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Home My WebLink About10-20-08 Parks Packet A 9 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PARKS COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA FILE COPY Monday, October 20, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall I. Call to Order II. Approval of Agenda III. Adjourn to Worksession Regarding Park and Recreational Programming IV. Reconvene Regular Parks Commission Meeting V. Approve Parks Commission Minutes — September 15, 2008 (1) VI. Department / Commission Liaison Reports A. Arborist B. Public Works Director (2) C. Other / Commission Liaison Report VII. Visitors/Public Comment This is an opportunity for the public to address the Commission with questions or concerns not on the agenda. Please limit comments to three minutes. VIII. Public Hearings None IX. New Business None X. Old Business A. Park Commission By -Laws (3) B. Park and Trail Plan Update (4) Xi. Informational A Playful City USA Article (5) B. Next Meeting: Monday, November 17, 2008, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall C. Council Representatives: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 — Commissioner Wagner Tuesday, November 25, 2008 — Commissioner Zeuli XII. Adjourn L CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday, September 15, 2008 I. Call to Order: Commissioner Dougherty called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present: Commissioners Estes and Nelson; City Administrator Johnson, Public Works Director Ozzello, Arborist Widin, Carie Fuhrman of Northwest Associated Consultants, Inc. and Commission Liaison McComber. Absent: Commissioners Wagner and Zeuli. II. Approval of Agenda: Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved to approve the Agenda. Carried 3 -0. III. Approve Parks Commission Minutes — August 18, 2008: Commissioner Estes, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, moved to approve the Minutes. Carried 3 -0. IV. Department/Commission Liaison Reports: A. Arborist: Arborist Widin reported that there was recent tree work done in the City. She reported that some trees have been removed in the pine plantation and some spruce trees were planted between two fairways of the disc golf course. She reported that some of the cost for the tree removal was covered by the disc golf course funds and from the forestry fund. Widin reported that she and her son conducted a tree inventory and will complete a management report by the end of the month. She also reported that St. Croix Tree Service will be removing diseased oaks and elms. Widin reported that the boulevard tree planting was done recently by St. Croix Tree Service. Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved to accept the Arborist report. Carried 3 -0. B. Public Works Director: Public Works Director Ozzello reported that his department has been doing a lot of trimming around the trails. He stated that the seasonal park attendant positions have terminated and the department hired a temporary employee. Ozzello reported that they kept the park shelters opened through the weekend of September 20. He also stated that they have been doing a lot of work around the trails and have trimmed the pine tree limbs to eliminate damage to vehicles and prevent injury to people. Ozzello reported that he did some research on doggy pots and they range in cost from $89.00 to $800.00 per summer. He reported that they will go with a low -end type that can be driven in on a fence post and will be placed next to trash barrels. They will do a trial placement of the doggy pots along the trail at 58 Street. Ozzello reported that the department also has five new replacement picnic tables Parks Commission Minutes September 15, 2008 Page 2 of 3 to be installed. City Administrator Johnson stated that the commission will need to discuss signage or barricades for the new addition to Brekke Park off of Osgood Avenue so people do not drive vehicles or park in the lot. Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved to accept the Public Works Director's report. Carried 3 -0. C. Other / Commission Liaison Reports: None V. Visitors /Public Comment: None VI. Public Hearings: None VII. New Business: A. 2009 Parks Budget: City Administrator Johnson reported that the 2009 budget included: $50,000 for Swager Park Playground; $50,000 for Valley View Park Playground; $15,000 for the Brekke and Valley View Park Shelters; and $25,000 for trail maintenance. The commission reviewed the proposed five -year Capital Improvement Plan as it relates to parks and trails. Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved to recommend that the Valley View Park driveway and parking lot project be moved to year 2010 from year 2011 in the Capital Improvement Plan. Councilmember McComber suggested the commission consider a park and recreation program. She suggested an intern investigate such a program. Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Estes, moved to recommend that the council include the $15,000 for a park and recreation intern in the 2009 budget. Carried 3 -0. VIII. Old Business: A. Park and Trail Plan Update: The members of the commission reviewed the 2008 Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan and the photographs taken by the Park Commissioners of the parks and trails. Public Works Director Ozzello requested that distance markers be noted on the maps. Commissioner Nelson suggested that distance markers be displayed on the trails. The commission members reviewed existing components of the parks and made a few changes. The Parks Commissioners will review the plan further and this item was continued to the October 20 Parks Commission meeting. Parks Commission Minutes September 15, 2008 Page 3 of 3 B. Disc Golf Walkthrouizh: The members of the Parks Commission conducted a walkthrough of the Disc Golf Course at Brekke Park with Administrative Intern Eric Eaton. IX. Informational A. Next Meeting: Monday, October 20, 2008, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall B. Council Representatives: Tuesday, September 30, 2008 — Commissioner Nelson Tuesday, October 28, 2008 — Commissioner Wagner X. Adi ournment: Commissioner Estes, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, moved to adjourn. Carried 3 -0. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Pinski Administrative Secretary /Deputy Clerk r ftto Park Updates for October 20, 2008 Public Works Director: Tom Ozzell 1 cannot attend the meeting due to a family issue out of town. Cover Park — Final cleaning and preparation for winter use has begun. Brekke Park — Upper bathroom and sinks are being drained and frost proofed this week. There are some plans for ice formation and staging being drafted. Major work was completed on clearing brush and limbs on the trail. Chips have been placed in some of the areas of the disc golf course to keep weeds down and maintain access. Shoulder work has been mostly completed and grass established for now. Use has been good and consistent. Autumn Hills Park — building is being frost proofed this week. Port -a -pot has been placed for winter. Final cleanup and lock -up is proceeding for winter. Swaaaer Park — Some final placement of backboard has not been verified. Courts are in use. Vallev View Park — The building is being frost proofed this week. Major work has been done on the new north trail on clearing and chipping. Chips were used on