HomeMy WebLinkAboutComprehensive Park and Trail System Plan April 27, 1999CITY
OF
OAK
PARK
HEIGHTS
COMPREHENSIVE
PARK
TRAIL
SYSTEM
PLAN
April 27,1999
NORTHWEST
ASSOCIATED
CONSULTANTS
INC.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Oak Park Heights Parks Commission
Kevin Furlong, Chair
Margie Schwartzbauer
Liz Weaver
Daria Berger
Gina Bias -ieuli
Oak Park Heights Mayor & City Council
Mayor David D. Schaaf
David Beaudet
Lynae Byrne
Mark Swenson
Jerry Turnquist
Oak Park Heights City Administrator
Thomas Melena
Community Development Director
Kris Danielson
Public Works Director
Jay Johnson
CITY Of OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
7
RESOURCES
Trails for the Twenty -First Century: Planning, Design &
Management Manual for Multi -Use Trails.
Edited by Karen -lee Ryan, Rails -to- Trails Conservancy.
Written by Charles A Flink, Peter Lagerwey,
Diana Balmori, and Robert M. Searns.
Published by Island Press, Washington D.C., 1993
Recreation, Park & Open Space Standards & Guidelines.
Edited by Roger A. Lancaster.
Written and Published by the National Recreation & Park Association.
Alexandria, VA, 1983
Park Planning Guidelines, Third Edition.
By George E. Fogg.
Written and Published by the National Recreation & Park Association.
Alexandria, VA, 1981
Time -Saver Standards for Landscape Architecture.
Co- edited by Charles W. Harris & Nicholas T. Dines.
Published by McGraw -Hill Book Company.
New York, 1988
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
ii
CONTENTS
Introduction I
Park & Trail Inventory 2
Existing Parks 2
Existing & Proposed Park Components Chart 4
Maps of Existing Parks 5
Existing Trails 10
Map of Existing Trails I I
Issues Identification
12
Parks Commission Issues
12
City Council Trail Issues
16
Issues and Analysis
19
Planning Issues
19
Park Issues
10
Trail Issues
21
Acquisition Issues
22
Development/Maintenance Issues
23
Recreation System Policies
24
System Policies
24
Acquisition Policies
25
Programming/Development Policies
26
Facility Purpose & Design
28
Maintenance & Operation
30
Public Relations & Community Issues
30
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
111
Trail Facilities Masterplan
31
Muti -Use Trail System
31
On- Street Trails
32
Grade - Separated Trails
32
Overland Trails
32
Proposed Trail Routes
35
State Highway 36 Corridor
35
Oakgreen Avenue
36
Osgood Avenue
36
NSP Power Line Easement
37
Western Oak Park Heights
38
Central Oak Park Heights
39
Northeast Oak Park Heights
40
Southeast Oak Park Heights
40
Park and Trail Plan
42
Detailed Park and Trail Plan
43
Park Facilities Masterplan
44
Valley View Park
44
Brekke Park
45
Swager Park
45
Cover Park
46
Boutwells Park
47
Town Center
47
Potential Park and Recreation Areas
47
Proposed Park Plans
48
(ITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
iv
Park Guidelines & Classification System
55
Neighborhood Playground
55
Neighborhood Parks
56
Community Playfields
56
Community Parks
57
Mini -Parks or Tot Lots
58
Natural /Conservancy Area
58
Schools
58
City Park Service Areas Map
60
Implementation
61
Land Acquisition
61
Park & Trail Dedication Fees
61
Funding Options
62
Capital Improvement Process
65
Community Education
66
Signage
66
Appendix 67
Facilities Planning & Design Guidelines 67
Trail Guidelines 67
Trail Design Standards 71
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
v
INTRODUCTION
The Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 1999, indicates that a Comprehensive Park and Trail Plan will be
completed in 1999. The Comprehensive Park and Trail Plan contains elements of the Comprehensive Bicycle and
Pedestrian Trail System Plan, 1995, and also looks at facilities in existing parks, potential for new parks, and provides
a clear implementation plan. The Comprehensive Plan indicates that the City's population is aging with a growing
number of two person households, where the children have left home. The City also has a growing amount of elderly
housing. In recognition of the changing demographics of the community, this plan seeks to provide opportunities for
recreation for all ages.
The first section of the Park and Trail Plan is a description and summary of the background inventory that provides the
basis for the Park and Trail Plan. The Inventory is followed by two chapters containing park and trail issues identified
by the City Council, Park Commission, City staff, and other residents. The Issues Identification chapter contains issues
identified for each park and area of the City. The Issues and Analysis chapter contains more general constraints and
opportunities the City faces in the implementation of its park and trail system. The Recreation System Policies chapter
contains policies that reflect the community's general treatment of its recreational services and provide more detailed
guidance on park and trail development standards. The Recreational Facilities Masterplan follows the policies and
provides the direction and recommendations for park and trail planning and development. The Proposed Multi -Use Trail
Routes chapter identifies trail routes that are part of the City's recreational facilities improvement plan. The Planning
and Design Guidelines and Standards follow for parks and trails. Implementation is the final chapter of the Park and
Trail Plan.
Provide recreational facilities for all ages and areas of Oak Park Heights and link all parts
of Oak Park Heights internally as well as to neighboring communities by a safe and
convenient multi -use trail system.
MAIN GOAL
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
I
I!
11
I
I
'J
L
PARK & TRAIL INVENTORY
The first step in determining the needs of the City's recreational system is the identification of the existing conditions.
The existing park and trail facilities were identified through site inspections by City Staff, Park Commission members, and
planning consultants. This identification process included both location, size and physical amenities of the facility in
question, as well as the condition and level of development of the facility, both of which may affect eventual use of the
park or trail sites. The items inventoried for each facility were gathered with the goal of being able to place the parks
and trails in the context of a system of recreational opportunities. The baseline data provided in this effort helps the City
to understand how its park and trail facilities fit together, and provides the information necessary to identify gaps or
areas of need.
The City of Oak Park Heights contains four established parks and one park that is in the
process of being developed. 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 lower
(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 the Northern States Power ash disposal facility. NSP will be closing portions of the
disposal site beginning in 1999. The City has plans in cooperation with NSP to create a
regional destination for residents as well as visitors to the St. Croix Valley integrated
through trail connections with Valley View Park and the rest of the community.
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 and serves as
a community playfield for residents in the south central portion of the City, primarily
between Osgood and Oakgreen Avenues. As stated in the 1998 Comprehensive Plan, in
EXISTING PARKS
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIYE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
II
1999, the City will actively be working with the Department of Natural Resources to release
the property to the south and allow for extension of the City. This area has potential for
preservation of open space and park land as well as a possible golf course/housing
development.
Swager Park serves as a neighborhood playground along the linear park system. The park
is fairly centralized within the community and is located within a Northern States Power
easement. A trail has been constructed within the easement from the east end of Swager
Park to Oakgreen Avenue. This trail has the potential to be extended all the way from
Valley View Park to the high school and western City limits. The park is located to the west
of the St. Croix Mall and has the potential serve employees and visitors of the mall if a trail
connection is provided.
Cover Park is the oldest and smallest park in the City and provides an active area for
residents in the surrounding neighborhoods who are otherwise somewhat segregated from
the north and western portions of the City. Cover Park will not be impacted physically by
the proposed Highway 36/95 bridge construction, but will ultimately lie in close proximity
to the realigned intersection. Beach Road maybe terminated, thus eliminating an existing
connection to the northern part of the City, although access will be provided along 59th
Street (east - west)between Highway 95 and the Osgood Avenue/Highway 36 commercial
core and may ultimately connect with the NSP site. Peller Avenue will be designated as the
southerly access connecting Valley View Park and then through to the western portion of
the City.
Boutwells Park is a 24 acre park planned within the annexation area to the west of
Oakgreen Avenue. The park will be developed as part of the Valley Senior Services Alliance,
Boutwells Landing senior community project. The park will gain access from 58" Street
and is intended to serve surrounding area neighborhoods. The park will also be the focal
point for residents from all areas of the City given the proximity /potential connection to
the high school and system of internal trails planned around the wetlands.
The table on the following page provides an overview of the existing and planned park
components/facilities within the community.
Maps of existing parks and trails are provided following the existing and proposed park
components table.
EXISTING
PARKS,
continued
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
1
I
I
I
@
I
I
I
I
I
I
@
I
$
@
$
@
I
EIxSITNG&
PROOF
PR
COMPONENTS
`
ui
Z
2
§§
(
{
bc
�
-
§
�
�,
k ■
_
-
-
S
IF
�
k
$
{
§k
�
(
■!
i
LU
%
|Q
}
$
(
{
CL
k
in
§
\
®
!
{ {(
c
®
CL
&
=d�
=g
.2
i K
i.n
i2E
K
L
'
* the
)
LU
CL
§!
{{E/
bt
(g
{
\(
x
;/
(
{,
K
e;
t2
EIxSITNG&
PROOF
PR
COMPONENTS
an M M MM air ON M M M M MW M MM M MM
State Highway 36
rver
ark
S ol
CL
I
0 150 300 FEET NFkG
City of Oak Park Heights
Valley View Park
Source: Aerial Photograph. 1996
City of Oak Park Heights
I
1,
A .
A'
I
A A
A. I. I
0 150 300 FEET NFkG
City of Oak Park Heights
Valley View Park
Source: Aerial Photograph. 1996
City of Oak Park Heights
I
u
II
II
anUOAV p OOBSO
1 1 2
g
to v
� am
1 1q'
Y y
a
N L C O
jR o
N 5 0
N.an�
aN
9 Y
I OS
, . rt
o 0 0 o a o 0
El
/ 1 L
a
I y Y
a a
LL y
N
7i 0
O
I
U
Q
Q I
� a
v
c
co
O
C
U
E 0
r a
m �
o �
m
Z
-:J
P,
F
m
i y
OI
a
n
CL
A, 6 a
W oY
a
A , < U
W u
W N
N
m
AC
R
O
`o
1
li
z
F
W
w
LL
EM
I
° 6
I
I
I
I A j g - 2
I 'I� 1lrY � 11 1
Y 1 i
CL
z
I o v
—1 a
d Y
1 t m
r =
U
z a
d
1 ca )
Lei I 11"J y
I 1 U 11��- �-- jII''11111,
I @
� N
a o �
N
G
C
a
H
1 d
a
w
- a
w
z
O
T
A
O
0
U
a
Z
w
w
LL
ns
1
L
O
a
t 2
n y
O Y
N
a0
`o
A
Q U
'n
v•
N
O
T
A
O
0
U
a
Z
w
w
LL
ns
1
V
I
Path
Parking Lot
Top of Slope
� I
Perennial
Planting
Pleasure
Hockey
Rink
58 Street
Parking JI 1 Z
5 )
IL
Small
Rock Wall
( �Perennial
Planting
on Slope -
---I NFkG
Play Stru cture
and Swing
0 25 50 FEET
Van Accessible
Handicapped Parking
r City of Oak Park Heights
C o ver Park
Source Aerial Photograph, 1996
City of Oak Park Heights
a
.58" Street North
Boutwells Park
0 100 200 FEET 0
NlzkG City *took Park Heights
Source: Aerial Photograph, 1996
Senior Life Community Plans, 1998
Learning Center
Brackey Addition
t - 0
Al
.. . .............
a
VI
A number of trails have been constructed in Oak Park Heights in the past few years and
' more construction is planned. In 1995, when the Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian
Trail System Plan was completed, the only trail routes available were a few sidewalks
'
located inthe area adjacentto theCity of Stillwater and trail connettionsto existingparks.
Since then, a number of trail segments have been completed.
In 1997 a trail was constructed in central Oak Park Heights within a Northern States Power
easement. This trail runs from the east side of Swager Park to Oakgreen Avenue North. The
trail is heavily used and has potential for extension to both the east and west. In western
Oak Park Heights, trails have also been constructed or are in the process of being
constructed between Oakgreen Avenue and State Highway 5 along 58' Street and between
' Norell Avenue and 58" Street along Highway 36. A strip of open space 150 feet wide is
provided along a portion of the 58 Street trail west of Oakgreen Avenue. In eastern Oak
Park Heights, a short trail has been constructed next to a wetland to connect Stagecoach
Trail (CSAH 21) with 58 Street North.
In addition to these trails, trail entrances into City parks connect 57" Street North to
Swager Park, connect 55 Street North to Brekke Park, and connect Ozark Avenue and 57"
Street North to Valley View Park.
Washington County includes two trail corridor links through Oak Park Heights as
secondary trail components of the county -wide system. The trails are designated along
State Highway 95 (St. Croix Trail North) and County Highway 21 (Stagecoach Trail North)
which both run in a north -south configuration. The Highway 95 route runs parallel to the
river and is the most heavily used route by bicyclists who travel south though Bayport and
is a high priority bicycle route for the County. The Highway 21 route splits off from
Highway 95 in southern Oak Park Heights and runs more inland than the Highway 95 trail
through scenic areas of West Lakeland Township and Afton. Washington County also plans
to utilize the shoulders along Osgood Avenue as part of the secondary trail route.
