Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/09/1995

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I. Location Itasca Park is located just west of Whispering Pines and North Forty Subdivisions and east of Lake Itasca. It is connected to the City's trail system from the north (currendy under construction.). In the future the trail system will continue along the eastern boundary of the park with a trail access running south to 153rd Ave. III. Budget. This project has a proposed 1995-1996 budget of $57,000. Future phases will be planned at this time but are not budgeted. IV. Development Concept Proposal This park will serve as the principal park for the Itasca Park district. Since the closest ballfields are in Central Park, a softball/baseball field is proposed. Picnic shelters and playground equipment are perceived as additional areas of active use in the park. Proposed trails and boardwalks (possibly including a Itasca Lake observation platform) will provide interaction with the natural areas of this park. Additionally, osprey nesting and wood duck houses could be constructed. V. Theme. Itasca Lake park presents an excellent opportunity for integration of several different educational goals. In addition to the outdoor recreational opportunities afforded by the ballfields, picnic areas, and playground equipment, natural history, anthropology, and historical significance may be tied to the park site. Itasca Lake Park is close to the original Red River Ox Cart Route used by settlers in the 1800's from the East to the Dakotas and beyond. Interpretive information on the way of life during this era and use of the route could be mounted on shelter plaques or bulletin boards. Additional plaques could discuss the pre-settlement ecosystem as well as pre-European cultures in the area. Matching this theme, certain areas of the park might remain meadow as they currently exist or could be seeded as a prairie restoration. Mowed, paved, or boardwalk trails might meander through the area for visitor interaction with the flora and fauna. Along this theme, park shelters could be designed with a rustic log cabin look. Benches and signs might also follow this theme. Orchard trees may be planted in lieu of other species. VI. Parking A trail head facility, including not only parking (7-10 spaces) but also picnic shelter and map information is proposed to be located just north of Itasca park on Okapi Street. The proposed location for the ballfield and shelter parking is off of 154th Lane Cut-de-Sac. This parking facility will accommodate 15-20 vehicles.