the
community, this feels li ke a big miss.
1/9/2024 9:48 AM
166 Need more parks for kids sports 1/9/2024 8:33 AM
167 lot's of small neighborhood parks, nice big nature parks, but we don't enough baseball fields 1/9/2024 8:17 AM
168 Extremely limited options for football, soccer, and baseball. Our youth need to get more active
in organized sports and away from screens. Having adequate facilities will encourage that. It
can also boost th e local economy by hosting soccer and baseball tournaments.
1/9/2024 7:56 AM
169 Lack of baseball facilities. This is a huge program in the East Metro. Playgrounds are run down
and lack safety for young children. No walking areas. Baseball fields are not kept up and are
lack luster compared to other metro communities.
1/9/2024 6:04 AM
170 I wish overall lake elmo had more street lights. It’s hard to even walk in neighbor during winter
months due to no street lightning
1/9/2024 5:05 AM
171 Not enough baseball/softball fields for our growing community and organizations.1/8/2024 8:23 PM
172 They are not maintained 1/8/2024 8:09 PM
173 Need more ball fields 1/8/2024 8:04 PM
174 Not enough baseball fields 1/8/2024 7:53 PM
175 We need more baseball fields!1/8/2024 7:49 PM
176 Outsiders or inner city visitors will ruin e xperience for young and old by gathering in groups or
gangs
1/8/2024 7:42 PM
177 Not enough fields 1/8/2024 7:41 PM
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Lake Elmo Parks System Plan
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178 Converting them to sport focused activities. Building sport focused amenities (pickle
ball/baseball/soccer/basketball) limits that space for those specific noninclusive activities
compared to open spaces and walking trails.
1/8/2024 7:40 PM
179 Not enough baseball or softball fields 1/8/2024 7:34 PM
180 Not enough baseball fields 1/8/2024 7:26 PM
181 Not enough facilities for organized youth sports 1/8/202 4 7:03 PM
182 Maintenance of them. Lake Elmo has the MOST parks and no ability to maintain them. It's
pointless to keep putting new parks in and not maintain the ones already here.
1/8/2024 6:27 PM
183 Overall quality of upkeep and grassy space is far inferior to many other cities.1/8/2024 4:10 PM
184 Shade shelter for pilot park 1/8/2024 3:21 PM
185 There are not walking/biking trails to get to them.1/8/2024 2:37 PM
186 Pedestrian crossings across the major arteries.1/6/2024 1:11 PM
187 Overreach without proper maintenance support.1/6/2024 8:38 AM
188 Buckthorn 1/6/2024 7:12 AM
189 Aside from the run/bike routes I've discussed plenty, it's the lack of a dog park and other legal
off-leash spaces for them and families.
1/5/2024 8:35 PM
190 Accessible year round 1/5/2024 5:40 PM
191 They aren't connected to each other in a meaningful way.1/5/2024 3:57 PM
192 Lack of interconnecting Trails and Lack of Trail Maintenance 1/4/2024 6:38 AM
193 Need more biking and walking paths 1/3/2024 9:02 PM
194 Lack of trails to get to parks and connecting other parts of the city 1/3/2024 8:43 PM
195 Not enough ice rinks or ice fishing 1/3/2024 8:01 PM
196 No real concerns, but see #22 1/3/2024 7:37 PM
197 Plow the trails to make year fitness e asier 12/31/2023 7:44 PM
198 Connecting parks to local neighborhoods via a trail system 12/30/2023 8:37 AM
199 Unplowed, non-maintained paths 12/29/2023 7:17 PM
200 Invasive species 12/26/2023 12:57 AM
201 That you get the LOCAL neighborhood input before making a change. Even if another path is
chosen, people need to be brought along on the journey.
12/22/2023 12:48 PM
202 Accessibility 12/21/2023 2:20 PM
203 Parks seem to have no plan. Inconsistent. Poor quality play equipment - not diverse. Most
concerning, lack of accessibility and access (sidewalks, accessible equipment, accessible
surfacing). Lake elmo is way behind surrounding communities.
12/19/2023 8:29 AM
204 1. Some feel out dated and not well used (Kleis). 2. Buckthorn invasions 12/18/2023 1:04 PM
205 Sometimes they are not tended to after a storm — exampl e, Reid Park last spring and late
winter.
12/18/2023 12:59 AM
206 Lack of basketball courts; trails feel unconnected both from each other and other cities.12/17/2023 4:21 PM
207 Lack of accessibility by any thing other than a car….12/15/2023 10:36 PM
208 Trails to connect oarks 12/15/2023 6:43 PM
209 Over use 12/15/2023 6:09 PM
210 Trails leading to these parks aren’t cleared so on a sunny winter day we can’t ut ilize them.
Upkeep of the parks! A place for dogs!
12/14/2023 3:49 PM
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211 Hard to access by foot 12/12/2023 5:03 PM
212 There is a need for a handicap-accessible playground, more trail interconnection, and for a
splash pad
12/11/2023 3:45 PM
213 Continued maintenance and upkeep. Parks should be a priority to the city.12/11/2023 2:14 PM
214 Having trails to get there 12/10/2023 2:48 PM
215 Old broken playgrounds 12/9/2023 9:32 PM
216 More old/large trees. Stop tearing down all the beautiful trees every time development occur s. 12/9/2023 11:43 AM
217 Too much urban development 12/9/2023 8:22 AM
218 People with dogs off leash.12/9/2023 7:49 AM
219 That they will get developed and gone.12/9/2023 7:11 AM
220 Lack of walkable or bicycle access.12/9/2023 12:04 AM
221 Playgrounds are outdated. I would also love connected walking or biking trails (similar to
Woodbury’s that go around the lakes) that travel from the parks to our city cent er to connect all
the neighborhoods.
12/8/2023 7:01 PM
222 Sunfish Lake Park has such a wonderful multi-use trails. I worry about the safety of bikers who
get on the single-track trails without helmets or other proper gear and without knowing what
they're getting into, with some of the high-risk features. Additional signage about the risks, the
importance of helmets, care at intersections with walking trails, and adhering to the trail signs
could be really helpful.
12/8/2023 6:44 PM
223 Keep parks clean and nature, less development.12/8/2023 6:38 PM
224 Lack of variety 12/8/2023 6:02 PM
225 Not enough basketball courts near southern edge of Lake Elmo, have to go to Woodbury for
basketball.
12/8/2023 5:38 PM
226 Not connecting trails. Especially in winter.12/8/2023 4:16 PM
227 Outdated playgrounds. Especially th e Lions Park downtown playground. It is unsafe for young
kids
12/8/2023 3:29 PM
228 Upkeep...we have the MOST parks per capita and most are not well taken care of. If you are
putting more parks in then you must put a plan in place to maintain them. Most have broken
equipment or are unkept
12/8/2023 3:03 PM
229 Old equipment 12/8/2023 2:48 PM
230 Biking trails to get to the parks 12/8/2023 2:39 PM
231 No easy to walk or bike to 12/8/2023 2:37 PM
232 Need more infrastructure 12/8/2023 2:31 PM
233 Vandalism 12/8/2023 2:31 PM
234 Narrow trails.12/8/2023 2:31 PM
235 While playgrounds are wonderful for the young kids, finding things for the older kids and adults
is key. Diversification of equipment is key too. Don't make all the parks a carbon copy of one
another. Biking at one, basketball at another, etc
12/8/2023 2:28 PM
2 36 Lack of nice baseball fields 12/8/2023 2:25 PM
237 Not enough parking at sunfish 12/8/2023 2:23 PM
238 Not consistently maintained (mowing, branches over trails), lack of safe bike access to parks,
outdated play equipment or facilities
12/8/2023 2:20 PM
239 Getting there. Trails that connect 12/8/2023 2:08 PM
240 Would like more picnic tables and play equipment 12/6/2023 8:17 AM
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241 Awareness of them! Then what is offered in each.12/5/2023 4:26 PM
242 that they won’t stay around. i love them.12/4/2023 3:01 PM
243 Being forced by the city to accept a port-a-potty in a neighborhood park. Especially since
we've lived here over 20 years and never needed a port-a-potty since most park visitors live in
the neighborhood and just go home to use facilities as needed.
12/3/2023 7:00 PM
244 F at tire bike paths in proximity to walking paths. Dangerous!12/3/2023 3:33 PM
245 Aging play equipment 12/3/2023 11:12 AM
246 Running trails that connect between parks 12/2/2023 7:59 PM
247 More housing 12/2/2023 4:27 PM
248 The slide at Demontreville park has been broken and boarded up for the last two years - it be
nice to be fixed.
12/2/2023 10:23 AM
249 For some closer parks, we need to cross roads with fast traffic and no stop signs or stop lights
close to our route to protect our crossing. We need safe, car-protected crossings and more
sidewalks along roads in Lake Elmo so we canget to the parks on foot.
12/2/2023 3:19 AM
250 The city has not provided them for the new neighborhoods.12/1/2023 11:09 PM
251 Lack of any water feature like a splash pad.12/1/2023 9:20 PM
252 Not connected to trail systems 12/1/202 3 6:19 PM
253 Asphalt trails are aging and need to be resurfaced 12/1/2023 6:02 PM
254 You can die getting to them 12/1/2023 4:58 PM
255 Access without a vehicle 11/30/2023 9:02 PM
256 Lack of walk ability. Also, LE park reserve in the summer- we have encountered some scary
situations with people making our teen girls uncomfortable.
11/30/2023 5:21 PM
257 Lack of safe biking trails to access the parks 11/30/2023 2:42 PM
258 The removal of them for more houses like is happening in the rest of lake elmo 11/30/2023 2:17 PM
259 Lack of common area Facilities - drinking fountain, bathrooms, sink, covered pavilion 11/30/2023 1:09 PM
260 Getting there safely 11/30/2023 1:01 PM
261 Lack of access and natural areas being overrun by buckthorn and other nonnative plants 11/30/2023 12:48 PM
262 Location and accessibility by walk/run 11/30/2023 11:55 AM
263 I am skeptical to even say anything- Won’t be heard.11/29/2023 4:23 PM
264 That someone will decide they’re not important and try to sell the land.11/29/2023 3:57 AM
265 I want more of them to allow dogs off leash.11/28/2023 8:46 PM
266 Lack of sustainable funding, lack of priority, lack of city staff, developer-driven planning. 11/28/2023 8:08 PM
267 Not being able to walk to bike safely, need more trails connecting 11/28/2023 7:14 PM
268 Just would want more biking pathways to be able to get around easier 11/28/2023 7:03 PM
269 Keeping it as it is.11/28/2023 6:27 PM
270 The ugly satellite toilets that the kids and the wind tip over, that is a public health issue with all
that "stuff" flowing on the ground.
