Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/11/2018

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Circle of Ramsey Linking People and Landscape Through Greenways Introduction Introduction The Circle of Ramsey is a proposed greenway trail system providing the City of Ramsey with health, environmental, and economic benefits. Ramsey has built trails throughout the city, but the Circle of Ramsey is incomplete. Residents see a need for conservation as land develops across the city. Building green infrastructure, to make a complete greenwa trail system, will connect the community and preserve vital natural resources. This project identifies three potential connections and proposes ideas for what greenway infrastructure could look like in these areas. These three connections will provide trail access to larce parts of the community. Eventually, a completed greenway system will give all residents the ability to experience increasec health, environmental and economic benefits. What are Greenways? Greenways are privately or publicly -owned_ corridors of protected open space. Some greenways incorporate recreational trails that serve to connect people and plac- es. .. x Other types of greenways are set aside to simply preserve the natural environment. Ramsey's greenway corridors are environmentally sensitive areas, which allow for the protection of water quality and wildlife movement while also connecting people to nature and destinations within the city. Balancing Growth and Preservation Currently, Ramsey is experiencing growth and developmental pressures. It is a crucial time to preserve Ramsey's range of desirable natural features as wet as provide for a rapidly growing population. In reaction to resident concern, greenways have been incorperated into Ramsey's comprehensive plan in order to balance development and preservation of land. Extension LAKE ITASCA GREENWAY he Lake Itasca Site is located in the Southwest corner of Ramsey. This extension acts as a connection between mixed -use, industrial and resdential development in and around The COR. This connection will create the ability for residents to access downtown hilestill enjoying the natural amentities Ramsey has to offer. Project Timeline INTRODUCTION INSPIRING PLACES Env uo nment xtension 2 SPORTS HAVEN SUBDIVISION This connection runs through a pristine wetland area in Ramsey. These wetlands are an important natural resource. They provide a habitat for wildlife and act as a buffer for flooding from the single family residential homes that abut its banks. This area addsto the rural character of Ramsey and is a common spot for local fisherman. • y0 0 0 "2 4 BENEFITS EXTENSION #1 CO Iry e m DEMOGRAPHICS EXTENSION #2 EXTENSION #3 9 0 Extension 3 GREEN VALLEY ROAD The GVGC is a long-standing Ramsey establishment producing farm/ garden products and employing many people. This greenway connection will give commuters the oppotunity to use active forms of transporation to get to and from work. This link will also provide access for people located in the northern portion of Ramsey to the greenway system. o � 6 RECOMMENDATIONS CONCLUSION 9 Three connections to the greenway system: This project identifies three potential connections and proposes ideas for what greenway infrastructure could look like in these areas. These three connections will provide trail access to large parts of the community. Eventually, the entire community will be linked through the greenway trail system and everyone will be able to reap the benefits that the greenway system provides. PA5211: Land Use Planning / Instructor: Fernando Burga PhD. / Students: Alena DeGrado, Samantha Neill, Jake Schutt lieedknrCommunbra �Iri�axsmnr MINFworx