Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 05/14/1987

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INTRODUCTION Ramsey is a northwest suburban and rural community of the Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolitan area. Incorporated as a city in 1974, Ramsey's 18,450 total acres ranks high as being one of the largest areas of the metro region and also one of the fastest growing in population -- 2,536 in 1970 to an estimated population of 7,620 in 1976, over a 300 percent increase in six years. Recent planning has addressed the growth issues by designating an area of Planned Urbanization which will have sewer and water facilities; an intermediate area of Transition; with a third area that is unlikely to see much change in use or population within the next 20 years. These development area definitions will help to direct ~ro- posed park development priorities. The variously owned park lands within Ramsey total 929.54 acres; of which 263.84 acres are municipal, 18 acres are state, 429.5 acres are county, ltl acres are Viking Council Boy Scout campground and 47 acres are Ramsey Elementary Park-School land. The City maintains approximately 28% of the parkland within the City; however, much of this land is wetland or drainage area which is to be preserved and protected. The geographical distribution of the municipal park areas varies great- ly, with approximately 35% of this land usable for active recreation and developed with only playground equipment. In terms of the total park system (variety of park types, well designed, appropriately located, facilities and other distinct characteristics) Ramsey is almost totally l~cking.. In addition to being fragmented and scattered, the park sites are small~-thereby increasing maintenance and other park program efficiencies. Some of the.existing park land is,' however, accessible by collector and arterial roads, but safe bicycle or pedestrian access poses a problem. Another major problem is that the parks are so scattered throughout the City that it will be difficult to reasonably build a park system. If at all possible new park development should be concentrated within the area of Planned Urbanization so that the parks are more readily accessible. Ramsey's total park system is also characterized by a lack of orienta- ~ tion towards large, active use areas, but is oriented toward nature areas and a few neighborhood playgrounds. Ramsey Elementary School is presently providing the majority of the space for active'recreational use for all age groups in Ramsey. This activity, though, is limited due to priority use for school programs. Titterud Park also has a ball diamond and tennis courts. Currently, people of retirement age do not constitute an appreciable segment of the population; therefore, the immediate need here for faci- lities is not as urgent as others. The area of most concern is for facilities for young adult recreation programs and family activities. Athletic areas and multiple use neighborhood parks then should take the hiQhest priority in Ramsey's Dark development.