11/28/2023 5:52 PM
271 The danger of encountering bikes while walking on the trails.11/28/2023 5:21 PM
272 sidewalks to get there 11/28/2023 4:51 PM
273 Lack of maintenance.11/28/2023 4:27 PM
274 Park reserve closes fishing pier too early 11/28/2023 2:52 PM
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275 Accessibility. We have great parks, but they are hard to get to without a car.11/28/2023 11:34 AM
276 Upkeep/maintenance 11/28/2023 11:03 AM
277 I would like to see a trail connect more of them together.11/28/2023 10:55 AM
278 Not all parks need the same signage, support, etc. example - Tana Park has a sign that fells
the same size as the park :) Also - VFW park playground is insanely high off the grou nd. My
kids love that playground but I feel it is super unsafe.
11/28/2023 10:53 AM
279 Weed control and upkeep of pickleball courts 11/28/2023 10:26 AM
280 The city makes decisions based on a 'one-size fits all' mentality. Not every park needs a port-
a-potty, as an example.
11/28/2023 10:23 AM
281 lack of bike trails & connectivity 11/28/2023 10:20 AM
282 Poor to non-existent maintenance 11/28/2023 10:05 AM
283 I don't have one big concern, a couple small ones. (1) Lack of trees at Lions Park -- it would be
nice if trees could be planted to replace the shade trees that were removed. (2) Replacement
of tennis courts w/ pickleball: Would be nice to have a well-maintained tennis court, not just
pickleball courts.
11/28/2023 10:02 AM
284 not enough options 11/28/2023 9:52 AM
285 Lack of timely maintenance. I believe the quality of the parks in Lake Elmo is impacted
because maintenance is lacking or delayed. This is worth investing in.
11/28/2023 9:31 AM
286 Upkeep 11/28/2023 9:29 AM
287 Upkeep- can’t add new parks without a plan to keep the current parks nice.11/28/2023 9:27 AM
288 Development encroaching on park spaces.11/28/2023 9:26 AM
289 Unknown visitors from outside area 11/28/2023 9:23 AM
290 Eventually falling into neglect 11/28/2023 9:17 AM
291 The parks being developed with homes 11/28/2023 9:12 AM
292 No plowing of sidewalks near carriage station park and on 50th.11/28/2023 6:56 AM
293 Bathrooms garbage cans and lack of basketball courts 11/26/2023 11:40 AM
294 Trail maintenance for hiking, xc skiing, mountain biking and fat tire biking.11/25/2023 11:23 AM
295 No interconnected biking trails 11/24/2023 1:10 PM
296 Just continuing to keep them available 11/23/2023 5:52 PM
297 Upkeep and maintenance of current parks. Regular weed treating and lawn service.11/22/2023 9:28 AM
298 Need to be updated especially the Pilot Park.11/21/2023 8:54 PM
299 buckthorn 11/21/2023 4:16 PM
300 That they would go away!11/21/2023 4:13 PM
301 Parking and paths 11/21/2023 1:29 PM
302 Connectedness to various parks and trails 11/21/2023 1:08 PM
303 That there at too may developments and the city council has NO idea what they are doing.
Keep lake Elmo beautiful and rural as much as possible! Please don’t ruin it and turn it into
Woodbury
11/21/2023 1:03 PM
304 Ability to connect trails-especially in the winter. Many paths are not cleared, making it
impossible to travel without a car.
11/21/2023 12:34 PM
305 My biggest concern is that the quantity/access t o publicly accessible green/recreation space
within the City of Lake Elmo has not kept pace with the growing population - I'd love to see
Lake Elmo be planning for equitable access to larger and connected green/recreation space
(i.e., more "jewels" like Sunfish Lake and Reid park with their great trail system, or Lions Park
11/20/2023 9:32 PM
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which has a great sense of community during organized or pickup games (baseball, pickleball,
volleyball all being aggregated there is super ideal for that! although space is tight...) and which
can serve as good places to build community and for both newer and long-time (elderly/young,
abled/disabled, poor/rich, etc.) City residents to fully embrace the character and community of
Lake Elmo.
306 Lack of a cohesive approach and plan.11/20/2023 11:39 AM
307 Lack of plowing/snow removal on paved trails and lack of crosswalks on bust main roads. 11/20/2023 10:38 AM
308 They are not kept up well, look terrible!! Weeds, trees not pruned/maintained, low mulch,Porta
potty not on main path right by park. No shade spots to sit with little ones/babies!
11/20/2023 9:43 AM
309 Upkeep 11/19/2023 4:30 PM
310 City resources to maintain facilities.11/19/2023 2:28 PM
311 I live in Easton Village - Pilot Park needs bet ter mulch. We'd prefer wood chips or rocks,
something less toxic to small children. Otherwise I appreciate the responsiveness of the parks
committee to fixing broken equipment and drainage issues - thank you!
11/19/2023 8:55 AM
312 City needs its own parks and recreation department that can provide and advocate for funding,
provide amenities and programming.
11/18/2023 1:09 PM
313 Over development of natural areas that are suppose to be left intact. The habitat at 3M Tartan
Park has been destroyed and wildlife habitat lost. Not every park has to offer everything. It's
important to be stewards of the land. Partner with school to use playground at existing
elementary school .
11/18/2023 11:10 AM
314 Trails and modern facilities and modern equipment 11/18/2023 11:10 AM
315 There aren’t enough parks with divers e activities for a city of this population. Specifically for
kids ages 10-17.
11/18/2023 11:06 AM
316 Not enough paths and walking trails 11/18/2023 10:47 AM
317 Playground equipment renewal and addition of strength training equipment for older kids and
adults.
11/18/2023 8:32 AM
318 That as new development continues, parks and open space are considered to be planned and
considered important.
11/17/2023 11:23 PM
319 Park, trail, neighborhood connectivity 11/17/2023 10:06 PM
320 Lack of basketball courts 11/17/2023 10:01 PM
321 Want our parks to serve all residents 11/17/2023 9:51 PM
322 Not many basketball courts or ice skating rinks 11/17/2023 5:25 PM
323 Degraded Equipment 11/16/2023 1:07 PM
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Q22 If you could prioritize one change that would improve your experience
with parks and trails, what would it be? (Is there a specific park or trail
connection where you could make that change?)
Answered: 290 Skipped: 263
#RESPONSES DATE
1 connection between parks or connection to the gateway or brown's creek or other trail network. 1/24/2024 8:12 PM
2 Build more game playable baseball fields 1/22/2024 4:44 PM
3 No motorized bikes or scooters (including electric) on the trails.1/20/2024 9:33 AM
4 Invest in connecting all parks and neighborhoods throughout the city with a system of
trails/walkng/biking paths, even if this needs to be a long-term plan.
1/20/2024 7:15 AM
5 Safe paths to and from parks from neighborhoods around Lake Elmo for children 1/19/2024 11:22 PM
6 Add trees to Lake Jane Hill Park 1/19/2024 2:39 PM
7 Plow/clear the snow 1/19/2024 12:04 AM
8 It seems most of the parks are really just a parking lot and a little playground structure for the
kids, and a picnic table. I want to connect to nature like Lake Elmo Regional Park offers, but
closer to home, and without the fees.
1/18/2024 9:41 AM
9 Add more usable baseball fields 1/17/2024 7:51 AM
10 City should maintain all trails.1/16/2024 4:45 PM
11 More signage on trails 1/15/2024 8:04 PM
12 Nothing comes to mind.1/15/2024 5:29 PM
13 Additional baseball fields 1/15/2024 12:56 PM
14 Ample parking 1/15/2024 7:27 AM
15 Add more baseball fields 1/14/2024 9:09 PM
16 Kleis Poor equpment 1/14/2024 3:56 PM
17 I would like a safe entrance from Highway 5 into Lake Elmo Park, preserve via bike trail 1/14/2024 2:25 PM
18 Sidewalk access to demontreville park and pebble park from the Olson and demontre ville area. 1/13/2024 5:02 PM
19 Ivywood need for more Pickleball courts 1/13/2024 2:59 PM
20 The church field is an embarrassment. When a field is in disrepair, it poses significant risks
such as uneven surfaces that can lead to trips or falls, divots that can cause ankle injuries, or
irregularities that affect gameplay. Proper maintenance and regular inspections are essential to
ensure that the playing s urface meets safety standards, protecting players from potential
harm.
1/13/2024 1:57 PM
21 Gravel paths especially Reid park 1/13/2024 7:20 AM
22 An ice rink and/or soccer net or tennis courts at DeMontreville Park to bring neighbors out and
together in an area where long driveways and wide yards seem to keep us apart.
1/12/2024 10:50 PM
23 Lions park Pickleball courts are in great need of resurfacing.1/12/2024 7:03 PM
24 trail/sidewalk cleaning during winter months 1/12/2024 4:32 PM
25 more baseball fields 1/12/2024 4:15 PM
26 trail signs for those of us who are directionally challenged 1/12/2024 1:35 PM
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27 More baseball fields and outpost hockey rinks 1/12/2024 12:27 PM
28 Where possible connect parks with the trail system in Lake Elmo.1/12/2024 11:22 AM
29 Get rid of mountain bike trails 1/12/2024 10:39 AM
30 Permanent Pickleball courts at Lions park 1/12/2024 10:07 AM
31 More baseball fields 1/12/2024 4:28 AM
32 More outdoor rinks 1/12/2024 2:58 AM
33 More connected trails system. Connect neighborhoods. Safety o n road crossings is a
significant concern!
1/11/2024 9:20 PM
34 bike lanes on roads 1/11/2024 9:10 PM
35 More baseball fields 1/11/2024 8:29 PM
36 N/a 1/11/2024 6:55 PM
37 Smooth out the bike trails some of them are very bumpy 1/11/2024 6:40 PM
38 Need more and better baseball fields 1/11/2024 5:55 PM
39 Keeping some trails hiking only.1/11/2024 5:06 PM
40 Plow the paved trails during the winter.1/11/2024 1:50 PM
41 rem ove all the manicured lawns that use water we don't have and require pesticides and
herbicides.
1/11/2024 1:30 PM
42 I would add connection trails to Sunfish Lake Park on a less heavily traveled and more easily
accessible road. Possibly have an entrance off of Ideal (where paved paths already exist)
instead of 14.
1/11/2024 1:10 PM
43 See No 21 1/11/2024 1:09 PM
44 More walking trails 1/11/2024 1:07 PM
45 Lions park!1/11/2024 10:48 AM
46 Lowered speed limits near trails that connect neighborhoods. Currently there are community
trails on both sides of Lake Elmo Ave (Wildflower, Legacy North Star, Sunfish Lake) however
you have to cross a 55 mph road to get there. Unsafe for kids and even adults at times.
Adding roundabouts, lowered speed limits or under road tunnel would improve.