The following map identifies existing trails in Oak Park Heights.
EXISTING
TRAILS
' CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
10
a
0
CI 011
1#1 rail
I
I
I
I
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
1 The Parks Commission discussed issues relating to existing parks and trails in workshops on February 9 and March I, 1999.
The following is a summary issues raised by the Parks Commission and staff.
' Provide opportunities forall ages to participate in lifetime fitness through the use
' of trails, tennis courts, cross - county skiing, and other activities.
► Develop recreational andenvironmental education programs to familiarize people
with the parks.
1 A system of signage to identify parks and graphically inform people about the
location and extent of park and trail facilities is needed.
► Create Oak Park Heights monument signswith plantings welcoming visitors to the
City.
► Link all parks within the City through a system of trails.
' Year -round parking and indoor recreational facilities are needed.
► Plan for parks as a unified system with consistent hours of operation.
' Continue to explore joint park use with Oak Park Elementary and adjacent
facilities.
GENERAL PARK
ISSUES
► Welcome the public to the park with an inviting landscaped entry. (Potential for
cooperation with the garden club.)
► Identify park boundaries and aid visitors in locating picnic and trail facilities with
improved signage.
► Allow safe access to the lower area of the park with an improved trail system.
► Provide trail connections to the east with a bridge across the wetland area.
► Maintain a natural aesthetic in the park, including trails that are integratedwith
the contour of the land and wood chip paths.
► Consider handicapped accessibility in all decisions regarding trail and bridge
facilities.
► Develop recreation and environmental education programs that would familiarize
people with the park.
► Consider the park as a gateway to the community.
► Develop the Northern States Power property adjacent to the park as the disposal
VALLEY VIEW
PARK
' CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
' 12
facility closes to create a year -round regional destination integrated through trail
connections with Valley View Park and the rest of the community.
VALLEY VIEW '
PARK,
continued ,
► Work with the DNR to build additional ball fields, a golf course, and a club
house /concession stand on DNR land south of Brekke Park.
► Maintain longer bathroom hours (with an attendant to prevent vandalism).
► Explore trail /road access from the DNR land, even if additional facilities are not
built there.
► Explore expansion and improvements to the existing Brekke Park picnic shelter.
► Consider options for better accessibility to the lower level of the park shelter.
► Improve the park through identification and directional signage.
► Construct a hard surface under the hockey rink to provide a better and more long
lasting ice surface in the winter and to provide a skateboard /rollerblade area in
the warmer months.
► Consider improvements described in the DNR grant proposal of 1996includingthe
following:
► A trail with an east/west orientation along the parking lot and northern
edge of the park.
► Additional facilities in the eastern portion of the park including a picnic
shelter, landforms, tricycle raceway, and plantings.
► Reconfigure /move basketball court.
BREKKE PARK ,
I
► Improve identification signage.
► Improve trail entrances to the park, especially the access from the St. Croix Mall
parking lot.
► Improve parking area.
► Consider the park as a linear park segment within the trail system, rather than
as a destination in itself.
► Create a unified theme throughout the park.
► Create a landscaping plan that provides additional trees and shrubs.
► Provide benches throughout the park.
► Plant 16 small trees provided through an NSP grant.
► Install tree/fence screening along the northern boundary of the park.
► Upgrade tennis courts.
SWAGER PARK ,
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS ,
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK 8 TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
13
► Provide lighting along trail. SWAGER PARK,
► Improve visibility by removing buckthorn and other exotic species along the trail continued
west of the park and create a landscape plan.
► Provide additional play equipment for young children.
► Providing bathrooms in the park would be a useful addition.
► Install more picnic tables and benches throughout the park.
Enlarge and improve parking lot. COYER PARK
► Provide garbage containers, especially in the summer when the hockey rink is
used to let dogs run.
► Improve existing warming house building.
► Construct a City- operated greenhouse attached to the warming house.
► Connect to the NSP property and Valley View Park by extending a trail from the
cul -de -sac next to Cover Manor.
► Evaluate long -term uses with expansion of Valley View Park and development
opportunities associated with MnDOT properties.
► Require the developer to provide ayear-round community center /open air shelter BOUTWELLS
with bathrooms. PARK
► Provide a tot lot, play structure, and picnic tables.
► Develop the park in a way that allows sliding on the larger hills.
► Develop recreational programs.
► Encourage cross - country skiing by not clearing all of the trails in the winter.
► Provide trail connections to other areas of the City and the Environmental
Learning Center.
► Provide gathering areas, benches, and shade trees.
1 Create trail connections to the Central Business District from Boutwells Park and TOWN CENTER
the trail that currently ends at Oakgreen Avenue.
' Design a town squarewith landscaping, fountains, a skating rink, benches/resting
areas, waterways and other attractions.
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK b TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
14
► Cooperate with MN/DOT to construct a walking bridge or sidewalk as part of
bridge replacement across Highway 36 near the Central Business District and in
eastern Oak Park Heights.
► MnDOT to beautify Highway 36 east of Norell Avenue by planting trees and shrubs
on both sides of frontage roads.
HIGHWAY 36
► Restore prairie areas where possible along the trail system.
► Construct educational environmental kiosks and signs at Valley View Park, by City
Hall, at Boutwells Park, and in other appropriate locations along the east/West
trail corridor.
► Provide benches /resting areas along trails.
► Link northern Oak Park Heights to the NSP property, Valley View Park, and Oak
Park Elementary.
► Re- stripe the southern edge of the St. Croix Mall parking lot with a trail lane and
stripe a crosswalk over Osgood with signage between Osgood and Valley View
Park.
TRAIL ISSUES
CITY Of OAK
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL
PARK HEIGHTS '
SYSTEM PLAN
15
The following trail issues were identified by the City Council in a special workshop held on February 13, 1995:
Link Oak Park Heights to Stillwater and Bayport by way of MnDOT's proposed trail on
Highway 95.
Link Sunnyside to MnDOTs trail and to the proposed Stillwater park on the existing Aiple
Marine property.
Link Sunnyside to the bluff area by way of Lookout Trail.
Find a way to link Lookout Trail to the west via County 23, proposed frontage road, or
62nd Street.
Link the homes west of Osgood Avenue to the south and east and define the best trail route
along one or both sides of Osgood Avenue.
Provide access from the homes north of 62nd Street and east of Osgood Avenue to the area
south of Highway 36 using either trail along 62nd, Oxboro Avenue, or possible re- opening
of Panama Avenue.
NORTHERN
OAK PARK
HEIGHTS
' Link Lower Oak Park Heights (eastern residential neighborhoods) on the south side of59th
1 Street to the rest of Oak Park Heights via a potential connection across the NSP Waste
Disposal Facility to the frontage road where it dead -ends at Club Tara.
' MnDOT should provide a bike trail along the south side of Highway 36 from Club Tara to
Osgood Avenue.
EASTERN
OAK PARK
HEIGHTS
Provide easy access to the Holiday Gas Station at the southeast corner of Osgood Avenue
' and Highway 36 for the residents of this area to convenience food shop; potentially via
internal traffic circulation using Osman Avenue, going behind Rapid Oil Change and linking
this to Greenbriar Apartments and Valley View Estates.
Find away for Valley View residents to access Valley View Park's developed area byway of
' CITY Of OAK
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL
EAST OF
OSGOOD &
SOUTH OF
HIGHWAY 36
PARK HEIGHTS
SYSTEM PLAN
16
a paved trail coming out to Osgood Avenue and going in by way of Stith Street.
EAST OF
OSGOOD &
SOUTH OF
HIGHWAY 36,
continued
Provide access for those residents east of Osgood Avenue to safely cross Osgood Avenue and
access the mall, Swager Park, and Brekke Park.
Define where the designated crosswalk(s) should be south of Highway 36 on Osgood
Avenue.
Utilize the NSP easement as an east -west link through the City. Explore using the mall
parking lot as a link and evaluate the potential impacts to the parking lot. Address the
issue of pedestrians and bicyclists using the mall entrance at the same time as vehicles.
I
NSP EASEMENT ,
Connect the Pondyiew Condominiums at the southwest corner of Highway 36 and Oakgreen OAKGREEN
Avenue to the rest of the community. AVENUE &
VICINITY
Connect the NSP easement trail with the frontage road intersection at Oakgreen Avenue.
Connectthe NSP easement trail with the entrance forthe proposed 58th Street and thetrail
along Oakgreen Avenue to the south.
Investigate the possibility of crossing Oakgreen Avenue at the NSP easement/frontage road
intersection and continuing further west in the narrow strip of land known as Registered
Land Survey No. 114, Tract A, then cut south to connect with 58th Street.
Study the need for trail(s) along one or both sides of Oakgreen Avenue.
Determine whether SBth Street or some other location such as 55th Street is the best place
to cross Oakgreen Avenue.
Define whether trails along 58th Street will adequately serve the annexation area between
Oakgreen Avenue and the high school.
Link Baytown Township with the proposed annexation area park and connect the park and
high school to all surrounding area communities.
CITY Of OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
17
The City approved MInDOT's conceptual plan to rely upon 58th Street as the primary off -
road trail area west of Oakgreen Avenue.
Define where trails should be along the entire length of Highway 36 frontage roads.
FRONTAGE
ROADS
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
is
I
ISSUES AND ANALYSIS
This section of the Park and Trail Plan develops the Inventory information and specific concerns identified by the Park
Commission and staff into a set of issues which the following Policy and System Plan sections will be designed to address.
A comprehensive listing of issues helps bridge the gap between raw data collected through site analysis /meetings and plan
development /prioritization. In other words, issues help to clarify the park and trail planning needs and desires of the
community which the inventory work finds.
Identify a planning process for review and update of the Park and Trail Plan. Review may
occur yearly, for instance, and comprehensive update of the Plan may occur every five
years. Future park and trail needs should be evaluated regularly by the Parks Commission
in comparison to the Plan.
Define the means by which public participation can be a regular part of the planning
process (meetings, surveys, etc).
Discuss the means by which to implement park/trail facilities (ie: policies vs. ordinances).
Encourage property owners to provide recreational opportunities/ facilities. For example,
land owners in more rural areas may be willing to give up a 10 -20 foot strip of land along
the periphery of their acreage for development of a trail.
Determine under what circumstances volunteer efforts would or could be utilized to expand
the City's recreational elements.
Consider including a map of the City park and trail areas, along with proposed routes,
within a newsletter on a yearly basis to make citizens more aware of recreational
opportunities.
Determine if and where the establishment of user fees may be appropriate.
I
I
I
PLANNING
ISSUES '
1
1
A
u
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS ,
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
19
Consider having a master plan prepared for each parcel of land intended for park purposes,
to be used as a guide in the future development of such. It is crucial that the City plan for
recreational facilities prior to the acquisition of land.
1 Define park development priorities, ie: in new subdivisions, in older neighborhoods with
lacking facilities, in regions expected to develop, improve existing parks, etc.
' Consider establishing more strict park dedication requirements which make it more or
' equally as profitable for developers to dedicate land instead of money.
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.
Discuss how park and playground buildings can be constructed to be compatible with
surrounding urban or rural activities in regard to scale, design, color, setbacks, and
materials.
Define the means by which park development can minimize impacts on adjacent properties,
ie: off- street parking, screening, landscaping, setbacks, etc.
Decide if and how coordination with the recreational needs of the County, athletic
associations, civic groups, etc. can be accomplished.
Identify in what park situations lightingwould be appropriate or necessary. It is possible
that this may only be accomplished as plans for each park or trail are established.
Discuss how park and playground buildings can be constructed to be compatible with
surrounding urban or rural activities in regard to scale, design, color, setbacks, and
materials.
Definethe means bywhich park developmentcan minimize impacts on adjacent properties,
ie: off - street parking, screening, landscaping, setbacks, etc.
Decide if and how coordination with the recreational needs of the County, athletic
associations, civic groups, etc. can be accomplished.
PARK ISSUES
' CITY OF OAK
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL
PARK HEIGHTS
SYSTEM PLAN
20
I
Discuss a system of signage which may serve to identify park areas, direct people to specific
uses, and outline rules of use.
Discuss the types of parks that the City wishes to establish and develop policies for each
(see attached information).
PARK ISSUES, ,
continued
Trail uses can vary greatly depending upon what is permitted by a municipality. Trail uses TRAIL ISSUES ,
can be either functional, recreational or both. Walking, running, bicycling, roller skating,
skiing, snowmobiling, and recreation vehicle trails are most common. It is beneficial in
many cases to separate the active or motorized uses from passive (walking) uses. In ,
developed areas it is wise to prohibit motorized trail usage altogether and instead allow
it within rural areas as an interim use until such time as development occurs. '
The size of trails involves two factors: width and length. The minimum recommended 1
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. ,
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. '
Define how railroad rights -of -way and utility easements may be utilized as trail corridors
The surfacing of sidewalks or trails may be asphalt, concrete, brick, pavers, gravel,
woodchip, or grass depending on what their intended use is.
