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Home My WebLink About02-21-18 Parks Commission Packet CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 4k PARKS COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018 6:00 P.M. AT CITY HALL I. Call to Order 1I. Approval of Agenda 111, Approve Parks Commission Minutes—January 29, 2018 (1) IV. Department 1 Commission Liaison Reports A. Arborist B. Public Works Director C. Other/ Commission Liaison Report V. Visitors/Public Comment This rr on eg'porfrriw_y fa-the public to address the Commission tirith questions or concerns not on the agenda. Please finril comments l0 rhrve Ruin" . VI. Public hearing None VII. New Business None VIII. Old Business A. Comprehensive Plan—Parks and Trails (2) IX. Informational A. Next Meeting: Monday, March 19 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall B. Council Meetings: Tuesday, February 27 at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 13 at 6:00 p.m. X. Adjourn Page 1 of 34 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Page 2 of 34 1 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday,January 29, 2018 at City Hall 1. Call to Order: Chair Bye called the meeting to order. Present: Vice Chair Weyer, Commissioner Chirhart, City Administrator Johnson, Public Works Director Kegley, Arborist Danielson, and Commission-Liaison Liljegren. Also present: City Planner Scott Richards. Absent: None. II. Approval of Agenda: Vice Chair Weyer, seconded by Commissioner Chirhart, moved to approve the Agenda. Carried 3-0. I11. Approve Parks Commission Minutes--December 18, 2017: Commissioner Chirhart, seconded by Vice Chair Weyer, moved to approve the Minutes. Carried 3-0. IV. Department/Commission Liaison Reports: A. Arborist: Arborist Danielson reported she was working on the prairie restoration egetation maintenance plan. B. Public Works Director: Public Works Director Kegley reported the ice rinks were opened on December 26, and they will continue to flood until the weather warms up. C. Other/ Commission Liaison Reports: Commission-Liaison Liljegren reported that the City Council passed the 2018 budget for the summer parks program at their January 23 City Council meeting. City Administrator Johnson reported that the City Council discussed working with Xcel Energy on a possible prairie establishment on the 20 acres just north of City Hall under the power lines, V. Visitor/Public Comment: None VI. Public Hearings: None VI1. New Business: A. Comprehensive Plan Parks and Trails: City PIanner Richards reported the City was working on an update of its Comprehensive Plan. He reviewed the draft of the parks and trails section of the plan. The Parks Commission discussed the possible issues identified in the plan. City Planner Richards said he would re\,,ise the plan based on the discussion and bring it back to the Parks Commission at their next meeting. VIII, Old Business: A. 2018 Budget and Capital Positions. City Administrator Johnson reported the ranking in the packet was based on a worksession the Parks Commission held the previous Page 3 of 34 Parks Commission Minutes January 29, 2018 Page 2 of 2 month. Commissioner Chirhart, seconded by Vice Chair Weyer, moved to accept the Parks Walkthrough Ranking from December 2017. Carried 3-0. IX. Annual Meeting of the Parks Commission Commissioner Chirhart, seconded by Vice Chair Weyer, moved to convene the annual meeting. Carried 3-0. Commissioner Chirhart, seconded by Chair Bye, moved to appoint Vice Chair Weyer as Chairman. Carried 3-0. Vice Chair Weyer, seconded by Commissioner Chirhart, moved to appoint Commissioner Chirhart as Vice Chair. Carried 3-0. X. Reconvene Regular Meeting Vice Chair Bye reconvened the regular meeting. XI. Informational: A. Next Meeting: Monday, February 26 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall B. Upcoming Council Meetings: Tuesday, February 13 at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 27 at 6:00 p.m. C. City Administrator Johnson reported there were two vacancies on the Parks Commission. XII. Adjournment: Vice Chair Chirhart, seconded by Chair Weyer, moved to adjourn. Carried 3)- 0. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Pinski City Clerk Page 4 of 34 TPC3601 Thurston Avenue N, Suite 100 Anoka, MN 55303 Phone: 763.231.5840 2 Facsimile- 763.427.0520 TPCi)P1ann!ngCc.corn MEMORANDUM TO: Eric Johnson FROM: Scott Richards DATE: February 15, 2018 RE: Oak Park Heights — Comprehensive Plan 2018 TPC FILE: 226.10 The Parks Commission reviewed the draft Introduction; Issues; Physical Profile and Goals and Policies sections of the Park and Trail Plan at their January 29, 2018 meeting. They provided input and updates to the draft park and trail elements of the Comprehensive Plan. The Parks Commission should review the draft text and maps as attached. A list of the discussion points is as follows. Discussion Points Please find as follows discussion points to be discussed by the Parks Commission: 1 . The Parks Commission should review the Introduction; Physical Profile; Issues; and Goals and Policies sections of the Park and Trail Plan for any changes or corrections. 2. The Parks and Trials Plan section has been added for review. 3. The 2018 Proposed Parks and Trails Map has been added for review. 4. The 2018 proposed plan maps for Autumn Hills Park, Brekke Park, Cover Park, Oak Park Crossing Park, Swager Park and Valley View Park are attached. The Parks Commission should review and suggest updates. Exhibits 1. Draft Parks and Trails Introduction, Physical Profile, Issues Identification, and Goals and Policies Sections. 