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PAf2KS AND
OPEN SPACE
The Parks and Open Space chapter provides information on existing and future parks, open space,
and trail facilities in Cottage Grove. These facilities are a major asset in the community and important
feature to maintain and expand as the city develops. This chapter also addresses Cottage Grove as
part of a regional system of parks, trails, and open space.
COTTAGE GROVE COMPR❑ IENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE qq
INTRODUCTION
The Parks and Open Space chapter provides information on planning for acquisition, development, and functionality of a signature parks and open space system.
Included is an inventory of existing parks, open space, and recreation facilities and a guide for future park land. This chapter builds upon previous park plans, the
2006 Park and Open Space Study, the East Ravine Master Plan, and incorporates new ideas and standards that reflect a shifting public expectation on design,
function, and maintenance of public facilities.
The Comprehensive Plan lays the ground work for assembling and maintaining a first-class park and recreation system for the city and presents some of the
tools needed to make sound planning decisions. The acquisition, development, and maintenance of the Cottage Grove parks, recreation, and open space system
should continue to be a community priority in the governing and development process.
As part of the established Community Vision, the City of Cottage Grove strives to address these key themes related to Parks and Open Space:
• Parks, Trails, S Recreation — continue to build the City's parks and trail systems as a source of pride for residents.
• Mississippi River Access — work to provide public access to the river and appropriate development opportunities on Lower Grey Cloud Island.
• Environmental Stewardship — continue to protect and enhance the natural environment, including air quality, groundwater resources, stormwater
management and energy usage.
TRAILS, BICYCLE, AND PEDESTRIAN ISSUES IN COTTAGE GROVE
On March 26, 2018, the City of Cottage Grove hosted a Bicycle and Pedestrian Forum, identifying key issues and opportunities for recreation and alternative
transportation in the city. The forum was attended by a variety of stakeholders including members of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, and Planning
Commission. The forum began with a presentation, educating attendees on the existing trail network in Cottage Grove and bicycling and walking issues.
More information will be added to this section after the online polling closes.
Finally, forum attendees used maps of the city to identify existing destinations and desired connections to those destinations. This was replicated online using an
ArcGIS online tool. The online tool and in-person map activity identified key barriers and opportunities in the bicycle and pedestrian network. The routes identified
by the public have informed the future trail network, discussed later in this chapter.
GU MFCCT/--61 C P5 -J1 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
GOALS AND POLICIES
Goal 1: Acquire and preserve necessary park and open space areas. Q
• POLICY 5.1 Parkland and open space areas will be acquired through park dedication, purchase, or donation. Private developers will be required to dedicate
a portion of their land for public use when a development includes areas planned for park and open space acquisition. Full dedication credit is not given for
lands with steep slopes, tree preservation areas, wetlands, bedrock, or other areas that are development constrained.
• POLICY 5.2 When feasible, the acquisition of parks, open space, and other recreational facilities should be accomplished at an early date, so that
appropriate sites can be obtained to meet long-range public recreational needs before development pressures render the property too expensive.
• POLICY 5.3 The City will coordinate its recreation plan with bordering communities, South Washington County School District 833, Washington County,
Washington County Watershed District, South Washington Conservation District, the Metropolitan Council, and the State of Minnesota.
• POLICY 5.4 Whenever practical, parks shall include conservancy open space in areas that preserve and protect woodlands, wetlands, prairies, natural or
cultural resources, and environmentally sensitive areas.
Goal 2: Develop an integrated system of parks and open space areas that offers a variety of facilities and programs to all
residents of the city throughout the year.
• POLICY 5.5 The City will prepare a master plan for each component of the park and recreation system based on the criteria established in this
comprehensive plan. The park master plans shall be the basis for site acquisition, development, and use, and upon establishment, be reviewed in
connection with updates to capital improvement plans and budgets.
• POLICY 5.6 All park and open space facilities wbe designed to be environmentally friendly. Appropriate measures will be taken during construction to
mitigate any negative environmental impact. ,
• POLICY 5.7 Design and maintain park facilities 9nd programs to be as accessible as possible to all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles of Cottage Grove
residents, with special consideration for the needs of young people and senior citizens. Best management practices will be utilized during all grading and
construction activities.