1/11/2024 9:37 AM
47 More paths b etween them 1/11/2024 9:34 AM
48 walking path or sidewalk along the highway portion of lake Elmo ave or manning 1/11/2024 9:29 AM
49 Sunfish Lake amenities and walking paths to walk to Sunfish.1/11/2024 6:53 AM
50 Keep pickleball courts open and available at Lions Park 1/11/2024 5:50 AM
51 buckthorn removal and continued maintenance to keep it out 1/11/2024 5:05 AM
52 Playground with a splash pad 1/11/2024 4:44 AM
53 water fountains 1/10/2024 11:28 PM
54 Maintain playing and parking surfaces consistently.1/10/2024 9:17 PM
55 Snow plowed in the winter months 1/10/2024 9:07 PM
56 Fix pickleball courts 1/10/2024 8:49 PM
57 Expand trail system at Demontreville Wildlife Park 1/10/2024 8:31 PM
58 New pickleball courts at Lions Park 1/10/2024 8:16 PM
59 Make a permanent pickleball court at Lions Park. It brings lots of business t o the local coffee
shop and daytime life to the area. I have no other reason to go downtown otherwise.
1/10/2024 7:37 PM
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60 New playground at Pebble Park and Lyons park.1/10/2024 7:15 PM
61 Bike lanes traffic is terrible and drives so fast.1/10/2024 7:01 PM
62 Connection to legacy neighborhood 1/10/2024 6:45 PM
63 There is not safe transit by walking or bike around the Tri-lakes area where many of the parks
are located. Sunfish, Klein, pebble, demontriville.
1/10/2024 6:17 PM
64 Legacy northstar connected to sunfish lake.1/10/2024 6:07 PM
65 Additional baseball fields/complex to host youth ba seball tournaments 1/10/2024 5:25 PM
66 Update playgrounds 1/10/2024 5:25 PM
67 Bike paths 1/10/2024 5:12 PM
68 Plow neighborhood path in winter 1/10/2024 4:03 PM
69 Improve playground equipment and surrounding space around it 1/10/2024 4:00 PM
70 More small dog parks. I would love to walk new trails all over town, but have a space to let our
dog off leash for part of the walk. We’re very excited for the new large dog park, but that’s just
one space we can check out. Even if they were acre/half acre spaces near playgrounds or
trails, that would be amazing.
1/10/2024 3:32 PM
71 Trail access to the reserve would be nice. More walking trails between downtown and nearby
neighborhoods.
1/10/2024 3:13 PM
72 More baseball fields 1/10/2024 2:58 PM
73 More walking paths 1/10/2024 2:20 PM
74 More baseball/sports fields 1/10/2024 2 :18 PM
75 More baseball fields 1/10/2024 2:09 PM
76 Additional baseball fields 1/10/2024 1:56 PM
77 Ensure current amenities are addressed before adding anything additional 1/10/2024 1:47 PM
78 Walkable access to sunfish lake park from back of Legacy at North Star neighborhood 1/10/2024 1:36 PM
79 I’d love to be able to walk/run on sidewalks from Lake Elmo Ave to Sunfish Lake Park!1/10/2024 1:36 PM
80 Live in a c ommunity the park is very small for now the amount of people that live here. The
park should be larger with more equipment/swings to accomodate the size of the neighborhood
(legacy at Northstar)
1/10/2024 1:26 PM
81 Adding a splash pad would be nice.1/10/2024 1:10 PM
82 Pleade include benches or tables with seating at new pickleball courts at Pebble and Tablyn.
Ivywood is good with bench near court and pi cnic shelter close by to get out of sun. However
would need more seating at Pebble and Tablyn if organized play is planned for the future (and I
hope it is planned).
1/10/2024 1:05 PM
83 Need benches for seating at pickleball court locations.1/10/2024 1:02 PM
84 I really love spending time in Sunfish and hope the keep it maintained 1/10/2024 12:57 PM
85 Playground near all recreation parks for kids to play on - but within eyesight of where parents
sit to watch
1/10/2024 12:41 PM
86 Easier crossing busy roads to get to them.1/10/2024 12:21 PM
87 More sidewalks to connect them 1/10/2024 12:14 PM
88 More public trails throughout lake elmo 1/10/2024 12:10 PM
89 Think of Senior Citizens and their potential park use. Develop more for them in city center 1/10/2024 12:10 PM
90 Sidewalks near the Lake Elmo Elementary and t he Legacy at North Star / Wildflower
neighborhoods. There is absolutely no where to cross Lake Elmo Ave safely.
1/10/2024 11:59 AM
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91 Update playground equipment 1/10/2024 11:56 AM
92 More pickle ball courts 1/10/2024 11:47 AM
93 More walking/biking paths in the north section of Lake Elmo.1/10/2024 11:29 AM
94 - small parking lot by inwood park would be better 1/10/2024 11:28 AM
95 I would like to see a connection from Sunfish Lake Park that connects to the North side of
Lake Elmo Park Preserve. Ideally a bridge under highway 14 for safety would be ideal.
1/10/2024 11:19 AM
96 Kleis park is in desperate need of a new playground.1/10/2024 10:17 AM
97 More trails 1/10/2024 8:46 AM
98 Plowing the walking paths. I live in lake ridge crossing and it would be great to have the paths
plowed. Even to connect us to Ivy park. I’m sure those residents would appreciate as well.
1/10/2024 8:22 AM
99 Add a paved path along 10th street and add one to Lake Elmo avenue.1/10/2024 8:16 AM
100 City trail winte r maintenance 1/10/2024 7:46 AM
101 Make safer crosswalks and trails/sidewalks crossing Stillwater Blvd from the north and south
by the school Lake Elmo bank area. Make a safe pedestrian crossing area linking the parks on
the north (firefly etc) to Lions park and those south.
1/10/2024 7:27 AM
102 Add another dog park or two 1/10/2024 6:22 AM
103 Plow ALL asphalt trails in Lake Elmo 1/10/2024 5:09 AM
104 The trails in the Savona and surrounding neighborhoods should be plowed and de-iced every
winter
1/9/2024 10:36 PM
105 Make bike/walking trails connecting the different neighborhoods to downtown lake elmo. 1/9/2024 9:41 PM
106 Snow removal 1/9/2024 8:49 PM
107 Connecting trails throughout the city would be nice? North end cut off from their rest. 14 too
busy
1/9/2024 8:30 PM
108 Connect all parks by bike trails 1/9/20 24 8:01 PM
109 Connect wildflower trail to the trail in the northeast. They are so close!1/9/2024 7:56 PM
110 Connect more trail systems such as Firefly to Tanya Ridge 1/9/2024 7:53 PM
111 Make a safe connection from Legacy at Northstar to downtown lake Elmo. Would love for my
kids to be able to bike to the library, but we can only make it as far as the Legacy
neighborhood when traffic is busy.
1/9/2024 7:16 PM
112 None 1/9/2024 7:00 PM
113 More picnic tables or seating at some of them 1/9/2024 6:36 PM
114 Less speed boats, less hours when they can create wakes. Markings for distance from shore
for speed boats.
1/9/2024 6:32 PM
115 Safe walking/biking infrastructure to get to/from parks 1/9/2024 6:30 PM
116 Close to new neighborhoods 1/9/2024 6:20 PM
117 3-4 softball fields so tournaments counts be held. There’s noth ing like it in Lake Elmo or
Stillwater.
1/9/2024 5:36 PM
118 Trails 1/9/2024 5:07 PM
119 Need a new 4 baseball fields set up with bathrooms in the center.1/9/2024 4:56 PM
120 Some kind of a shelter/community center that events could be held at 1/9/2024 4:42 PM
121 Snow plowing trails 1/9/2024 3:28 PM
122 Winter plowing of shared walking paths.1/9/2024 3:26 PM
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123 Snow removal during winter months so trails can be used year-round.1/9/2024 3:24 PM
124 Plow the paved trails in all parks and neighborhoods.1/9/2024 3:16 PM
125 Plowing/maintaining paths in snowy weather 1/9/2024 3:00 PM
126 Consistent maintenance of the paths. HOAs have hands tied with liability if they try to clear
them. Neighbor used to clear part of a path but was told he could be sued if he caused any
damage. Meanwhile, they are too icy to use.
1/9/2024 2:55 PM
127 More bike paths. We love to bike to all the beautiful Lake Elmo parks!1/9/2024 2:50 PM
128 City owned trail maintenance vs HOA 1/9/2024 2:44 PM
129 Amenities like basketball court.1/9/2024 2:44 PM
130 City should be responsible for maintaining trails/paths within and surrounding the parks instead
of leaving it to residents/HOAs if the park is within a residential community.
1/9/2024 2:36 PM
131 Clearing snow on the trails so walking in winter is safe!1/9/2024 2:34 PM
132 The reason we visit limited lake Elmo parks is due to their stroller or wheelchair accessibility
limitations. We cannot use our stroller in most parks.
1/9/2024 2:27 PM
133 Being maintained year round.1/9/2024 2:20 PM
134 Plow trail system in goose lake neighborhood 1/9/2024 1:53 PM
135 Bathrooms at parks esp ones with playgrounds for kids 1/9/2024 1:50 PM
136 More walking trails- put a walking path on 40th and manning 1/9/2024 1:49 PM
137 Add basketball court to Ivywood/Stonegate, and an ice skating rink in the winter 1/9/2024 1:38 PM
138 Actual policing of the off leash dogs. I know this sounds like a broken record, but it is a
problem in city parks, county parks, and state parks in this county. It won’t change until we
start to implement consequences for the beha vior.
1/9/2024 1:18 PM
139 Have the city actually take care of the trials . Make sure ppl pick up there dog poop on there
own trials and walk path
1/9/2024 1:14 PM
140 Access to Sunfish Lake Park via cty rd 14 1/9/2024 1:06 PM
141 Addition of more baseball fields where possible. These would be used heavily April - July and
provide opportunity to connect with the community.
1/9/2024 9:48 AM
142 Purchase land for a large city park. Community events and youth sports.1/9/2024 8:17 AM
143 Enhance athletic fields.1/9/2024 7:56 AM
144 Lions baseball field, adding at least one 4-field complex that can serve to host games and
tournaments, leading to more funding for the association and community.
1/9/2024 6:04 AM
145 Dog park needed in lake elmo 1/9/2024 5:05 AM
146 Baseball fields at more parks, running paths 1/8/2024 9:51 PM
147 More older kid baseball/softball fields would be great. There are lots of parks with fields for the
younger ages.
1/8/2024 9:32 PM
148 More baseball field 1/8/2024 9:13 PM
149 Need more ball fields 1/8/2024 8:04 PM
150 Baseball complex 1/8/2024 7:53 PM
151 More fields for organized sports and youth activities 1/8/2024 7:48 PM
152 Walking/biking paths that are easy to follow to each. Connecting them will hel p people utilize
them more.
