02-25-88 Agenda & Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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c PARKS AND OPEN SPACE Over the past 15 years, Mounds View has conscientiously engaged in efforts to • reserve open space to meet the needs of the existing and future population of the community. Presently, acquisition remains important from the standpoint of pro- tecting and preserving natural environmental elements, as well as reserving available space for portions of the community not adequately served by existing facilities. In addition, park development has more recently received an equally high community priority. • As a part of the comprehensive planning effort, the City-Wide Park System Master ' Plan was developed by Saunders-Thalden, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in park planning. This master plan utilizes the traditional thorough approach of analyzing existing facilities, projecting future needs from established trends and formulating an acquisition/development plan of action. The results of this planning effort suggest that Mounds View has a sound recreational/open space system, though deficient in certain areas. These deficiencies were defined, though not prioritized for introduction into the City's Long Range Capital Improvements Program. As discussed in the Transportation Chapter, Mounds View does have a substantial trail system which accommodates both pedestrian and bicycle movement. The trail system was designed under the linear park concept connecting Mounds View's park system and other community activity centers together. SCHOOLS • The three public educational facilities within Mounds View are under the juris- diction of Independent School District 621 . While the two elementary schools had 1979 enrollments slightly in excess of capacity, enrollments have been decreasing. The City should maintain close communication with the School District as to any changing policies or plans reflective of this decreasing enrollment trend which would potentially affect Mounds View residents. When Mounds View formally adopts its Comprehensive Plan, any proposed acquisition or disposition of real property or any proposed capital investment by the School District must be referred to the Planning Commission for review. The Planning Commission then has 45 days to prepare and 1 forward its findings as to compliance of the proposed acquisition, disposal or improve- ment with the Comprehensive Plan. The City should therefore maintain communication in order that officials might respond to any such plans in the best interests of the total community. • . 121