Goal 3: Create a coordinated network of trail routes that are designed to accommodate a variety of users while providing for
integrated links to neighborhoods, the community, the Mississippi River ans associated backwaters, the region, and other
special points of interest.
• POLICY 5.8 New trail installations shall include the identification of future replacement and maintenance programs and appropriate funding sources for these
programs.
• POLICY 5.9 The trail system will be separated from roadways whenever feasible.
• POLICY 5.10 For safety reasons, the trail system will include incorporate security lighting where needed.
• POLICY 5.11 The trail system will include landscaping, informational signage, directional signage, educational signage, benches, bike racks, garbage
receptacles, pet waste disposal bags, and other similar amenities where reasonable or necessary.
c.'. -?T_FA' C GG _''/C COMPGCI IFNSW P,_af•! PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
• POLICY 5.12 The trail system will include a variety of surfaces, slopes, and linear distance that will accommodate the needs of all segments of the general
population. The system will be implemented to conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act, except when topography or other environmental constraints
prohibit meeting the majority of the standards.
• POLICY 5.13 The trail system within the Mississippi River Critical Area will be limited to links to scenic overlooVN public property, and other points of interest
unless the existing railroad right-of-way is abandoned and a linear trailway can be established along the river.
• POLICY 5.14 Transportation sidewalks and trails shall be installed by developers along all collector and minor arterial streets, or on roadways that are
determined to generate sufficient traffic to warrant concern for either pedestrian or bicycle use within the street right-of-way. 0
• POLICY 5.15 The trail system will be implemented by creating links between all new and existing developments in the city, through the acquisition of
easements, right-of-way dedications, purchase, eminent domain, or donations.
• POLICY 5.16 The trail system will include the establishment of a set of rules of operation that is actively provided to the public and is periodically updated to
reflect current usage needs, problems, and trends.
• POLICY 5.17 The individual components of the trail system will be monitored for volumes of usage and safety factors to determine if additional
improvements are required.
DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS
Development of a Park Open Space and Trail System relies on standards for the systematic approach to providing facilities.
Definitions and standards have been created to help communicate and coordinate park and open space facility development standards. It should be noted that
standards are relative guidelines, not absolute requirements when dealing with unique park and open space components and landforms. A proper understanding of
the following terms is essential for correct interpretation of this chapter:
PARK AND OPEN SPACE CLASSIFICATIONS
Public Park
An area dedicated to recreational use and generally characterized by its natural, historic, topographic, or landscape features. It may be used for both passive and
active forms of recreation and may be designed to serve a neighborhood, larger community, or as a local link with regional systems. Encroachment on lands within
a public park by adjacent neighbors is not permitted.
Public Open Space
A relatively undeveloped area which may be located within or outside of the urbanized development area. Open space may include utility easements,
drainageways, ravines, holding ponds, treed slopes, and steep slopes, and may also include any land unsuitable for building. Open space may be used general
recreational activities. Encroachment on lands within a public park by adjacent neighbors is not permitted.
CC?TTAG� R_:�'C Ct-)MPRCI P1 Al,,I PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
Private Open Space
Privately -owned land, which because of certain limiting conservation easements, are permanently
protected from development. Privately owned recreational facilities, such as golf courses, would not be
considered private open space because of future development potential.
Mini -Park
Mini -park is the smallest park classification and is used to address limited or specific recreational needs.
Examples of where a mini -park may be located include areas of concentrated populations, isolated
development areas, landscaped public use areas in an industrial/commercial area, scenic overlooks, and
play areas in shopping districts. Although demographics and population density play a role in location,
the justification for a mini -park lies more in servicing a specific recreational need or taking advantage of
a unique opportunity. In a residential setting, the service area is usually less than a quarter mile in radius
and the park is generally one acre or less in size.
Site selection criteria should include ease of access from the surrounding area and ideally be linked to a
community pathway system. Given their size, they are typically not intended to be used for programmed
activities, and off-street parking is not provided.
Neighborhood Park and Open Space
The neighborhood park and open space is the basic unit of the City's park system and is designed to
serve as the recreational and social focus of neighborhoods. They include active and passive recreation
activities geared specifically for those living within a half mile service area. The park should be centrally
located and easily accessible by way of interconnecting trails, sidewalks, or low-volume residential
streets. Five acres is the accepted minimum standard necessary to provide space for recreation activities.