,
Trail signage should be considered for several purposes: 1) to denote the type of trail and
permitted uses, 2) to give direction as to where they lead, and 3) to warn vehicles of trail
,
crossings, on- street routes, etc. for safety purposes.
Snow
1
removal from trails is another issue which must be considered. The location, width,
construction material, and use will all affect this decision. Many trails may be desirable
during winter months if left unplowed for use by skiers, sleds, etc. Others which connect
,
residential areas to schools or are heavily traveled by pedestrians for recreational purposes
may best be kept free of snow and ice. A plan for removal should be coordinated with the
CITY Of OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK 6 TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
21
maintenance department which identifies high priority trails which demand immediate
snow removal attention and those which are given attention only when time allows.
Lighting of trail corridors is an important factor which extends the usable time for
residents' use as well as aiding in the prevention of serious accidents and crime. It allows
the police visibility into many areas as part of their routine surveillance. The types of
lighting varies widely and is available for all situations, but in some cases lighting may
only be desired as a secondary benefit from street lights which already exist.
Handicapped access to at least a portion of City trails is an important issue to think about.
Keep in mind the surfacing, length/width, and slope of trails to be utilized by wheelchairs.
It may be beneficial to establish a policy for the establishment of handicapped accessible
trails; for instance: 50 percent of all trails constructed must be designed to accommodate
the disabled.
The types of auxiliary or support elements which can be provided in association with trail
corridors is also an issue. Benches, picnic tables, water fountains, exercise courses, and the
like may be positive additions to the City trail routes and possibly become a standard in
some areas.
Consider establishing a system for dedication of trail corridors or monies.
TRAIL ISSUES,
continued
Identify the acquisition means for parks /trails (ie: dedication, purchase, eminent domain,
donation), when each system is appropriate and what will be the priority process.
Outlots vs. easements, what is more appropriate when land is dedicated as part of a
subdivision?
Work with the City Engineer to define the ROW widths that are necessary to establish trails
along designated roadways; for instance: an eight (8) foot trail necessitates afifteen (15)
foot easement and ten (10) foot level bench (construction) area. Many times additional
temporary easement area is needed to grade surrounding areas.
Define the minimum width necessary for park access within a subdivision when located
between two lots, as well as the screening/buffering and maintenance requirements
(property owners may mow the grass up to the trail, but not want responsibility for tree
and shrub care).
ACQUISITION
ISSUES
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
22
Discuss sources of funds to be utilized for acquisition of park and trail elements, ie: ACQUISITION
dedication monies, capital improvement program, bond issuance, grant programs, etc. ISSUES,
continued
Establish who is responsible for establishment of approved park or trail areas within
subdivisions (developer or City).
Discuss what amount of maintenance is possible at the current staff level and atwhatpoint DEVELOPMENT/
additional staff persons would be needed to maintain the recreational system as it grows. MAINTENANCE
Do we want to allow only low maintenance facilities at the current time or do we have the ISSUES
capability to maintain an intensely developed park system?
Define ways in which to minimize park and trail costs, ie: construction of trails in
conjunction with roadway improvements or at time of subdivision.
CITY OF OAK
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL
PARK HEIGHTS
SYSTEM PLAN
23
RECREATION SYSTEM POLICIES
' No matter how well done a physical Park and Trail Plan may be, no plan can anticipate every eventuality. Growth in the
City may occur in new locations which the Trail Plan cannot possibly anticipate or expect. Growth can also occur much
faster or slower than the Plan contemplates. Even though the physical Park and Trail Plan does not provide for facilities
in these new locations, the City's Comprehensive Recreation System Policies can still apply.
' Policies reflect the community's general treatment of its recreation services and provide more detailed guidance on park
and trail development standards. Park and trail policies in this Plan were developed through the analysis of the issues
identified in the Inventory and Issues Analysis phase of work. Additionally, the policies which were adopted as part of
the City's 1991 Park Study for Newly Annexed Areas have been incorporated into the policy and park planning sections
contained herein to create a single, comprehensive park /trail planning and development guide.
' As with any Policy Plan, it is important to read the statements together, rather than as disjoint declarations. Although
unanticipated development may leave a map out of date, it is expected that the Policies are more enduring. The City
should update the Policy Plan as new or amended policies are adopted.
Develop an on -going 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 on a regular basis for evaluation by the Park
Commission and City Council.
Review the established park /trail plans on ayearly basis to ensure that needs and priorities
are up to date.
Establish a time period for comprehensive update of the plan.
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 a
forum for open discussion of issues.
Promote integration with other City activities, services, and facilities.
SYSTEM
POLICIES
! CITY Of OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK 8 TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
' 24
I
Identify the means by which to implement park /trail administration and operations (ie:
SYSTEM
by the Park Commission and City Council policies, procedures, and ordinances).
POLICIES,
continued
Acquire park /trail facilities to satisfy the recreational and transportation needs of the
ACQUISITION
1
residents on both a neighborhood and community -wide basis.
POLICIES
Identify means for park /trail acquisition, ie: dedication, purchase, eminent domain,
donation.
,
Identify means for establishment of park /trail facilities within subdivisions, ie: outlots,
easements, etc.
,
Ensure that the proper right -of -way widths are dedicated for sidewalks and trails during
the subdivision process (see development standards contained herein).
,
Identify sources of funds to be utilized for acquisition, ie: trail dedication fund, capital
improvement program, bond issuance, grant programs, etc.
Establish who is responsible for park /trail construction within subdivisions.
Determine to what extent wetlands, drainage ways, floodplain areas, etc. should be
accepted as part of park and trail dedication within subdivisions.
Besides the standard programs and facilities typically recognized by the City, consideration ,
should be given to the following areas:
Areas for nature preservation
Historic preservation
Cultural enrichment
Facilities for the handicapped /disabled
Public activity areas and facilities in employment centers ,
Organized sports and recreational activities
Teen programs and facilities
Senior citizen programs and facilities
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS ,
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
25
The inclusion of environmentally sensitive areas (lake frontage, forests, native prairie,
bluffs, unique vegetative associations, etc.) into park or trail facilities should be
considered to contribute to the overall recreation system.
Consider acquiring land for parks /trails at an early date to meet long range needs before
development pressures render the property too expensive.
Consider accepting park land dedications consistentwith the adopted park /trails plan and
accepting only cash in areas which serve no system purpose.
Consider crediting for dedication of park and trail lands only those parcels which are not
within delineated wetlands or which include slopes of no more than twelve (12) percent.
ACQUISITION
POLICIES,
continued
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 constructed on a priority basis, according to capital improvement
plan /available funds; trail priorities may be:
► Trails along major streets which focus on pedestrian and bicycle safety and which
provide direct access to city /regional destinations and parks.
► Trails that will serve the most intensely used areas.
► Trail construction within existing parks and upon municipal property.
0. Trail inclusion within new park /subdivision development.
► Completion of links between existing trails and other communities.
PROGRAMMING/
DEVELOPMENT
POLICIES
' CITY Of OAK
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL
11
PARK HEIGHTS
SYSTEM PLAN
26
Park priorities may be:
► Establishment of parks in association with new subdivisions.
► Establishment of parks in undeveloped areas or newer parts of the City.
► Creation of neighborhood and community -wide parks.
► Develop existing vacant parks.
► Upgrade /improve upon existing park equipment.
Utilize railroad and /or utility rights -of -way for trails or linear parks.
Identify types of financing to be utilized for park /trail acquisition and development.
Review park dedication fees in comparison to surrounding areas and in regard to the cities
needs (land vs, cash).
Encourage the private sector to provide recreational opportunities /facilities.
Provide support facilities in conjunction with trail development.
Fully organizeand outline new recreation programs priorto initiation and implementation.
Determine where the establishment of user fees is appropriate to combat recreation costs.
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 with an established
system of maintenance.
Park and playground buildings should be compatible with surrounding urban or rural
activities with regard to scale, design, color, setbacks, and materials.
PROGRAMMING/
DEVELOPMENT
POLICIES,
continued
CITY Of OAK
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK 8 TRAIL
PARK HEIGHTS
SYSTEM PLAN
27
Park and trail development should minimize impacts on adjacent properties through
provisions for, but not limited to:
► Adequate off - street parking
► Appropriate orientation and location of buildings and activity areas
► Screening, buffering, and landscaping
► Adequate setbacks and physical separation
Coordinate facility development with the needs of community residents, Parks Commission
services, athletic associations, civic groups, etc.
Maximize park accessibility by city residents to best serve the area.
Coordinate yearly park events.
Consider the long term costs of maintenance and operation in a facility's design and
development.
Preserve existing physical site amentities (natural or man -made) and encourage the
establishment of new site amenities when planning and developing park areas.
Ensure that the proper right -of -way widths are dedicated or easements are established for
sidewalks and trails during the subdivision process.
PROGRAMMING/
DEVELOPMENT
POLICIES,
continued
t Establish park and trail facilities which provide recreational as well as functional uses. FACILITY
PURPOSE &
' Provide varying types of trails to be used as the basis of planning and development for the DESIGN
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 (S) percent to ensure handicapped accessibility or
eight (8) to ten (10) percent for all other areas.
' Design and construct trails according to the standards established by the National Park
and Recreation Association, the State Department of Transportation, and Rails -to- Trails
1
' CITY Of OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
' 28
Conservancy (see Trail Design Standards attached herein).
Land for parks will be acquired, planned and developed accordingto the Park Classification
System contained herein which specify the appropriate sizes, locations, service areas and
equipment to best serve the City.
Prior to the development of each park area, a design plan will be prepared which shows the
types, locations and sizes of proposed facilities and estimated costs.
Park facilities and buildings should be compatible with surrounding urban or rural
activities with regard to scale, design, color, setbacks, and materials.
Maximize park accessibilitiy by city residents to best serve the area in which the facitility
is located by requiring either vehicular or pedestrian access or both (depending on the size
and classification of the park.)
Promote and encourage the utilization of bicycle and pedestrian corridors as ski touring
or sledding routes during the snow season and consider other possible uses of such
corridors when safe and proper.
Maintain all trails in good repair and ensure that designated trail segments are kept open
and clear of snow throughout the year unless designated as winter use trails.
Consideration shall be given to safety, visibility, and emergency access into parks when
acquiring land or planning for their development.
Neither snowmobiles nor any other motorized vehicles shall not be allowed within or upon
City park or trail areas as designated by Ordinance.
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 policies for all terrain vehicle, mountain bike, and in -line skate usage.
Define the types of parks which exist and are to be established in the City and develop
policies for each (see Park Design Standards herein).
FACILITY
PURPOSE &
DESIGN,
continued
CITY Of OAK
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL
PARK HEIGHTS ,
SYSTEM PLAN
29
t
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.
MAINTENANCE
& OPERATION
Develop ways in which to promote citizen interest and involvement in the City's park and
trail system.
Publish a 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.
Provide facilities /services to all residents of the community.
Develop ways to organize 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.
PUBLIC
RELATIONS &
COMMUNITY
ISSUES
' CITY OF OAK
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL
PARK HEIGHTS
SYSTEM PLAN
30
I
TRAIL FACILITIES MASTERPLAN
The focus of the Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan is to establish and develop lands devoted to public use to
service and physically link all areas of the community. The plan indicates the optimum location of future trail and park
facilities, in relation to existing City recreational elements. While the chosen locations for park and trail development
are based on a multitude of factors, including existing and anticipated subdivisions, residential distribution,
neighborhood size, available access, and local /regional facilities, the primary intent of the Plan is to provide an
equitable recreational structure based on park/trail types, functions, and service area /convenient access. Thus, both the
Plan text and map graphics simultaneously guide all future trail /park planning and development.
The graphic masterplan which follows identifies the varying types of trail facilities within MULTI -USE
what we will call a multiple -use trail system, made up of a variety of compatible non- TRAIL
motorized trail uses traversing upon multi- use /shared trail corridors including grade- SYSTEM
separated trails /sidewalks, overland trails, and on- street trails. Multi -use trail systems
invite various users - including walkers, joggers, bicyclists, roller and in -line skaters,
people in wheelchairs, cross- country skiers, hikers, bird watchers, parents with strollers,
and others - to share a trail corridor collectively. Throughout the planning, design, and
implementation of multiple -use corridors, the assorted needs of the trail users as well as
the various communities and landscapes through which they pass need to be taken into
account.
Coupled with these recreational uses is the functional role of virtually all multi -use trails.
Whether used for a shortcut to the store, for a leisurely walk, or for a 20 -mile commute
to work, these trails serve an important transportation purpose. Because of their linear
nature, multi -use trails connect things together - neighborhoods to community and
cultural resources, towns to other populated areas, or city centers to country sides -
intrinsically serving as transportation corridors. Multi -use trails, which typically cut
through diverse areas, have the ability to connect historic structures to new ones, young
persons to elderly, busy highways to local streets and individual residences, etc. through
a common goal of creating a neighborhood amenity. Trail corridors also preserve open
space, promote non - polluting methods of transportation, and can generally enhance the
quality of life for local residents. The various types of multi -use trails are described in the
following paragraphs and are graphically depicted on the Park and Trail Plan which
follows.
