Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 08/10/2017

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City of Ramsey 2030 Comprehensive Plan Update Chapter 10: Parks, Recreation and Open Space In terms of Ramsey's park land area per resident, Ramsey may be adequately served by park and recreation opportunities. However, as future residential development occurs and new areas are developed, land must be dedicated and funds must be committed to meet the recreation needs of the community. Through subdivision ordinance, the City currently requires parkland dedication at a rate indexed to residential densities for new development to fulfill the need for park facilities. Ramsey is fortunate to have many natural resources within its boundaries. Many of these resources are preserved and made accessible through existing large community parks and tracts of protected open space. identity with the Mississippi River. Continued cooperation with regional partners like the National Park Service through the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area on the Regional Trail through Ramsey will be important as Ramsey works to improve its image along Highway 10. Presently, Anoka County provides regional trail organization relative to the MNRRA corridor. Cities like Ramsey are full players with respect to the Trails and Open Space Partnership (TOSP), which is a group that meets quarterly to guide and refine trails within the MNRRA corridor from Ramsey, south 72 miles to Hastings. Pedestrian connections across Highway 10 will likewise be critical in making this new park accessible and contributing to a vibrant Town Center. With these great recreational facilities existing and planned, an important focus will be on making these larger systems of parks accessible to all Ramsey residents. Acquiring and constructing additional links to the Trail system are critical to the success of the future Parks and Recreation Plan Smaller neighborhood parks remain appropriate in higher density areas where they serve more residents and are designed to be focal points of gathering for the neighborhood. Every attempt should be made to develop sidewalk and trail connections to these neighborhood resources. Similarly, future underpasses and elevated crossings should be carefully mapped, so as to identify funding and schedules, so as to time them with other infrastructure improvements. 3. Parks and Recreation Goals The following goals and strategies came from the community meetings held in 2007 and 2008 under the Ramsey3 effort. a) A comprehensive, balanced park and trail system consisting of large and small scale parks, active and passive parks, natural preserves, and recreational facilities. STRATEGIES: 1. Incorporate planned parks and trails into all new development where appropriate 2. Design for connectivity with local and regional parks 3. Improve coordination of park and trail planning within City and adjacent communities 4. Establish a regional trail along the Mississippi River 5. Develop a Trott Brook Trail Corridor 6. Explore providing pedestrian access from the Mississippi River to the north side of Highway 10 7. Design trails with a variety of surfaces appropriate for different uses City of Ramsey 2030 Comprehensive Plan Page 10-13