Seven to ten acres are considered optimal. The site should exhibit physical characteristics appropriate for
both active and passive recreation uses including suitable soils, positive drainage, varying topography,
and a variety of vegetation and natural resource areas. Sites should be connected to schools and other
park system components such as natural resource areas, lakes, ponds, and greenways.
Potential active recreation facilities include play structures, creative play attractions, game courts, ball
fields, tennis courts, volleyball courts, horseshoe courts, and general ice skating areas. A local play facility
is illustrated in Figure 5-1.
Passive activity facilities include networks of recreation and nature trails, individual and group picnic/
sitting areas, general open space and unique landscapes/features, nature study areas, and ornamental
gardens. The ability to hold cultural activities, such as plays and concerts, is also appropriate for a
community park. Distribution of land area between active and passive recreation is determined on a site -
by -site basis. Parking lots of limited size should be provided as necessary to accommodate user access,
and park lighting should be used moderately due to proximity to residential units.
C:.C.,TTAGC G RiCvF C:OMF T1 IFNSIVE P -AN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
Figure 5-1: Playground in Cottage Grove
Source: City of Cottage Grove
Figure 5-2: Hazen P. Mooer Park School Commons
�r t
Source: City of Cottage Grove
A school commons allows for expanded recreation, social, and educational opportunities available to the
community in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Depending on its size, one school site may serve
in a number of capacities such as a neighborhood park, youth athletic fields, and the obvious outdoor
active area for the school. The important outcome in the joint -use relationship is that both the school
district and the park system benefit from shared use of facilities and land area. When planning efforts
coincide, attempts should be made to coordinate the needs of the School District with that of the park and
recreation system. The criteria established for neighborhood park and community park classifications is
the basis for determining how a school commons site should function and be developed.
Community Park and Open Space
Community parks and open space are typically larger than 50 acres in size and serve a broad audience of
users and purposes within the City park and open space system. Multi -functional design and facilities are
found within the boundaries of these parks and focus on meeting the recreation needs of large sections
of the community. Preservation of unique landscapes and open space is possible on a grand scale in
community parks, and management of community parks require special attention and fiscal resources
because of the size and amount of facilities and the intensive community use.
A community park should serve two or more neighborhoods with a service area of one to three miles in
radius. Ideally, the site should be serviced by arterial and collector streets and be easily accessible from
throughout its service area by way of interconnecting trails. Selection of community park sites should take
into consideration existing private conservancy areas, natural resource areas, and regional parks and
schools, each of which may provide recreational opportunities normally provided in community parks.
The site should exhibit physical characteristics appropriate for both active and passive recreation uses. It
should have suitable soils, positive drainage, varying topography, and a variety of vegetation and include
natural resource areas, greenways, lakes, ponds, and woodlands.
Potential active recreation facilities include large play structures, creative play attractions, game courts,
ballfields, tennis courts, volleyball courts, horseshoe courts, bocce ball courts, ice skating areas, archery
ranges, disc golf areas, and amphitheaters.
Passive activity facilities include extensive recreation and nature trails, individual and group picnic/sitting
areas, general open space and unique landscapes/features, nature study areas, and ornamental gardens.
The ability to hold cultural activities, plays, and concerts, is also appropriate for a community park.
Distribution of land area between active and passive recreation is determined on a site -by -site basis, and
active field areas should be sized large enough to accommodate a field rotation maintenance program.
Landscaped parking lots should be provided as necessary to accommodate user access. Park lighting
should be utilized as appropriate for security, safety, lighting facilities, and extending the hours of use/
scheduling of active athletic areas.
�JCCTTrCOMF'RTI ICHSI\^- PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
Regional Metropolitan Park
Often a regional metropolitan park includes outdoor recreation such as picnicking, boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and trail uses. The sites are normally
contiguous to or encompass existing natural resources.
The Metropolitan Council recommends that metropolitan regional parks shall be of 200 or more acres and service populations within 30 minutes driving time.
Due to their size, they can provide a wider array of activities, some of which cannot be found in a community park. Their size also dictates that they have several
parking areas and good access, and often they contain some type of park shelter.
Regional Park Reserve
An area of natural quality for nature -oriented outdoor recreation such as viewing and studying nature, wildlife habitat, conservation, swimming, picnicking, hiking,
fishing, boating, camping, and trail uses. May include some minor active play areas. Generally 80 percent of the land is reserved for conservation and natural
resource management. Desirable characteristics include unique or diverse natural resources such as lakes, streams, marshes, flora, fauna, and topography.