trees and at Brekke. St Croix Tree Service should be completing tree removal on the south trail. We are soliciting quotes for soffit, fascia and gutters and downspouts at Valley View. Gutter and downspouts are required to avoid erosion of the new grade to the east and south. It does not make sense to cover damaged and failing fascia and soffit so we are soliciting bids for all the work. Depending on the costs, we believe we can finance it out of operating funds. Trails — Are all open and in use. The trail from Oakgreen to Nova Scotia had some repairs made. They are not acceptable. Chris, from Bonestroo, inspected work with city staff and is drafting an issue letter. Please visit the Valley View north, Brekke and the linear park trails if you have not had a chance yet. Other We have spent 200 hours clearing brush and buckthorn along trails recently. We have used a rental chipper to expedite the work and avoid disposal charges at the compost site. We have ordered 5 new picnic tables for replacement of damage units. We will wait until spring for placement of the new tables. We had a trash container destroyed by fire. Three new units were ordered along with three extra tops for city placement. The burned unit is where we planned on placing the doggy bags. We are reconsidering our site selection. All seasonal workers have been terminated. We hope to be able to re -hire them next year and for rinks if they are available. We have placed Portable Toilets at some parks for winter use when buildings are not open. S_ EN CLOSURE City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N • Box 2007 Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 • Phone (651) 439 -4439 • Fax (651) 439 -0574 October 17th, 2008 MEMO TO: Park Commis ' n FROM: Eric Johnso , City d ?a/ t�r RE: TWO ITEMS 1. Park Commission •Laws.. On October 14th, 2008, the City Council did approve the proposed amended by -laws and City Ordinance Amendments as discussed. However, one item that was altered was the definition of Terms. The City Council does desire term limits and also desired that the Park Commission match the Planning Commission in this regard. I have enclosed the final language as approved by the City Council. Essentially, a Park and Planning Commissioner may serve two consecutive terms. 2. Park and Recreational Programming - Worksession At our September meeting, the Park Commission did discuss the possibility of implementing a small "recreational' program in 2009.1 have invited Bruce Anderson, Park and Rec Director for the City of Oakdale to have a short visit with the Commission to discuss possible options and concepts. The Proposed 2009 City Budget does include $15,000 for this endeavor. (NO ENCLOSURE) I would suggest we adjourn to a Worksession format to hold this discussion so that ideas can be better discussed in a round -table format. I will post this Worksession, but if this is Worksession is found not to be desired it can simply be amended at the meeting. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PARK COMMISSION BYLAWS ARTICLE 1 - ORIGIN AND POWERS A. Authorization. The City is authorized and empowered to establish a Park Commission under the provisions of Chapter 205 of the code of ordinances for the City of Oak Park Heights. B. *Establishment. The Park Commission was created in an advisory capacity by action of the Oak Park Heights City Council pursuant to Chapter 205 of the code of ordinances of the City of Oak Park Heights and to Commission Bylaws established on June 8, 1999. ARTICLE 2 — DUTIES AND OBJECTIVES A. Advisory Capacity. The Park Commission is designed to serve in an advisory capacity to the Oak Park Heights City Council. B. Objectives. The objectives of the Park Commission are to make recommendations to the City Council, which will guide the development of city parks and related services and facilities. C. Public Hearings. The Park Commission shall hold such hearings as are provided within the City Ordinances and shall make recommendations on same as requested by the City Council. D. Special Public Hearings. The Park Commission may hold such public informational hearings as the City Council directs and may make recommendations on same as requested by the City Council. ARTICLE 3 — MEMBERSHIP A. Voting Members. The Park Commission shall consist of five citizen members who are eligible voters residing within the Oak Park Heights City limits and who are appointed by the City Council. Chapter- 2-5 Of Z-Oning QFGW4anGe as amended May 2&, 4999.- B. Ex- Officio Members. There shall be a City Council person designated by the Mayor, with the consent of the City Council, to be a liaison to the Park Commission. Such City Council person shall serve without voting power and in a capacity as ex- officio to the Park Commission. The Mayor, with the consent of the City Council may also appoint non - voting, ex- officio members to represent other groups or organizations from the community. C. Terms. i h V. , �0 ' . 4L� few , , �Q , 6` Cp` The five members of the Park Commission shall be appointed by the City e ( Council. All such appointments shall be initiated and be established by resolution of the City Council. The term of each member shall be for three years with initial terms being staggered by the City Council resolution of appointment. No member r� shall serve more than two consecutive terms on the Park Commission. D. Absenteeism. If any voting member fails to attend three consecutive meetings or a total of four meetings (or 25 percent) during the calendar year, the Park Commission shall notify the City Council of the same with a recommendation from the Park Commission as to the continued ability for such person to remain on the Commission. Park Commissioners shall notify the Chairperson or City staff when an absence is anticipated. E. Removal. Any member of the Park Commission may be removed at any time by a four -fifths (4/5) vote of the City Council with or without cause. F. Compensation. Compensation of Park Commission members as selected by the City Council shall serve without compensation except as otherwise established by Resolution of the City Council. 2 l r l B. Ex- Officio Members. There shall be a City Council person designated by the Mayor, with the consent of the City Council, to be a liaison to the Park Commission. Such City Council person shall serve without voting power and in a capacity as ex- officio to the Park Commission. The Mayor, with the consent of the City Council may also appoint non - voting, ex- officio members to represent other groups or organizations from the community. C. Terms. The five members of the Park Commission shall be appointed by the City Council. All such appointments shall initiate and be established by Resolution of the City Council. The term of each member may s#a be for three years with initial terms being staggered, via extension or reduction of initial term, length, by the City Council Resolution of appointment. Unless ° There are no 'term limits' limiting lenqth of service on the Commission. A member will be automaticallv nominated for re- appointment to a second term, but such member v must notifv the Citv Council if thev do not desire re- appointment to the, ^ 0 Commission to a second term. 0 �l At the conclusion of the member's second or subsequent terms, members may `t request to remain on the Commission for an additional term, but such request, must be supplied to the Citv Council