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
31
On- street trails share the same paved surface as the roadway that they follow. They are ON- STREET
designed for multiple uses and should be a minimum of eight (8) to ten (10) feet wide for TRAILS
two -way traffic or four (4) to five (5) feet wide on both sides of the street for one -way
traffic. In residential areas (local streets) they may be unmarked, paved with a stripe, or
identified by a sign. On- street trails associated with collector or arterial streets or
highways should always have a specially marked shoulder area and /or be sign identified.
Grade - separated trails /sidewalks are separated from the adjacent roadway by a (varying GRADE -
width) strip of land /plantings or physical structure. They are designed for the integration SEPARATED
of a variety of compatible non - motorized trail uses. They shall be bituminous trailways TRAILS
having a minimum trail width of eight (8) feet for two -way traffic and generally follow
street rights -of -way. The existing sidewalks fall into this category but may only be four
(4) to five (5) foot wide concrete or asphalt pedestrian trails in established residential
areas.
' Overland trailways shall provide a minimum of a ten foot wide bituminous trailway with OVERLAND
a significantly wider right -of -way and shall be located away from the street corridors, not TRAILS
typically parallel to the street surface. They should be designed to incorporate vegetation,
seating, and other supporting site elements and may serve a dual purpose as a buffer strip
' or separated bikeway. Abandoned railroad rights -of -way and many utility easements fall
into this category.
' Overland trails are intended to traverse across open land or through developments without
proximity to streets. They are positive in that direct connection can be made between two
' or more destination points where road rights -of -way are non - existent or can be developed
with regard to the natural characteristics of the areas, resulting in a more aesthetic trail
setting. They should be designed to incorporate vegetation, seating, and other supporting
' site elements and may serve a dual purpose as a buffer strip, linear park or separated
bikeway.
' The overland trail widths can vary along certain segments where a more narrow trail
corridor may be needed through a residential area or where a wider trail corridor would
' positively provide a buffer zone between differing development types, from unwelcome
sites, etc. Utility easements and abandoned railroad rights -of -way provide an attractive
potential for overland trails away from other modes of traffic. Oak Park Heights has two
' CITY Of OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK 6 TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
' 32
major utility (NSP)easements and arail Iinewhich runs parallel to the river (although still
in use at this time, it provides potential for future recreational uses). In evaluating a
utility easement for possible trail use, several items must be considered:
► Easement routes that are in close proximity to streets would tend to duplicate
trail routes proposed along the street.
► While utility companies are generally cooperative in the use of the utility
easements for local pedestrian/bicycle trails, it is not unusual for these companies
to place user restrictions on trails to insure easement maintenance and safety.
► The easement width becomes a critical factor in the use of utility easements for
overland trails. The easement must have sufficient width for trail development
without interferingwith utility maintenance. Also, the utility easement width wil I
determine the amount of available setback the trail will have from adjacent land
uses.
► The land use development adjacent to a utility easement also influences the
desirability of using the easement for an overland trail corridor. Generally,
easements in developed areas of the City follow street rights -of -way or lot line
arrangements. Trail developments can be viewed as an intrusion in areas of
urban development where an adequate setback separation between the trail and
land uses cannot be achieved.
► The easement represents only a utility company's right to use the property for the
utility purpose. The utility company does not hold fee ownership of the land in
easement. Fee ownership of the land in the easement typically belongs to the
property owner abutting the easement. Acquisition of the easement for trail use
would best occur as a trail dedication at the time of final platting. In areas
already developed, easement acquisition for trail use is complicated by the
multitude of property owners.
► Trail development along utility easements can be more expensive, as it is a
separate construction project requiring the breaking of new ground in areas not
readily accessible. Trails developed in street rights -of -way can be constructed in
conjunction with street improvements.
OVERLAND
TRAILS,
continued
CITY Of OAK
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL
PARK HEIGHTS '
SYSTEM PLAN
33 t
■
Trails along utility easements may result in a number of street crossings at
OVERLAND
uncontrolled areas of the street which can present the potential for hazardous
TRAILS,
1
conflicts between motorists and trail users if not designed properly.
continued
1
1
1
1
1
i
i
�1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
CITY OF
OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK &
TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
1
34
I
PROPOSED TRAIL ROUTES
The City of Oak Park Heights Parks Commission and City Council, together with the help of planning and engineering
consultants, have identified the following trail routes as part of the City's recreational facilities improvement plan. The
Park and Trail Plan is intended to be a long -term guide for the implementation of a system of multi -use trails and park
areas within the City. The plan is reflective of the City's goal to link all parts of Oak Park Heights by a safe and
convenient grade- separated (off -road) trail system. While this may not be feasible in all areas in the short -term, it
stands as the aspiration toward which to work in years to come. As today's priority trail routes and immediate
recreational needs become reality, other recreational segments will move forward as the next priority, thus moving toward
a comprehensive system of parks and trails.
North frontage Road The north frontage road is planned to encompass the entire length
of Highway 36 through Oak Park Heights from the western City limits to its intersections
with both Highway 95 and Lookout Trail. Along both sides of the frontage road, a six (6)
foot paved shoulder will be provided by MnDOT in association with the upgrade of Highway
36. Where the frontage road swings out away from the highway corridor at the Oakgreen
and Osgood Avenue intersections, a four (4) foot sidewalk closes the gap and provides
access from the frontage road across the highway as well as to the proposed trails along
Oakgreen and Osgood Avenues.
South Frontage Road The south frontage road is planned to encompass the entire length
of Highway 36 through Oak Park Heights from the western City limits to the Club Tara
establishment and NSP property on the east side of Osgood Avenue. A grade- separated
trail is existing along the frontage road from 58" Street to Norell Avenue. From Norell
Avenue east, a six (6) foot paved shoulder along both sides of the frontage road will be
provided by MnDOT in association with the upgrade of Highway 36. An overland trail is
expected on or near the frontage road from Osgood Avenue east to Stagecoach Trail.
As with the north frontage road, where the south frontage road swings out away from the
Highway 36 corridor at the Oakgreen and Osgood Avenue intersections, a four (4) foot
sidewalk closes the gap and provides access from the frontage road across the highway as
well as to the proposed trails along Oakgreen and Osgood Avenues. At the present time,
focus will be on the new 58th Street as the main east -west connection via a planned grade -
separated trail.
STATE
HIGHWAY 36
CORRIDOR
CITY Of OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK 6 TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
35
I
1
Oakgreen Avenue is a highly used north -south collector street within the City which
' encompasses about three - quarters of a mile south of Highway 36. Reconstruction of
Oakgreen Avenue from Highway 36 through Oak Park Heights will allow for construction
' of an off- street trail, likely on the east side, by Washington County. The County has
proposed this reconstruction for the year 2000. Development of an off - street trail along
Oakgreen Avenue will provide important connections for Highway 36, to the existing NSP
Trail, and to 58" Street.
' As part of the 1995 Trail System Plan, the joint Oak Park Heights- Baytown Township Trail
Committee agreed to establish a ten to twelve (10 -12) foot overland trail behind the homes
on the west side of Oakgreen Avenue between the overland trail planned within the NSP
' easement and the new 58th Street. The overland trail, with its wide right -of -way
(undetermined at this time) and associated landscape improvements, would double as a
' buffer zone from the anticipated multiple family or commercial development behind these
homes. Itwill be necessary to obtain an easement or land dedication from the owner when
this land is platted.
The intersection of Oakgreen Avenue and Highway 36, as mentioned previously, is planned
to be shifted slightly east to allow for the establishment of frontage road connections
which provide ample vehicle stacking distance. In this regard, four (4) foot sidewalks are
planned to connect the frontage roads to the north side of Highway 36 as well as to the
stated NSP easement and overland trail to the south of Oakgreen Avenue. It is anticipated
that the street will ultimately be improved to include eight (8) foot grade - separated trails
on both sides in the long term. Any planned trails along Oakgreen Avenue should connect
to the existing 4 foot paved shoulders in place on Northbrook Boulevard in Baytown
Township (extension of Oakgreen Avenue south of the City limits).
OAKGREEN
AVENUE
North ofHighway36. Preliminary inspections of this corridor by the City Engineer indicate OSGOOD
that it appears feasible, although physically difficult and correspondingly expensive to AVENUE
construct trailways in this location given the existing businesses and right -of -way width.
Washington County has, however, expressed the intention to reconstruct this portion of
Osgood Avenue at some point in the future whereupon any desired trail construction could
be coordinated. The plan therefore shows three to four (3 -4) foot sidewalks on both sides
of Osgood Avenue to the north of Highway 36 to infringe upon existing businesses as little
as possible, with added potential for re- striping of the street corridor to include four (4)
to six (6) foot paved shoulders for bicycle traffic.
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
36
South of Highway 36. The establishment of an eight (8) foot grade- separated trail on one OSGOOD
side or four to six (4 -6) foot wide sidewalks on both sides of Osgood Avenue between AVENUE,
Highway 36 and Upper 56th Street is the priority, as current pedestrian - vehicular traffic continued
conflicts in these locations is dangerous. At a minimum, four (4) foot sidewalks should
be installed on the east side of Osgood Avenue. From this point to the south there is a
fourteen (14) foot shoulder on thewest side of Osgood Avenue which could accommodate
a two -way on- street trail, however, the preferred option is to provide a six to eight (6 -8)
foot one -way shoulder on both sides of the road.
The area between curb and right -of -way line on Osgood Avenue from 55th Street to Calvary
Church on the east boulevard is approximately 8 -10 feet in width but is congested with
power poles, street signs, private utility pedestals, trees, and shrubs. TheCity Engineer has
recommended that any potential trail be placed behind the power pole line within the
boulevard to avoid as many obstacles as possible. Regrading of the boulevard, earth
Cut/fill, clearing of trees, and expansion of the public easement area is almost certain, as
is the potential need for expanded easements and retaining walls or other structural
devices to maintain the necessary corridor width in some locations (such as between 55th
and Upper 56th Streets, and along the existing home at 5715 Osgood Avenue). Other
obstacles related to the installation of a trail along the east boulevard include the Calvary
Church site where the existing parking lot is located 9 feet behind the curb of Osgood
Avenue and would result in the loss of 8 -10 parking spaces, however, options may be
available in which to replace the parking either on or adjacent to the church site or re-
stripe the existing lot.
This route is proposed as an east -west overland corridor from Osgood Avenue at 58th
Street and the St. Croix Mall entrance to Oakgreen Avenue and slightly further west into
the future development area. The City completed a major portion of the trail in 1997 by
paving from Swager Park to Oakgreen Avenue. The intersection on Osgood Avenue at 58th
Street/St. Croix Mall parking area is currently a heavily used, dangerous, unmarked and
unsignaled pedestrian crossing. Improvement of this area for use as a trail crossing is
highly desirable, although the location of the mall parking lot does not allow sufficient
width for inclusion of a pathway without changes to the parking lot configuration. The
City Engineer has indicated that the south border of the mall property, pending parking
lot revisions, could accommodate the desired ten (10) foot wide two -way multi -use trail.
NSP POWER '
LINE EASEMENT
1
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS t
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK 8 TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
37 ,
1
58th Street The major east -west collector street will soon be completed between Oakgreen
' Avenue and Highway 5. The street will incorporate an eight (8) foot grade- separated trail
on its south side and will serve to provide critical connection between the Stillwater Area
' High School area and the rest of the City.
Krueger Lane Krueger Lane, which provides a connection between the Highway 36 south
frontage road and 58th Street, will include an eight (8) foot grade - separated trail within
its eastern right -of -way when that area is developed.
' Norell Avenue The construction of Norell Avenue did not make provision for a trail
connection between the Highway 36 south frontage road and 58th Street. In the future,
' a grade - separated trail should be pursued along the west right -of -way line of this road
when the remainder of the Brackey property is platted and developed.
' Centrail Business District Development of the Central Business District, south of Highway
36 and between Norell and Oakgreen Avenueswill emphasize pedestrian access throughout
and interconnections with existing and proposed trails. The City is developing concept
plans for the Central Business District during the Spring of 1999.
Autumn Ride The main local street loop within this plat will be designated as an on-
street trail system connection between surrounding residential lots within the plat and to
the Valley Senior Services developed to the east.
' Boutwell's Landine/Boutwells Park As a feature of the Valley Senior Services Alliance,
Boutwell's Landing development south of 58" Street at Norell Avenue, an extensive system
of grade- separated trails and on- street trails would be created. The trail system would
' provide interconnections throughout Boutwells Park, the new development, Autumn Ridge
at 56" Street, River Hills at 55 Street, the High School's Environmental Learning Center,
' and with the existing trail along 58' Street. Within the southerly, second phase of the
development a potential exists to provide trail connections into the undeveloped properties
that are currently within Baytown Township.
' Kern Center. A trail connection from 58' Street into the Kern Center has been proposed.
' The trail would be along one side of the street and provide the potential for eventual
extension south into undeveloped portions of Lake Elmo and west and north along Manning
Avenue back to Highway 36. This extension could have the potential to eventually connect
' the Oak Park Heights trail system to regional trail systems existing to the west.
WESTERN OAK
PARK HEIGHTS
(west of
Oakgreen
Avenue)
' CITY Of OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK 8 TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
'
38
NSP Powerline Easement As mentioned previously, this route is an east -west overland
corridor from Swager Park to Oakgreen Avenue. The ten (10) foot overland trail within the
central part of Oak Park Heights will continue through the south boundary of the St. Croix
Mall to Osgood Avenue.
City Hall Pr_po eM /67' Street Connection An extention of 57' Street, through the City Hall
property, is proposed for construction in 1999. As part of that street construction, a
grade - separated trail would provide a connection from Oakgreen Avenue, through the City
Hall property, to the existing NSP easement trail.
DNR Property. An existing system of undefined trails exists within the Department of
Natural Resources Property south of Brekke Park and west of Osgood Avenue. The City's
Comprehensive Plan includes the DNR property as a potential area for parks, open space,
residential development, and a golf course. The City will work with the DNR to develop
interconnections between the undefined trails and the City's trail system. A more defined
trail plan would be required if Brekke Park expands within the property or if it is
developed into more intensive land uses.
Local On- Street Trails Local on- street trails make up the majority of the trail system
within the central portion of the City due to the fact that the area is predominantly
subdivided single family lots. On- street trails have been identified upon several local
streets, including 57th, part of 56th, 55th, and 54th Streets and O'Brien, 01dfield, Omaha,
and Omar Avenues and Oakgreen Place. Local trails are not limited to these routes but
those mentioned provide the most direct connections between points of interest
CENTRAL OAK
PARK HEIGHTS
(Between
Oakgreen &
Osgood
Avenues)
Existing Trails Existing trails consist of 3 -4 foot sidewalks in the northern most part of
the City which borders with Stillwater. Sidewalks can be found along 65th Street, the far
west portion of Upper 63rd Street (less than a block long), the western most two blocks
of 62nd Street, and far northern portions of Osgood and Osman Avenues. While all are not
within the City's boundaries, connection and integration with the Oak Park Heights Trails
Plan is imminent.
Connection to the City of Stillwater Five trail connections have been identified in this
vicinity to provide pedestrian and bicycle access between the two communities: Osgood
Avenue, Beach Road, Lookout Trail, Oakgreen Avenue and Highway 95.
NORTHEAST
OAK PARK
HEIGHTS
(north of
Highway 36 &
east of Osgood
Avenue)
141 gall Will= 9.11 raIIa1r11161
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
39
Lookout Trail Planned trails on this street segment will include four (4) foot paved
shoulders on both sides from the northern City limits to the intersection with Beach Road
Beach Road This street is planned to have four to six (4 -6) foot paved shoulders from the
Highway 36 frontage road to the intersection of Lookout Trail. From Lookout Trail to the
north, Beach Road is planned for trail use as an on- street or paved shoulder connection.
The Beach Road overpass is expected to remain with the reconstruction of the Highway
36/Highway 95 interchange. A paved sidewalk would be provided on the bridge to connect
with the south frontage road.
Local On- Street Trails On- street trails in the northeastern part of the City include the use
of Upper 63rd and 62nd Streets as well as Oxboro Avenue. In the long term the City may
wish to consider establishing a grade - separated trail along Oxboro Avenue to connect
between Beach Road and Osgood Avenue or requesting the County to provide pedestrian
access through the Washington County complex by way of a sidewalk along the old
alignment of Panama Avenue.
NORTHEAST
OAK PARK
HEIGHTS
(north of
Highway 36 &
east of Osgood
Avenue),
continued
Highway 36195 Intersection The Minnesota Department of Transportation is in the process
of developing plans for a reconstruction of the Highway 36/95 intersection to be built in
conjunction with a new St. Croix River Crossing. As such, the Trail Plan will need to be
updated as plans are finalized.
56th Street On- street trail access is planned along 56th Street through the Brekke Heights
subdivision which provides an access easement between lots into Valley View Park, thus
connecting Osgood Avenue to the park and eastern portions of the City.
58th StreeAt zark Avenue North In the Valley View Estates subdivision, 58th Street is
planned to provide on- street trail access between Osgood Avenue and Valley View Park (via
Ozark Avenue and a trail easement between adjacent lots).
59th Street/Peller Avenue Fifty -ninth Street serves as a critical link in the connection
between the southern frontage road of Highway 36 and Stagecoach Trail and Highway 95.
Depending on the approved connection from the frontage road (either as a paved shoulder
along an extended frontage road or an overland trail), 59th Street will either serve as an
on- street route or be improved to include paved shoulders. PellerAvenue directly connects
with 59th Street to provide the north -south link through the surrounding neighborhood
and to Valley View Park.
SOUTHEAST OAK
PARK HEIGHTS
(south of
Highway 36 &
east of Osgood
Avenue)
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
' 40
Beach Road. As indicated previously, the Minnesota Department of Transportation plans
for the Highway 36/95 intersection and for Beach Road have not been finalized. The City
views a Beach Road or other alternative north -south connection as vital in retaining ties
between the inhabitants of Oak Park Heights. Sidewalks on either side of a Beach Road
Bridge have been planned.
Valley View Park Valley View Park serves as a critical link between the far eastern
neighborhoods of the City and those which abut Osgood Avenue. In the interim, the park
will remain without defined trails but open to through access, however, the future may
bring some form of designated walking, hiking and /or biking trails. Avital link isabridge
over Perro Creek Pond to connect with 56' Street. With development of the NSP ash
landfill site as a park area, critical overland trails would need to develop to connect the
landfill site and its potential park amenities to the south frontage road, Valley View Park
and (over Park. A trail is planned on thewest side of Perro Creek Pond with a connection
to Stagecoach Trail. This trail would require coordination with the State of Minnesota, in
that the access would be near the State Correctional Facility.
Connection to Neighboring Communities Stagecoach Trail will provide connection to
Baytown Township via six (6) to eight (8) foot paved shoulders. Highway 95 will connect
the City with Bayport via ten (10) foot paved shoulders and possibly an eight (8) foot
grade- separated trail within its eastern right -of -way. A Highway 95 connection to trails
in Stillwater is also shown.
SOUTHEAST OAK
PARK HEIGHTS
(south of
Highway 36 &
east of Osgood
Avenue),
continued
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
41
a
■
ME " sea
fil 0 1 ,
\2
wo 111111 ME
M
® 2 INOR'S
PARK FACILITIES MASTERPLAN
' Parks serve as important recreation nodes /open -space within a system of trails. The park facilities masterplan provides
proposed park locations and contains a list of improvements for existing and proposed parks. The park facilities
masterplan is based upon the information gathered and analyzed in the inventory, issues analysis, and policy phases of
' the Park and Trail Plan. The following paragraphs describe improvements_ t o be made to existing and proposed parks.
Valley View Park is valued for its dense vegetation, variation in topography, and wetlands.
The masterplan proposes to maintain and enhance the natural aesthetic of the park.
Improvements to the park focus on making the park better known in the community and
St. Croix Valley, more accessible, and a resource for environmental education.
To make the park better known in the community and to people passingthrough the City,
an inviting landscaped entry is proposed with a sign clearly identifying the park at the
entrance on Osgood Avenue. The garden club may be of assistance in the landscaping of
the entry. Once people enter the park, signage identifying park boundaries and facilities
would aid visitors in locating picnic and trail facilities. Currently, many people are
unaware of the lower portion of the park due to the lack of signage and the physical
separation from the upper portion of the park.
Valley View Parkwill be expanded to the north in cooperation with NSP as the ash disposal
facility closes. NSP will be closing portions of the landfill beginning in 1999 and
completing in the year 2011. This expansion provides an opportunity for trail connections
to allow easier access to the lower portions of Valley View, which are now difficult to access
due to a steep slope between the west and east portions of the park. Potential uses for the
NSP land include an amphitheater, a formal garden, and trails.
In the lower portion of the park, a bridge across the wetland would provide an important
connection to the east. In making decisions regarding trail and bridge facilities,
consideration of handicapped accessibility is important, especially considering the steep
slopes found within the park and the growing number of senior residents living in Oak Park
Heights.
Valley View Park provides a unique resource that is well- suited for recreational and
VALLEY VIEW
PARK
' CITY Of OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
' 44
environmental programs. The park contains areas of woods, prairie, and wetlands,
creating a diverse natural setting.
Brekke Park is intensively used for field games and as a playground for toddler age and
older children. The masterplan proposes to expand the park onto DNR land south of
Brekke Park. Demand exists in the City for additional baseball fields and soccer fields;
therefore, the masterplan proposes additional ball fields for the northern portion of the
DNR land. Other potential uses for the DNR land include a golf course and a club
house /concession stand. Even if additional facilities are not built on the DNR land,
trail /road access from the DNR land should be explored.
Other park improvements include making the park easier to locate and providing
additional and upgraded athletic and picnic facilities. Currently, the park has one
vehicular entrance on a small local road. To make the park more welcoming and easier
to locate, additional directional and identification signage is proposed.
Expansionfimprovements to the existing picnic shelter may be explored, including better
handicapped accessibility to the lower level of the shelter. A shelter related topic is
maintaining longer bathroom hours (with an attendant to prevent vandalism).
Other improvements that may beconsidered include constructing a hard surface underthe
hockey rink to provide a better and more long- lasting ice surface in the winter and to
provide a skateboard /rollerblade area in the warmer months. Other improvements to
consider were described in a DNR grant proposal in 1996 and include a trail with an
east/west orientation along the parking lot and northern edge of the park and additional
facilities in the eastern portion of the park including a picnic shelter, landforms, tricycle
raceway, plantings, and a different location or shape for the basketball court. A plan for
Brekke Park that was included in the 1996 DNR grant proposal is found on page 50.
VALLEY VIEW
PARK,
continued
BREKKE PARK
Swager Park serves as a I i near neighborhood playground along atraiI that is within an NSP
easement. The trail currently extends from the east end of Swager Park to Oakgreen
Avenue. The masterplan proposes that the trail be extended and connect with existing
trails so that the trail extends all the way from Valley View Park to the high school and
western City limits. Extending the trail would bring more people to the park and make the
SWAGER PARK '
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS '
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK 8 TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
4S
park more accessible.
' The St. Croix Mall is located to the east of Swager Park. Currently, no park identification
or access exists from the east. An attractive and accessible entrance at the east end of the
' parkwould encourage employees and visitors of the mall to use the park. A small unpaved
parking area is located in the northeast corner of the park off of 58" Street North. An
improved parking area should be considered. A sketch illustrating an east entry design is
' found on page 52.
' The park currently contains little vegetation; however, sixteen trees will be planted in 1999
through an NSP grant. The masterplan proposes creating a landscape plan that provides
additional understory trees and shrubs and benches throughout the park. The plan for the
' park includes creating attractive resting areas for trail users and for people who work at
the nearby St. Croix Mall and surrounding commercial areas.
Swager Park currently lacks screening from residential properties to the north, and
instillation of tree/fence screening along the northern boundary of the park should be
considered. West of the park, in the NSP easement, visibility could be improved by
removing buckthorn and other exotic species and creating a landscape plan including
native plants. Feelings of safety and visibility could also be enhanced by providing
pedestrian -scale lighting along the trail.
The park requires some maintenance improvements and has enough open space to allow
some additional facilities. The tennis courts are currently in poor condition and need to
be repaired. Some play equipment exists, but additional play equipment for young
children would provide more play options. An improvement that may be considered is
providing bathrooms in the park. The bathrooms could serve both users of the park and
people passing through the park on the trail system.
SWAGER PARK,
continued
Cover Park is the oldest and smallest park in the City and provides an active area for COVER PARK
residents in the surrounding neighborhoods who are otherwise somewhat segregated from
the northern and western portions of the City. The park is located only two blocks east of
the NSP ash disposal site and Valley View Park. The masterplan calls for construction of
a trail extending from Cover Park through the cul -de -sac next to Cover Manor and
connecting to the NSP property and Valley View Park. The park has a small parking lot
and little to no room for expansion currently. The long -term uses and parking needs of
' CITY Of OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
' 46
Cover Park should be evaluated with the expansion of Valley View Park and with
development opportunities associated with adjacent MnDOT properties.
Improvements are constrained by the small supply of open space available at the site;
however, several improvements should be explored. The existing warming house is a simple
cement building located at the southern end of the park. The City may wish to explore
improvement of the building and constructinga City- operated greenhouse attached to the
warminghouse. Another improvement would be to provide refuse containers, which would
be especially useful in the summer when the park is used by dog owners.