1/8/2024 7:40 PM
153 The Lions and VFW baseball parks are an embarrassment. No bathrooms, litter everywhere,
it’s not the image Lake Elmo wants to represent.
1/8/2024 7:39 PM
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154 Community center with lots of space for old and young in addition to a park 1/8/2024 7:03 PM
155 Keep up with the equipment, make sure the playgrounds, fields, etc are safe.1/8/2024 6:27 PM
156 Water the grass and make it more comfortable to run with your kids.1/8/2024 4:10 PM
157 Shade shelter for pilot park 1/8/2024 3:21 PM
158 A walking /biking trail from Lake Elmo to Stillwater High School.1/8/2024 2:37 PM
159 Interconnecting the trails 1/6/2024 1:11 PM
160 More baseball fields.1/6/2024 9:56 AM
161 Safely maintained connective trails so that we can either walk or bike to our destination. 1/6/2024 8:38 AM
162 I live in Easton Village, and there is only one safe route out, through Reid Park or the service
road, with really only two options: either cross Stillwater Ave (and risk my and my dog's life)
into the housing North of LE Elementary or into the Reserve's back entrance. It's not safe to
run/bik e (my kids are 10) along the lake to the south without a trail, and heading out Manning is
out of the question. Again, no trail. 30th Street sidewalk is often treacherous with ice in the
winter.
1/5/2024 8:35 PM
163 Plow the trails during the winter 1/5/2024 5:40 PM
164 Connect by trail the Lake Elmo downtown to the Lake Elmo Park Reserve.1/5/2024 3:57 PM
165 connect parks to Lake Elmo Reserve with walking / bike trails 1/4/2024 3:27 PM
166 Trail connection from 31st St to Old Town (North side of Lake Elmo Park Reserve along Co Rd
14)
1/4/2024 6:38 AM
167 A biking and walking trial from Target to downtown Lake Elmo would be ideal. A biking trail on
Inwood from highway 5 to 10th street would also be much appreciated.
1/3/2024 9:02 PM
168 Tablyn park needs better equipment and trails to neighborhoods 1/3/2024 8:43 PM
169 Accessibility by walk/run/bike (no walking paths) because of busy Stillwater Blvd.1/3/2024 8:01 PM
170 More and better pickleball courts. Play at Lions Park in summer and the courts are
deteriorating. Spend more time going to Stillwater to play.
1/3/2024 7:37 PM
171 Nature playscapes 1/2/2024 12:05 PM
172 Plow the trails in winter 12/31/2023 7:44 PM
173 Trail access from outer neighborhoods to the city of lake elmo for things like outdoor sports,
playgrounds, library, coffee, dining, groceries, etc. would much prefer to shop local and get
exercise.
12/30/2023 8:37 AM
174 Path along 10th street near Lake Elmo Park Reserve 12/29/2023 7:17 PM
175 PUT SKI TRACKS IN SUNFISH AND REOPEN THE CLOSED TRAILS THERE!12/26/2023 12:57 AM
176 Safely bike-able roads/paths for our kids between neighborhoods and parks.12/2 2/2023 12:48 PM
177 When our daughter was younger, I often wished for a form of exercise for the parents while
watching your kid play at the park. (rather than just sitting on the bench) I also really enjoy
walking trails and would want any opportunity to enjoy them year round.
12/21/2023 2:20 PM
178 Accessibility. Purposeful planning and management. Stop letting builders decide on park land
and cheap park structures. Connect parks with paths.
12/19/2023 8:29 AM
179 Winter plowing of paved paths 12/18/2023 1:04 PM
180 Make more trails close to the downtown part of Lake Elmo.12/18/2023 12:59 AM
181 Connections to Woodbury and Stillwater.12/17/2023 4:21 PM
182 Accessibility - make the city more walkable and bikeable.12/15/2023 10:36 PM
183 Connect trails between Wildflower and Fields of St Croix 12/15/2023 6:43 PM
184 Trails along 10th st to Lake Elmo reserve 12/15/2023 6:09 PM
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185 Clear the paths in the winter!!12/14/2023 3:49 PM
186 Ability to connect via smaller roads 12/12/2023 5:03 PM
187 I’d love to see more biking/walking trails. Especially something to bike fast on like the
Gateway trail.
12/11/2023 7:44 PM
188 Nothing specific other than what is listed above. One more thing more money for care and
upkeep of the parks. The parks are being maintained adequately but more coul d be done.
Equipment is old, sometimes trash is not picked up for example. Invest more in general
maintenance.
12/11/2023 3:45 PM
189 Safer biking connection over/under CO 14.12/11/2023 2:14 PM
190 Some sort of kids water play. Like fountains, pool, splash pad is needed.12/10/2023 2:48 PM
191 Playground updates 12/9/2023 9:32 PM
192 Better and safer trails along Manning Ave, especially to/from the Fairgrounds .12/9/2023 11:43 AM
193 Additional trails on and under the High voltage line easements that criss cross the Lake Elmo
community.
12/9/2023 7:49 AM
194 More trails especially along busy streets. A trail along Lake Elmo Ave would be ideal to
access Lions Park.
12/9/2023 12:04 AM
195 Safe routes for biking or walking to parks and city center (I live near Tablyn park)12/8/2023 7:01 PM
196 Stated above 12/8/2023 6:44 PM
197 Water fountains that work 12/8/2023 6:02 PM
198 Add basketball court to Ivywood Park 12/8/2023 5:38 PM
199 Truth. Connect trails from sunfish to Northstar to Lake Elmo preserve.12/8/2023 4:16 PM
200 Sunfish—A previous council’s overriding of previous city legal actions (city ordinance and city
intent in MN Land Trust documents) allowed one council person to use a city administrator to
obfuscate and e liminate protective ordinances to put in a personal activity for his son—biking
in Sunfish Lake Park. Instead of the Parks Commission coming to council with park ideas he
directed monies be spent carrying out Council desires. Immoral and illegal to eliminate an
ordinance put in place by previous citizen voted referendum.
12/8/2023 3:30 PM
201 Sunfish Lake needs better signage within the park trails 12/8/2023 3:03 PM
202 Biking/walking path on 10th street 12/8/2023 2:39 PM
203 Connected paths to city parks that are plowed during the winter 12/8/2023 2:37 PM
204 More walking paths/trails 12/8/2023 2:31 PM
205 Plow during the winter.12/8/2023 2:31 PM
206 I'd love to have the lake Elmo parks connect to the park reserve. Somewhere near goose lake
to get into the entrance safer, and an exit via hike/bike on the other side that could dump you
into downtown. The idea of hiking through the park reserve and ending up downtown Lake Elmo
to patronize the businesseswould be wonderful
12/8/2023 2:28 PM
207 Buy more land for natural space instead of so many housing projects 12/8/2023 2:23 PM
208 Bike trail access to parks from neighboring residential areas, Lake Elmo residents and city
council and staff seeing our parks as ass ets to this community and protecting, preserving and
maintaining good parks and trails
12/8/2023 2:20 PM
209 Trains that meet up and connect to the preserve 12/8/2023 2:08 PM
210 See 21 12/6/2023 8:17 AM
211 You have ruined Sunfish lake and turned it into a dangerous place to walk/ hike. Bikes seem to
be ruling out everything else.
12/5/2023 4:26 PM
212 Plow trails in the winter 12/4/2023 3:49 PM
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213 more parks!:)12/4/2023 3:01 PM
214 Crossing Stillwater Blvd is rather dangerous, especially at Laverne Ave N. It would be nice to
have a more controlled intersection for safer trail connection.
12/3/2023 10:28 PM
215 Trails need to be plowed during the winter to allow people to run and walk throughout the winter
months
12/2/2023 7:59 PM
216 Provide a skating rink closer to the north end of town. It would be nice for all the parks to have
power and shelter space to plan activities (in case of inclement weather).
12/2/2023 10:23 AM
217 Better signage on walking trails with clear distances and clear labeling of which forks are
which.
12/2/2023 3:19 AM
218 Adding a splash pad.12/1/2023 9:20 PM
219 Tablyn park not connected to neighborhoods along Stillwater blvd.12/1/2023 6:19 PM
220 Make bike trail from Sunfish across or under Co14 to north side of Lake Elmo Park Reserve,
Continue the new paved trail (resurfaced fall 2022) from Keats to CO 14 and across the
highway into Sunfish Lake park
12/1/2023 6:02 PM
221 No walking path along 50th street, at the bottom of the hill. (Near 50th St N and Lily Ave north.
It is a death funnel for pedestrians!
12/1/2023 4:58 PM
222 More knowledge about what's available to visit 11/30/2023 9:02 PM
223 Being able to walk to the highschool from the Waston Billage neighborhood, or at the very least
to carriage station, where our bus stop is. We currently have to drive there.
11/30/2023 5:21 PM
224 Longer biking trails that connect neighborhoods safely for children would be a great benefit.
Specifically referring to Fields of St. Croix, Tana Ridge, Wildflower, Carriage Station.
11/30/2023 2:42 PM
225 4 way stop at Village/32nd in order to cross toward pilot park.11/30/2023 1:09 PM
226 Pilot Park needs more added to it. So much beautiful green space but nothing there besides a
playground and soccer nets (just recently).
11/30/2023 1:01 PM
227 Bike path along manning 11/30/2023 12:48 PM
228 Connecting walk trails /path 11/30/2023 11:55 AM
229 our tiny park has a porta potty that is aestheticall y ugly. Nobody uses the park but our
residents. We don’t use it -. people go home to the bathroom they don’t want to use a porta
potty. waste of taxpayer dollars and integrity of aesthetics. yet we repeatedly have to call to
have weeds growing high removed.
11/29/2023 4:23 PM
230 The trails are safer to walk on in the winter.11/29/2023 3:57 AM
231 At Sunfish it would be nice if dogs didn’t need to be leas hed.11/28/2023 8:46 PM
232 Trail / bike route connectivity and wayfinding.11/28/2023 8:08 PM
233 I love sunfish lake!!! If you guys can keep it up with continuing to build upon that trail system
and expanding that idea to other parks would be amazing!! Bentonville is a great example of a
town that implements biking and trails everywhere they can and it is crazy cool, and attracts a
lot of great attention and business to the town (All for good reasons)
11/28/2023 7:03 PM
234 More timely removal of trail obstructions.11/28/2023 6:27 PM
235 I would like Sunfish Lake Park returned to the way it was before bikes were allowed on the
trails.
11/28/2023 5:21 PM
236 More handicap accessible 11/28/2023 5:07 PM
237 Native plantings would add a lot to parks. Grasses, flowers, etc. pick up the trash. Empty
trash bins regularly.
