8.1. SR 11-18-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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SECTION 2. COMMUNITY BACKGROUND The City of Elk River is located just 35 miles northwest of Minneapolis-St. Paul between the Twin Cities and St. Cloud on the Mississippi and Elk Rivers. As the Sherburne County Seat, the city covers an area of 44 square miles making it one of the largest land-based cities in the state and the largest city within the county with nearly 24,000 residents. The city continues to develop while retaining its historical perspective and small-town flavor. Highways 10, 169, 101, nearby Interstate 94 and the new Northstar Commuter Rail provide fast and easy access to the greater metropolitan area as well as the gateway to Minnesota's lake country. The city recently went through the branding process in which we found that Elk River is Powered By Nature This is the brand which resulted from our branding process and sums up the major characteristics of our community— small, friendly, outdoorsy, and well-located. `Vorpeople wbo want to breathe the outdoor,yet avant access to big city amenities. Elk River is an emerging small city here the Elk And Mississippi Rivers floav to on the fringe of the Twin Cities and where the heart is powered by its nature so you are energi.Zed and inspired to make a difference" —brand promise. The city branding was the impetus for the Parks and Recreation Department to find its own brand core values,and mission. Various visioning workshops were held in early 2012 with staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission. It was through these workshops that the department came up with the taglines for its own brand—"Inspire Play Grow" ELK RIVER PARKS AND RECREATION P D W I R E R R Y NA ' u E N S P I RE 'r P LAY * G ROW The Parks and Recreation Department mission statement is,Elk River Parks and Recreation is ricb in diverse programs and facilities, dedicated to enhancing lives by inspiring play and embracing the nature of our city. Elk River Parks and Recreation achieves its mission by: • Promoting and expanding community partnerships and opportunities. • Providing a variety of recreation and service programs that contribute to the health and well- being of people of all ages and abilities. • Coordinating creative events that enhance community and add to the city economic vitality. • Maintaining the community's investment in the natural environment,with an emphasis on sustainability, safety,accessibility,aesthetic quality and fiscal responsibility. The City of Elk River Parks and Recreation Department currently services and is responsible for 44 parks consisting of over 900 acres. Many of the parks are smaller,undeveloped neighborhood parks acquired through park dedication funds. The more visible community type parks that are well used in our city include Hillside Park,Lions Park,Woodland Trails Park and Orono Park. 3