The Metropolitan Council recommends that regional park reserves shall be of 2,000 or more acres and serve populations within one hour driving time.
Greenway Linking Corridors
Greenway linking corridors are lineal oriented public open spaces that are designed to provide buffering, transition, continuity and access between adjacent
parks and open space areas, neighborhoods, and schools. The minimum cross dimension of greenway corridors is 30 feet in width, and shall contain a Class 111
recreational trailway. Larger corridors may contain a combination of trailway classifications. Spacing of major community wide greenway linking corridors is based
on a square mile grid section offset one-half mile from the major transportation grid.
Greenway Buffer Areas
Greenway buffer areas are lineal oriented open spaces along minor arterials and major collector roadways that are designed to provide buffering, transition, and
continuity along the roadway. The minimum average cross dimension of the corridors is 75 feet in width and shall contain a combination of trailway classifications.
The buffer area can be publicly owned or under the control of a private homeowners association with an overlying public trailway/access easement. Buffer areas
are required to be extensively landscaped with a variety of native or formal vegetation and may include existing natural areas, lakes, wetlands, and stormwater
ponds.
Natural Resource Areas
The City's Natural Resource Inventory categorized local natural resources as compared to those found in the state and also based upon a local value
categorization of natural resource areas identified as having significant natural resources woodlands or remnant landscapes. Many of these areas serve as habitat
corridors. The natural resource areas identified as the highest quality in the Natural Resource Inventory should be given priority in access or preservation efforts.
Development impacts should be kept to a level that preserves the integrity of the resource. Figure 5-2 on the previous page illustrates the unique, isolated location
of Hazen P. Mooer Park on Grey Cloud Island in the Mississippi River.
COTTAGE GR(DW COMRRFI ICNSIVT PLAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE ��
Figure 5-3: Highlands Park Splash Pad Golf Courses
Source: City of Cottage Grove
One 18 -hole daily fee golf course is recommended for each 25,000 population. A daily fee golf course
may include a semi -private facility that draws from the golfing element who use the public facilities.
Approximately 75 acres are recommended for a 9 -hole course and at least 180 acres is considered
necessary for regulation courses.
Swimming Pools and Splash Pads
A standard of one pool per 20,000 population is recommended. The deck area should be twice the area
of the water surface. Year-round swimming facilities should be considered when deciding to construct a
pool in the community. Splash pads provide another unique water recreation opportunity for communities.
Figure 5-3 illustrates the splash pad at Highlands Park in Cottage Grove.
Recreation Buildings
Sun Structure
The sunshade structure is an open canopy of limited size that provides shade for a passive or waiting
area. The shaded area may be hard surfaced. No kitchen facilities, electricity, water or restrooms are
included in the design.
Picnic Structure
The picnic structure is a large open -sided facility of a size that provides shade and picnic activity areas for
larger groups. No kitchen facilities are included in the design, but electricity, water, and restrooms may be
included.
Neighborhood Center
The neighborhood recreation center is a smaller community-based recreation service facility in the City.
It should serve the neighborhood in which it is located by providing a facility for general neighborhood
organizations as well as supervised recreation programs. The building is approximately 3,000 to 5,000
square feet in size and typically includes meeting, game, and multi-purpose rooms; an office; limited
kitchen facilities; a storage area; and restrooms. The mechanical equipment necessary for year-round use
should be included in the design.
Community Center
A community recreation center provides opportunity for year-round programming of leisure time activities.
A wide range of social, aquatic, cultural, and physical programs typically take place in community centers.
Building size varies from 30,000 square feet to 60,000 square feet and typically includes multi-purpose
rooms, gymnasium, swimming pool, racquetball courts, arts and crafts room, senior center, aerobic/
dance room, weight room, running track, kitchen facilities, and administrative offices. This facility serves
the needs of the entire community. For that reason, location and access are keys to facility siting. Often
a community center is in close proximity to other public buildings such as a city hall or sited to take
advantage of attractive natural features.