11/28/2023 4:27 PM
238 I would like to see a bike path along Stillwater Blvd, 40th st. and connecting to the Gateway
trail.
11/28/2023 11:34 AM
239 Too many paths to parks have sections that are discontinued or require walking or biking on 11/28/2023 11:17 AM
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busy roads.
240 Please put in a biking trail to connect lake Elmo to oak park heights, Stillwater, and the lake
Elmo neighborhoods to the park reserve!
11/28/2023 10:55 AM
241 Want to be able to get safely across stillwater Blvd while biking or walking. My family lives on
the N side and likes to get to either lake Elmo elementary or lions/vfw and it’s not safe
11/28/2023 10:53 AM
242 be able to walk more pl aces, specifically be able to cross highway 5 11/28/2023 10:35 AM
243 Trail access from the east to Sunfish Lake Park that doesn’t require walking or biking along
Hwy 14. Additionally a bike & pedestrian bridge across Hwy 14 as the heavy traffic is making it
harder to safely cross and access either Lake Elmo or Sunfish Lake park.
11/28/2023 10:29 AM
244 Resurfacing pickle ball courts 11/28/2023 10:26 AM
245 The city needs to make sure they consider the way in which the park looks. Planting a bright
blue port-a-potty in the line of site of peoples homes is not ok. If we have to include a restroom
at our parks, then a structure needs to be built to hid it from sight.
11/28/2023 10:23 AM
246 connection of existing trails 11/28/2023 10:20 AM
247 Clearing paths in winter to make parks accessible by bike.11/28/202 3 10:17 AM
248 Regular maintenance, bike access 11/28/2023 10:05 AM
249 It would be the visibility of the port-a-potty at the tot lot in Tana Ridge park. (It's been removed,
but it will be back in the spring?) It's at the neighboring family's property line, and it is
unsightly. Could it be housed somewhere near the water house or Tana Ridge sports fields?
11/28/2023 10:02 AM
250 n/a 11/28/2023 9:52 AM
251 More maintenance. There is neglect of many of the parks in Lake Elmo. Let's protect the
investment in things we already have before building new parks or ammenities.
11/28/2023 9:31 AM
252 Fix trail around Fields of St Croix neighborhood that the city/county flooded 11/28/2023 9:29 AM
253 There should be a trail on the road between hagbergs and the bank. At a minimum the current
trail should turn and continue down past the school and into downtown lake Elmo toward lions
park. I strongly suggest a push button crossing light there as well if you can’t line up the trail
with the stop light.
11/28/2023 9:27 AM
254 More trails connecting park spaces so that the community can walk to the park rather than
drive.
11/28/2023 9:26 AM
255 It would be great to have a walking/bike trail from the Fields of St Croix (both
dev elopments)/Tana Ridge to downtown Lake Elmo. We would love to be able to continue our
walk or bike ride to visit the park near the library, the library or stop for coffee or a treat along
the Main Street. I don’t believe there is a connection so we’ve never tried to bike or walk into
the downtown area.
11/28/2023 9:20 AM
256 Keeping trails debris free and safe for hiking 11/28/2023 9:17 AM
257 More biking paths to downtown LE 11/28/2023 9:12 AM
258 If you're going to put port-a-potties in the parks, for the parks that are inside of neighborhoods,
please build a small shelter to enclose the port-a-potty, so we do not have ugly port-a-potties
visible from homes (Tana Ridge Park).
11/28/2023 9:10 AM
259 Plow and maintain the walking path on 50th. Also make the connection of that path into tana
ridge, it's very dangerous to walk on the path when it ends and you have to walk on the street
for 200 feet to reach the next section of walking path.
11/28/2023 6:56 AM
260 More lighted trails 11/25/2023 11:23 AM
261 Additional trails (unpaved is great) would expand the use for me 11/25/2023 10:31 AM
262 None 11/23/2023 5:52 PM
263 Shelter/ gazebo at Pilot Park. More benches.11/22/2023 3:04 PM
264 Trail connection along 15th S t to connect into Oakdale.11/22/2023 11:58 AM
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265 Updated equipment 11/21/2023 8:54 PM
266 creating safe bike/walking trail networks throughout the city 11/21/2023 4:16 PM
267 Lake Elmo Park Reserve entrance from downtown Lake Elmo.11/21/2023 4:13 PM
268 Parking at carriage park 11/21/2023 1:29 PM
269 Bike and walking trails connecting multiple neighborhoods and parks 11/21/2023 1:08 PM
270 Stop developments … add more walking/bike trials connecting to down town lake Elmo or
Stillwater.
11/21/2023 1:03 PM
271 work to connect the trails better and keep them clear in the winter.11/21/2023 12:34 PM
272 Biggest impact (but likely hard to accomplish) - plan for community park with plenty of multi-
use fields and ideally hiking/biking/walking trails, other park opportunities for all ages too! (i.e.,
some examples include: Hoffman Park in River Falls, MHealth Fairv iew Sports Center in
Woodbury, Kaposia Landing in South St Paul) Also big impact (but likely easier to accomplish):
Connect Lions Park (and downtown area) to Sunfish Lake Park via a trail system which keeps
users OFF of Stillwater Blvd. (would be SO ideal if the connection also encircled Sunfish Lake
itself!!!) Also big impact (and uncertain of ability to accomplish) - preserve the (largely
forested) green space area to the east of Lake Elmo lake bordered by Lake Elmo Ave N, Royal
Blvd N, 20th St N (or maybe even continuing north to 24th St/Legion Ave N borders) - add
hiking trails and make the area publicly accessible open-space which would be more
accessible esp. to Lake Elmo's residents in the southeast which doesn't have a lot of city
parks.
11/20/2023 9:32 PM
273 Bike Trails that connect parks/open space.11/20/2023 11:39 AM
274 Lack of plowing/snow removal on paved trails and lack of crosswalks on bust main roads. 11/20/2023 10:38 AM
275 Location of Porta potty at Pilot Park, closer to the park on the main path. Mostly used by
workers. Trucks fly though the park almost hitting kids crossing to the park from houses. Add
mulch!!
11/20/2023 9:43 AM
276 Ice rink at pilot park/pickleball court 11/19/2023 4:32 PM
277 Safe pedestrian connections to parks and trails 11/19/2023 2:28 PM
278 Dog poop bags available. Sometimes my dog poops twice on a walk and it’s embarrassing
when I run out of bags.
11/19/2023 11:07 AM
279 More walking/biking paths in the city, especially along Manning Ave. Connectivity with paved
trails is so important in a growing city with young kids.
11/19/2023 8:55 AM
280 Develop parks that me et the ever changing needs of the community and stop letting
developers build parks. Be progressive in planning and put parks as a priority
11/18/2023 1:09 PM
281 #1 Restore, safe, accessible walking loop at Sunfish Lake Nature Preserve by the parking lot.
#2 Lions Park needs a open shelter and trees by the children's playground.
11/18/2023 11:10 AM
282 More PickleBall courts for myself. Ball complex for the community.11/18/2023 11:06 AM
283 Trail access between Goose Lake park and Lake Elmo Park Reserve on west side of Keats,
so I don’t have to cross bust road without any stoplight or path
11/18/2023 10:47 AM
284 Paved bike trails are one of the biggest reasons why we moved into the metro area. A trail
along Stillwater Blvd, from downtown to Sunfish Lake park.
11/18/2023 8:32 AM
285 Safe walking trail alon g east side of lake elmo 11/17/2023 10:06 PM
286 Basketball court to ivywood park, please good sir/ma'am 11/17/2023 10:01 PM
287 Remove the bike trails from Sunfish Lake Park.11/17/2023 8:01 PM
288 Add basketball court to Ivywood Park 11/17/2023 5:25 PM
289 More options for shade, like sunshades or pavilions.11/17/2023 3:47 PM
290 Open back up the warning house at lions and more the rink to where it used to be .11/16/2023 1:07 PM
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Q23 Are there any other comments that you would like to provide that
have not been captured by the previous questions?
Answered: 151 Skipped: 402
#RESPONSES DATE
1 With the rapid growth of our community, we need more game playable baseball fields. This will
ensure no kids are left off of teams due to the time restraints with all the added teams needed.
1/22/2024 4:44 PM
2 Demontreville park would benefit from multi use courts for basketball and pickleball.1/20/2024 9:33 AM
3 We've become too separated by individual neighborhoods and developments that focus on
small exclusivity and not community connectivity.
1/20/2024 7:15 AM
4 Baseball fields will be critical to support the growing baseball programs.1/15/2024 5:29 PM
5 N/a 1/15/2024 7:27 AM
6 In general, it would be nice to see more crosswalks on Lake Elmo, Ave. There are only two,
but there are many more streets that cross Lake Elmo avenue, so more cross walks should be
put in AND more signage so people stop for those crossing.
1/14/2024 9:09 PM
7 A descriptive directory of the parks would be nice!1/14/2024 3:56 PM
8 Thank you for asking…sincerely appreciate the Lake Elmo Public Works Team…they do a
great job!
1/14/2024 2:25 PM
9 Some corn planted in park for animals 1/14/2024 2:24 PM
10 Youth baseball is a popular activity in this area, it would be great to see more baseball
fields/facilities to support the program, fields that can accommodate the range in ages that
play baseball. Thanks.
1/14/2024 8:51 AM
11 Need for more baseball fields for youth baseball 1/13/2024 11:34 PM
12 Please consider developing the next phase for Ivywood Park, especially given that the original
budget amount wasn't spent and the provision of a $50,000 gift from a resident.
1/13/2024 2:59 PM
13 improving field conditions would indeed be a top priority. Ensuring that the playing surface is
well-maintained and safe not only enhances the overall experience for players but also
minimizes the risk of injuries. A consistently well-groomed field can significantly improve
gameplay quality and contribute to t he longevity of players’ careers by reducing the likelihood
of avoidable injuries. Absolutely, enhancing both the field and surrounding structures would
create a more inviting and functional space for families. A well-maintained field coupled with
amenities like comfortable seating, clean facilities, and accessible play areas can attract
families looking for recreational opportunities. This comprehens ive approach encourages
community engagement, promotes physical activity, and fosters a sense of belonging, making
the park a desirable destination for families to play and exercise together.
1/13/2024 1:57 PM
14 Appreciate work done at sunfish lake Park 1/13/2024 7:20 AM
15 Would love an explanation about what is happening at DeMontreville Wildlife Park. Why are the
trees getting plowed down and the walki ng trails disappearing?
1/12/2024 10:50 PM
16 Why is Lake Elmo Park Preserve not listed? We spend a ton of time at that park and would
love a connection that is safe from Legac Northstar Development, so we could walk from here
or bike. We also love all the trails that connect to our development and we use them daily.
