Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/11/1999

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November 9. 1998 Draft The Parks and Recreation Plan A broad overview of the existing park system in Ramsey reveals a number of small underutilized neighborhood parks scattered throughout rural areas of the community that have developed at very low densities. This low-density development (or large lot development) does not support high use of a neighborhood park system and thus can lead to inefficiencies. A larger scale community park, which would provide park and recreation opportunities not available within private yards of large lots, Would prove a more effective and efficient use of a park and recreation system to serve the rural areas of Ramsey. The major emphasis in the rural area of Ramsey should be in providing trail connections to get people to larger park facilities such as Central Park and Rum River Central Regional Park and in preserving open Space corridors consistent with rural identity. This same logic does not carry over to the more urban areas of the Ramsey Community. Higher density development demands more parks that are within walking distances and provide a greater variety of activities. It would be wise to start planning for the provisions of neighborhood parks in future urban areas as well as looking to fill gaps in existing urban developed areas. Also as traffic patterns become denser within the urban areas, more neighborhood barriers exist increasing the need for more neighborhood park facilities. Trail development.is, a significanty6eee-to the future park p'.an as a means to connect community, facilities. ?,a. In reviewing future park and recreation needs to serve future and existing Ramsey residents, the. following park type definitions will be used: Park Type Defini. ons: Mini-Parks: These are very small parks, often less than 1 acre in size, and are used to address limited or isolated recreational needs. These parks typically serve residents less than ~A mile from the site. Neighborhood Par?cs: Neighborhood parks are usually centrally located within neighborhoods and are designed primarily for use by neighborhood residents within easy walking and biking distances. The Neighborhood Park should be a positive focal' point of pride for the neighborhood. They are intended for both passive and active activities with facilities such as play equipment, court games, and picnicking. They are generally not intended to accommodate organized athletic activities. Neighborhood parks should be a minimum of 5 acres. These parks typically serve residents xA to ½ mile distance and uninterrupted by non-residential roads or other physical barriers or have connecting trails with safe street crossings. School Parks: Combining park~ with school sites can be an efficient use of facilities. Care should be taken to not over use these faculties beyond what the landscape and scheduled maintenance can keep up with. Community Parks: Community Parks serve a broader purpose than neighborhood parks. The focus is on meeting community-based recreational needs, as well as preserving unique landscapes and open spaces. These parks should be accessible through a trail system and serve residents within V2 to 3 mile distance depending on ease of accessibility. Sport Complex: A large site of consolidated, heavily programmed athletic fields and associated facilities. Serves the larger community. City of Ramsey Comprehensive Plan Page 79