5o COTT = C � F J, C CCMFIRD I[1,J`;I��- F4_! I' 1 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
Sports Complex
A sports complex consolidates heavily programmed athletic fields and associated facilities at larger sites strategically located throughout the community. This
allows for economies of scale and higher quality facilities, improved management and scheduling, and improved control of facility use, and reduces the number
of areas dedicated to sports facilities. The greatest advantage, if planned appropriately, is the City's ability to control negative impacts to neighborhood and
community parks such as overuse, noise, traffic congestion, parking, and in some cases, domination of facilities by those outside the neighborhood.
Sports complexes should be developed to accommodate the specific needs of user groups and athletic associations within the community based on demands
and program offerings. Sport complexes are community -wide facilities and attempts should be made to centrally locate the site. Because it serves the greater
community, access from arterial collector streets is desirable. Sports complexes should be adjacent to non-residential land uses if possible and should be buffered.
These areas should be clearly identified prior to residential development to avoid long-term conflicts. Demographic profiles, age group population forecasts, and
participation rates should be used to determine the types of facilities to provide. Sites should be a minimum of 40 acres with 80 acres being optimal.
Potential sites should exhibit physical characteristics appropriate for developing athletic facilities. Topography and soils are of the utmost concern. Although
extreme topographical change should be avoided, some elevation is desirable to allow for drainage and to give the site some character. Natural vegetation along
the perimeter of the site and in non -field areas is desirable to buffer their impact on surrounding land uses. Currently, there are several areas in the community
located outside of the MUSA that would appear to meet the designated locational parameters for a sports complex.
Sports complexes are intended for programmed athletic use, such as youth and adult softball, baseball, and soccer leagues and tournaments. Sports complexes
increase tourism, drawing both tournament participants and spectators. Potential facilities include ballfields, soccer fields, football fields, outdoor and indoor skating
rinks, tennis courts, play structures, hard courts, and volleyball courts. Internal trails should provide access to all facilities as well as connection to the citywide
pathway system. Group picnic areas and shelters should also be provided along with support facilities such as multi-purpose buildings, restrooms, and common
space.
RECREATION STANDARDS
Sound principles of recreation planning include standards and more general elements:
• Designating areas for differing age groups, rather than just children;
• Consideration of aesthetics in addition to function; and
• Creating a proper balance between private and public recreation activities.
Recreational activities are generally divided into two types — active and passive. Facilities for both active and passive recreation should be available to the public
on three levels:
• Neighborhood Level: Facilities intended for use by those within a half -mile radius and bounded by major streets.
• Community Level: Major facilities designed for residents of the entire community.
• Regional Level: Major facilities utilized by residents of the metropolitan area.
Figure 5-4 shows the Existing Park and Open Space System and Table 5-1 shows an Inventory of Existing Facilities.
-CTIA C (_RC'VC � COMPRD ICNSIVF R, VN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE 537 '
Figure 5-4. Existing Parks, Open Space, and Trails
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FUTURE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
Plans for future park acquisition and development are based on two basic assumptions. First, there will be a continued increase in demand for park and recreation
services and facilities for our youth population and a dramatic increase in recreational demands from the adult segment of the population. Second, as the city
continues to grow, parklands and open space areas will become more important for their growing recreational, aesthetic, and conservation values.
Demographic data suggests that Cottage Grove will continue to be a community dominated by families with children. At the same time, the age structure of the
community is changing; even though the proportion of children to adults is predicted to slowly decrease. If the city continues to grow, the total number of children
will probably remain stable or increase. In light of this, future parks, trails, and open space acquisition and development plans are predicated on the vision of a city
where both the total population and the average age of the citizens will continue to increase.
Cottage Grove cannot afford to stop investing in parks, trails, and open space. The engagement found that the parks and open space system is a source of
community pride and that residents approve of acquiring, developing, and maintaining a quality park and recreation system in Cottage Grove. The general public
consensus appears to be that parks are a critical factor in assessing the "quality of life" in the community. Figure 5-5 shows the 2040 Future Parks and Open
Space System.
TRAILS
Existing Trail Network
The trail network in Cottage Grove consists of a combination of routes designed for pedestrian and non -motorized use that links neighborhoods, commercial areas
schools, parks, points of interest, scenic overlooks, unique natural and historical features, and other public gathering places. The trail network is accessible to
pedestrians, bicyclists, non -motorized use, and persons with disabilities; and has connections with other transitway components of the network.
