Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 06/11/1998

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"Major Roadways" are not seen as being affected significantly, even if estimates of 600 additional households come into the City. A transportation consultant will look at this issue. The "Greenway Corridor" portion of the map shows how land use will be affected. Land west of Sunfish Lake is seen as potential park space. A new school could possibly come into this area; there are many different sites along the corridor that could accommodate this. The "Mississippi River Corridor" is depicted on the map as a state and federal designation. A transportation consultant will look at future growth numbers and assign a plan if needed. Some sites along the corridor are not usable; while these areas could be redeveloped, all natural resources in the area are to be preserved. Mr. Scheib then stated by early July, full documentation of all the above information would be available. It will be presented to the Economic Development Commission prior to July 7. On July 7, he will address the Planning Commission. Planning Commissioner Jensen asked for input tonight from the members present. Planning Commissioners Bowden and Deemer agreed that, due to several Park and Recreation Commission members being absent, discussion could wait until July 7 at the regular meeting. Planning Commissioner Anderson asked if the Metropolitan Council's projections are only forecast out to the year 2020. Mr. Scheib answered yes, the population forecast of 31,000 is projected only out to 2020. Planning Commissioner Deemer asked about several statistical errors on the existing land use map. Mr. Scheib clarified these errors and restated that these maps are in draft form only. He then continued on to discuss Park and Trail issues and the study that was done in 1982. According to Park and Recreation standards, there should be 10 acres of developed park area per 1000 people. This general standard, he added, is typically used only for urban areas, so it doesn't completely apply to Ramsey. Mr. Scheib stated Ramsey presently meets, if not exceeds these ratios in the urban areas. The key issue is whether or not there is enough parkland available for future planning. He then went on to say rural issues exist which focus on community parks. These parks must be placed so that people can drive to them. Smaller parks are in question, as to whether it is cost- effective to maintain them using park funds, or if they should be eliminated. Trail connections can be incorporated to access consolidated community parks. Present and future park use in rural areas will be looked at. Urban issues are those that concern neighborhood park facilities, located in higher density areas. These parks need to be placed so users will not have to cross highways or railroad tracks. Trail Park and Recreation Commission/June 11, 1998 Page 4 of 11