2. 2018 Existing Parks and Trails Map 3. 2009 Proposed Plan Maps for Autumn Hills Park, Brekke Park, Cover Park, Oak Park Crossing Park, Swager Park and Valley View Park 4. 2018 Proposed Park and Trails Map 5. 2018 Regional Connections Map Page 5 of 34 Conclusion The Parks and Recreation Commission should review the issues listed above and provide direction to Staff. Pc: Jennifer Pinski 2 Page 6 of 34 PARKS AND TRAILS - INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION The Parks and Trail section of the Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan is built on the foundation created with the first Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System Plan of 1995, the 1999 Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan and the 2008 Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan. The 2018 Comprehensive Plan acknowledges that the community is almost completely developed and anticipates that there will be little, if any, expansion of the City limits in coming years. The population growth and number of households is expected to grow slightly, to over 5,000 persons, and remain stable. It is expected that the City's population will continue to age, especially with the large numbers of elderly housing units. In 2000, 12.8 percent of the city's population was 65 years and over, by 2010 that climbed to 23.0 percent and in 2015 it was 30.7 percent. In recognition of the demographics of the community, especially the aging of the population, this plan seeks to provide opportunities for recreation for all ages. The 2017 Community Survey asked residents about the current park and trail system and they stated that it was one of their favorite aspects of living in Oak Park Heights. Respondents had the following opinion regarding the condition of City parks and trails: 1. Excellent — 23.2 percent 2. Above Average — 56.9 percent 3. Average — 16.2 percent Respondents utilization of a City Park or trail is as follows: 1. Every day — 17.0 percent 2. A few times per week — 37.8 percent 3. On occasion — 26.8 percent The City recognizes that the community is almost completely built out and new park land will not be created as a result of land subdivision. The continuing emphasis in coming years will be on improvements within the existing parks, trail connections within the community, and addressing the park and recreation needs of an aging population. _ Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 145 ' Page 7 of 34 PARKS AND TRAILS - PHYSICAL PROFILE EXISTING PARKS AND TRAILS The Oak Park Heights park system offers numerous City parks distributed throughout the City and a trail system that nearly connects all parts of the community. The park facilities offer a full range of recreational activities. A list of the existing parks is as follows. A map of the existing park and trail locations is found on a following page. The City of Oak Park Heights contains six established parks. The parks vary in size, location, and service. Parks play an important role, not only in their overall recreational benefit to the residents of Oak Park Heights but as a crucial destination point directly related to the establishment of trails. All are interrelated and each portion from the park land itself, all the way down to a single picnic table or foot of trail, plays an important role in completing a recreational link, therefore adding to the comprehensive system. Valley View Park is the largest park within the City and is intended as a City-wide passive park for hikers, picnics and nature. It is viewed by the City as a very unique and positive amenity in the community given its dense vegetation, variation in topography, wetlands, and array of existing and potential uses. The park is an important link between the east portion of the City and Osgood Avenue (via its entrance drive, and/or through Brekke Heights or Valley View Estates residential subdivisions). Adjacent to the Valley View Park is Oak Park Crossings Park. Brekke Park is a high quality, intensively utilized City park intended as an active area for field games and a playground area for toddler age and older. It is located adjacent to State of Minnesota land controlled by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and serves as a community playfield for residents in the south-central portion of the City, primarily between Osgood and Oakgreen Avenues. The City will continue to work with the DNR to allow utilization of the property for open space, limited recreation and trails. In 2007, the City purchased the property at 5502 Osgood Avenue, adjacent to Brekke Park and created a disc golf course. Swager Park serves as a neighborhood playground along the linear park system. The park is fairly centralized within the community and is located within an Xcel Energy easement. A trail has been constructed within the easement from just east of Swager Park, through the City to Highway 5. Compi•eliensiVe Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 146 u' Page 8 of 34 PARKS AND TRAILS - PHYSICAL PROFILE Cover Park is the oldest and smallest park in the City and provides an active area for residents in the Village of Oak Park Heights neighborhoods who are otherwise somewhat segregated from the north and western portions of the City. A year-round park building, and parking lot was added in 2017. Autumn Hills Park and Haase Recreational Area serves as a neighborhood park and is surrounded by the Boutwells Landing senior