Boutwells Park is a 24 acre park planned in the western half of the City. The park will gain
access from 58 Street and is intended to serve surrounding area neighborhoods and
provide a connection to the Stillwater Area High School and Environmental learning
Center. The masterplan proposes that the developer provide a year -round community
center /open air shelter with bathrooms, a tot lot, a play structure, picnic tables, gathering
areas, benches, and shadetrees. The City may explore providing recreational programs in
the park, and the wetlands in the park may be used as a teaching resource for the
Environmental Learning tenter. The park should be developed in away that allows winter
sliding on the larger hills. Clearing only some of the trails of snow will provide
opportunities for cross - country skiing in the park.
COVER PARK,
continued
BOUTWELLS
PARK
Having an area in the City that could clearly be identified as a town centerwould enhance TOWN CENTER
the identity of the community, and creating a town square within the town center that
includes landscaping, fountains, a skating rink, benches /resting areas, waterways and
other attractions would create a unique gathering place in the City.
An area in lake Elmo, west of Highway 5, could become part of Oak Park Heights. At that POTENTIAL
time, a neighborhood playground within a residential area is proposed for this area. PARK AND
RECREATIONAL
The DNR has been considering for a number of years building a boat launch east of AREAS
Highway 95 and south of the Metropolitan Council wastewater treatment facility.
An open space /park area is a possibility south of the State of Minnesota Correctional
Facility and west of Stagecoach Trail in an existing wooded area.
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
47
a
133j
sl4et *H pjr5 1vj8V sl4 &a/� /o 14.0 N 00C E
9E6L • Ved io4 He0 d leuay :amrwS
G
u0133auu00 IIBAL posodo,d IllIIIIIIIIIIII11111111F
sllai13aoiis -uO mmme.m
9 11e 4 1 paned 6 URSIX3
Amped Ieuopoauo0 alel3
..T •Y. Y T Y.T.Y i T ? .T T T * Y T'Y TTT.
T'
y.r: T. Y:
Y4 f �Y. r•If Yri ..
YY�Y :Y :'Y'Y'Y:-(� T,.'Y�,T 'Y: T'Y:T•Y�T �Y �;�
'f'Y.
T
f rY Y rT7 YY TYYTYYYY TT'Y'T.TY. TI
' �I f . T.. TY. -f TY.T� .T'T T' .' + •f
A'T• T A Y . T
I T. T_ T YY
.T'.T.' iYT T -T,rT Y
T
m
*4S
uolpauuo'J
,only xw
pus easy aBVIIIA of
/etummis urloluMoa of
x
'v ■ I
1• i
41e ( *PS IesodSlO
tenor
u 4sV dSN
ya wl
S
6�\�
tike
9f Amt4BIH *leis
OSl 0
P268 MJed Maw helleA=
0 J
J
. C
1�
_ — I r-
L_ '
d -
NI C
m
Z
01
t
m = = m
iauuo-4 uolleJolsa
'Y. .
.,
� aple�d
T
T T.T T..! r T.T.Y r.
T
. T.
Y T
T
T .T.T i:T rT T .T: .'f.}
T .T
T.T
-I "
T T.I'. T.T.TT�•.T
Y' T.
.T, r rY -r r i T 'I T ' r r.
:,r �T .r.rr- "(.r
'T' )♦Ba1'J
. r•Y -Y
rT
I'* y,Y•
Y•-
.r
Y ? i': Y
Y.T' T:r :r TT
Y
�T•1
�Tr \�Yn
i r;r r '1 -'TTT
y
.1. T.Y. T•y Y.T.
?T Y r .r. Ti Y.Y.r•,
T • T.. rT TT.Y.. T.'
T.T'1YT •. TT.-. �.T
*4S
uolpauuo'J
,only xw
pus easy aBVIIIA of
/etummis urloluMoa of
x
'v ■ I
1• i
41e ( *PS IesodSlO
tenor
u 4sV dSN
ya wl
S
6�\�
tike
9f Amt4BIH *leis
OSl 0
P268 MJed Maw helleA=
0 J
J
. C
1�
_ — I r-
L_ '
d -
NI C
m
Z
01
t
m = = m
I
_ I
m >
a
N
3 ••�
l
I.
N
i
,
. .................. A..............
i
ro
N
f :
_ .. ..... . ...... ... .........
OL J J'—
m - � ry
v_
o�
m
C i0 FEE, NM
�o
w
City of Oak Park Heights
Brekke Park
Proposed Plan'
Source: Aerial Photograph, 1988
City of Oak Park Heights
BP
d O
`u
0 o c
a a �
•Y � 'ey
00
u
C
L
O
U
1V
o c
1 �M
1
.f.W. ,
r
u
b
c
�
n
I
L � Y•
\n11'\11i
�e
5
a..
Nz
O
Y
O U
Y
o; U
II II
�
C
�
QJ
Q U7 IM
��
� ^ G '
O LD•
�m
r
1V
o c
1 �M
1
.f.W. ,
n
J 6
F
D
a
V
j
m
_N
4
rc
EH 0: a
\ + N W
S
50
L
W
Ile
W
L -
W
ro
u.l
r
u
b
c
�
n
I
\n11'\11i
5
a..
o .
4 d
<
�m
0
n
J 6
F
D
a
V
j
m
_N
4
rc
EH 0: a
\ + N W
S
50
L
W
Ile
W
L -
W
ro
u.l
r
u
b
c
�
n
I
\n11'\11i
n
J 6
F
D
a
V
j
m
_N
4
rc
EH 0: a
\ + N W
S
50
L
W
Ile
W
L -
W
ro
u.l
r
c
`
c
5
a..
o .
4 d
<
�m
n
J 6
F
D
a
V
j
m
_N
4
rc
EH 0: a
\ + N W
S
50
L
W
Ile
W
L -
W
ro
u.l
L L
tx
aO
y o n ,
a
t
m
W
0
0
U
I
I
a
z
M
:1
w
51
Enlarge
Parking Lot
I
— Toi of Slope
Perennial
Path Planting
I
Rink Hockey Parking Z
Q
I
Small
Rock Wall
i
Perennial
Planting
on Slope -
N
Play Structure
and Swings �
0® FEET
Improve
Park
Building /
Add Grienhause E:
F Connection to NSP Areas 58' Street
Van Accessible
Handicapped Parking
'+ r
Cky of Oak Park Heights
Cover Park
Proposed Plan
Source: Aerial Photograph, 1996
City of Oak Park Heights
53
Brackey Addition
58 Street North
L
I r r
Pond { fl
`1
Pond \
UPond
f
Environmental
Learning Center
C ■� 100 200 FEET
N
Sliding Hill
r
Pond
Pond
I
I
Note: This park is in the
/ process of being designed.
More elements will be added.
Boutwells Park
Ciry Of Oak Park Heiphn
Proposed Plan
Source: Aerial Photograph, 1966
Senior Life Community Plans, 1998
54
Potential Parking Lot
and Community Center /Shelter
PARK
GUIDELINES
&
CLASSIFICATION
SYSTEM
The following outline provides a summary of park classification guidelines for the various types of parks found in '
communities such as Oak Park Heights. While these standards can be applied to existing conditions, their real asset is '
as a planning tool in establishing needs for future recreational development. The standards which follow are
representative of those adopted in 1991 as part of the City Park Study for Newly Annexed Areas and can be used together
with the trail planning guidelines as a comprehensive tool for recreational planning and development. '
This classification system is intended to serve as a guide to planning, not a blueprint. It is the variety and individuality '
of park areas that make them interesting and exciting places. Sometimes more than one component may occur within
the same site and they may differ from what is specified here. A park system, at minimum, should be composed of a core
system of parklands with a total of 6.25 to 10.5 acres of open space per 1,000 population.
Use: Designed to provide mainly passive activities with some active NEIGHBOR- '
short-term activities HOOD
PLAYGROUND '
Service Area: Neighborhood size of 1,000 to 5,000 persons, within 1/4 to Y2
mile _
Population Served: Ages 5 to 15, with informal recreation for groups of all ages
Desirable Size: I to 5 acres
Acres /1,000 population: 1.0-2.0
Site Characteristics: Open space for spontaneous play, play areas for both pre-
school and school age children, multiple -use paved areas,
limited field games, small court games, ice rinks, within easy
walking/biking distance
Existing Playgrounds: Swager and Cover Parks
Proposed Playgrounds: None
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS '
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
55
Use: Area for designated active and passive recreation areas
Service Area: % to I mile radius to serve a population of up to 5,000
persons (a large neighborhood)
Population Served: Focus upon ages 5 through 39 with emphasis upon ages 5
through IB
Desirable Size: 5 to 10 acres
Acres /1,000 population: 1.5-2.0
Site Characteristics: Suited for multi -use development, easily accessible to
neighborhood population, geographically centered with safe
walking and bike access, may include school facilities
Existing Parks:
Proposed Parks:
None
Boutwells Park
NEIGHBOR-
HOOD PARKS
Use: A large recreation area with primarily athletic facilities
designed to serve older children and adults
Service Area: I - IA miles for urban areas /unlimited for rural communities,
a minimum of one per community up to 30,000 maximum
population
Population Served: All persons with focus upon ages 20 to 39
Desirable Size: 10 to 25 acres
Acres /1,000 population: 2.0 to 5.0
Site Characteristics: Athletic complex including lighted court and field games,
community center or indoor recreation facility, swimming
pool, ice rink, capacity for special events, must include support
COMMUNITY
PLAYFIELDS
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK b TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
56
elements such as restrooms, drinking water, parking &
lighting.
Existing Playfields: Brekke Park
Proposed Playfields: The planned annexation area park on the west side of
Oakgreen Avenue represents a combination of Community
Playfields and Community Parks.
Use: Area of diverse environmental qualitywhich may include areas
suited to intense recreational facilities such as athletic
complexes as well as passive type areas, depends largely upon
the site location, suitability and community need
Service Area: Several neighborhoods, I to 4 mile radius for urban
areas /unlimited for rural communities
Population Served: All ages, toddler to retiree, entire community for cities up to
25,000
Desirable Size: 20 to 35+ acres
Acres /1,000 population: 5.0- 10.0
Site Characteristics: Provides for a combination of intensive and non - intensive
development ranging from play equipment to trails, may
include natural features, such as water bodies or forested land,
must include support elements such as restrooms, drinking
water, parking, lighting, etc.
Existing Parks:
Proposed Parks:
Valley View
The NSP Landfill site in conjunction with Valley View will be a
Community Park.
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
57
1
COMMUNITY
'
PLAYFIELDS,
continued
COMMUNITY
PARKS
'
1
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
57
Use: Specialized facilities serving a limited population or specific
group such as tot lots for small children
Service Area: Less than 1/4 mile, sub - neighborhood level of from 500 to
2,500 persons
Population Served: Toddlers through age nine
Desirable Size: One acre or less
Acres /1,000 population: .10 to SO
Site Characteristics: Within neighborhoods, in close proximity to intensive
residential developments
MINI -PARKS OR
TOT LOTS
Use: Protection and management of the natural /cultural NATURAL/
environment with recreational use as a secondary objective CONSERVANCY
AREA
Service Area: No applicable standard
Desirable Size: Sufficient to protect the resource and accommodate desired
recreational uses
Acres /1,000 population: Variable
Site Characteristics: Variable, depending upon the resource being protected
Use: Facilities developed in association with schools which are SCHOOLS
intended for children's educational and recreational
instruction, which on a secondary basis, provide opportunities
for community residents, this shared usage is positive in that
it allows for daytime usage by students, evening, weekend, and
summer usage by all.
Schools: Oak Park Elementary (in Stillwater), Stillwater Area High
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
58
School, and the Environmental Learning Center
facilities: Oak Park Elementary has three small baseball fields, a field
that is sometimes used for soccer, a small basketball court,
and a playgound.
Stillwater Area High School has facilities for softball, baseball,
football, soccer, tennis and track.
The Environmental Learning Center provides educational
training regarding environmental topics.
SCHOOLS,
continued
CITY Of OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
59
m m m m m m m m m w m= m m m m m ==
/
ill
o z
Q
,#
3 CD
0
§�—
2 .
u0
§
,K2
f\
/§
oa6a
}
C �
S
\00
no
\
\
2�
ZZ2�
/m
y
�
/
ill
§
K u
,#
$0
Ri
2 .
u0
«f»«
f\
/§
oa6a
}
C �
S
\00
\
\
\k
ZZ2�
y
CL
/
ill
c)
K u
,#
$0
2 .
u0
w-u
}
C �
0
C:)
+«
w
C,
ir�
En
f
[[ 2
3 ■
§[ m
2
CD
D
�
0
(
&
s §
IMPLEMENTATION
The final phase of the Comprehensive Park and Trail Plan establishes a process of projecting land acquisition and trail
improvements, setting priorities, and scheduling for their provision and financing over a period of time. This process
produces a long -range guide for recreation and requires that the City look toward the future to anticipate capital
expenditures and to provide revenues to meet them. This section does not take the place of a capital improvements plan
in that precise costs are beyond the scope of this document, however, the City must begin thinking about updating itsa
five year priority list, analyzing the financial situation, and obtaining cost estimates for the desired improvements.
Park and trail land dedication will play a major role in acquiring and developing parkArail LAND
facilities, although is not possible in all cases. Acquisition through dedication is a ACQUISITION
long -term process since land can only be obtained as the abutting land is developed.
While the outright purchase of land is prohibitive due to investment costs and anticipated
benefit per capita through the City, land acquisition will be necessary where developments
are already in place and lack recreational facilities or to acquire special, distinct pieces of
land which would otherwise be difficult or impossible to obtain through park dedication.
While the majority of Oak Park Heights contains developments that are already in place
where many of the trail corridors are proposed and will likely require land acquisition
through purchase, the utilization of road rights -of -way will provide an easy alternative for
establishing public trail routes.
' For the most part, it is this Plan's intention to provide parks and trails which will not PARK & TRAIL
burden the City with high acquisition and construction costs. Land and right -of -way for DEDICATION
trail construction will be acquired as part of the dedication process of a subdivision or as FEES
an improvement to be included as roads are built or upgraded wherever possible. Due to
' the obstacles that may arise through acquisition of a trail right -of -way, the Comprehensive
Park and Trail System Plan provides only a general layout of trail routes and proposed
park locations which may be altered at the time of actual acquisition and development.
' At the present time, park land dedication contributions required of developers as a cash
' donation is $450 per single family residential lot in the City. This fee is charged in those
areas where no park land is required, and is used for acquisition and development in other
areas where parks and trails are to be located. The Oak Park Heights fee schedule is less
than area communities and the amount as it stands makes it more advantageous for
CITY Of OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
61
developers to pay the park dedication fee rather than dedicate land. Furthermore, no trail PARK & TRAIL
dedication requirements are in place to relieve the pressure for trail construction (that is DEDICATION
the current priority in the community) which results in the park fund monies which would FEES,
otherwise be utilized for park development, being eaten up for trail purposes. Based on continued
recent analysis of developer costs and park dedication requirements in various suburban
areas of St. Paul and Minneapolis as conducted by Northwest Associated Consultants, Inc.,
the City will raise the park dedication fee in 1999 and consider establishing a system of
trail dedication requirements.
This recommendation is made in an effort to provide equity between those land developers
who are required to donate land and those who pay the fee. In the past, the low level of
cash payments resulted in an unequal burden placed on those from whom land is required.
The higher fee is intended to accommodate the cost of land and its development, and the
opportunity cost of being deprived of that land through park land dedication. The
additional effect of this fee increase would be to accelerate the accumulation of funds for
acquisition and development. Adequate levels of park funds would be available for use
sooner to catch up and keep up with the pace of development, presuming that the fee itself
does not affect such, as it is not expected to do so. This assumption is made in light of the
fact that new development has continued in those areas where land dedication has been
required, and the fee is recommended at a level which approximates the cost of land
dedication to the developer.
While parkland acquisition and development are capital outlays that are typically FUNDING
financed with the revenues from City dedication or general funds, there are other methods OPTIONS
available to assist the City in raising necessary money for large projects. The following
grant programs may be available to the City if the intended project(s) comply with the
submission criteria.
C NR Outdoor Recreation Grant Program (LAWCON - Land and Water Conservation Fund)
The goal of the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program is to assist communities in acquiring,
developing, and /or redeveloping facilities for outdoor recreation use. The grants can fund
up to SO percent of a total project cost, while the remaining local share can consist of local
funding, materials, labor, and equipment through local sponsors or donations. The land
must be owned by the applicant and must be developed completely within three years from
the date of fund acquisition. One or more of the following facilities must be included in
a proposed project.
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
62
Baseball/Softball Fields
Basketball/Hard Courts FUNDING
Boat launching Sites
Campgrounds OPTIONS,
Canoe Access Sites
Cross - Country Ski Trails continued
Fishing Piers/Shore Fishing
football/Soccer Fields
Nature Study/Obseryation Areas
Picnic Shelters
Playgrounds
Skating/Hockey Rinks
Swimming Beaches
Tennis Courts
Trails
Volleyball Courts
In addition, support facilities are also eligible for funding provided at least one facility
from the above list is provided. Support facilities include drinking fountains, fencing, fire
pits /grills, landscaping, lighting, roads /parking, benches /seats, trash receptacles,
restroom /shower /storage buildings, signs, sledding hills, warming houses, utilities, and
design /engineering costs (up to 10 percent).
DNR - Trails and Waterways Grants . In addition to the Outdoor Recreation Grant
Program, the following grants are also available through the DNR:
National and Scenic Area Grant Program
Regional Trail Grant Program
Cooperative Trail Linkage Grant Program
National Recreational Trail Fund Grant Program
TEA -21 - Transportation Eauity Act for the 21° Century. si¢ned lune. 1996. The Act
reaffirms the priorities and funding flexibilities established in the Intermodal Surface
Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991. The act provides, among others, the Surface
Transportation Program (STP), which provides federal funds on a reimbursable basis.
Transportation Enhancement (TE) activities arefunded through a ten percent setaside from
STP funds. Proposals for trail projects maybe submitted under the Pedestrian and Bicycle
project group of Transportation Enhancements. This project group allows for the provision
of facilities and activities that facilitate pedestrian and bicycle use, and provision of
abandoned railway corridors (including the conversion and use thereof for pedestrian and
bicycle trails).
Further information may be obtained from the Metropolitan Council.
' CITY Of OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
' 63
Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources FUNDING
OPTIONS,
The LCMR program works toward enhancing and protecting Minnesota's natural resources. continued
One or more of the following strategies must be met in order to be considered for available
funds. The list is a partial list of strategies and represents the order of priority in which
funds are given. A complete list of project components, application requirements, and
funding cycles can be obtained from the State Offices.
1) Rehabilitate state and regional parks/trails.
2) Acquire and develop state and regional parks and trails.
3) Acquire, protect, and enhance critical habitat, native prairies, unique and /or
sensitive areas, scenic bluffs, aquatic resources, old- growth forests, and historic
sites.
4) Expand rural and urban revegetation with native species, including community
shade tree programs. Implement native species tree planting for energy
conservation, carbon dioxide abatement, erosion control, wildlife habitat, and
other benefits.
5) Research and demonstrate ecologically sound methods to control or eradicate
exotic species of plants or animals which are or may become a threat to the
environment.
6) Acceleratethe implementation ofineasuresto reduce non-point source pollution.
1) Provide for all types of wetland purchase, restoration and easement acquisition
to enhance wildlife habitat, erosion control, water storage, Rood control, and
water quality.
8) Accelerate the use of farming practices consistent with wildlife habitat and
environmental and human health protection.
9) Create qualitative and quantitative benchmarks, including biological indicators,
for key natural resources to permit effective monitoring and assessment of
environmental trends.
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
64
Capital improvements programming provides an instrument for carrying out the objectives
and recommendations of the Oak Park Heights Park and Trail System Plan. Through
prioritization of five year capital needs for the City's park and recreational facilities and
identifying the amount of money availableto finance the improvements during this period,
the City will be able to determine which improvements are necessary in terms of their
ability to pay. The capital improvement program (CIP) is a Flexible process, in that as the
social, physical and financial conditions change within the City, the priority of the
scheduled projects may also change. In response to the changes in the City, the CIP must
bean on -going process. Each year the CIP should be re- evaluated for consistency with the
Plan, current recreational needs, and fiscal condition of the City. The Parks Commission
has previously developed CIP Programs for park and trail development. As a follow -up to
the adoption of this plan, the CIP will need to be updated.
The following process should be utilized by the Park Board when reviewing potential park
capital improvement projects.
1) Establish a fiveyear priority list of park/trail capital improvements that reflects
current and projected recreation demands. Annually review and revise the five
year priority list to reflect current demand and needs.
2) Analyze the City's current financial situation.
3) Obtain up to date cost estimates for high priority items.
4) Develop project descriptions and plans for the desired improvements which
include proposed scheduling and phasing.
5) Make copies available of the CIP for public inspection prior to the City Council's
presentation of the annual budget at the required public hearing.
6) Begin the process over again following approval of the CIP and the beginning of
another calendar year.
It is recommended that a specific annual CIP review schedule be established for the review
of potential park /trail projects. This will enable persons who wish to request consideration
of new items to present their position in ample time to change the CIP, if necessary, in a
manner consistent with community needs and reducing or eliminating financial
CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT
PROCESS
' CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
' 65
commitments being made for projects which might not proceed to the final construction
stage in the event that they are deleted or moved back on the priority list.
CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT
PROCESS,
continued
An important aspect of park and trail development is user knowledge of the recreational
facilities. To promote the use of the community recreational system, the City should
provide informational material to residents as the facilities are implemented. A newsletter
and map mailed to each household is probably the best means by which to accomplish
this. At the same time, the City should work to establish a list of rules and encourage
community awareness of such.
As indicated throughout this plan, a clear and concise system of park and trail signage is
beneficial in any recreational system to assist users in finding and using the facilities.
Directional graphics may be in the form of painted pavement symbols/lettering or any
variety of regulatory, warning, or guidance signage. Signage should include general
identification of an area, layout and types of facilities present, directions for specific points
of interest such as handicapped areas, restrooms, or connections to destinations, trail
distances, and user /safety rules. The best location for much of this information is near the
entrances to parksArail segments or near parking areas. The signage should be consistent
throughout the City and should be easily understandable and maintainable. The U.S.
Department of Transportation's federal Highway Administration has outlined size, shape,
and color criteria for signs in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
CITY Of OAK
COMMUNITY
EDUCATION ,
4lei T L:
PARK HEIGHTS
i
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
66
I
APPENDIX
FACILITIES PLANNING &
' DESIGN GUIDELINES
1 Numerous physiological and psychological factors are involved in the planning and design of park and trail areas which
will undoubtedly affect their desirability among residents and anticipated development if not handled properly. The
' natural features both within and adjacent to a desired trail corridor or park site should be used to complement the
desired recreational activity and if modified, should be done without causing irreparable harm to the environment. These
1 include existing vegetation, topography, wetlands/water bodies /streams, or other natural features such as rock
outcroppings. Built features are equally as important in their effect upon recreational elements and include such items
as buildings, bridges, power substations, utility corridors, streets/parking lots, or other man -made and largely utilitarian
' components. The age, dominant characteristics, function, and condition of built structures should be evaluated to
determine what, if any, modifications are needed (either to the structure itself or in areas surrounding it - such as a
buffer) so that the structure remains an asset for recreational use.
Ll
I
1
TRAIL GUIDELINES
Composition of proposed trail corridors refers to the original or altered surface upon
which the recreational element will be constructed. The subsurface condition of areas such
as the NSP power line easement have most likely been altered and may require specialized
preparation or construction methods to establish them as a usable part of the recreational
system.
COMPOSITION
' The cross section slope which is perpendicular to the trail corridor or development area SLOPE
may either be flat, convex (raised), concave (carved -out), or terraced (along aside slope)
' and may affect access to a certain area or drainage patterns. As a general rule, an
acceptable cross slope for most trails is two (1) percent.
' The longitudinal slope is one that runs along the center line of the path of travel, often
called the profile, and is comprised of flat, uphill, and downhill slopes. An equitably
CITY Of OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
' 67
accessible longitudinal slope is generally five (5) percent or less, although up to ten (10)
percent may be acceptable in certain areas where access would otherwise be limited.
SLOPE, '
continued
The sequence of different landscapes that compose a trail corridor makes it an interesting
place to walk, bike, and ride. Spatial components of recreational systems include:
► Viewsheds Lines of sight within a corridor or out to a landscape or adjacent
built feature are called viewsheds. The views from adjacent lands into the trail
corridor are just as important as views from the proposed trail. This is
particularly important when you have a feature that should be highlighted or
when an adjacent landowner objects to the trail corridor. Safety and visibility
are the two viewshed issues of concern to future trail users. The need for
unobstructed forward and rear views should be provided for each type of trail
user classification: 50 feet for pedestrians and ISO feet for bicyclists /roller
skaters. Viewing opportunities from atrail affect the quality of users' experience
and are classified as either open or closed landscapes.
► Open & Closed Landscapes These affect viewsheds and light, provide structure,
and heavily influence the spatial sequence of a trail corridor. An example of an
open landscape is an agricultural field or meadow, while a closed landscape may
be a segment of corridor surrounded by thick, overhanging trees or large
buildings. An ideal trail has a contrasting sequence of both open and closed
landscapes.
► Light & Dark Areas These are determined by sun exposure, topography,
surrounding vegetation, and adjacent structures. Light and dark areas alter the
trail's environment, affect the soil's moisture content, influence temperatures,
and vary the quality of the trail's features (which may change from season to
season).
Intersections can pose challenges during trail design and development, but they can also
provide trail access. Roads are the most hazardous and frequently encountered trail
intersections and things such as how the trail will cross (at- grade, under, over), the degree
of road traffic, alternative crossings, and money available to do the work will determine
how to best incorporate them into the overall plan.