in writing not less than ninetv (90) days prior to the expiration of the second or subseauent term. The Citv Administrator shall notifv members completing their second or subsequent term of the requirement that member's must proactivelv notifv the Citv Council of their desire to remain on the Commission. Upon the completion of a member's second or subsequent term, the Citv Council may also solicit the public for new members, upon which the Citv Council shall determine the final appointment D. Absenteeism. If any voting member fails to attend three consecutive meetings or a total of four meetings (or 25 percent) during the calendar year February, the Park Commission shall notify the City Council of the same with a recommendation from the Park Commission as to the continued abilitv for such person to remain on the Commission. Park Commissioners shall notify the Chairperson or City staff when an absence is anticipated. E. Removal. Any member of the Park Commission may be removed at any time by a four -fifths (4/5) vote of the City Council with or without cause. F. Compensation. Compensation of Park Commission members as selected by the City Council shall serve without compensation except as otherwise established by Resolution of the City Council. G. Training. The Chairperson and the City staff shall meet with each new Park Commissioner to explain Park Commission procedures. 2 H. Resignation. A member who wishes to resign shall submit a written resignation to the Chairperson, who shall in turn forward the same to the City 9 P Council. I. Vacancies. Vacancies occurring within the Park Commission shall be filled for the balance of the appointment by the City Council. Members that are fillinq vacancies as a result of a resignation or removal of a member, may complete the balance of such term but may then be appointed to an full initial term without Denaltv and may then serve a second and additional terms pursuant to Article 3 C. ARTICLE 4 — OFFICERS, DUTIES AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS A. Officers. The officers of the Park Commission shall be Chairperson and Vice - Chairperson. B. Duties of the Chairperson. The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings, appoint Park Commission members to committees, appoint Park Commission representatives, rule on procedural questions (subject to reversal by a two- thirds (2/3) vote of those members in attendance), meet with all newly appointed members, exercise the same voting rights as other Park Commissioners and carry out such other duties as are assigned by the Park Commission or by the City Council. C. Duties of the Vice - Chairperson. The Vice - Chairperson shall act in the absence or inability to act of the Chairperson, and in such instances shall have the powers and functions of the Chairperson. D. Terms. The Park Commission officers shall be elected from among its appointed members fei: the term of t wo yeare No member shall serve as Chairperson or Vice- Chairperson for more than two consecutive_ terms A_ member may serve as Vice - Chairperson for two nears and then Chairperson for two vears, or in alternate or alternatinq order. The election shall occur at the Park Commission's annual meeting. E. Vote. Candidates for office receiving a majority vote of the entire membership (three -fifths (3/5)), shall be declared duly elected. F. Date of Office. Newly elected officers and members shall take office at the annual meeting in MaFshJanuary and which is an end date (sine die) for the preceding term vear.. G. Vacancies. Vacancies occurring in the offices of the Park Commission shall be filled immediately by the above election procedure. 3 ARTICLE 5 — MEETINGS A. Annual Meeting. An annual organizational meeting shall be held the third Monday in MaFGh January of each year. Election of officers shall be conducted at that time. B. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Park Commission shall be held at 6:30 PM on the third Monday of each month or as otherwise designated to account for legal holidays or other special circumstances as approved by the Citv Administrator. The meetings shall be held in the City Hall Council Chambers or as otherwise designated and duly posted. The regular meeting date of the Park Commission may be changed by resolution of the City Council. C. Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called at the discretion of the Chairperson, after consultation with City staff. D. Notice of Meetings. Notice in writing of all regular and special Park Commission meetings, setting forth the time, place and agenda of such meetings, shall be mailed by the City staff to all Park Commission members at least five days in advance of each meeting. E. Site Investigation. Prior to each meeting, all Park Commission members shall endeavor to visit any properties to be discussed at the meeting. F. Park Commission Representative at City Council Meetings. Each Park Commission member shall in turn represent the Park Commission at regular City Council meetings. ARTICLE 6 — PRE - MEETING PROCEDURES A. Agenda. The agenda for each meeting of the Park Commission shall be developed in writing by the City staff and shall be available at the City Hall prior to each meeting. B. Withdrawal. If a petitioner or applicant desires to withdraw a matter from an agenda, such request must be submitted to the City staff in writing, and if any public notice has been given, all persons appearing at the noticed hearing on said petition or application shall be entitled to be heard. 4 t regular scheduled Commission meeting. who shall be FespeRsible for tak f u ll The City staff shall be responsible for keeping a record of all Park Commission resolutions, transcriptions, minutes and findings, -includinq circumstances when the Commission convenes off -site meetinas where video or audio recordina is not practical. B. Open Meetings. All meetings shall be a matter of public record. SAParks \Bylaws.doc 7 Ewa, 0SURE - 4 • NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. 4800 Olson Memorial Highway, suite 202, Golden Valley, MN 55422 Telephone: 763.231.2555 Facsimile: 763.231.2561 plan ners@nacplanning.com MEMORANDUM TO: Eric Johnson FROM: Scott Richards DATE: October 15, 2008 RE: Oak Park Heights — Park and Trail Plan Update — Introduction, Inventory, Issues Identification, and Goals and Policies FILE NO: 798.16 At your meeting on September 15, 2008, the Parks Commission began review of the draft Park and Trail System Plan. The Parks Commission reviewed the sections of the plan through the maps starting on page 10. The Parks Commission should continue their discussion at their October 20, 2008 meeting. Please find attached the revised text of the draft Park and Trail System Plan reflecting the Parks Commission discussion. I am also including the draft Goals and Policies section for discussion at the next meeting. Other than a new Regional Connections Map, the park and trail maps are not included in what has been provided in this packet. Please bring your packet from the September 15, 2008 meeting. We look forward to our meeting with you on October 20, 2008. Please do not hesitate to call 763.231.2555 or email me at srichards(a)nacplannina.com if you have any questions. I CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PARK AND TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN OCTOBER 15, 2008 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Oak Park Heights Parks Commission Gina Bias -Zeuli Chuck Dougherty Pat Estes Beth Nelson Randy Wagner Oak Park Heights Mayor and City Council Mayor, David Beaudet Les Abrahamson Jack Doerr Mary McComber Mark Swenson Oak Park Heights City Administrator Eric Johnson Public Works Director Tom Ozzello City Arborist Kathy Widin City Planner Scott Richards, Northwest Associated Consultants, Inc. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1 Park and Trail Inventory 2 Population and Households 2 Existing Parks 5 Existing Park and Trail System Map 7 Existing Park Components Table 8 Existing Trails 9 Regional Trail Connections 9 Maps of Existing Parks 10 -14 Regional Connections Map 15 Issues Identification 16 General Park Issues 16 Valley View Park 16 Brekke Park 17 Swager Park 18 Cover Park 18 Autumn Hills Park 18 General Trail Issues 19 Northern Oak Park Heights Trail Issues 20 Eastern Oak Park Heights Trail Issues 20 Oakgreen to Osgood Trail Issues 20 Western Oak Park Heights Trail Issues 21 Frontage Roads /Highway 36 Trail Issues 21 Planning Issues 21 Acquisition Issues 22 Development/Maintenance Issues 22 Goals and Policies 23 System Goals 23 System Policies 23 Programming /Development Policies 24 Facility Purpose and Design Policies 25 Acquisition Policies 27 Maintenance and Operation Policies 27 Public Relations and Community Issues Policies 28 Trail Facilities Master Plan Multi -Use Trail System On- Street Trails Grade - Separated Trails CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS Overland Trails Park Facilities Master Plan Valley View Park Brekke Park Swager Park Cover Park Autumn Hills Park Potential Park and Recreation Areas Proposed Park Plans Park Guidelines and Classification System Neighborhood Playground Neighborhood Parks Community Playfields Community Parks Mini Parks or Tot Lots Natural /Conservancy Area Schools City Park Service Areas Map Implementation Land Acquisition Park and Trail Dedication Fees Funding Options Capital Improvement Process Community Education Signage CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN INTRODUCTION The Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2008, indicates that an update to the Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan will be completed in 2008. The Comprehensive Plan included park inventory information and goals and policies as a separate chapter, but it specifies that a complete update of the Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan would be completed as a follow up to the overall planning process. This Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan is built on the foundation created with the first Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System Plan of 1995, and the 1999 Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan. In 1995 and 1999, the City was growing quickly and the 1998 Comprehensive Plan indicated a large area of potential annexation. The 2008 Comprehensive Plan acknowledges that the community is almost completely developed and anticipates that there will be little, if any, expansion of the City limits in coming years. The population growth and number of households is expected to grow slightly to just over 5,000 persons and remain stable. It is expected that the City's population will continue to age, especially with the large numbers of elderly housing units. In recognition of the demographics of the community, this plan seeks to provide opportunities for recreation for all ages. The first section of the Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan is a description and summary of the background inventory that provides the basis for the Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan. The Inventory is followed by a chapter containing park and trail issues identified for each park and area of the City. The Issues Identification 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 Trail Facilities Master Plan chapter identifies trail routes that are part of the City's recreational facilities improvement plan. The Park Facilities Master Plan follows the policies and provides the direction and recommendations for park and trail planning and development. The Planning and Design Guidelines and Standards follow for parks and trails. Implementation is the final chapter of the Comprehensive Park and Trail Plan. Provide recreational facilities for all ages and areas of Oak Park Heights and link all MISSION parts of Oak Park Heights internally as well as to neighboring communities by a safe STATEMENT and convenient multi -use trail system. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 1 PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY INTRODUCTION The first step in determining the needs of the City's recreational system is the identification of the existing conditions. Population and household projections will be reviewed, as well as school enrollment for those facilities that serve Oak Park Heights. This will provide a balance of information for park and trail planning purposes. The existing park and trail facilities were identified through site inspections by City staff, Park Commission members, and planning consultants. This identification process included 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 base line 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 has had steady population growth since 1970. The POPULATION expanding residential and commercial sectors as well as the attractiveness of the AND community in its location in the St. Croix River Valley has resulted in the growth. By HOUSEHOLDS 2010, the community will be over 5,000 people with modest growth projected hereafter. Household and population growth of the community from 1970 to 2006 is found in the following table. HOUSEHOLD AND POPULATION GROWTH OAK PARK HEIGHTS 1970 1980 1990 2000 2006 Population 1,238 2,591 3,486 3,957 4,676 Households 372 955 1,322 I 1,528 2,008 Household Size 3.33 2.71 2.63 2.25 2.06 1 Source: U.S. Census 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, Metropolitan Council The numbers above reflect the national and state trends of smaller household size. With limited residential available, the expected population will continue to grow but at a much slower rate. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 2 PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY The Metropolitan Council, in its 2030 Regional Development Framework, has Population, projected population, household and employment forecasts. These forecasts are Household, and accepted by the City as the basis for growth through 2030 and are found as follows: Employment POPULATION, HOUSEHOLDS AND EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS Projections OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2000 Census 2010 2020 2030 Population 3,957 5,500 5,400 5,700 Households 1,528 2,180 2,300 2,500 Employment 2,713 3,900 4,500 5,100 Source: U.S. Census 2000, Metropolitan Council As indicated above, the City will exceed 5,000 persons by the end of the decade. Once the City nears approximately 5,500 people, the population will likely level off. The 2020 population projection is expected to drop slightly and then increase to 5,700 by 2030. With no additional residential land available, it is expected the City's population will likely stabilize between 5,500 and 5,700 people. The household projections show a steady increase to 2,500 by the year 2030. The increase in households versus the stable population levels is due to the ongoing trend of lower household size. The City will experience limited infill development which will increase the number of households but likely not to the extent projected by the Metropolitan Council. Employment numbers are also projected to increase to a total of 5,100 by 2030. This again may be optimistic with the limited land available for future commercial development. The following table illustrates Oak Park Heights' population by age group. The table Age utilizes information from the 1990 and 2000 Census. In 1990, the labor force (ages Characteristics 19 -39) represented the largest age group, at 37.01 percent. In 2000 this age group (ages 18 -54) was again the City's largest, accounting for 34.72 percent of the total population. At 25.33 percent in 1990, the next largest age group for this Census year was school age children. In 2000, the second largest age group was the labor force (ages 40 -59), at 27.21 percent. The retired age group represented 12.4 percent of the total population in 1990, and 12.83 percent in 2000. It is expected that the retired age group will become the fastest growing segment of the population in the coming decade. Changes in the demographics of the City and surrounding area will have significant planning implications for the future. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 3 PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY OAK PARK HEIGHTS POPULATION GROWTH BY AGE GROUP 1 Age Group 1 1990 1 1990% 1, 1 2000 1 2000% Schoo► Ag 1 I Under 18 883 25.33 1 863 1 21.80 Labor Force 19 -39 1,290 I 37.01 I 1,374 34.72 I40 -59 771 I 22.12 I I 1,076 27.21 J I60 -64 I 110 I 3.16 I I 136 I 3.44 Sub -Total I 3,054 I 87.62 I Sub -Total 3,449 I 87.16 R eti r ed I65 -69 I 124 I 3.56 I 122 I 3.08 I70 -79 183 I 5.25 I 225 I 5.68 I80+ I 125 I 3.59 I I 161 I 4.07 Sub -Total I 432 I 12.4 I Sub -Total 508 I 12.83 TOTAL I 3,486 I 100% I 1 3,957 I 100% Source: U.S. Census 1990, 2000 /Minnesota State Demographer The City of Oak Park Heights is entirely within Independent School District 834 (ISD School 834). The current, past, and projected enrollments for ISD 834 schools are as Enrollment follows: ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS Stillwater Area Schools October 1, 2008 - 2012 1 Oct.1 1 K -6 1 7.9 1 10 -12 1 K -12 Mi K -12 Change 2000 1 4,724 1 2,245 I 2,277 I 9,246 I 2001 I 4,760 1 2,208 I 2,332 1 9,300 I 161 I -107 1 54 12002 I 4,6921 2,2451 2,3401 9,2771 139 I -162 1 -23 2003 1 4,695 I 2,225 1 2,325 I 9,245 I 176 I -208 I -32 1 2004 1 4,518 I 2,175 I 2,338 I 9,031 I 6 1 -220 1 -214 12005 1 4,4741 2,1461 2,3771 8,9971 149 1 -183 I -34 ' 2006 I 4,431 1 2,149 1 2,390 1 8,970 I 211 I -238 1 -27 2007 I 4,486 1 2,101 I 2,336 1 8,923 I 181 I -228 I -47 J 2008 1 „ 4,456 2 085 1 2, 8 I 142 -215 L -73 20 49 I 4,452 ! 2,083 2 8,833 165 - T -182 ( -17 2010 4468 2,070 ] 2,246 1 8,785, I 173 -221 -48 2011 1 4,431 _ 2,029 ( 2,231 L 8,891 I 142 -236 -94 2012 L 4,353 2,008 � 2,214 1 8,575 1 105 -221 -117 Source: Stillwater Area School District 834 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 4 PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY The projections indicate a decrease in enrollment for District 834 for each of the next five years. This could be influenced the other way if the housing market rebounds in the next few years. The decrease in the population for people under 18 years of age will have an impact on the need for recreational programming and facilities required for this age group. The City of Oak Park Heights contains five established parks. The parks vary in EXISTING size, location, and service. Parks play an important role not only in their overall PARKS 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 start of a trail plays an important role in completing a recreational link, therefore adding to the comprehensive system. Valley View Park is the largest park within the City and is intended as a City -wide passive park for hikers, picnics and nature. It is viewed by the City as a very unique and positive amenity in the community given its dense vegetation, variation in topography, wetlands, and array of existing and potential uses. The park is an important link between the east portion of the City and Osgood Avenue (via its entrance drive, and /or through Brekke Heights or Valley View Estates residential subdivisions). Adjacent to the Valley View Park is the Allen S. King Plant ash disposal facility. Xcel Energy has closed portions of the disposal facility and created a trail system within the site. The City will continue to work with Xcel Energy to create a possible recreational facility when the disposal site is closed by 2010. Brekke Park is a high quality, intensively utilized City park intended as an active area for field games and a playground area for toddler age and older. It is located adjacent to State of Minnesota land controlled by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and serves as a community playfield for residents in the south central portion of the City, primarily between Osgood and Oakgreen Avenues. The City will continue to work with the DNR to allow utilization of the property for open space and trails. In 2007, the City purchased the property at 5502 Osgood Avenue, adjacent to Brekke Park. The City will include plans for the new park land in its complete update of the Park and Trail Plan in 2008. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 5 PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY 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 Xcel Energy easement. A trail has been constructed within the easement from just east of Swager Park, through the City to Highway 5. Cover Park is the oldest and smallest park in the City and provides an active area for residents in the Village of Oak Park Heights neighborhoods who are otherwise somewhat segregated from the north and western portions of the City. Autumn Hills Park and Haase Recreational Area serves as a neighborhood park and is surrounded by the Boutwells Landing senior community. The park serves as a focal point for residents from all areas of the City with the large play equipment area and the new park shelter with restrooms constructed in 2007. The recreational area features trails, utilities and natural areas adjacent to the Autumn Hills neighborhood and the Environment Living Center of the Stillwater Area High School. On the following page is a list of the existing park components for each of the five City parks. The map on a following page indicates the existing park and trail system. Efforts in recent years have been to complete the connections between parks and throughout the community. Additionally, as part of all residential and commercial development, new sidewalk and trail connections have been added. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 6 PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY INSERT EXISTING PARK AND TRAIL SYSTEM MAP CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 7 PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY EXISTING PARK COMPONENTS Valley Brekke Swager Cover Autumn View Park Park Park Hills Park Park Size 65 acres 13 acres 1.4 acres 1 acre 24 acres / ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Picnic Shelter with re�ooms with restrooms portable portable with restrooms ADA access restrooms restrooms ADA access Baseball /Softball Hockey Rink sea onal ✓ free skating skate Warming House with shelter ADA �access with shelter ADA access ADA access Basketball Court Tennis Courts Soccer /Open Field yout�l , Y Fall Play Set Swing Set Spring Animal Horseshoe Pit Grills Picnic Tables Bench /Seat Bike Rack /Stand Trail /Path Connection Treed Area or Shaded Area Disc Golf Course Source: City of Oak Park Heights CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 8 PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY Maps of each of the parks indicating existing conditions is found on the following PARK MAPS pages. A number of new trail connections have been constructed in Oak Park Heights over EXISTING the past few years to provide important linkages between neighborhoods, TRAILS commercial areas, and parks. In 1995, when the Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System Plan was completed, the only trail routes available were a few sidewalks located in the area adjacent to the City of Stillwater and limited trail connections to existing parks. In the last 13 years, the City has developed an off- and on- street trail system that enables the pedestrian or bicyclist to move safely throughout the City. There are many linkages and crossings that must still be addressed. In the last few years, the City has focused on providing a complete east/west trail system throughout the entire community. In 2008, the City completed a linkage through Brekke Park to Osgood Avenue. Additionally, a link was made from 58th Street North to the existing trails within Valley View Park and the Xcel Fly Ash Reclamation Area. Currently, the trail system in Oak Park Heights includes 10.58 miles of municipal separated, off - street trails; 4.04 miles of municipal on- street trail routes; 5.86 miles of State trails; and .29 miles of private trails. The City will continue to focus on making linkages, especially with development and redevelopment projects. North /south connections, especially along Oakgreen and Osgood Avenues, as well as crosswalks on or under these roadways, will also be considered. The Existing Parks and Bikeways Map on a previous page indicates the system current as of Fall of 2008. The map on a following page indicates the planned trail systems for surrounding REGIONAL TRAIL communities. The City of Oak Park Heights will continue to work with these CONNECTIONS jurisdictions in providing linkages between communities. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 9 PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY INSERT VALLEY VIEW PARK MAP CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 10 i PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY INSERT BREKKE PARK MAP CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 11 I PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY INSERT SWAGER PARK MAP CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 12 PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY INSERT COVER PARK MAP CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 13 PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY INSERT AUTUMN HILLS PARK MAP CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 14 PARK AND TRAIL INVENTORY INSERT REGIONAL CONNECTIONS MAP CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 15 ISSUES IDENTIFICATION INTRODUCTION The Parks Commission discussed issues relating to existing parks and trails in meetings on August 18, 2008, September 15, 2008, and October 20, 2008. The following is a summary of issues raised by the Parks Commission and staff. ► Provide opportunities for all ages to participate in lifetime fitness through the GENERAL use of trails, tennis courts, cross - county skiing, and other activities. PARK ► Develop recreational and environmental education programs to familiarize ISSUES people with the parks. ► Decide if and how coordination with the recreational needs of the County, athletic associations, civic groups, etc. can be accomplished. ► Create Oak Park Heights monument signs with plantings welcoming visitors to the City. ► Year -round parking at parks and indoor recreational facilities are needed. ► Plan for parks as a unified system with consistent hours of operation. ► 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, i.e., off - street parking, screening, landscaping, setbacks, etc. ► Continue to explore joint park use with Oak Park Elementary and adjacent facilities. ► Link all parks within the City through a system of trails. ► Identify in what park situations lighting would be appropriate or necessary. It is possible that this may only be accomplished as plans for each park or trail are established. ► Welcome the public to the park with an inviting landscaped entry. VALLEY VIEW ► Identify park boundaries and aid visitors in locating picnic and trail facilities with PARK improved signage. ► Allow safe access to the lower area of the park with an improved trail system. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN ISSUES IDENTIFICATION ► Work with the Minnesota Department of Corrections on access on the north VALLEY VIEW side of their property to connect the entrance road to the trail system. PARK ► Update the existing playground equipment including providing new swings and (continued) slide. ► Develop recreation and environmental education programs that would familiarize people with the park. ► Obtain a commitment from Xcel Energy on potential development of active and passive facilities within the A.S. King Plant ash disposal facility. Potential improvements could include: a. Pavilion and Picnic Shelters b. Amphitheater c. Additional Trails d. Observation Platform e. Formal Gardens f. Parking Areas g. Playfields ► Explore expansion and improvements to the existing Brekke Park picnic BREKKE shelter. PARK ► Develop a Summer skateboard course on the concrete surface of the hockey rink. ► Complete the disc golf course and promote in the community as an additional amenity in the park. ► Explore potential sale of a portion of the property along Osgood Avenue for single family purposes. ► Work with Washington County on construction of a tunnel under Osgood Avenue to provide safe access from Brekke Park to the trail and park system to the east. ► Develop a parking lot on the property adjacent to Osgood Avenue. ► Develop a park shelter /gazebo on the property adjacent to Osgood Avenue. ► Improve and update play equipment. ► Install additional facilities in the eastern portion of the park including a picnic shelter, landforms, tricycle raceway and plantings. ► Consider a trail with an east/west orientation along the existing parking lot and edge of the park. ► Explore trail access to and from the Department of Natural Resources land. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 17 ISSUES IDENTIFICATION ► Consider the park as a linear park segment within the trail system, rather than SWAGER a destination in itself. PARK ► Create a landscape plan that provides additional trees and shrubs in the developed park area. ► Provide benches, picnic tables within the park. ► Plant prairie grass /native trees in that area to the west of the developed park area, and including the area west of Oldfield Avenue. ► Research and install non - conductive play stations within the park. ► Provide exercise stations within this area. ► Consider constructing permanent restroom structure. ► Install tree /fence screening along the northern boundary of the park. ► Consider eventual replacement of fence along the south boundary of park with neighborhood involvement. ► Provide lighting along trail. ► Upgrades to building or new construction. COVER ► Improve /enlarge parking lot. PARK ► Maintain /improve perennial planting slope. ► Repair hockey boards. ► Provide a tot lot for ages five and under. AUTUMN HILLS ► Make all recreational facilities disability accessible. PARK ► Develop an amphitheater area to the north of the park shelter. ► Provide irrigation for grass and tree plantings within the park. ► Provide a small interactive water feature. ► Add bike racks near the park shelter. ► Encourage cross - country skiing by not clearing all of the trails in the Winter or providing groomed trails. ► Provide connections to the Boutwells Historic Village area to the south of the park and explore programs and cross - utilization of both facilities. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 18 ISSUES IDENTIFICATION ► Restore prairie areas where possible along the trail system. GENERAL ► Construct educational environmental kiosks and signs at Valley View Park, by TRAIL City Hall, at Autumn Hills Park, and in other appropriate locations along the ISSUES east/west trail corridor. ► Provide benches, resting areas, picnic tables, water fountains, and exercise courses along trails. ► 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. ► Separate active (or motorized) uses from passive (walking) use on City trail systems. Study whether certain motorized vehicles for elderly or disabled individuals may be allowed on the trail system. ► Improve trail signage where necessary to (1) denote the type of trail; (2) to give direction as to where they lead; and (3) to warn vehicles of trail crossings, on- street routes, etc. for safety purposes. ► Look at options and locations for lighting of trail corridors. ► Assure that all new trail construction is disability accessible. ► The size of trails involves two factors: width and length. The minimum recommended width for multi -use trails is eight feet, although it is beneficial in many situations to provide increased width depending upon the use and location. The length of trails should be varied to provide choices for users. ► 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. ► Work with the City Engineer to define the right -of -way widths that are necessary to establish trails along designated roadways; for instances: an eight foot trail necessitates a 15 foot easement and 10 foot level bench (construction) area. Many times additional temporary easement area is needed to grade surrounding areas. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 19 ISSUES IDENTIFICATION ► Link Oak Park Heights to Stillwater and Bayport by way of Mn /DOT's proposed NORTHERN trail on Highway 95. OAK PARK ► Provide interconnections with the Stillwater trail system whenever possible. HEIGHTS ► Link Sunnyside to Mn /DOT's trail and to the proposed Stillwater park on the TRAIL existing Aiple Marine property. ISSUES ► 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. ► Mn /DOT shall provide a bike trail along the south side of Highway 36 from EASTERN Osgood Avenue to Peller Avenue. OAK PARK ► Provide trails on both sides of Osgood Avenue through the City. HEIGHTS ► Provide access for those residents east of Osgood Avenue to safely cross TRAIL Osgood Avenue and access the mall, Swager Park, and Brekke Park. ISSUES ► Define where the designated crosswalk(s) should be south of Highway 36 on Osgood Avenue. ► Provide linkages and trails throughout the A.S. King Plant ash disposal facility once it is capped. ► Provide interconnection with the Bayport trail system whenever possible. ► Continue to work with Andersen on an off - street trail on the south side of their OAKGREEN parking lot. TO OSGOOD ► Provide trails on both sides of Oakgreen Avenue. TRAIL ► Connect the Pondview Condominiums at the southwest corner of Highway 36 ISSUES and Oakgreen Avenue to the rest of the trail system. ► Provide safe crossings on Oakgreen Avenue. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 20 ISSUES IDENTIFICATION ► Provide a trail on the north side of 58th Street from Oakgreen Avenue west to WESTERN Memorial Avenue. OAK PARK ► Connect the Highway 36 frontage road to 58th Street to the west of Menard's. HEIGHTS ► Complete interconnections between the commercial and residential areas to TRAIL the 58th Street trail and the Xcel easements trail system. ISSUES ► Link Baytown Township with the Oak Park Heights trail system. ► Provide interconnection with the Lake Elmo trail system wherever possible. ► Define where trails should be along the entire length of Highway 36 frontage FRONTAGE roads. ROADS/ ► Cooperate with Mn /DOT to provide adequate crosswalks across Highway 36 to HIGHWAY 36 link with the Oak Park Heights and Stillwater trail systems. TRAIL ISSUES ► Identify a planning process for review and update of the Park and Trail Plan. PLANNING Review may occur yearly, for instance, and comprehensive update of the plan ISSUES 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 (i.e., policies versus ordinances). ► 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. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 21 ISSUES IDENTIFICATION ► Identify the acquisition means for parks /trails (i.e., dedication, purchase, ACQUISITION eminent domain, donation) when each system is appropriate and what will be ISSUES the priority process. ► 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. ► Discuss sources of funds to be utilized for acquisition of park and trail elements, i.e., dedication monies, capital improvement program, bond issuance, grant programs, etc. ► 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 DEVELOPMENT/ at what point additional staff persons would be needed to maintain the MAINTENANCE recreational system as it grows. ISSUES ► Define ways in which to minimize park and trail costs, i.e., construction of trails in conjunction with roadway improvements or at time of subdivision. ► Develop a policy on snow removal from trails. A plan for removal should be coordinated with the Public Works Department which identifies high priority trails which demand immediate snow removal attention and those that are given attention only when time allows. ► Determine if certain trails should not be maintained in the Winter but be promoted for cross - country ski use. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 22 GOALS AND POLICIES INTRODUCTION Goals and policies reflect the community's direction as it relates to its recreation system and provides more detailed guidance on park and trail development. Park and trail goals and policies were developed through an analysis of the issues identified in the Issues Identification phase of the process. Additionally, the policies were adopted to reflect the community's direction in land use growth and the resulting need for additional park land and facilities. As with any policy plan, it is important to read the statements together rather than as disjointed declarations. Although conceptual development may leave the map out of date, it is expected that policies are more enduring. ► Protect, preserve and improve environmentally sensitive areas and natural SYSTEM resources in all parks and trail corridor areas. GOALS ► Establish and maintain recreation facilities that maximize participation and overcome physical or economic limitations which may prevent equal opportunity, regardless of age, race, sex, religion, or place of residence. ► Plan and maintain an attractive and diverse system of parks that address the park needs of all segments of the community. ► Provide linkages within Oak Park Heights as well as to neighboring communities and regional systems by a safe and convenient multi -use trail /sidewalk system. ► Develop an ongoing planning process for the establishment of parks and trails SYSTEM which responds to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Policies as well as those POLICIES 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 a yearly basis to ensure that needs and priorities are up to date. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 23 GOALS AND POLICIES ► Prepare a master plan for each component of the park /trail system to be used SYSTEM as the basis for development. POLICIES ► Promote public participation in the planning process via the Park Commission (continued) hosting forums for open discussion of issues, by newsletter, and the City's website. ► Identify the means by which to implement park/trail administration and operations (i.e., by the Park Commission and City Council policies, procedures, and ordinances). ► Create and maintain an attractive, diverse, and interesting system of urban PROGRAMMING/ parks /trails. DEVELOPMENT ► Create a City -wide park and trail system designed to minimize conflicts POLICIES between pedestrians and motor vehicles. ► Minimize park and trail construction costs by constructing trails in conjunction with State, County, and City street improvements. ► Work with Mn /DOT on trail /sidewalk connections and construction as part of the St. Croix River Crossing and Highway 36 improvements. ► Parks and trails are constructed on a priority basis, according to capital improvement plan /available funds with the trail priorities as follows: • 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. • Trail inclusion within new park /subdivision development. • Completion of links between existing trails and other communities. ► Park priorities may be: • Establishment of parks in undeveloped areas or newer parts of the City. • Creation of neighborhood and community -wide parks. • Upgrade /improve upon existing park equipment. ► Utilize utility rights -of -way for trails or linear parks. ► Encourage the private sector to provide recreational opportunities /facilities. ► Provide support facilities in conjunction with trail development. ► Fully organize and outline new recreation programs prior to 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. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 24 GOALS AND POLICIES P. Determine under what circumstances volunteer efforts will be utilized to PROGRAMMING/ expand the City's recreational elements. DEVELOPMENT ► Active use recreation areas should be designed for year -round use with an POLICIES established system of maintenance. (continued) ► Park and playground buildings should be compatible with surrounding urban or rural activities with regard to scale, design, color, setbacks, and materials. ► 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 amenities (natural or man -made) and encourage the establishment of new site amenities when planning and developing park areas. ► Establish park and trail facilities which provide recreational as well as FACILITY functional uses. PURPOSE AND ► Provide varying types of trails to be used as the basis of planning and DESIGN development for the multiple use trail system, defined as a comprehensive trail POLICIES system for the integration of a variety of compatible non - motorized trail uses (pedestrian, bicycles, roller skating, cross country skiing, etc.). ► Grades of trails should not exceed five percent to ensure disability accessibility or eight to ten percent for all others. ► Design and construct trails according to the standards established by the National Park and Recreation Association, the State Department of Transportation, and Rails -to- Trails Conservancy (see Trail Design Standards attached herein). ► The inclusion of environmental sensitive areas (river frontage, native prairie, bluffs, unique vegetative associations, etc.) into park or trail facilities should be considered to contribute to the overall recreation system. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 25 GOALS AND POLICIES ► Land for parks will be acquired, planned and developed according to the Park FACILITY Classification System contained herein which specify the appropriate sizes, PURPOSE AND locations, service areas and equipment to best serve the City. DESIGN ► Prior to the development of each park area, a design plan will be prepared POLICIES which shows the types, locations and sizes of proposed facilities and estimated (continued) costs. ► 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. P. Park facilities and buildings should be compatible with surrounding urban or rural activities with regard to scale, design, color, setbacks, and materials. P. Maximize park accessibility by City residents to best serve the area in which the facility is located by requiring either vehicular or pedestrian access to both (depending on the size and classification of 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. ► Develop a policy for motorized vehicle use in City parks or on trail areas. ► 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). CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 26 GOALS AND POLICIES P. Acquire park/trail facilities to satisfy the recreational and transportation needs ACQUISITION of the residents on both a neighborhood and community -wide basis. POLICIES ► Identify means for park/trail acquisition, i.e., dedication, purchase, eminent domain, donation. ► Identify means for establishment of park /trail facilities within subdivisions, i.e., 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). P. Identify sources of funds to be utilized for acquisition, i.e., trail dedication fund, capital improvement program, bond issuance, grant programs, etc. P. Establish who is responsible for park /trail construction within subdivisions. ► Determine to what extent wetlands, drainageways, 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. • Cultural enrichment. • Facilities for the disabled. • Public activity areas and facilities in employment centers. • Organized sports and recreational activities. • Teen programs and facilities. • Senior citizen programs and facilities. ► Provide for the efficient maintenance and operation of clean, orderly, MAINTENANCE controlled, safe, and attractive parks and trailways. Park maintenance and AND OPERATION operation shall safeguard the physical condition of trailways from deterioration POLICIES 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. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PARK & TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN 27 GOALS AND POLICIES ► Develop ways in which to promote citizen interest and involvement in the City's PUBLIC park and trail system. RELATIONS AND ► Continue to update and distribute the pamphlet that shows the trail routes, COMMUNITY parks, service and public facilities. ISSUES ► Monitor characteristics of use, safety, and other factors periodically throughout POLICIES 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. 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