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

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Circle of Ramsey Linking People and Landscape Through Greenways Extension 1: Lake Itasca Greenway Lake Itasca is the largest lake in the City of Ramsey and a valued natural recreational amenity. The current route from Lake Itasca to the Center of Ramsey (COR) includes bike paths alongside busy roads with high traffic speeds. Extension 1 is a proposed greenway trail connection through undeveloped land from the Center of Ramsey to Lake Itasca. While the existing trail is functional, this extension would increase safety, aesthetics, and provide an access point for future residents in this area. The future land uses in this area include residential and industrial uses. The creation of this extension would preserve the area by implementing green infrastructure prior to development. By doing so, these future populations will be able to access the greenway system. Existing: On -Road Path This is a photo of the existing bike trail on the south shores of Lake Itasca. This extension would connect backup to the scenic trail that follows the Lake Itasca shores. Alpine Dr and Armstrong Blvd 1.35 miles Puma 5t and Bunker Lake Blvd • - 1.23 miles This is the tntersection of Alpine Dr. and Puma St. which is the proposed entry point to an off -road greenway improvement. The existing route parallels Puma 5t. and turns onto Alpine Dr. The proposed extension would cut through the properties in between Alpine and Puma. This is the intersection of Armstrong and Bunker Lake Blvds., looking NW to Lake Itasca. This would be an entry point for the proposed extension route. Currently, the route parallels Bunker Lake Boulevard. Proposed: Off -Road Greenway Connector Through this extension, we can create a route that would follow the natural landscape of the wetland, while also providing users with a safe and scenic route. This wetland area is incompatible with built infrastructure; its only acceptable use being green infrastructure. While development builds around the wetland, the trail will already be in place, guarenteeing residents access to the trail system. Proposed Route: In the image above, we see a proposed route for a safer, shorter, and more aesthetically pleasing recreational trail from the Center of Ramsey to Lake Itasca. Future Greenway: The image to the right is a rendering of what a future greenway could look like. It would serve a variety of residents and visitors with a straight route under a mile. StGreenway infrastructure: As development occurs in this southeast region of Ramsey, the implementation of green infrastructure will be necessary to provide current and future residents with access to these trails. This wetland area is not builable land which means the only compatible land use is greenway infrastructure. These greenway links are valuable recreational resources and help preserve the natural environment. PA5211: Land Use Planning / Instructor: Fernando Burga PhD. / Students: Alena DeGrado, Samantha Neill, Jake Schutt Unweemn.l.n.wrn