community. The park serves as a focal point for residents from all areas of the City with the large play equipment area and a park shelter with restrooms. The recreational area features trails, utilities and natural areas adjacent to the Autumn Hills neighborhood and the Environment Living Center of the Stillwater Area High School. Oak Park Crossing Park is the City's newest park. It has a playground, park shelter, walking trails, and prairie grass plantings. It was developed on the former Allan S King ask disposal facility and is adjacent to Valley View Park. On the following page is a list of the existing park components for each of the six City parks. Trail connections have been constructed over the past two decades to provide important linkages between neighborhoods, commercial areas, and parks. In 1995, when the Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System Plan was completed, the only trail routes available were a few sidewalks located in the area adjacent to the City of Stillwater and limited trail connections to existing parks. In the last 23 years, the City has developed an off-and on-street trail system that enables the pedestrian or bicyclist to move safely throughout the City. There are many linkages and crossings that must still be addressed. Currently, the trail system in Oak Park Heights includes 10.5 miles of municipal separated, off-street trails; 4.0 miles of municipal on-street trail routes; 5.8 miles of State trails; and .3 miles of private trails. The City will continue to focus on making linkages, especially with development and redevelopment projects. North/south connections, especially along Oakgreen and Osgood Avenues, as well as crosswalks on or under these roadways, will continue to be a priority. The Existing Parks and Trails Map on a following page indicates the system current as of 2018. Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 147 , � Page 9 of 34 PARKS AND TRAILS - PHYSICAL PROFILE EXISTING PARK COMPONENTS Valley Brekke Swager Cover Autumn Oak Park View Park Park Park Hills Crossing Park Park Park Size 57 acres 13 acres 1.4 acres 1 acre 24 acres 35 acres ✓ Is/ / Picnic Shelter with bath ✓ with ✓ with bath ADA ADA access access BaseballlSoftball Hockey Rink tre //to free ate with shelter ✓ Warming House ADA with bath with shelter access Basketball Court Tennis Courts Soccer/Open Field ✓ youth only, Fall Play Set �/ �/ �/' ✓ �/ ✓ Swing Set �„/ �,/ ✓ y/' „�/ Spring Animal Horseshoe Pit Grills �/ ✓ �/ �/�' ;/' Picnic Tables �/ �/ �,/' f �/ ✓ Bench/Seat �/ �/ �/ ✓ Bike Rack/Stand Trail/Path Connection ✓ 1/ �/ �,�/ ✓ Disc Golf Course Signage ✓ 1 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Source. City of Oak Park Hei hts Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 148 Page 10 of 34 PARKS AND TRAILS - P " YSICAL PROFILE INSERT EXISTING PARKS AND TRAILS MAP Comprehensive Plan 2.018 :h City of Oak Park Heights Page 149 .T Page 11 of 34 L d Z a � O CL t p y b H - +V w m >r' o •\, i vi vi I V r o i f ' * -anu®nb p-0 , - i m `' tm • m e x i z a _.. .._..� Ow A - - anus aalB r..� 7 !►. - ..w..._ -. •F4ul cc It - ,i' y a m .:s O O m a U k ! r" 0) ,W go C ti O Page 12 of 34 PARKS AND TRAILS PLAN PARK ISSUES - INTRODUCTION The Parks Commission discussed issues relating to existing parks and trails in meetings on January 29, 2018 and February 21, 2018. The following is a summary of issues raised by the Parks Commission and staff. GENERAL PARK ISSUES • Provide opportunities for all ages to participate in lifetime fitness through the use of trails, park facilities, and other activities. • With an aging population, assure that facilities and programs are designed to accommodate people in this sector of the population. • Develop recreational and environmental education programs to familiarize people with the parks. • Decide if and how coordination with the recreational needs of the County, athletic associations, civic groups, etc. can be accomplished. • Create Oak Park Heights monument signs with plantings welcoming visitors to the City. • Determine whether existing and proposed park areas are desired for year-round or seasonal usage and what effect this will have on park facilities and design. • Define the means by which park development can minimize impacts on adjacent properties, i.e., off-street parking, screening, landscaping, setbacks, etc. • Continue to work with Stillwater Area Schools to assure continued play area use at Oak Park Elementary. • Link all parks within the City through a system of trails. VALLEY VIEW PARK • Replace easement trail from Ozark Avenue. • Make building improvements to park shelter such as providing a deck on the east side, extension to north side, installing gutters, and adding electrical outlets. • Provide trail connections to the east of the park shelter. • Provide trail connections to the north of the park shelter, across the ravine. • Replace fencing • Remove buckthorn from the easterly wooded area. • Add picnic tables. Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 1 5 1 `, , �' Page 13 of 34 PARKS AND TRAILS PLAN OAK PARK CROSSING PARK • Include exercise equipment along trail system. • Determine if water fountains can be added. • Provide a trail connection along the eastern border of Perro Pond. • Add a swing set near the playground area. • Add picnic tables within picnic shelters. BREKKE PARK • Continued maintenance and improvements to the existing Brekke Park picnic shelter. • Replace hockey boards. • Work with Washington County on construction of a tunnel under Osgood Avenue to provide safe access from Brekke Park to the trail and park system to the east. • Improve and update play equipment as needed. • Provide a connecting trail behind the baseball fields through the wildlife management area. • Replace easement trail and fence off 55th Street. • Consider a trail with an east/west orientation along the existing parking lot and edge of the park to provide a connection to the upper playground. • Consider purchase, if available for sale, of the DNR managed property to the south of Brekke Park. SWAGER PARK • Consider the park as a linear park segment within the trail system, rather than a destination. • Include exercise equipment along trail system • Provide benches, picnic tables within the park as needed. • Work with Xcel on planting prairie grass in that area north of City Hall. • Install a community garden area. • Replacement of fence as needed along the south boundary of park with neighborhood involvement. • Add water service with water fountain and hydrant. • The City shall take park land dedication for potential redevelopment area north of Swager Park. i Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 152 �' .'. Page 14 of 34 PARKS AND TRAILS PLAN COVER PARK • Monitor maintenance and improvements to new park shelter including installing gutters. • Maintain/improve perennial planting slope. AUTUMN HILLS PARK AND HAASE RECREATIONAL AREA • Monitor condition of playground equipment and replace as necessary. • Monitor condition of picnic tables and benches and replace as necessary. • Provide additional tree plantings within the park and replace ash trees. • Provide no smoking signs by playground. • Add bike racks near the park shelter. • Provide connections to the Boutwells Historic Village area to the south of the park and explore programs and cross-utilization of both facilities. GENERAL TRAIL ISSUES • Restore prairie areas where possible along the trail system. • Construct educational environmental kiosks and signs at Valley View Park, by City Hall, at Oak Park Crossing Park, at Autumn Hills Park, and in other appropriate locations along the east/west trail corridor. • Provide benches, resting areas, picnic tables, water fountains, and exercise courses along trails. • Complete the striping of the southern edge of the Andersen Office Building parking lot with a trail lane and stripe a crosswalk over Osgood with signage between Osgood and Valley View Park. • Improve trail signage where necessary to (1) denote the type of trail; (2) to give direction as to where they lead; and (3) to warn vehicles of trail crossings, on- street routes, etc. for safety purposes. • Look at options and locations for lighting of trail corridors. • Assure that all new trail construction is disability accessible. • The size of trails involves two factors: width and length. The minimum recommended width for multi-use trails is eight feet, although it is beneficial in many situations to provide increased width depending upon the use and location. The length of trails should be varied to provide choices for users. • Explore options for signage and street marking for on street trails. • The location of trails within the community may be constructed in one of three general ways: 1) on street, separated by a painted line, 2) off-street, but parallel to the road surface like a sidewalk, or 3) completely separated from the road and not necessarily parallel to it. Comprehensive Pian 2_018 R ` Citv of Oak Park Heights Page 15' Page 15 of 34 PARKS AND TRAILS PLAN • Work with the City Engineer to define the right-of-way widths that are necessary to establish trails along designated roadways; for instances: an eight-foot trail necessitates, at a minimum, a 20-foot easement and 10-foot level bench (construction) area. Many times, additional temporary easement areas are needed to grade surrounding areas. • Consider developing cross-country trails throughout the City. NORTHERN OAK PARK HEIGHTS TRAIL ISSUES • Provide interconnections with the Stillwater trail system whenever possible. • Link Sunnyside to Mn/DOT's trail. • Link Sunnyside to the bluff area by way of Lookout Trail. • Find a way to link Lookout Trail to the west. • Provide a trail connection to the Scenic Overlook. EASTERN OAK PARK HEIGHTS TRAIL ISSUES • Work with Washington County to providing trails along Osgood Avenue. • Provide access for those residents east of Osgood Avenue to safely cross Osgood Avenue and access the parks and trails to the west. • Provide interconnection with the Bayport trail system whenever possible. WESTERN OAK PARK HEIGHTS TRAIL ISSUES • Connect the Highway 36 frontage road to 58'h Street on the west side of Menard's. • Complete interconnections between the commercial and residential areas to the 58th Street trail and the Xcel easements trail system. • Link Baytown Township and Stillwater Township with the Oak Park Heights trail system. • Provide interconnection with the Lake Elmo trail system wherever possible. • Provide trails on both sides of Oakgreen Avenue. • Connect the Pondview Condominiums at the southwest corner of Highway 36 and Oakgreen Avenue to the rest of the trail system. • Provide safe crossings on Oakgreen Avenue. Comprehensive Plan 2018 . Cit} of Oak Park Heights Page 154 ' " Page 16 of 34 PARKS AND TRAILS PLAN GOALS AND POLICIES INTRODUCTION Goals and policies reflect the community's direction as it relates to its recreation system and provides more detailed guidance on park and trail development. Park and trail goals and policies were