Including several times a week where we go and walk as many trails that connect 6-7 mil es.
1/12/2024 7:36 PM
17 Lake Elmo has a great youth baseball program that has expanded with many kids and
represents the city well. Unfortunately with the lack of baseball fields the program is forced to
cut kids because there is not enough fields to make more teams as the program is maxed out
on field space and availability.
1/12/2024 2:20 PM
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18 Now that I am retired from corporate life, I would like to get involved in helping to create,
maintain, and promote community parks.
1/12/2024 1:35 PM
19 With the Royal golf course closing to the public, there’s no longer a golf course or driving range
in Lk Elmo
1/12/2024 1:03 PM
20 Removal of fields at tartan park have not been replaced in the area.1/12/2024 12:44 PM
21 Have an established policy that requires park/public use land ratios to be set aside when future
land is developed for residential or commercial use.
1/12/2024 11:22 AM
22 We appreciate all that lake Elmo does for our baseball teams. Thank you 1/12/2024 10:29 AM
23 The Pony Activity Center at the Stillwater high school does not serve our needs.1/12/2024 10:07 AM
24 Need more baseball fields to accommodate all the LE teams.1/12/2024 9:20 A M
25 no 1/11/2024 9:10 PM
26 Lake Elmo baseball is extremely important to a lot of families and we need more fields to
accommodate the program
1/11/2024 5:55 PM
27 We moved to Lake Elmo specifically because it feels like a natural oasis- far enough away-
close enough to commute- and ample peaceful outdoor space to connect with nature and
ourselves. I truly hope that continues to be a priority for future plan ning so many more
generations can appreciate its beauty.
1/11/2024 1:10 PM
28 Baseball fields. We've been to many other city baseball facilities with varying levels of
amenities and space but Lake Elmo is at the bottom in comparison. Lions and VFW are okay
but there should be additional fields added to that space and improvements made to the
infrastructure to support a robust participation effort for Lak e Elmo baseball.
1/11/2024 9:37 AM
29 Would use the parks much more often if there were more paths to them and between them 1/11/2024 9:34 AM
30 Safe sidewalks For kids/ runners / bikers would do wonders for the community!1/11/2024 9:29 AM
31 Recent clearing around Demontreville Wildlife Park has radically changed the look, feel, and
experience of walking those trails, in a very negative way. It feels very open, unnatural, and
ugly. It is a real shame.
1/10/2024 8:31 PM
32 There needs to be more dedicated Pickleball courts to meet the demand that continues to grow
in the school district. I love Lake Elmo, it's restaurants, and other small businesses.
1/10/2024 8:14 PM
33 Thanks for providing the new courts at Tablyn and pebble! They will be appreciated.1/10/2024 7:57 PM
34 There needs to be a pedestrian/bike safe path along and across HWY 14 to downdown.1/10/2024 7:37 PM
35 We lost baseball fields years back due to development. It’s about time we give the kids the
fields they deserve. Please!
1/10/2024 7:34 PM
36 Would love to see a splash pad.1/10/2024 7:15 PM
37 Community center?1/10/2024 6:45 PM
38 Bathrooms (other than porta potties) and access to drinking water would be so awesome at at
least one of these locations.
1/10/2024 6:17 PM
39 There is probably 100 people daily who walk Demontreville Trail. It’s a shame there is no
walking path and that the 7 homeowners that live across the street from the lake were able to
shoot down a wonderful opportunity for our community. So many people use this stretch to get
down to the boat landing at the lake or walk or bike ride up to Demontreville Park. My kids and
my self have almost been hit by cars. What an amazing thing that would be for our area!
1/10/2024 5:58 PM
40 More flat areas for kids to do soccer lessons.1/10/2024 5:25 PM
41 I would like to see additional baseball fields made available to the community and Lake Elmo's
baseball teams.
1/10/2024 4:38 PM
42 I would like to see more baseball fields/complexes in Lake Elmo to allow for the growth of the
sport and the ability to host tournaments which in turn would boost the economy in Lake Elmo.
1/10/2024 4:14 PM
43 Thank you for all of your hard work!1/10/2024 3:32 PM
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44 Thank you for having these wonderful parks 1/10/2024 3:17 PM
45 Captured most thoughts. Overall, more trails would be nice, similar to Woodbury’s setup. They
have a great trail system.
1/10/2024 3:13 PM
46 Lake Elmo has been building a dominate baseball program and with more fields, it can be an
elite program in the state.
1/10/2024 2:58 PM
47 None 1/10/2024 2:09 PM
48 Lake Elmo would benefit from building additional baseball fields to help its growing Lake Elmo
Baseball Association. They are limited in the number of teams that they can field due to the
lack of field space.
1/10/2024 1:56 PM
49 We need more game useable baseball fields.1/10/2024 1:17 PM
50 With the growing number of people in Lake Elmo our youth baseball program has more and
more interest. It is a source of pride for families and a great way to represent Lake Elmo in the
community. With the increasing number of kids playing Lake Elmo baseball there is an acute
need for more competitive baseball fields. These are fields that the kids could use for games.
1/10/2024 1:11 PM
51 The city needs a way for residents to cool down during hot days like a splash pad.1/10/2024 1:10 PM
52 Thank you for putting the mountain bike trails in Sunfish, lived very close to it for most of my
life and never entered it until the biking went in, now almost every day in the summer months
with my kids
1/10/2024 12:57 PM
53 More paved areas to connect the trails, paths and parks to ride bikes to them and strollers. 1/10/2024 12:21 PM
54 Please connect sidewalks to the larger parks, like Lake Elmo Park Reserve and Sunfish Lake
Park
1/10/2024 12:14 PM
55 If you’ve walked to a park with a toddler in potty training (or any young child for that matter),
you can appreciate the need for quick access to restroom facilities. Playgrounds are geared for
little ones and it’s frustrating as a parent that so many parks lack facilities for relief. If
playgrounds are set to receive overhauls in our community, it would be nice for restrooms to be
included in the conversation.
1/10/2024 11:59 AM
56 Tell the Sunfish Lake development that hording their trail around Sunfish lake is selfish.1/10/2024 11:19 AM
57 Plow the paths in the winter and in the summer keep the invasive plants cut back, so our
animals can use the bathroom without having a million pokey stickers on them.
1/10/2024 8:22 AM
58 Please plow the paved paths around Lake Ridge Crossing, Savona, Boulder Ponds and along
5th. We n eed a walkable loop!
1/10/2024 8:16 AM
59 Please plow and clear all Lake Elmo trails like the surrounding cities 1/9/2024 10:36 PM
60 I like the trail connection out of the Sunfish Hamlet Development to Tapestry Hill to get to
Sunfish Park on my mountain bike. I live in Legendary of North Star Development. Would like
to see the Sunfish Hamlet trails public.
1/9/2024 7:53 PM
61 None 1/9/2024 7:00 PM
62 No 1/9/2024 6:36 PM
63 Increase fees to cover additional cost 1/9/2024 6:32 PM
64 N/A 1/9/2024 6:20 PM
65 Thank you!1/9/2024 3:24 PM
66 All of our neighboring city plow their paved trails. We nave to drive to Oakdale, Woodbury, or
Stillwater to be active.
1/9/2024 3:16 PM
67 City should be responsible for maintaining trails/paths within and surrounding the parks instead
of leaving it to residents/HOAs if the park is withi n a residential community.
1/9/2024 2:36 PM
68 Maintaining the trails or increasing paved paths will improve overall accessibility 1/9/2024 2:27 PM
69 Disappointed that Lake Elmo doesn’t supply winter maintenance to trails like neighboring cities 1/9/2024 1:53 PM
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70 No basketball courts in south lake elmo parks, so we have to go to either Woodbury or up
north
1/9/2024 1:38 PM
71 Sunfish Lake park upgrades have been great and are appreciated. If the possibility ever exists
to acquire more open grassland/woods/marsh space for city park usage in a natural state it
would be great. I know we are a small community and such space is limited, but open natural
space that is not developed into oblivion is a great boon in my opinion.
1/9/2024 1:18 PM
72 Since 3m dumped all that toxic wa ter and chemicals every house hold in Carriage Station
should have the option to get reverse osmosis water installed for a small fee . It’s literally
PFAS water we are washing our clothes in etc .
1/9/2024 1:14 PM
73 Provide discounted (or free!) parking passes for residents to the Lake Elmo Park Reserve 1/9/2024 1:10 PM
74 Please allow for irrigation on the community baseball fields. This keeps the fields safe and
playable for all.
1/9/2024 9:48 AM
75 Add more quality baseball fields 1/9/2024 7:56 AM
76 Need more ballfields 1/8/2024 8:04 PM
77 Wonderful area to live and nice quiet parks.1/8/2024 7:42 PM
78 Great job with the parks. Would like to see better baseball fields including a town ball complex 1/8/2024 7:41 PM
79 Please attempt to keep parks as environmentally consistent to our natural habitat. It is sa d to
see our forest and opens spaces being destroyed for playgrounds/sport complexes when there
are plenty of options in the cities surrounding Lake Elmo.
1/8/2024 7:40 PM
80 We need a baseball/softball complex 1/8/2024 7:34 PM
81 Too much development. Not enough practical park space.1/8/2024 7:03 PM
82 Would be nice if it had adequate parking that is visible. Don’t want to intrude on neighbors who
feel like it’s their neighborhood park only. I’ve seen Carriage station park but never brought my
kids due to lack of a packing lot (at least a visible one).
1/8/2024 6:57 PM
83 How many times are these surveys going to come out....until you get the answers You want or
actually listen to what the residents say the first time?!
1/8/2024 6:27 PM
84 Its time Lake Elmo quits thinking its a small farm community, those days are behind us. Plan
for the future and spend money on infrasturcture. Parks are the backbone of a community,
dont cut corners.
1/8/2024 4:10 PM
85 Splash Pad in Downtown Area!!!1/8/2024 3:21 PM
86 Can the City prioritize and maintain those sidewalks/trails that lead to parks? Especially the
winter multi purpose like Sunfish. Please communicate your priorities and intent better!
1/6/2024 8:38 AM
87 Why d idn't you ask about the nature center and its use? It is clearly one of the most valuable
parts of the park system.
1/6/2024 7:12 AM
88 Water for humans and dogs and restrooms smartly located along run/bike routes open as close
to year-round would be greatly appreciated. There are water fountains at Lions Park, but they
have never been functional for me.
1/5/2024 8:35 PM
89 How come Lake Elmo does not Main tain their Trails during Winter? Both Oakdale and
Woodbury do. ADA laws require snow and ice removal in a reasonable time period after a
snow/ice event.
1/4/2024 6:38 AM
90 Just curious in the parks listing, why is The Lake Elmo Park Reserve is not listed? This is the
park I use the most. Is it because it is considered a county and not a city park?
