Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 08/11/1994

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RRCMP, p. III-2 The nearest campground, operated by the County at Bunker Hills RP, is filled through the season, much of it by returning customers. The one at Rice Creek Chain of Lakes PR is increasing in use and is often filled. There are no nearby private campgrounds in Anoka County. The nearest is at Ham Lake, more than 10 miles to the east. There are private campgrounds in Sherburne Co., near Zimmerman and Elk River, both of which are more than 10 miles to the west. Campgrounds in Isanti Co. are even more distant. In interviews, parks and planning staff and park commissioners in Oak Grove and Andover suggested: The primary interest in this area, for residents and for visitors, is public recreation use of the Rum River. Desired improvements include canoe and small craft access, shoreline fishing, picnic areas, trails (summer and winter) and canoe camping. Group picnic (and other day-use) sites are too few in the area. The regional park is an appropriate place for them. There are not enough family campgrounds in this part of the county. There are no private campgrounds. When a campground opens at Rum River Central, it should meet several levels of camping demand, ranging from owners of large RVs seeking water and electric hook-ups through tent campers seeking primitive sites. Trail uses, winter and summer, continue to be high on the list of things requested for large open space parks. In addition to a good trail net, it appears that a trailhead/visitor contact building to support trail use, provide visitor information and serve as a focal point for park users would be a good idea. Population Projections, Rum River Central RP Service Area: An analysis performed by Anoka County Planning, for the primary park service area, shows the Primary Service Area, with a 7 mile radius, had a 1990 population of 84,351 and a projected year-2000 population of 98,157, an increase of 16%. Other Factors Affectinq Demand: 1. Metropolitan Council has extended the MUSA line to include the City of Anoka, formerly a "free standing growth center", bringing the line to within five miles of the park boundary. While the park remains outside the MUSA area, urban extension along the Mississippi, from 1980-90, halved the park's distance from the edge of the developed area. I I I I I' I I I I i ! I I ! I I