Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/11/2016

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INTERPRETIVE FACILITIES Proposed Development: Information kiosk; trail interpretive signs BUILDINGS AND SHELTERS Proposed Development: Three picnic pavilions; interpretive/multi--use building; resirooms; visitor contact station ROADS AND PARKING Proposed Development: Bituminous parking lot at new boat ramp; security lighting Proposed Redevelopment: Bituminous access road and parking lot upgrades ACQUISITION, EASEMENTS AND LAND TRUSTS The county will consider acquiring three residential properties located on County Highway 7 on the west side of the park (see figure 12.3). All three properties are surrounded on three sides by park land. The total acreage of the three parcels is approximately 9 acres. The county proposes to partner with the City of Andover in purchasing land (none specified at this time) on the east side of the river and providing vehicle parking and pedestrian access to the park, by bridge, from the east. NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Riverbank stabilization; oak savanna restoration; conduct butternut regeneration study ESTIMATED COST OF FULL DEVELOPMENT $2,605,000.00 in 1997 dollars not including Phase I improvements which are currently underway (refer to Chapter 17 for information on development priorities) OVERVIEW Mississippi West Regional Park is located on the Mississippi River and is the newest addition to the Anoka County Park system. It was incorporated into the Metropolitan regional System in 1996. The park is located on a State Highway 10 within the MUSA boundary and in a rapidly developing urban area. The land is currently undeveloped and is comprised of woodland habitat and cultivated fields. The property was donated to the county but the benefactor maintains a residence there along with another homestead having a life estate. No development will be scheduled until the property is vacated and can be arranged through the Metropolitan Council. Mississippi West's location along the river and on the Mississippi River Regional Trail corridor, creates strong ties to Anoka's Peninsula Point Park, Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Manomin County Park and Riverfront/Islands of Peace Regional Park. The river binds the five parks together, but each is different in character and displays a unique, natural and cultural history. The relationship creates excellent opportunities for development of a variety of water and land-based facilities and interpretation of the river environment and the history of the sites and surrounding areas. Site elements such as signs, furniture, lighting and landscaping will be designed to create continuity in the image and appearance of the parks and to identify them with the "Mississippi River System of Parks". Mississippi West will provide access to the Mississippi River and to the regional trail system. The topography at the river and the shoreline condition provide a good opportunity for boat and canoe access. In addition, the location of the park near the west end of the Mississippi River Regional Trail in Anoka County makes it attractive for location of a major trail head. Page 12-15