Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 05/12/2011

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COMMISSION BUSINESS Case #5.1 Review Park and Trail Plan Map Parks Supervisor Riverblood reviewed in the staff report that the first item for consideration is to approve the park and trail plan map or park and trail map. Through public feedback we have heard the combination of existing layers along with proposed layers compounds some evil when they look at our existing park and trail plan map looking for designation or trail ways. The idea is to update the plan to reflect things that are now in place and then also separate the map to reflect the plan that is for proposed trails and park spaces. In addition, he stated we are issuing a Comprehensive Plan Amendment with the Metropolitan Council to fix a couple things with respect to some planning and zoning, In doing so, we can provide our existing park and trail map. Also in reviewing our current documents, we have some regional trails connections to Anoka County. Of the three regional trails one of which comes west along Bunker Lake Boulevard and terminates at Ramsey Boulevard and Highway 10. The idea would be the westerly would bring trail users down to Mississippi West Park. He is recommending this continue along Bunker Lake Boulevard and not go south on Ramsey Boulevard on the east side but rather go along Bunker Lake Boulevard and come through the center of The COR which connects to the park amenities and then brings them to the transit hub, Northstar Commuter and municipal area and then take them over the pedestrian bridge into Mississippi West park. This part of the regional trail which is the pedestrian overpass compound of it would be eligible for Metropolitan Council funding and with the Federal funding we might have a whole package of funding rather than just City funding. Chairperson Shryock stated this is very wise, not only does this bring in business to the COR but bringing in multiple funding sources for the pedestrian bridge is very smart and likes the recommended change. Commissioner Chubb asked which way does the alignment go now. Park Supervisor Riverblood responded and said we would be shifting it west one half mile. Commissioner Bennett stated he conceives this as making more sense. Commissioner Minke asked was a pedestrian bridge going to be originally. Commissioner Fyten and Olsen both commented that they like this realigned plan. Motion by Commissioner Bennett, seconded by Commissioner Fyten to recommend and approve the central Anoka County trail alignment as proposed in the diagram received. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Shryock, Commissioners Bennett, Barr, Chubb, Fyten, and Olsen. Voting No: None. Absent: None Park Supervisor Riverblood reviewed the primary changes to the existing park and trail map. One is eliminating the dotted lines. Turned off parks that were previously shown as green and dedicated parks. Park and Recreation Commission/May 12, 2011 Page 2 of 4