Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/12/2009

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COMMISSION BUSINESS Case #1: Amend Park and Trail Map - Boy Scout Camp Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised the purpose of the case was to update the Park and Trail Plan map and to help the public to understand what the plan is in regard to future parks and trails in the City. He advised that it is also useful to developers, who look at locations of proposed park land when building neighborhoods. He advised the area under review tonight would be the Boy Scout Camp. He advised that it is an important community asset and stated that recently there has been discussion that the land could be sold. He continued that the City is reviewing options for the land should the city be part of an acquisition - but explained that the discussion tonight would be separate from that. He displayed a map of trails and park land throughout the City and pointed out the location of the Boy Scout Camp. He advised that the Scout Camp is in very close proximity to Elmcrest Park. He displayed aerial pictures of the Boy Scout Camp and pointed out some wetlands. He advised that the scout camp has done a great job with forestry management. Civil Engineer Linton advised that there was a building on the land which contained a fireplace, restroom, and acts as a meeting place. He advised that there are two more buildings on the land which are also used for meetings. He stated that in the winter time the buildings are used for indoor lodging for campers. He stated that there are quite a few campsites throughout the area, including a large fire pit. Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that along the river is a small boat or canoe landing, and further up the river is a creek that runs into the property a little ways. He advised that there is a BB gun and archery range found on the property. He added that the land is comprised of moderate to high quality wooded areas, with eight different types in total. Riverblood noted that the Boy Scout Camp is also located close to the Rum River Central Regional Park, about seven miles away. He explained that the distance between the two parks would act as a nice leisurely half-day canoe ride, if the City were to be interested in adding an activity similar to that. He advised that a wild and scenic boundary runs through the property, which holds different zoning requirements; and a flood plain. He explained that a developer would purchase the property and would donate a certain percentage of land for park dedication. He explained that if the land dedication were not done there would be a cash contribution. He advised the existing proposed trail connections would remain. Chairperson Johns thought it was a perfect development, as it would connect different areas together. She confirmed that the canoe landing would be included. Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that there are options for parking that would not be disruptive to the natural surroundings. Commissioner Shryock commented that this is a large portion of land and questioned how the City would obtain the back portion of the land if only the front were requesting to be developed. Park and Recreation Commission/February 12, 2009 Page 2 of7