1/3/2024 7:37 PM
91 Na 12/30/2023 8:37 AM
92 Thank you in adv ance for your prompt and diligent attention to these matters!12/29/2023 7:17 PM
93 Past surveys have repeatedly shown that the community highly prioritizes an interconnected
trail system to make it easier to walk and cycle around the city. Neighborhood planning must
prioritize creating this network in all of our new developments and linking together trail systems
existing ones even if it means getting tough on developers, home owners and HOAs.
12/26/2023 12:57 AM
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94 Woodbury and Oakdale are doing significant park planning and renewals. Lake Elmo
can/should do much better given growth. Plan parks, fund parks. Establish a Park and Rec
department so this gets the focus is needs
12/19/2023 8:29 AM
95 I would like to see more green spaces incorporated into the housing developments being added
to LE. The prairie adjacent to Wild Flower community is a beautiful example of how natural
area can enhance the feel of a neighborhood and bring well being to us all (I drive there to
enjoy year round.)
12/18/2023 1:04 PM
96 Crossing highway 14 to go walking in the northern areas of Lake Elmo is dangerous. An
elevated crossover walk bridge is needed.
12/18/2023 12:59 AM
97 Mental health/Seasonal anxiety—- we need fresh air; please please please clear paths in the
winter. I live in t he Savona development and 5th along with paths aren’t cleared:(
12/14/2023 3:49 PM
98 None. Thanks 12/11/2023 3:45 PM
99 Make sure any new ball fields or complexes has enough parking. Keep in mind where overflow
parking will go.
12/11/2023 2:14 PM
100 Can some communities with in LE restrict use of their trails to their residents only, such as
Whistler Valley?
12/9/2023 7:49 AM
101 Lake Elmo needs more trail ac cess and infrastructure beginning at neighborhoods, connecting
to busy streets, and then ultimately to city parks. I lived in other cities, and unfortunately, Lake
Elmo is the least connected community I’ve been a resident of. It’s a true safety hazard and
deterrent to physical fitness when the only choice is to drive everywhere. I truly hope changes
are made so future generations can experience a com munity connect by safe trails. The city
needs to invest in maintaining trails too including plowing them in the winter months.
12/9/2023 12:04 AM
102 Glad you are working on this! Will be beneficial for our overall health and sense of community. 12/8/2023 7:01 PM
103 Lake Elmo has wonderful parks -- my family really appreciates them!12/8/2023 6:44 PM
104 Would love to see hammock posts at Goose Lake Park, Hammes Park, Stonegate, Ivywood
Parks for family park relaxation days. And more basketball courts (Ivywood looks like it could
fit a basketball court)
12/8/2023 5:38 PM
105 No electric bikes should be allowed on mountain bike trails for safety reasons 12/8/2023 2:20 PM
106 I have many older friends who are afraid to walk in the parks now because of the mountain
bikers and they terrorize through the woods.
1 2/5/2023 4:26 PM
107 The park I used the most is The Lake Elmo Park Reserve.12/2/2023 7:59 PM
108 A path for bikes along Lake Jane Trail would be absolutely fantastic. We would like to walk to
Lake Jane, but the narrow shoulder, relatively fast car traffic, and poor crossing access make
us feel unsafe when trying to walk to the lake.
12/2/2023 3:19 AM
109 Be honest in your list of "parks". Some of them are land that could not be developed so they
became a "park" without access or availablity of activity, they are scenic in nature.
12/1/2023 11:09 PM
110 Make sure there are new bike/ walking trail options from parks to new interchange in 2025 at
LE Ave and Hwy 36
12/1/2023 6:02 PM
111 Love to see the wide open spaces in LE and hoping it doesn’t end up as congested as
Woodbury.
11/30/2023 5:21 PM
112 Love the sn ow grooming done in lake elmo parks. Keep that up!11/30/2023 2:17 PM
113 Pilot Park should have a gazebo and grills like other wonderful parks. It seems like Pilot Park
was not designed correctly. Very sad.
11/30/2023 1:01 PM
114 Live in the field of St. Croix think it’s ridiculous that we have a huge sign saying Tana Ridge
Park. The park commission doesn’t listen to residents .
11/29/2023 4:23 PM
115 No 11/29/2023 3:57 AM
116 Sad that the new development on co. Rd 17 near Lk Elmo Elementary doesn’t have any parks. 11/28/2023 8:46 PM
117 I do not believe we are living up to the goals of the Comp Plan. I also believe the previous plan
is quite serviceable, but it is just unused.
11/28/2023 8:08 PM
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118 Holden Todd (651) 707-6070 I would be happy to give anymore thoughts or input to be helpful :) 11/28/2023 7:03 PM
119 No 11/28/2023 6:27 PM
120 Lake elmo park reserve is a great asset to have close by.11/28/2023 2:52 PM
121 I love Lake Elmo, and I would like to see bike paths that are protected and separate from the
road for families to ride on that are safe from cars all throughout the city. I would li ke to
connect to trails such at the Gateway and Central Greenway. This would improve the quality of
life for all of our residents. It would encourage more exercising, reduce carbon footprint, and
slow life down to a walk/biking experience. At the moment, our roads are deadly and I do not
feel safe on them.
11/28/2023 11:34 AM
122 A park with an outside pool would be amazing. The swimming hole at LE Park Reserve is too
creepy, always need to go searching for missing kid when I'm there.
11/28/2023 11:17 AM
123 Engage homeowners in proposed changes to parks that are directly located in residential areas
(Such as Tana Ridge-playground is located in Fields of St Croix in close proximity to houses).
11/28/2023 11:03 AM
124 I would like to see a path that would connect the Wildlife sanctuary in Wildflower and t he Fields
of St Croix, phase 2. This would benefit all of our communities because it would connect all of
the housing developments with the paths around the lake behind Tana Ridge and the Fields
phase 2 and the Wildlife sanctuary. There area many people who would benefit from this
connection. I sincerely hope this can happen.
11/28/2023 10:55 AM
125 Please consider making decisions based on logic and not a single decision that has to be
rolled out to every park regardless of size or usage.
11/28/2023 10:23 AM
126 n/a 11/28/2023 10:20 AM
127 We appreciate the number of parks and would like to see them better maintained 11/28/2023 10:05 AM
128 no 11/28/2023 9:52 AM
129 Add more pickleball courts 11/28/2023 9:29 AM
130 No, thanks.11/28/2023 9:27 AM
131 Lake Elmo parks are gems of the community and a destination for r esidents and visitors alike.
Keep building on that and strive to have and keep the best parks in the greater metro area.
11/28/2023 9:17 AM
132 No 11/28/2023 9:12 AM
133 A one-size-fits-all approach to signage does not work. For parks that are off of busy roads, it
makes sense to install a large sign. For parks that are in neighborhoods, where they are
primarily used by residents in those neighborhoods, a large sign is unnecessary and ugly.
11/28/2023 9:10 AM
134 xc skate ski grooming in winter 11/25/2023 11:23 AM
135 I really enjoy Sunfish park!!11/23/2023 5:52 PM
136 The playground equipment in Lion's park is not safe, it seems to have been installed at the
incorrect height.
11/21/2023 4:13 PM
137 None. Thank you for addressing!!!11/21/2023 1:08 PM
138 That there at too may developments and the city council ha s NO idea what they are doing.
Keep lake Elmo beautiful and rural as much as possible! Please don’t ruin it and turn it into
Woodbury. Add more parks and trails but stop with the track home developments.
11/21/2023 1:03 PM
139 Please do not take all of the tennis courts away. I understand that pickleball is popular, but we
are rapidly running out of decent surfaces to play on. Please consider making a warming area
at one/more of the ice skating rinks. Changing kids into skates outside is nearly impossible,
and kids get cold quickly. We would be able to spend much more time on outdoor recreation if
there was a warming house at one of the facilities.
11/21/2023 12:34 PM
140 I feel like the majority of my comments center around the Parks, Trails & Open Space goal #6
outlined in Lake Elmo's 2040 Comprehens ive Plan (with the friendly amendment that natural
AND currently agricultural areas may warrant investigation to provide green and recreation
space as the community develops) - PTOS Goal #6. Identify natural areas in the community
that may warrant further investigation of potential protection as areas of the community
11/20/2023 9:32 PM
194
Lake Elmo Parks System Plan
79 / 79
develop. I would also like to see the City of Lake Elmo's park master plan make a strong case
for advocating for the role of parks and trails in the City! I think the combination of rapid
development (fastest growing city in MN!) and still plentiful undeveloped/unprotected land
(mostly ag, but some forested areas too) does create a really unique and powerful moment for
this Parks Master Plan to be created in. I'd love to see Lake Elmo have bold vision for for
parks and trails which could prope l Lake Elmo to being the *most livable* city in the state via a
robust and ambitious park master plan!
141 It would be nice if adding something to make our quality. Things added have been of very low
quality work and eye sores.
11/20/2023 9:43 AM
142 Set up times to visit each park and meet residents. Have specific work days when Park
Commissioners and residents can volunteer to do projects at the parks . Like staining the
warming house at Lions Park, planting and caring for newly planted trees. It was nice to see
the new trash & recycling containers in the parks .
11/18/2023 11:10 AM
143 Four square lines sat more parks. Sustainable funding to continually improve park system. 11/18/2023 11:06 AM
144 Because I have not lived in the area long, I have not had ample opportunity to visit parks in
Lake Elmo. Ho wever, I will be doing so. Outdoor space is important.
11/17/2023 11:23 PM
145 Use tartan park ball field money to build a multi field complex like was originally envisioned. 11/17/2023 10:06 PM
146 Would enjoy more basketball courts in general 11/17/2023 10:01 PM
147 I know that mountain biking has become popular (I even participate), but placing trails in
Sunfish Lake Park was a terrible idea. The uniqueness of Sunfish Lake Park was its natural
beauty and rural like quiet and peacefullness. That ambiance was ruined by the bike trails.
Bike trails should have been built elsewhere.
11/17/2023 8:01 PM
148 We would like to see a disc golf course as our adult children and grandchildren play and it
would great to stay local and not have to drive so far to play
11/17/2023 5:59 PM
149 Would like to see Basketball court at Ivywood, Stonegate, Hammes, or Goose Lake. Also ice
skating rinks
11/17/2023 5:25 PM
150 Thank you!11/17/2023 3:47 PM
151 N/A 11/16/2023 1:07 PM
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WHAT IS A PARK SYSTEM PLAN?
A park system plan is a document developed for use by a city to evaluate potential
improvements to a city’s parks, trails, open spaces, and preserves. The document often
involves the development of planning-level cost estimates of probable design and
construction costs for potential improvements, as well as the identification and alignment
of resources to effectively make those improvements.