The purpose of the trail network is to offer the residents of Cottage Grove the safest possible access route for pedestrian and non -motorized use. The City has
been actively working to improve the trail network to one that offers a greater variety of access opportunities. Each segment identified on the trail network is a vital
component of the whole trail network. The major routing emphasis of the trails plan correlates directly with the future transportation network and ties higher class
trails with collectors and minor arterials. However, roadways that function as residential collectors or provide access to schools, parks, and other gathering spots
should also be considered for some type of pedestrian access. The trail network provides residents with not only recreational access, but also with alternative
transportation options to the major destination points in the city.
Where feasible, it is preferable to develop off-road trails, which provide facilities for both bicyclists and pedestrians. Trails along rivers and through parks and
natural areas are always highly desirable routes, if and when they can be attained, as they provide a more scenic experience for the user. An off-road trail is one
that is physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier either within the road right-of-way or within an independent right-of-way.
According to AASHTO guidelines, the minimum width of a trail that provides for two-way bicycle traffic and allows for pedestrian use is eight (8) feet with two -foot
shoulders on each side. Where traffic volumes are higher, ten (10) feet is the desired width.
Adequate space is not always available within the existing right-of-way for an off-road trail. Where it is necessary to develop continuous trail segments, it is
recommended that the City work with residential developers and owners of commercial properties to obtain easements in areas where the road right-of-way is
insufficient or in areas with topography constraints.
In cases where funding or right-of-way is limited, an on -road bicycle trail can present a more economical solution. The provision of an on -road bicycle trail can be
accomplished through the restriping of existing roadways or with extra consideration during the design of a new roadway. Similar to a functional classification of
roadways, trail facilities also have a hierarchy of structure. The following classification helps to define the different facilities available for trails.
bU COTTAGE ORO�17 COMPRFI IFNSk/_ FIAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
Figure 5.5: Planned Parks, Open Space, and Trails
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Planned Parks,
Open Space and Trails
Existing Recreation Trails
2040 Planned Recreation Trail
Existing Transportation Trails
- - - 2040 Planned Transportation Trail
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County Park
Neighborhood Park
Open Space
Recreational Facility
State Scientific and Natural Areas
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COTTAGE GROVE COMPREI ENAVE P PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
Trail Facilities
Sidewalks
Sidewalks are installed on public right-of-way, are constructed of concrete, are five to six feet in width, and are located along local streets, sub -collectors, and
collector streets. On neighborhood local streets, sidewalks may be located on only one side of the street. On collector and arterial streets, sidewalks are required
to be located on both sides of the street unless prohibited by topography or other engineering constraints. Pedestrian curb ramps are required at the terminus of
the sidewalk with public or private roadways, driveways, and parking lots. Due to a sidewalk's width, pedestrian use has right-of-way over bikes and other non -
motorized use.
Transportation Trails
Transportation Trails are installed in public right-of-way or in trailway easements adjacent to collector and minor arterial streets and are physically separated from
motor vehicle traffic. Class II construction consists of asphalt bituminous material with a minimum width of eight feet. Sealcoating is periodically performed on
transportation trail. Pedestrian curb ramps are required at the terminus of the transportation trails with public or private roadways, driveways, and parking lots.
Transportation trails are designed for bicycle, other non -motorized, and pedestrian uses.
Recreational Trails
Recreational Trails are installed in public parks and open -space and other natural areas of the community. Recreational trails are located in and adjacent to a
variety of different landscapes in the community including wetlands, woods, prairies, and other passive areas. The recreational trail system also links the different
active areas of the city park and open space system to provide for accessibility and cohesiveness of the facilities. Class III construction consists of asphalt
bituminous material with a minimum width of eight feet. Sealcoating is periodically performed on recreational trails. Pedestrian curb ramps are required at the
terminus of the recreational trail with public or private roadways, driveways and parking lots. Recreational trails are designed for bicycle, other non -motorized, and
pedestrian uses.