developed through an analysis of the issues identified by the Parks Commission. As with any policy plan, it is important to read the statements together rather than as disjointed declarations. Although conceptual development may leave the map out of date, it is expected that policies are more enduring. SYSTEM GOALS • Protect, preserve and improve environmentally sensitive areas and natural resources in all parks and trail corridor areas. • Establish and maintain recreation facilities that maximize participation and overcome physical or economic limitations which may prevent equal opportunity, regardless of age, race, sex, religion, or place of residence. • Plan and maintain an attractive and diverse system of parks that address the park needs of all segments of the community. • Provide linkages within Oak Park Heights as well as to neighboring communities and regional systems by a safe and convenient multi-use trail/sidewalk system. SYSTEM POLICIES • Develop an ongoing planning process for the establishment of parks and trails which responds to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Policies as well as those identified herein. • Identify present and future park/trail needs with surveys of residents for evaluation by the Park Commission and City Council. • Review the established park/trail plans as needed to ensure that needs and priorities are up to date. • Prepare a master plan for each component of the park/trail system to be used as the basis for development. • Promote public participation in the planning process via the Park Commission hosting forums for open discussion of issues, by newsletter, and the City's website. Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Pae 155 r y.. Page 17 of 34 PARKS AND TRAILS PLAN PROGRAMMING/DEVELOPMENT POLICIES • Create and maintain an attractive, diverse, and interesting system of urban parks/trails. • Create a City-wide park and trail system designed to minimize conflicts between pedestrians and motor vehicles. • Minimize park and trail construction costs by constructing trails in conjunction with State, County, and City street improvements. • Parks and trails are constructed on a priority basis, according to capital improvement plan/available funds. • Encourage the private sector to provide recreational opportunities/facilities. • Provide support facilities in conjunction with trail development. • Determine where the establishment of user fees is appropriate to lower recreation costs for the City. • Determine under what circumstances unsolicited gifts and donations will be accepted if they are free of obligations or potential future impacts. • Determine under what circumstances volunteer efforts will be utilized to expand the City's recreational elements. • Active use recreation areas should be designed for year-round use. • Park and trail development should minimize impacts on adjacent properties through provisions for, but not limited to: o Adequate off-street parking. o Appropriate orientation and location of buildings and activity areas. o Screening, buffering, and landscaping. o Adequate setbacks and physical separation. • Preserve existing physical site amenities (natural or man-made) and encourage the establishment of new site amenities when planning and developing park areas. FACILITY PURPOSE AND DESIGN POLICIES • Establish park and trail facilities which provide recreational as well as functional uses. • Provide varying types of trails to be used as the basis of planning and development for the multiple use trail system, defined as a comprehensive trail system for the integration of a variety of compatible non-motorized trail uses (pedestrian, bicycles, roller skating, cross country skiing, etc.). • Grades of trails should not exceed five percent to ensure disability accessibility or eight to ten percent for all others. • Design and construct trails according to the standards established by the National Park and Recreation Association, the State Department of Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 1�6 Page 18 of 34 PARKS AND TRAILS PLAN Transportation, and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (see Trail Design Standards attached herein). • The inclusion of environmental sensitive areas (river frontage, native prairie, bluffs, unique vegetative associations, etc.) into park or trail facilities should be considered to contribute to the overall recreation system. • Park facilities and buildings should be compatible with surrounding urban or rural activities with regard to scale, design, color, setbacks, and materials. • Potentially develop dual-use corridors incorporating bicycle and pedestrian corridors with ski touring or sledding routes during the snow season. • Maintain all trails in good repair and ensure that designated trail segments are kept open and clear of snow throughout the year unless designated for winter use. • Consideration shall be given to safety, visibility, and emergency access into parks when acquiring land or planning for their development. • Bicycles shall only be allowed upon paved surfaces within the City as designated by ordinance. Mountain biking is allowed on trails designated for this purpose. • Develop, and update as needed, policies for mountain bike and in-line skate usage. MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION POLICIES • Provide for the efficient maintenance and operation of clean, orderly, controlled, safe, and attractive parks and trailways. Park maintenance and operation shall safeguard the physical condition