Laserfiche WebLink
Green Structure <br />Overview <br />The overall design framework of the Town <br />Center is based on a system of linked <br />parks, trails and open space. The City of <br />Ramsey, Anoka County, and to some <br />extent, the State of Minnesota all play a <br />role in local and regional parks <br />programming, design review, <br />construction sequencing, implementation <br />and ultimately maintenance and operation <br />of key public spaces within this <br />framework. The goal is to link existing <br />and proposed parks and trails defined in <br />regional park plans with proposed new <br />parks and trails within the Town Center. <br />Of equal importance is the contribution <br />from each block and each development <br />project to this network of green, adding a <br />variety of private, semi -private, and <br />perhaps some additional public space <br />throughout the Town Center. Private <br />development will share the responsibility <br />to provide inviting, innovative and useable <br />green space as integral parts of individual <br />parcel site design. <br />Guideline Recommendations <br />Ramsey Town Center will set a new <br />standard for the design of parks and <br />open space in suburban Twin Cities <br />communities. Toward that end, Green <br />Structure guidelines encourage the <br />following: <br />• Work with the City to create an <br />integrated, comprehensive open <br />space system that links with existing <br />city and county trails and open space <br />networks <br />• Encourage private development <br />(block -by -block) to share in the <br />responsibility to provide inviting, <br />innovative and useable green space as <br />integral parts of each development <br />project <br />• Integrate stormwater management <br />components (meeting water quality <br />and quantity requirements) within <br />both public / private park and open <br />space improvements <br />Together, the system of public and <br />semi-public green space will result in a <br />welcoming public realm throughout the <br />new community. <br />Objectives <br />Based on the Parks, Trails and Open Space Concept Plan for the Town Center, a <br />variety of public and private green space is proposed including: <br />• Each block and each project will provide intentional, creative, innovative, useable <br />green areas as integral components of site development and building design. <br />• At the individual block scale, small squares and greens will provide places for <br />gathering and relaxation, especially targeted to meet the demands of adjacent, or <br />nearby buildings. Elements such as gardens, gazebos and fountains should <br />characterize these more intimate public spaces. <br />• At the neighborhood scale, parks will provide space for more active recreation, and <br />should be flexible enough to accommodate a variety of recreational activities. <br />Playgrounds, game fields and park buildings are suggested park amenities and will <br />target a wider user demand from the surrounding community. <br />• At the Town Center scale, the central linear park will connect with all other parks <br />and open space elements, providing a focal point for activity and a sense of place <br />similar to Minnehaha Creek in Minneapolis. Gardens, public pavilions and shelters, <br />playlots and open play fields are suggested amenities that will provide built-in <br />flexibility to meet the demands of both the local population and regional visitors to <br />the Town Center. <br />Ramsey Town Center Development Guidelines 5 <br />