Natural Trails
Natural Trails are installed in public parks and open space and other natural areas of the community. Natural trails are located in and adjacent to a variety of
different landscapes in the community including wetlands, woods, prairies, and other passive areas. Trail construction consists of woodchip or crushed rock
material with a width of four to eight feet. Natural trails are located in areas of future Recreational Trail corridors that have yet to be completed, or in other areas
that cannot be hard surfaced due to steep slopes, tree massing, water features, or other environmentally sensitive features. Tree trimming, erosion control, and
surface restoration are required to be periodically performed on natural trails. These trails are designed specifically for pedestrian use and some limited bicycle
use.
h_ C (: �TTAGi GR_' WF COMPRD ICNSIV1- PRhI'I PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
REGIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunities abound to connect regional systems with inter -community non -vehicular trailways. However, such linkages along minor arterial road systems and
utility easements will only occur as urban expansion occurs toward the Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park or toward future federal or regional park acquisitions
on Grey Cloud Island. Urban expansion can occur through upgrading of various roadway systems with associated sidewalk or trailways, through parkland
dedication of utility easement areas, or future park bond land and trail acquisition and development programs.
Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
Outside the time frame of this plan as urban development crosses Keats Avenue and development occurs contiguous to this regional facility, pathways and street
access points will need to be coordinated with Washington County Park Department's interpark trail systems and park master planning. More than likely, future
trail connections will occur along an NSP transmission line easement that enters on the northwest portion of park. Roadway connection opportunities also exist
opposite the 90th Street and Keats intersection and at several other points along Keats Avenue.
Currently, the main entry point into the park is along the service road (East Point Douglas Road) parallel to T.H. 61/10. Park patrons use this entrance for both
vehicular and bikeway access into the park. A northwest access to the site may be necessary to more readily serve both vehicular and non -vehicular networks
outside and within the park.
Access into the park from the east is non-existent and it is expected to remain that way throughout the duration of this plan. It should be noted that as properties
east of the park receive urban utilities, access from the east should become a priority.
Lower Grey Cloud Island
Lower Grey Cloud Island has been identified by Washington County, the Metropolitan Council, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as a prime
site for a state or county park. Existing access to this area is inadequate for park use due to winding narrow causeways, low bridges, and older minimally
designed rural roads. Any federal or regional acquisition and development of land on Grey Cloud Island must be accompanied with funds to upgrade the complete
transportation system.
Although the City's overall sanitary sewer study shows engineering potentials, present and future residents on the Island are not expected to receive sanitary
sewer or municipal water. As the Island gradually receives more residents or other more intense land uses, further road and trail development is expected. If
private development occurs on the Island, care should be taken to provide public access opportunities to areas of the Island, the Mississippi River, and associated
backwaters.
Mississippi River Trail
The Mississippi River Trail (MRT) runs through the southern part of Cottage Grove on Hadley Avenue, 97th Street, Jamaica Avenue, 100th Street, Miller Road,
and Keats Avenue. The Trail is a segment of a larger system that follows the Minnesota portion of the Mississippi River roughly 600 miles from its source at
Itasca State Park to the Iowa border. The City is planning for an improved, more direct routing of the bicycle facility. The planned reroute would provide a bicycle/
pedestrian path or protected route along 100th Street South between Hadley Avenue South and Jamaica Avenue South that is more direct and reduces potential
conflicts between vehicles and Trail users in an area for future industrial business development.
CT�TT^G.0 GF,', --)VF COMPRID ICNSIV[ PAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
UPCOMING PARK AND TRAIL DEVELOPMENT
The City of Cottage Grove and Washington County have developed capital improvement plans to identify future park and trail development. Projects taking place
in the next five years are listed below.
Cottage Grove Projects
• Skate Park Maintenance - Hamlet Park
• Fitness Trail - Kingston Park
• Playground Equipment Replacement - Pine Glen and Old Cottage Grove Parks
• Cottage Grove Trailway Corridor, Public Landscape Initiative - Citywide
• Park Design and Master Planning - Citywide
Washington County Parks
• Pedestrian Trail - CSAH 18 to Ravine Park in Cottage Grove
64
C JT1AGF GR),,'[ COMPTI PPJSIV,- FV -,N PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
GOALS AND POLICIES
Goal 1: Acquire and preserve necessary park and open space areas. Q
• POLICY 5.1 Parkland and open space areas will be acquired through park dedication, purchase, or donation. Private developers will be required to dedicate
a portion of their land for public use when a development includes areas planned for park and open space acquisition. Full dedication credit is not given for
lands with steep slopes, tree preservation areas, wetlands, bedrock, or other areas that are development constrained.
