2010.10.13 Parks Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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4. PARKS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: At their August 11 and September 8, 2010 meetings, the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission discussed the Park Dedication Policy and made a recommendation to determine the amount of park dedication based on the density of the development and to allow for developers to appeal the assigned dedication. Also, the Parks Commission is recommending that park dedication continue to be required from commercial and industrial developments because they generate a need for parks. The following examples of use of park areas by businesses were given: ■ Wilson Tool employees use Water Tower Park for lunch breaks and have requested additional park amenities be built. ■ The cafes and restaurants in Victor Gardens promote eating out in Victor Square. ■ KinderGardens Day Care frequently takes their children on the trails and uses the playground equipment in the Victor Garden area. The following reasons were given for how commercial and industrial development creates a greater need for parks: ■ Linear parks and trails make industrial parks and commercial districts more attractive to businesses. ■ Parks provide services to employees on their breaks. ■ Trails provide access to business areas. ■ Companies are moving towards keeping health care costs down and need facilities and park amenities to encourage employees to be active. ■ Landscaped and natural areas make the community a more attractive place to do business and draws businesses in. ■ Park assets help keep property values high. 5. ESTIMATED LAND USE AND FUTURE DEDICATIONS: The Parks Commission requested that staff estimate future park dedications in commercial and industrial developments and residential developments. Using the 2030 Land Use map, it was found that there are 645 developable acres that are guided as Commercial, Industrial or Business Park. There are 12,340 developable acres that are guided Residential or Agricultural. Therefore, 90.2% of the developable acres in the city would be subject to park dedication if the Park Dedication Policy did not require dedication in commercial or industrial developments. Hugo is one of the fastest growing cities in the metropolitan area. A significant amount of population growth is anticipated. Residential development is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. As the population of Hugo grows, land uses change, and Minnesota State Statues change, the Park Dedication Policy and the Fee Schedule can be adjusted.