Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 05/12/2011

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Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Date: 05/12/2011 By: Mark Riverblood, Engineering /Public Works Title: Review Park and Trail Plan Map 5. 1. Background: On average of once per year, the Park and Recreation Commission updates the Park and Trail Plan Map to remain current with proposed park and trail needs, and to reflect any projects that go from `proposed' to `existing'. The newly completed boardwalk connecting the SweetBay Ridge subdivision to Ramsey Boulevard is one such example. Notification: Observations: In addition to the updating purposes above, two other points are to be noted. The first is that over the years, feedback from residents (especially now that the web is used as a primary information gathering tool), has been that the Park and Trail Plan map (generated for planning), can confuse users who are looking for trails, or places to recreate. Some person's are looking at tracks of open -space shown on our map like 'Deerwood Park' - and are envisioning a developed park space. In other cases, dotted lines denoting proposed trails are sometimes mistaken for existing trails. To correct this situation, staff is proposing separating the planning portions of the map out, and having a 'User Map' and a distinct Park and TrailPlan map. Further, with the 'GoAnokaCounty interactive map linked to the City's web page, residents may find more detailed information than what can be found by viewing a 'static' map. The second point referred to above, is that the City is in the process of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment with Metropolitan Council, and the Park and Trail Plan (the planning map), will be revised for this reason also. Additionally, as a general point of communication, it is important to inform the public when ever these mapping changes are made — that the Park and Trail Plan is for long -range planning, and is intended to provide conceptual guidance to prospective developers. The intention of the city is not to condemn land for parks or trails, but to work with willing sellers or land developers. At the time of this case preparation, proposed map revisions are being performed for Commission consideration. Therefore a proposed Park and Trail Plan map is not available at this time Funding Source: None required - this map updating is for planning purposes. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends perusing the existing Park and Trail Plan map (attached) for any and all corrections, including proposed trail needs, proposed parks - as well as noting inaccuracies if any. Staff will bring to meeting, a map with suggested revisions. Commission Action: