Comp Park Plan May 1977 - Laserfiche WebLink

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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. The Ramsey park system totals 830~0 acres; of which 164.3 acres are municipal, 18 acres are state, 429.5 acres are county, 171 acres are Viking Council Boy Scout campground and 47 acres are Ramsey Elementary Park-School land. The geographical distribution of the municipal park areas varies greatly, with approximately 35% of this land usable and developed with only playground equipment. In terms of the total park system (variety of park types, ornamentation, facilities and other distinct character- istics) Ramsey is almost totally lacking. In addition to being fragmented and scattered, the park sites are small--thereby reducing maintenance and other park program efficiencies. The existing park land is, however, accessible by means of collector and arterial roads, but safe bicycle access poses a problem. Ramsey's total park system is also characterized by a lack of orienta- tion towards large open space and active use areas, but is very oriented toward nature areas and neighborhood playground and passive areas. Ramsey Elementary School is presently providing the only space for active recreational use for all age groups in Ramsey. This activity, though, is limited due to school programs and its location in the city. Currently, persons of retirement age do not constitute a very large segment of the population. Therefore, the immediate need here for facilities is not as urgent as others. The area of most concern is likely to be for facilities for young adult recreation programs and family activities. Athletic areas and people's parks then should take the highest priority in Ramsey's park development. The image a community creates can partially be generated through its public facilities. These facilities can generate a progressive, efficient and attractive city; or lack of can generate a community offering little or no incentive to live or work in. Because of large undeveloped areas and large natural environmental areas, it is very evident that Ramsey has the potential for developing a functional and attractive park system. -1-