I
SPATIAL VALUES '
I
1
I
INTERSECTIONS
I
CITY Of OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
68
II
II
Driveways may be either residential, commercial or industrial in nature and will have
differing effects upon the trail corridors, depending upon their frequency of use daily or
monthly. If the traffic on the driveway is less than the anticipated trail traffic, then the
trail should be designed to have the right -of -way at this intersection. Other trail corridors
and nearbytrails allow you to link trails together. Assess any intersecting trails for
compatibility and conflict, based on types of use, surface, signs, and regulations.
INTERSECTIONS,
continued
II
II
II
Uke any majorcapital improvement, buildingatrail requires some thought about howthe
facility will be used and by whom. In other words, you need to market the trail.
Determine the ratio of existing /proposed trail miles to the user Roopulation Compare this
to the National Recreation and Park Association's Open Space Standards which suggests
a ratio of one (1) trail mile per 2,000 people for multi -use (pedestrian - bicycle) trails. This
' number is intended only as a rough guideline and does not necessarily reflect local
demographics, changing trends, uniqueness of the environment, or various other factors,
but may help in estimating the over or under establishment of trails in relation to the
' number of residents. This, however, does not take the place of communicating with local
residents, user groups, etc. to determine interest and needs.
RECREATIONAL
NEEDS
Land uses (existing and proposed) adjacent to or directly abutting trail corridors should
be evaluated to some degree relative to size, facilities, density, character, and type of
ownership. However, unless safety factors prohibit such, the establishment of trails
through all land use types should be promoted. Opportunities for or constraints against
trail development exist in all areas of the community and depend more upon individual
situations. In some situations, safety hazards or undesirables can be avoided through
installation of a fence or berm while still allowing trail access and connections. Take
special note of vacant properties adjoining the trail corridor as they may provide
opportunity for public ownership and potential for establishment of sitting/picnic areas
or landscaping. Vacant areas that remain privately owned provide excellent opportunities
for additional trail links, access, or trail - related development.
ADJACENT
LAND USES
Of all the obstacles trail developers face, opposition by adjacent landowners can be the ADJACENT
most troublesome. Regardless of the community -wide support for trails, opposition from LANDOWNERS
some adjacent landowners who will voice concerns about trail design, management,
quality of life, careless maintenance, land loss, decreased property values, increased crime
' CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
69
and liability will be unavoidable.
This and many similar concerns have been documented among trail projects across the
USA and typically disappear once the trail is open but more commonly, the benefits
outweigh the problems. In surveys conducted across the nation, it was shown that the
vast majority of landowners living next to trail corridors were amenable to such and used
the corridors frequently. With regard to crime, a specific study conducted in Minnesota
showed that the incidence of crime is actually lower in homes near trails than those in
surrounding neighborhoods. Additionally, no negative effect upon property values has ever
been proven, either nationally or locally and in some cases neighborhoods adjacent to trail
corridors have been marketed using trails as an amenity with property values increased.
Finally, liability is not a valid concern thanks to the recreational -use statutes (RUS) in
place in Minnesota which does not make landowners liable for recreational injuries
resulting from mere carelessness. To recover damages, the trail user needs to prove "willful
and wanton misconduct on the part of the landowner ". This would apply to easement
situations in the City where the City does not own the land, but maintains control for trail
access purposes via establishment of an easement.
In summary, problems may be exaggerated at the onset and others can be easily
controlled through design and /or management solutions. Physical separation of trails
from private properties via natural, vegetation or man -made means may also serve to
alleviate homeowners concerns. Landowner involvement is the best and first step to a
successful resolution.
ADJACENT
LANDOWNERS,
continued
CITY Of OAK
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL
PARK HEIGHTS '
SYSTEM PLAN
70
1
FACILITY DESIGN STANDARDS
Once a trail or system of trails is built, it will become an integral part of the community
which is part of an ever- changing environment. With this in mind, it is important to make
sure that the trails can adapt to changing needs. The best policy is to build a trail with
adequate capacity (width) initially. Amulti -use trail shared by pedestrians and bicyclists
should be a minimum often (10) feet wide. If the budget only allows for an eight (B) foot
trail, obtain easements that will permit expansion of the trail to ten (10) or more feet in
the future.
Bridges, tunnels, culverts and other infrastructure should be made extra wide at the onset
to accommodate expansion. Deciding which components to build to wider standards first
will depend on the trail surfacing to be used. Concrete is virtually impossible to upgrade
safely once it is in place as joints create a hazardous situation for bicyclists. Widening an
asphalt or crushed material surface is not as difficult because the materials are less costly
and can be blended. Basic grading should also be designed for the maximum future width
if site conditions allow this.
Note that different segments of the trail are likely to have different levels of use, thus it
may be necessary to provide a ten (10) foot width only in areas where heavy travel is
expected to occur. Another option is to plan for two separate paths within the same
(easement) corridor, by separating users such as pedestrians from bicyclists. Individual
routes have been planned to vary as needed within the City, thus reference should be made
to the section within this document which describes specific routes and trail segments.
Decisions about widening a trail should be evaluated on a case -by -case basis based upon
a community's economics, politics, safety, and long -term project goals. Weigh the cost
of extra length against extra width prior to beginning a project. It may be beneficial to
construct an entire segment of the trail system at a less than optimum width in areas
where trails are presently non - existent to heighten the excitement and promote usage by
residents. But on the other hand, if larger than expected numbers of people use the trail,
it will pose crowding and safety problems. It is generally best to construct individual
portions of a trail (which maybe does not yet make a through connection) at the full,
long -term width desired. While this is somewhat dependent upon the material used,
maintenance needs, and material life, pressure will build (and money will become
available) to develop additional segments.
' CITY Of OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK S TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
t 71
At least a portion of your multi -use trail design should be accessible - free of barriers and
obstructions - and usable by people with disabilities. Most people have either permanent
or temporary disability at some point in their lives. The primary sources of information
for developing accessible standards for all facilities are the Uniform federal Accessibility
ftandards (UfAf) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility 6uidelmes, both
published in the federal Register on 26 July 1991. These guidelines define what
specifications must be met in order to be classified as an accessible trail such as trail
width, passing space, surface, slopes, clearance, rest areas and signs.
five feet is the minimum width to accommodate awide range of users with disabilities in
a one -way scenario. Hard surfaces such as asphalt and concrete make a trail most
accessible. An accessibletrail gradient should not exceed five (5) percent. Although UfAf
recommends a maximum grade of eight (B) percent, limiting this to six (6) percent is
highly recommended. Ramps, which should have a level landing for every 30 inches of
vertical rise, must have a hard, slip- resistant surface and railings. An accessible trail calls
for a rest area every 200 to 300 feet, preferably cleared with a bench located outside of the
trail tread. If numerous benches is not possible, the distances between stopping points
should be posted so that users will know what is ahead.
HANDICAPPED
ACCESSIBILITY
National standards for multi -use trail widths do not exist. The American Association of
State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) recommends a ten (10) foot trail
width, but some of these paths are too narrow to handle the ultimate volume of users and
may not take into account other factors such as the trail surface, speed of trail users, etc.
Consider the number of people who are likely to use your trail. Where "significant" trail
traffic is anticipated (one hundred (100) trail users per hour during peak periods), the
width of a two -way shared path should be at least ten (10) feet in suburban areas. In
rural and urban areas, the minimum trail widths change to eight (8) feet and twelve (12)
feet respectively.
TRAIL WIDTH
Topography - the shape of the land - can be defined as flat, gently rolling, hilly, or
mountainous. A physical assessment of a trail corridor determines the longitudinal and
cross slopes of specific segments. An accessible trail will have a maximum longitudinal
slope of five (5) percent(three (3) percent is preferred) and a maximum cross slope of two
(2) percent. The following table lists ranges of longitudinal and cross slopes acceptable
for specific trail user groups.
SLOPE '
CITY Of OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
72
1
TRAIL USER
AVERAGE SPEED
LONG. SLOPE
CROSS SLOPE
Pedestrian
3 to 1 mph
no restriction
4% maximum
Bicyclist
8 to 20 mph
3% preferred
8% maximum
2% to 4 %
Equestrian
4 to 8 mph
10% maximum
4% maximum
Skier
2 to 8 mph
3% preferred
5% maximum
2% preferred
SLOPE,
continued
There are many surface types available to complete the cross section of your multi -use
trail, including granular stone, asphalt, concrete, soil cement, wood chips, and natural
' surface. Surface materials are either soft or hard, defined by the material's ability to
absorb or repel moisture. Many single -use trails throughout the country, particularly
' hiking and equestrian trails, have soft surfaces (natural earth /turf, wood (hips, etc.).
These surfaces often do not hold up well under heavy use or varying weather conditions,
and therefore are not ideal for multi -use trails. Hard surfaced materials (soil cement,
' asphalt, cement, etc.) are more practical for multi -use trails, especially in urban and
suburban areas. They are generally more expensiveto purchase and install but require less
' maintenance and can withstand frequent use. Hard surfaces also accommodate the widest
range of trail users.
' Trail surfacing can be used to encourage or discourage use. If you want to encourage as
many users as possible, choose one of the hardest surfaces. If you want to limit the
' number or speed of users, choose a soft surface. Recycling options should also be
considered when choosing a surfacing material. Car tires and other rubber products,
crushed glass /pottery, and ground asphalt shingles are some of the materials that have
' been used in the construction of trails. The recycled products industry is expanding
quickly, with new manufacturers emerging constantly. It may be worth doing some
research into what types of recycled products are available to you and what type of
' strength, longevity, and durability they have in relation to their cost, ease of installation,
effect upon the environment, etc.
SURFACING
' CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
73
An often overlooked design factor is the long -term cost of operations and maintenance. MAINTENANCE 1
Prior to constructing trails, the City's public works department should be consulted '
relative to their staffing, time, equipment, etc. to verify that the ability exists to properly
maintain the trails which will be constructed. Also consider the long -term replacement
costs of trail surfaces and other major recreation components. '
Asphalt needs resurfacing every seven to fifteen years, depending on site
conditions and construction quality. In 1992 dollars, it cost a minimum of $10
per lineal footto remove and replace asphalt and $5 per lineal footto overlay an
existing asphalt trail with a I A inch top coating. ,
Concrete lasts approximately twenty -five or more years, but replacement costs '
about $25 per lineal foot (in 1992).
Crushed stone will typically last seven to ten years, although it requires frequent '
patching and spot repairs. Replacement costs about $5 per lineal foot.
Wood chips decompose rapidly under prolonged exposure to sun, heat, and '
moisture, wash easily under moderate slopes and rainfall, and require almost
constant maintenance to keep the width and depth consistent. They are, '
however, often available at no cost (or a nominal cost) from commercial tree -
trimming services. '
The types of support facilities your trail will need - and their placement along the trail -
depend on several factors: the setting and proposed uses of the trail, the trail's intensity
of use, the level of servicing/maintenance that the facilities need, and the
utilitylinfrastructure requirements of the facilities. Whatever the location, user groups,
and desired activities along the trail, you must plan for trail facilities from the start. If
you cannot afford to develop all facilities at the outset, know the types of facilities that you
and your community ultimately want.
To a large degree, the parks, schools and many commercial operations within Oak Park
Heights act as "built -in" trail nodes and stopping points where persons may rest, obtain
shelter from the elements, eat lunch, use a bathroom or get a drink of water. The distance
between these known points and exactly what they offer should be studied in the early
stages of trail design and implementation. In areas where distances are excessive orwhere
TRAIL SUPPORT ,
FACILITIES
CITY Of OAK PARK HEIGHTS '
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
74
' easy access (either physically or at certain times of day) is a problem, consideration should
be given to establishing support facilities to supplement the existing ones.
TRAIL SUPPORT
FACILITIES,
continued
To get the most out of a trail experience, it helps to start with a beautiful trail setting
which offers exceptional landscapes and visual amenities. In reality, however, not all trail
corridors come with such benefits and require significant work in the form of landscaping
to give the trail a personality of its own. To create a successful trail experience, you must
consider the perspective of the user. Since the landscape is typically viewed while moving,
a sequence of views is more important than a single view in one direction. Trailsaremulti-
dimensional, with things to see, hear, and feel along the way.
In developing a landscape plan for trails in the community, you must think of it as a
phased process which is an on -going commitment. The overall intent and that of specific
areas may differ significantly based upon what land uses are adjacent to the trail, whether
it is along a roadway or not, as well as what environmental and soil conditions are present.
On -going maintenance is a major factor in a multi -use trail's landscape plan; even
"natural" landscapes require trimming, weeding, etc. Cleared and mowed trail shoulders
at least two (1) feet wide on either side of the trail provide a groomed look, offer better
visibility, and provide an option for those who like to utilize soft surfaces. It is best to
setback trees and shrubs, when planted, at least five (5) feet from the trail surface to
control the inundation of paved areas by tree /plant roots.
LANDSCAPING
' CITY Of OAK PARK HEIGHTS
1999 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
1 75