Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 03/13/1997

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Case #1 RECOMMEND PARK DEDICATION FOR APPLE RIDGE By: Mark Boos, Parks/Utilities Supervisor Background: /vlr. John Peterson of Good Value Homes is proposing the development of approximately 60 acres into 147 single family homes. This parcel, located west of T.H. #47 and at the northern limits of the existing Metropolitan Se/vice Area (MUSA), will be served by City water and sewer. The attached February 4, 1997 Planning Cornrnission case, provides important detail on the proposed subdivision and includes: Site Location map · Proposed sketch plan Staff review letter Observation: At the time of this writing, some uncertainties exist on this sketch plan. It is certain, however, that a couple hundred children of varying ages may be present within the subdivision's borde/'s. /Vl. inimum park dedication, consisting of land, equates to approximately six acres. This space, ff adequately developed, would serve as a neighborhood park (much as Emerald Pond Park at 13.5 acres including the lagoons). However, additional homes are expected in the vicinity - beyond those that are already present. As the Commission is aware, for many years the City's Park and Trail Plan has shown a proposed community park a couple thousand feet to the north, also west of T.H. #47. This parcel, outside of the IvlUSA, was intended to serve the residents of the Oak Recreation District and also function as a community park for Ramsey's northeast quadrant. The property is relatively flat and much of it unbuildable. The Commission will also note that an east/west multipurpose trail is also proposed in association with the creek at this same locale. The future residents of Apple Ridge will require recreation and open space. Given the need for additional park land, the following is intended to aid in the examination of this issue: Both the Developer and the City probably agree there would be significant benefit to residents of Apple Ridge by including park land within the plat's boundary. However, both would probably also agree that it may not be the best planning to spend $200,000 plus in park improvements at a neighborhood park if it's expected that many of these amenities would need to be replicated a few thousand feet away. Residents of Apple Ridge will need safe pedestrian access to 153rd Avenue. 153rd Avenue will be the east/west border to border pedestrian/bicyclist route in Ramsey. Pursuit of the previously mentioned community park space, early in the examination of the proposed Apple Ridge Subdivision, determines the extent of need for park land now within the plat. Plus, possible acquisition of the proposed community park land, in part using Apple Ridge park detiication, resolves needs for both the Recreation District as well as securing the land for the last of the five planned community park sites.