Welcome! Thank you for stopping by to discuss the future of the Lake Elmo parks and trails.
Lake Elmo is looking to plan the future of the park and trail system, and we need your
help to make it happen! This pop-up event invites residents to interact with the planning
team to share your thoughts on the prioritization of park, facility, connectivity, open space
and preserves, and operations and maintenance recommendations. Happy Arbor Day!
SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
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2. Inventory and Analysis
3. Priority Recommendations
4 Final Document
Stakeholder Listening Sessions
Online Survey Pop-Up Event
1. Project Coordination and Kickoff
Pop-Up Event
Online Project Updates
Parks Commission
Final Plan Review
Confirm Recommended Improvements
Review Needs AssessmentKickoff Meeting
Adopt Plan City Council
4. Final Document
Light Up Lake Elmo Saturday December 2
Pop-Up Event
Arbor Day Tree Giveaway
Easter Egg HuntLions Park
WE ARE HERE
LAKE ELMO PARK SYSTEM PLAN | ARBOR DAY TREE GIVEAWAY EVENT
APRIL 2024
CITY OF LAKE ELMOPARK SYSTEM PLANPARK SYSTEM PLAN
199
LAKE ELMO PARK SYSTEM PLAN | ARBOR DAY TREE GIVEAWAY EVENT
APRIL 2024
CITY OF LAKE ELMOKEY RECOMMENDATIONSKEY RECOMMENDATIONS
PARKS FACILITIESPRIORITY LEVEL PRIORITY LEVEL
• Combine Ivywood and
Stonegate Parks into one
park, working with the
community to evaluate
the addition of off-street
parking and recreational
amenities
• Develop Lions Park as
Lake Elmo’s destination
community park
»Maximize its functionality
as a community gathering
place for larger events and
strengthen its connection
to downtown
• Look at adding a special
facility to meet the needs
of tweens, teens, and
young adults; consider a
challenge course facility,
skate park, or disc golf
course
• Provide reservable
shelters with electricity
in all community parks,
including:
»Goose Lake Park
»Ivywood + Stonegate Park
»Lions Park
»Pebble Park
»Tablyn Park
HOW DO YOU THINK THESE KEY
RECOMMENDATIONS SHOULD BE PRIORITIZED?
HELP US OUT BY PLACING A GREEN, ORANGE AND RED
DOT BESIDE EACH RECOMMENDATION BELOW!
HIGH
PRIORITY
MEDIUM
PRIORITY
LOW
PRIORITY552!
Total Responses
Additional
Seasonal Use
Facilities
Inclusive
Playground
Equipment
Additional/New
Walking
Trails
Creation of
Multi-Use
Courts
Added Dog Park
Facilities
81.7% (89 out of 109 respondents)
72.9% (54 out of 74 respondents)
Baseball/Softball
Pickleball
Top Organized Sports Participation
Total # of Survey Respondents
Top Informal Sports Participation
Parks Visited Most Often by Survey Respondents
Top 5 Priorities for the City to Focus on Improving
Most Participated in
Activities and Events at
Parks
Other common activities include:
1st
Using walking &
running trails
Informal sports
(pick-up games)
5th
2nd
Using park
playgrounds
3rd
Dog walking
4th
Organized sports
teams/leagues
• Bike riding
• Bird watching
• Relaxing
• Picnic/Grilling
1 2 3
Sunfish Lake Park Reid ParkLions Park 4 5
Pebble Park
Carriage Station Park
LAKE ELMO PARK SYSTEM PLAN | ARBOR DAY TREE GIVEAWAY EVENT
APRIL 2024
NEEDS ASSESSMENTKEY FINDINGSKEY FINDINGS
1. Additional/upgraded baseball facilities are desired for game play
2. More trails and greater connectivity are highly desired by the
community
3. The southeastern-most portion of Lake Elmo has the most limited
access to parks.
4. More access to winter recreation options are desired (plowed
trails, rinks, etc.)
5. Generally, park acreage and distribution are good.
6. Getting to parks can be challenging (connectivity, wayfinding,
information, etc.)
7. Updating of play equipment would improve user experience
200
LAKE ELMO PARK SYSTEM PLAN | ARBOR DAY TREE GIVEAWAY EVENT
APRIL 2024
CITY OF LAKE ELMOKEY RECOMMENDATIONSKEY RECOMMENDATIONS
PARKS FACILITIESPRIORITY LEVEL PRIORITY LEVEL
• Combine Ivywood and
Stonegate Parks into one
park, working with the
community to evaluate
the addition of off-street
parking and recreational
amenities
• Develop Lions Park as
Lake Elmo’s destination
community park
»Maximize its functionality
as a community gathering
place for larger events and
strengthen its connection
to downtown
• Look at adding a special
facility to meet the needs
of tweens, teens, and
young adults; consider a
challenge course facility,
skate park, or disc golf
course
• Provide reservable
shelters with electricity
in all community parks,
including:
»Goose Lake Park
»Ivywood + Stonegate Park
»Lions Park
»Pebble Park
»Tablyn Park
HOW DO YOU THINK THESE KEY
RECOMMENDATIONS SHOULD BE PRIORITIZED?
HELP US OUT BY PLACING A GREEN, ORANGE AND RED
DOT BESIDE EACH RECOMMENDATION BELOW!
HIGH
PRIORITY
MEDIUM
PRIORITY
LOW
PRIORITY
201
LAKE ELMO PARK SYSTEM PLAN | ARBOR DAY TREE GIVEAWAY EVENT
APRIL 2024
CITY OF LAKE ELMOKEY RECOMMENDATIONSKEY RECOMMENDATIONS
CONNECTIVITY OPEN SPACES +
PRESERVES OPERATIONS +
MAINTENANCE
PRIORITY LEVEL PRIORITY LEVEL
PRIORITY LEVEL
• Implement a snow
removal plan for trails
• Explore opportunities to
pilot a mobility-device
charging station at a key
trail connection location
• Look for opportunities
to develop trail loops
of different lengths
throughout the
community and in certain
strategically chosen parks
• Increase awareness and
understanding of the trail
system by developing and
publicizing online and
paper trail maps
• Explore opportunities to
develop trailheads
• Provide a distributed network
of open space preserves and
limit development in these
areas to walking paths and
seating to support passive uses
»Classify the following parks to be
natural areas:
* DeMontreville Wildlife Park
* Heights Park
* Heritage Park
* Homestead Park
* Lake Jane Hills Park
* Legion Ave N Parks
• Proactively manage invasive
species in the preserves by
encouraging volunteer efforts
for management, monitoring,
funding, and control
• Increase biodiversity and
habitat with the use of native
and native-cultivar plantss
»Find ways to convert turf grass
areas to more naturalized
conditions
• Explore partnerships to
supplement the city’s
capacity for maintenance,
programming, and
improvements
»Explore opportunities for
revenue generation
»Explore opportunities for the
use of volunteers to support
maintenance or programs
»Investigate the use of bonds or
tax levies to support the system
»Work with private property
owners who may be interested
in donating land or granting
easements
• Explore the creation of a
dedicated Parks and Forestry
departments
• Explore the addition of a
programming manager to
activate parks
HOW DO YOU THINK THESE KEY
RECOMMENDATIONS SHOULD BE PRIORITIZED?
HELP US OUT BY PLACING A GREEN, ORANGE AND RED
DOT BESIDE EACH RECOMMENDATION BELOW!
HIGH
PRIORITY
MEDIUM
PRIORITY
LOW
PRIORITY
202
GATEWAY STATE TRAIL
REGIONAL TRAIL
I-94 I-94
Hwy 36
Stillwater Blvd
Railroad
In
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Ma
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10th St N
Ke
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50th St N
La
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47th St N
Lake Jane Tr N
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20th St N
15th St N
TRAIL GAP AREA
OAK LAND
MIDDLE
SCHOOL
SKYVIEW
MIDDLE
SCHOOL
TRAIL GAP AREA
ADDRESS TRAIL GAP
PRIORITY TRAIL GAP
EXPLORE ADDITION OF
‘BIKE ROUTE’
‘SLOW FOR PEDESTRIAN’
SIGNAGE
PRIORITY TRAIL
GAP
FUTURE TRAIL AND FRONTAGE ROAD ALONG HWY 36
ADD TRAIL ON SOUTH
SIDE OF 50th ST N AND
47th ST T
ADD TRAIL ON
EAST SIDE OF
KEATS AVE
ADD TRAIL ON NORTH
SIDE OF 10th ST N
WITH NEAR-TERM CONSTRUCTION
OF KEATS, ADD TRAIL CONNECTION
ON SOUTH SIDE OF JULEP AVE N
TO TAPESTRY RD
ADD TRAIL ON SOUTH
SIDE OF 43rd ST N
EXPLORE OPTIONS FOR
CONNECTION ALONG
DEMONTREVILLE TRAIL N
TRAIL GAP AREA
ILegend
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Municipal
Boundaries
Railroads
Water
Bodies
Rivers &
Streams
Gateway State
Trail
MN Star
Snowmobile Trail
Lake Elmo Local Trails
Paved O-Road
Connection
Trail Search Corridor
Soft Surface Trail
Mountain Biking
Trail
Regional Parks
Lake Elmo Parks
Lake Elmo Regional
Park Trail
Public Trails on
Private Property
Central Greenway Regional Trail
Proposed Central Greenway Regional
Trail
Planned Interim Regional Trail Segment
(existing local trail)
Planned Regional Trail Railroad
Crossing Alternate
Planned Lake Elmo Paved O-Road Trail
Recommended
Connectivity
Improvements
Recommended
Crossing
Improvements
- IMPROVE WAYFINDING SIGNAGE
THROUGHOUT THE TRAIL SYSTEM
- IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO
LAKES
- CONSIDER WORKING WITH PARTNERING
AGENCIES TO TAKE THE ROW OF PUBLIC
ROADS FOR PUBLIC TRAIL USE
- CONNECT MAJOR DESTINATIONS (E.G.,
SCHOOLS, DOWNTOWN, ETC.) TO ONE
ANOTHER WITH MULTIPLE TRAIL
ROUTES
0 0.5Miles
Source: MnGeo, MnDNR, Washington County
CONNECTIVITY RECOMMENDATIONS + SEARCH CORRIDORS MAP
HOW DO YOU
THINK THESE KEY
RECOMMENDATIONS
SHOULD BE PRIORITIZED?
HELP US OUT BY PLACING
A GREEN, ORANGE AND
RED DOT BESIDE EACH
RECOMMENDATION BELOW!
HIGH PRIORITY
MEDIUM PRIORITY
LOW PRIORITY
LAKE ELMO PARK SYSTEM PLAN | ARBOR DAY TREE GIVEAWAY EVENT
APRIL 2024
203