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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-15 PACKET 08.2.C.MmCottage Grove here Pride and Prosperity Meet To: Planning Commission From: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director CC: Jennifer Levitt, Community Development Director John Burbank, Senior Planner Date: January 18, 2018 Subject: Park Development Introduction During its Capital Improvements Plan discussion, the Planning Commission asked questions regarding future park planning for Cottage Grove. Parks and Recreation staff provides this memorandum in an attempt to further answering those questions. Background Future park planning is a long and thoughtful process. There are many considerations that take place that determine where and why parks are developed. Although no singular process defines how each park is ultimately developed, the system the City of Cottage Grove uses is fairly standardized across the region. Step 1 - Identify Recreational Service Areas Through its Comprehensive Plan, the City of Cottage Grove has set the following recreational standards in terms of servicing the community: Neighborhood Parks: Facilities intended for use by those within a half -mile radius Community Parks: Facilities designed for the entire community Regional Parks: Facilities designed for residents of the metropolitan areas or beyond The attached service area maps can help to illustrate service coverage of each neighborhood. The goal is to assure as many residents are within a park service area as possible. In addition, Cottage Grove has a proud history of protecting greenway corridors that can link parks and neighborhoods together via an interconnected recreational trail system. Step 2 — Master Plan Park Locations City staff with help from both Parks and Planning Commissions analyze each future development area to map out park and trail needs. Master planning park and trail locations in advance of development is vital. The master plan is a very effective document in negotiating with land developers. By clearly displaying the vision for recreational servicing, the City operates in a proactive approach rather than reactive. The locations of each park are based on the following criteria: 1. Recreational Service Area Coverage 2. Natural Resources Access (woodlands, wetland, grasslands, etc.) 3. Developable Land 4. Historical Properties 5. Land Donation or Cost Effectiveness 6. Trail Connectivity The Upper East Ravine Parks and Trails Plan is included with this report for visual reference. You'll note that many of the park locations were determined by their proximity to the DNR and Watershed District properties. This allows the City to build and maintain relatively small active park areas while connecting to larger natural open spaces and a large trail system. This provides much value in the way of maximizing recreational experiences, creating trail connectivity and improving sustainability (both construction and long-term costs are lessened with public land partnerships). Step 3 — Master Plan Park Features As neighborhoods begin to develop, staff works closely with land owners and developers to acquire and/or construct new parks and trails. Typically, Parks and Recreation staff utilizes national, regional and local trend data to plan for future park amenities. Each park is planned individually in attempt to make best use of the public property. Services such as playgrounds, shelters, athletic facilities, landscaping, trails and all other recreational activity are all considered. An example of the future community park in the Upper East Ravine Neighborhood is included with this report. At each step of this process, feedback is gained from Parks and Planning Commissions. Their recommendations are given to Council who authorizes final master plans. The process of building Cottage Grove's beautiful park and trail system is a thoughtful, comprehensive and rewarding process. Staff Recommendation Receive information. © Future Park Service Area Future Rest Area (Historic & Educational Markers) Trail & Parkway Access i L Future Park & Open Space MNDNR Conservation Easement Conservancy Area Regional Storm Water r Basin Area V (Restored prairie and wetlands) Proposed Oak Savanna Existing Trail - -- Future Trail � M IMM Future East Ravine Pkwy. W(MWestwood A, 0 mi 1/8 mi 1/4 mi 3/8 mi -00, °ysr Jk o�cT Reg—iSt- -in — Raz Area f , Proposed Ravine Parkway Alignment Rest Area Regional Storm *sin Area Rest Area Futurel. Reg °nai Water Ra nA— Neighborhood Park bi Rest Area Future Community Park L- -- - --- i 0 i > v F, > �fwtJ' Y 14 NZ Wim" ,. 4/27/12 Upper East Ravine Parks and Trail Plan a k w Upper East Ravine Community Park Westwood 0' 100' 200' 300' Concept Plan