Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/12/1996

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The Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department realizes that county leisure services are part of a total leisure service system that involves a combination of interrelated public, voltmtary, private and commercial providers that contribute to the facility and program resources available to the total population. The analysis 'that follows will assist Anoka County in identifying niches where the Parks and Recreation System may satisf.v demands xvithout infringing or duplicating current recreation services. CAMPGROUNDS This private campground area in Ham Lake oilers similar amenities as the campgrounds in the Anoka County Park System. Anoka Count5, operates two campground facilities, one in Bunker Hills Regional Park and one in Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve. In addition to these areas, there are three privately owned campgrounds in Anoka County. The Ham Lake Campground is most similar to the county' campgrounds, in that it offers both tent and RV camping experiences. Tile tv,'o remaining private campgrounds cater to RV campers only. Campgrounds operated by the county can accommodate a variety of user experiences by using the resources within their respective parks. The list of"things to do" in these parks far exceed those recreation activities offered at the private campgrounds, making them very attractive and marketable to potential campers. Golfing, beach and Wave Pool swimming, nature programs, trails, and picnic facilities are all unique to the county campgrounds. Some amenities, like the restrooms at the Bunker Hills Campground, are in need of upgrades to keep pace with an acceptable level of service provided at camping areas. Geographically, there are no camping areas currently servicing the northwestern portion of the county. Anoka County, could fill this gap by developing group overnight camping experiences in Lake George Regional Park. In Page 2 addition, the development of wilderness camp sites in Martin-lsland-Linwood Lakes Regional Park would d/versify the experiences offered in tile county campground system. GOLF COURSES There are l0 golf courses scattered throughout Anoka County,'. Two of these facilities are operated by municipalities and one is operated by Anoka County. The courses vary in size and services provided. Some of the more renown courses offer banquet facilities, tournaments, and full-service restaurants and bars. All of the courses offer discounted green fees, pro shops, lessons and snack bars. The clubhouse 'at Viking Meadows Golf Course offers snacks and beverages, along with a walk-out deck Io enjoy the surroundings. The Anoka County Chomonix Golf Course is nestled in a 2,550 acre park reserve and is considered one of the most pristine in the county, improvements to some services, e.g. picnic facilities and tournament accommodations, could round out the services offered at this golf course, while remaining affordable for most residents. BOA T LANDhVGS There are 21 BOat and canoe landings in Anoka County. Eleven of the landings are located in county' owned parks. The DNR and the parks department share in the responsibility of maintaining the sites. Future improvements to these facilities may include courtesy boat docks. In addition, canoe landing sites could offer rental of watercrafts, to provide experiences to those individuals without access to canoes or inner tubes. Cooperative efforts with local municipalities operating parks along the Rum River Canoe Route may be sought to increase use and appreciation of this state Wild and Scenic River. Future expansion of the landing system ma.y include additional accesses on Coon Lake and Linwood Lake.