of trailways from deterioration or damage due to weather, vandalism, or other natural or human causes. • Develop a clear and concise system of park and trail graphics and signage that direct people along trails and into parks to specific points of interest. • Define specific park and trail safety rules. PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY ISSUES POLICIES • Develop ways in which to promote citizen interest and involvement in the City's park and trail system. • Continue to update and distribute the pamphlet that shows the trail routes, parks, service and public facilities. • Monitor characteristics of use, safety, and other factors periodically throughout the park and trail system. • Develop ways to organize community recreation programs and facilities to maximize participation and overcome physical or economic limitations which may prevent equal opportunity, regardless of age, race, sex, religion, or place of residence. Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 157 � Page 19 of 34 PARKS AND TRAILS PLAN PARK AND TRAILS PLAN INTRODUCTION The Oak Park Heights Parks and Trails Plan is intended to provide guidance to the City for continued development and improvements of the City's park, trail and walkway system. The park facilities plan provides lists of improvements for the existing parks and identifies recreational facilities that could be added throughout the community. The trail portion of the plan indicates components that can be made to increase connections with neighboring cities and provides an overall plan for off-street and on- street trails that will connect all parts of the City. The trail system should not only ensure public access to community amenities but will also provide recreational opportunities for all age groups and safer access throughout the City. The trail system, in connection with regional and local trail systems that are in place or planned, could be used as a marketing tool for the community as well as to bring visitors to Oak Park Heights. The Parks and Trails Plan is based upon information gathered and analyzed in the Inventory, Issues Identification, and Goals and Policies sections of the plan. The following paragraphs detail the park, trail and walkway plans for the community to pursue in the next 10 years. PARK FACILITIES Valley View Valley View Park is valued for its dense vegetation, variation in topography, and wetlands. The plan proposes to maintain and enhance the natural aesthetics of the park. Improvements to the park focus on making the park more visible in the community and St. Croix Valley, more accessible, and as a continued resource for environmental education. The proposed improvements to the park will maintain and update the facilities that are already present. Currently, many people are unaware of the lower portion of the park due to lack of signage and the physical separation from the upper portion of the park. A list of potential improvements to Valley View Park is as follows. A map of the improvements is found on a following page. 1. Replace the easement trail from Ozark Avenue. 2. Make building improvements to park shelter such as providing a deck on the east side, extension to north side, installing gutters, and adding electrical outlets. 3. Provide trail connections to the east of the park shelter. 4. Provide trail connections to the north of the park shelter, across the ravine. -Co piehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 158 Page 20 of 34 PARKS AND TRAILS PLAN 5. Remove buckthorn from the easterly wooded area. 6. Work with Washington County on providing a pedestrian tunnel under Osgood Avenue to provide access from Brekke Park to the entrance of Valley View Park. 7. Provide signage to create a better understanding of the amenities of the park, especially the environmental features, and how to access them. Brekke Park Brekke Park is used extensively for field games and as a playground for toddler age and older children. The proposed plan proposes maintenance and minor improvements to the existing park. Previous park plans included proposals for expansion of passive and active recreational uses on the DNR managed land south of the park. If the land becomes available for purchase, the City would consider acquiring it for recreational open space uses. The map on a following page indicates the planned improvements. A summary of the improvements is as follows- 1. ollows:1. Study potential improvements to the existing picnic shelter. 2. Replace hockey boards 3. Work with Washington County on construction of a pedestrian tunnel under Osgood Avenue to provide safe access from Brekke Park to Valley View Park and the neighborhoods to the east. 4. Improve and update play equipment as needed. 5. Provide a connecting trail behind the baseball fields through the wildlife management area. 6. Replace easement trail and fence off 55th Street 7. Consider a trail with an east/west orientation along the existing parking lot and edge of the park to provide a connection to the upper playground. 8. Consider purchase, if available for sale, of the DNR managed property to the south of Brekke Park, Swager Park Swager Park serves as a linear neighborhood playground along a trail that is within an Xcel power line easement. The trail is now completed from Oldfield Avenue to the Anderson office building parking lot. Overall the main objective for this park is to keep it well maintained and serve the surrounding neighborhood. The City has considered a permanent restroom structure in the park, but will continue with placement of portable toilets for the foreseeable future. Adding more trees, prairie grass plantings, and improved fencing/screening for the adjacent neighborhoods is also a priority. w Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 159 Page 21 of 34 PARKS AND TRAILS PLAN The map on a following page indicates the proposed improvements. A summary of those improvements is found as follows: 1. Consider the park as a linear park segment within the trail system, rather than a destination. 2. Provide more benches and picnic tables in the park. 3. Develop a landscape plan that provides additional trees and shrubs in the developed park area. 4. Work with Xcel on planting prairie grass in that area north of City Hall. 5. Provide exercise stations along the trail. 6. Provide fence/landscaping as a screen along the northern boundary of the park. 7. Consider eventual removal and possible replacement of the fence as needed along the south boundary of the park. The neighborhood shall be involved. 8. Provide lighting along the trail at the crosswalk at Oldfield Avenue. 9. Add water service with water fountain and hydrant. 10. The City would require park land dedication for the potential redevelopment area north of Swager Park. Cover Park Cover Park is the smallest park in the City and provides an active area for residents in the surrounding neighborhood. Improvements to the park were competed in 2017 that included a year-round park shelter/warming house for the hockey rink and covered picnic area. The parking was moved to the north side of the park adjacent to the new park shelter. Due to the proximity of Oak Park Crossing Park, trail connections were also provided to provide access between the two parks. The map on a following page indicates the limited planned improvements considering the recent upgrade of facilities. A listing of these improvements is as follows.- 1 - ollows:1 . Monitor maintenance and improvements to new park shelter including installing gutters. 2. Maintain/improve perennial planting slope. Autumn Hills Park and Haase Recreational Area Autumn Hills Park and Haase Recreational Area serve as a neighborhood park and open space that is surrounded by the Boutwelis Landing senior community. With completion of the new park shelter and restrooms in 2007, much of the major improvements are completed at this park. The City has identified additional projects to complete the park and to provide recreational programs and cross utilization of the facilities at Boutwells Landing. y Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park fieights Page 160 � `' Page 22 of 34 PARKS AND TRAILS PLAN The map on a following page indicates the planned improvements. A listing of these improvements is as follows.- 1. Monitor condition of playground equipment and replace as necessary. 2. Monitor condition of picnic tables and benches and replace as necessary. 3. Provide additional tree plantings within the park and replace ash trees. 4. Provide no smoking signs by playground. 5. Add bike racks near the park shelter. 6. Provide connections to the Boutwells Historic Village area to the south of the park and explore programs and cross-utilization of both facilities. Oak Park Crossing Park The area directly to the north of Valley View Park and south of Highway 36 contains Oak Park Crossings Park. This park area was developed on the former Allan S. King ash disposal facility. A parking lot has been constructed to provide access and the park has been provided with a playground, park shelters, walking trails and prairie grass plantings. The system of trails connects the open area with the neighborhoods to the west, Valley View Park to the south, and to Cover Park and the neighborhoods to the east. A major goal within this park is to provide a trail connection along the eastern border of Perro Pond. The map on a following page indicates the planned improvements. A listing of these improvements is as follows 1. Include exercise equipment along trail system. 2. Determine if water fountains can be added. 3. Provide a trail connection along the eastern border of Perro Pond. 4. Add a swing set near the playground area. 5. Add picnic tables within picnic shelters. REGIONAL PARKS AND TRAILS The map on a following page indicates the regional park and trail systems in the St. Croix Valley near Oak Park Heights. The City will work with Washington County, adjoining cities and townships in providing an interconnected system. The Loop Trail is a 4.7-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail that is part of the St. Croix River Crossing project. With the completion of the St. Croix Crossing Bridge in August 2017, vehicle traffic was re-routed onto the new bridge and the existing Stillwater Lift Bridge will be converted to a bicycle and pedestrian facility. The Loop Trail will cross the St. Croix River at the Stillwater Lift Bridge and on the new St. Croix Crossing bridge. Trails Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 161 w Page 23 of 34 PARIES AND TRAILS PLAN in Minnesota and Wisconsin will complete the loop and will connect to regional and local trail systems. The Lift Bridge will still accommodate boat navigation with lifts. The Loop Trail consists of a number of segments that will be completed by 2019. The main portion of the Minnesota and Wisconsin Loop Trail was constructed in 2015 and 2016. Construction of the remaining portions of the Loop Trail will occur in 2018 and 2019, with only the Lift Bridge portion remaining incomplete until 