Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/13/2017

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of all the regional parks and trails within the system. They may be familiar with a park they live near, but they aren't aware of all the other parks and amenities the County has to offer. Therefore, any future engagement events should help to create awareness about the overall system. While some of the above issues are not specific to the proposed projects in this amendment, they do show larger scale issues that need to be addressed. The lack of knowledge of the park system show the need for additional marketing, programming and engagement efforts. The lack of participation in some amenities will need to be further analyzed to determine why people don't participate and why they do not feel safe in parks and the County will need to work with the Anoka County Transportation Division and the Metropolitan Council's Transit Department to provide better public transportation access to the parks. The Parks and Recreation Department will request input from the City of Ramsey, other County staff, and other jurisdictional government agencies for input on the amendment for their input. Finally, the County will keep the public informed by continuing engagement beyond the planning process, by providing the public with information regarding the plans progress and future opportunities for engagement and input via websites, social media and local and County governmental meetings. The resulting approved plan will be posted online for the public to access easily. PUBLIC AWARENESS Public awareness is an important component to regional park and trail systems. The County will provide public education efforts through the Metropolitan Council's regional -wide awareness program, as well as, public information maps, websites (www.anokacountyparks.com & www.anokacounty.us), social media, publications and brochures provided by Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department and Commute Solutions, the County's Transportation Management Organization. In addition, any future public engagement events that occur will include information on the system to increase awareness and promote the park amenities and recreational opportunities throughout the County. Since the park is located in the Mississippi National River Recreation Area, Anoka County will also work with National Park Service staff to engage the public and provide information regarding the park through their website, social media, publications and brochures. Anoka County TMC) Com mutc Solutions NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 3/6/2017 Mississippi West Regional Park Master Plan Amendment 18