Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/10/1997

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A planning proposal for: Mississippi West Regional Park Anoka County Department of Parks and Recreation The Anoka County Department of Parks and Recreation first prepared a comprehensive county park system plan in 1968. The plan identified a need for a park location on the Mississippi River north of the Rum River. The river corridor adjoining Mississippi West is also designated as the Mississippi River's only metropolitan river se~mnent included in the Mississippi Scenic and Recreational River area. Anoka County entered into an agreement with Mr. and Mrs. Husby to include 133 acres of their land on the Mississippi River into the Anoka County Park System. The Husby's retain a life estate on 7.5 acres. Anoka County proposed to the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission in 1985 expanding the Husby land holding with additional land acquisitions toward becoming a regional park. The Anoka County Department of Parks and Recreation, since the giRing by the Husbfs, discussed with the Metropolitan Council the possibility of adding the Mississippi West Park to, and deleting Rum River South Park from, the regional park system. In 1990, Anoka County purchased two parcels adding 58.67 acres to the park. A land exchange in 1990 added another 4.5 acres. Anoka County, in 1992, added another 11.25 acres of the Kelley property to ensure future trail connections between the City of Anoka and the City ofRamsey. Anoka County added seventy acres in the spring of 1995 through a transfer of Cloquet Island from the IvFmnesota Department of Natural Resources. The proposed Mississippi West Regional Park is currently 273 acres. The Metropolitan Council plans to hold public hearings in 1996 to update its regional park system by reviewing the validity of the following: A~ Adding Mississippi West Park to the regional park system B. Deleting Rum River South Park fi-om the regional park system Providing Mississippi West County Park is added to the regional park system, it would become eligible for future capital improvement and maintenance funds from the Metropolitan Council. To date, no recreational development has occurred at the park. 3