• POLICY 5.2 When feasible, the acquisition of parks, open space, and other recreational facilities should be accomplished at an early date, so that
appropriate sites can be obtained to meet long-range public recreational needs before development pressures render the property too expensive.
• POLICY 5.3 The City will coordinate its recreation plan with bordering communities, South Washington County School District 833, Washington County,
Washington County Watershed District, South Washington Conservation District, the Metropolitan Council, and the State of Minnesota.
• POLICY 5.4 Whenever practical, parks shall include conservancy open space in areas that preserve and protect woodlands, wetlands, prairies, natural or
cultural resources, and environmentally sensitive areas.
Goal 2: Develop an integrated system of parks and open space areas that offers a variety of facilities and programs to all
residents of the city throughout the year.
• POLICY 5.5 The City will prepare a master plan for each component of the park and recreation system based on the criteria established in this
comprehensive plan. The park master plans shall be the basis for site acquisition, development, and use, and upon establishment, be reviewed in
connection with updates to capital improvement plans and budgets.
• POLICY 5.6 All park and open space facilities wi I be designed to be environmentally friendly. Appropriate measures will be taken during construction to
mitigate any negative environmental impact.
• POLICY 5.7 Design and maintain park facilities and programs to be as accessible as possible to all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles of Cottage Grove
residents, with special consideration for the needs of young people and senior citizens. Best management practices will be utilized during all grading and
construction activities.
Goal 3: Create a coordinated network of trail routes that are designed to accommodate a variety of users while providing for
integrated links to neighborhoods, the community, the Mississippi River ans associated backwaters, the region, and other
special points of interest.
• POLICY 5.8 New trail installations shall include the identification of future replacement and maintenance programs and appropriate funding sources for these
programs.
• POLICY 5.9 The trail system will be separated from roadways whenever feasible.
• POLICY 5.10 For safety reasons, the trail system will include incorporate security lighting where needed.
• POLICY 5.11 The trail system will include landscaping, informational signage, directional signage, educational signage, benches, bike racks, garbage
receptacles, pet waste disposal bags, and other similar amenities where reasonable or necessary.
COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE rl
• POLICY 5.12 The trail system will include a variety of surfaces, slopes, and linear distance that will accommodate the needs of all segments of the general
population. The system will be implemented to conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act, except when topography or other environmental constraints
prohibit meeting the majority of the standards.
• POLICY 5.13 The trail system within the Mississippi River Critical Area will be limited to links to scenic overloo public property, and other points of interest
unless the existing railroad right-of-way is abandoned and a linear trailway can be established along the river. 4)
• POLICY 5.14 Transportation sidewalks and trails shall be installed by developers along all collector and minor arterial streets, or on roadways that are
determined to generate sufficient traffic to warrant concern for either pedestrian or bicycle use within the street right-of-way.
• POLICY 5.15 The trail system will be implemented by creating links between all new and existing developments in the city, through the acquisition of
easements, right-of-way dedications, purchase, eminent domain, or donations.
• POLICY 5.16 The trail system will include the establishment of a set of rules of operation that is actively provided to the public and is periodically updated to
reflect current usage needs, problems, and trends.
• POLICY 5.17 The individual components of the trail system will be monitored for volumes of usage and safety factors to determine if additional
improvements are required.
DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS
Development of a Park Open Space and Trail System relies on standards for the systematic approach to providing facilities.
Definitions and standards have been created to help communicate and coordinate park and open space facility development standards. It should be noted that
standards are relative guidelines, not absolute requirements when dealing with unique park and open space components and landforms. A proper understanding of
the following terms is essential for correct interpretation of this chapter:
PARK AND OPEN SPACE CLASSIFICATIONS
Public Park
An area dedicated to recreational use and generally characterized by its natural, historic, topographic, or landscape features. It may be used for both passive and
active forms of recreation and may be designed to serve a neighborhood, larger community, or as a local link with regional systems. Encroachment on lands within
a public park by adjacent neighbors is not permitted.
Public Open Space
A relatively undeveloped area which may be located within or outside of the urbanized development area. Open space may include utility easements,
drainageways, ravines, holding ponds, treed slopes, and steep slopes, and may also include any land unsuitable for building. Open space may be used general
recreational activities. Encroachment on lands within a public park by adjacent neighbors is not permitted.
`'` EE-7TAGE i'E1,'E E1AGI PARKS AND OPEN SPACE