2019. By summer of 2019, the Loop Trail is expected to be fully operational. TRAILS The Proposed Parks and Trails Map has been created as part of the update to the Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan and is found on a following page. The Issues Identification process indicated that there is a strong desire to continue the interconnection of neighborhoods, schools, commercial areas, public facilities, and parks. City staff has indicated that trails will be added as part of any City street projects, where possible, and as part of new and redeveloped commercial projects. The City will also work with Washington County on roadway upgrade projects, especially as it relates to providing trail connections. The trail plan will provide for the interconnection of neighborhoods, parks, schools and commercial areas. Emphasis shall be placed on a trail system that connects all areas of the community and interconnects to regional trail systems. The map on a following page indicates the existing and proposed trail system that includes both on-street and separated segments. Development of a comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian trail system plan as part of a park and trail system plan for the community should incorporate the following: 1. Include trail routes within and interconnections to the areas planned for annexation. 2. Connections to and linking neighborhoods with the commercial and industrial/ business park areas of the City. 3. Trail routes along major streets that have the most direct access to primary pedestrian destinations. 4. Where trails will connect neighborhoods to schools. 5. Where trails will serve commuter destinations. 6. Where trails lead to parks, playfields and other recreational facilities. 7. Where trails will link together separate portions of the sidewalks and trail systems with each other. 8. Where trails provide access to future regional trails. y Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 162 t " Page 24 of 34 PARKS AND TRAILS PLAN INSERT VALLEY VIEW, BREKKE, SWAGER, COVER, AUTUMN HILLS AND OAK PARK CROSSING MAPS (6 PAGES) Comprehensive Plan 2018 City of Oak Park. Heights Page 163 Page 25 of 34 z Ll Z r � •4 A F1ti =�Monitor Condition of Playgroui Equipment, Picnic Tables ani ` = ,•� ^A,� Benches, Replace as Needed �,, U-3 Norwich Cir N f s- .h, e � ►�� Add Bike Racks "' rea -11 fZPark Building,% lit !R ro r,. 4. t a t k, parkway Norwich A b 7 0 City of Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan City of Oak Park Heights Proposed Plan NAutumn Hills Park TPCSta ntee Source The City o1 Oak Park Heights, , Washington County,The Planning Company,8 Stanton 0 100 200 Feet February 2018 Page _ s anuan�ypoo6sp _.._.._.._.._.._.. c o d afC■ r r�'� Y�.y N � i E of ca c a � . ... .R d N N Y am Y t O Y Y y Q. d 0. L lyJ 0 Q L. m °o CL a r. 0 C Ec V LL . to _ -.... .. r+Y }? d Z d r �LL yc N *IT 10 to a Il W r fCC� N In SZ ° o r.Q ' 1r` j N an`d MUO I w LL 1 de � L I 1 Z r n r' cn I d Q Y x C • d � y � u o- M 4" E k 4J N m �z Page 27 of 34 1 AM Monitor Maintenance and Improvements to New Park Shelter �I �, tr F p � Maintain &Im J Lanrdscaping I g � a' d d � L - t � rM1'I u svn ,gq{ •... d Y IL or m_ 58th St City of Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan City of Oak Park Heights Proposed Plan Note:Park reconstructed as outlined in yellow in 2017. N Cover Park /'� Aerial photo that shows the new layout is not yet TPCSta ntee available. Source The City of Oak Park Heights, 0 30 60 Feet Washington County,The Planning Company,8 Stantec February 2018 Page o CL a k z a I t g L d z � :� � 1 t titi ,f:r � ,� K 1� 14,,:' �C •� 'a N �m CLUli C y 0 in O Q L. !C a o as p �c C € �. 82 l � a� al F o f � O yr. co �PN yoeag ;:a N j L � 4 11a Y � W d Q d n ti sA J 1 etc r u 4J _ c dYa' m �so NI Page 29 of 34 & @CL ■ $ ' 2 ® a mCL . CL k k \ § »> k 0 � - \° � ? E CL )� _ 0 0 - , ,� - . § a) { . . § $ §2 � ,�mue � « � rn - . @ m @ $ � U. �� ■ ; §2 2 o as « Q c a t 2 £ V) k N�7Ao % , . . 2 « # ° �} �! Page evs N any p104UOd t m T � � L = a L r - , Nanyssoauad N Q. o i O 0 -2 o IL CL if x (n 61 7 H • LL a z < a) N`snyaaI}ad p � o 17 O f: fir»* AF cc CCU r T 4 R C L (� y Q y Z Q d y y L Q) �L 4 u 4J c � N a y r. NO A Niez0 t O CL Page 31 of 34 PARKS AND TRAILS PLAN INSERT REGIONAL PARK AND TRAIL PLAN INSERT PROPOSED PARKS AND TRAILS PLAN Comprehensive Plan ?018 City of Oak Park Heights Page 165 s Page 32 of 34 �,,.•. N..cn NYf Rdx e rbE.Er N f]M.bin +.rU WeN i ren V ev�y..na•'rf B i LwP+n tmf. "'•"CO"w Is.Wfx 6xar.�oea �.. - vuixt9 a N.W*rwn�f • ] r. • C a ns .�NMra� � EO.M �� -f.ryenW. mil.WrM ].m SIN ,r,n•. Vill ilei R 0> f>e ary fPe 6rN ■■■■ Gateway State Trail City of Oak Park Height rlrrxW Proposed Browns Creek State Trail Comprehensive Plan 41 - St.Croix River Crossing Loop Trail City of Oak Park Heights Washington County Bike Loop 1 rrr� Washington County Bike Loop 2 N Regional Connections Washington County Bike Loop 3 TPC Lam` 5ta me a Washington County Bike Loop 4 Source:The Cay of oak Park Heights. -��•• City Limits Washinglon County.The Planning Company,&Stanlec 0 6,000 12,000 Feet January 2018 Page PY3®f 34 z a> a Ln Z CL �m� i_i , �� Y N •a o F,41 0 CL C CL ID FU OL ~A CL LL • atie�`9 � o co - •� LEc v .� O t LO w I - u) �a >� I �- Y N i •r �a a j C LL� o anuany p O s- a• :o a E 0 00 C o0 T� _ c ~oma'', :_• m� - N Z a _.._.._..� Ofn as - N x -. I,-y ♦ a 3 U c anua�y W y o 0 0 �j NJ W W W L r J H , fn p� ta 0 — O <n w O O J N 0 \ w, 95 N t 4J _ c m,, �� SAP ! •1C m Y I Q q � El Page 34 of 34