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e e "\.. Issue 6 . ~arks. Recreation. Trails and Open Spaces While there are no significant issues to be resolved at this time, the Focus Group felt it appropriate to provide the City with some direction on each of the above. Regarding parks, the group recommends as follows: . More emphasis should be placed on open space in ruraI areas There should be more emphasis on urban active parks in W'ban areas All parks should not be required to serve all purposes (active athletic uses should be clustered into larger parks) The option to expand Central Park should be protected as should the expansion capabilities of all of the City' sparks Parks should both be able to grow and change to accommodate changing demographics and numbers of residents . . . . Regarding trails, there should be a clear distinction between differing types of trails. The design of trails should be based on their use (i.e. nature trails might consist of wood chips and bike paths of asphalt). It was agreed that there should be non-motorized hiking trails, horse trails including connections to Traprock. snowmobile and cross-country trails, and bikeways (Particularly along Highway 47). It was also agreed that long-term maintenance should be kept in mind and that the City should not build trails (such as Boardwalks) chat are expensive to maintain. Regarding open space, it was recommended that the City consider protection of the urban forest whether on public or private lands. The City should look for opportUnities and programs to fund preservation of the urban forest. It was also recommended that the City consider the reforestation of existing parks. There might also be opportunities to use private land for trails with private owners' consent. It was suggested that the Mississippi River Crossing not encroach on Mississippi West Park. It was agreed that the City may not be able to make suoh a commitment and that that ought not be a recommendation of the Focus Group. Issue 7 . Protect Rural Lifesttle It was agreed that protection of the rural lifestyle has already been addressed as part of other issues categories. John Enstrom asked if the Focus Group would be notified of any meetings with the Planning Commission or City Council at which the report of the Focus Group would be presented. We indicated that notification would be provided. Meeting adjourned at 9:40 p_m. M:VlAMSEN7-42WINJ2-22.DOC ~~:9t 6b, bZ ~3a 90d 6170 ~3l930~ N019NISIOH 8~898~~-Zt9