Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 11/14/1991

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PARK DEDICATION FOR WOOD POND HILLS by: Mark Boos, Parks/Utilities Coordinator CASE #3 Background: At the October 10, 1991 meeting, Mr. Knutson suggested that park dedication for Wood Pond Hills should be tabled to allow the Commission time to consider different combinations of park dedication, one of which was to allow two acres of the wetland towards park dedication and, in exchange, construct a bituminous 8' path through the identified ~ route with the remaining 5.5 acres of park dedication due in cash. Observations: 1. As a policy, the City does not accept wetland for park dedication. Comment - Cash should be required for Wood Pond Hills so that adequate leisure activities can be provided. The City does not know when or what type of development might occur to the north of Wood Pond Hills. Comment ~- Any trail corridor(s) should be documented on the plat drawing for all to see. The City, at most, should accept only a 35' wide trail corridor for park dedication credit. Developing a trail at this time may not be prudent in that exact future alignment is not known. It is the desire of the developer that all of the wedand (outlots) within Wood Pond Hills be deeded to the Ci .ty. Comment, The City should require these parcels be labeled as Park 1, 2, 3, etc. to enable their possible use in the future for public park use in addition to drainage and water retenuon. 4. Wood Pond Hills abuts County. Road #5 with a bicycle lane. Comment ~ The City should encourage conservation and safety by designating Sunfish Lake Drivei a bike lane mute with appropriate signage. The majori .ty of m~ture trees in Wood Pond Hills are red oak and construction will negatively impact the undiseased oaks. Comment -: the developer should take measures to minimize the loss of total tree cover and when feasible relocate saplings and protect canopy trees. Conclusion - In order to maximize the recreation options for Wood Pond Hills residents, park dedication-credit should, at most, be allowed onlv for the 35' wide trail ori~nally proposed. (The Commission is not obligated to allow credit for land that will be deeded to the City for other or dual purposes.) And wetlands should be labeled park to allow for future use, e.g. observation boardwalks, snowshoeing, etc.