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Memo to the Park and Recreation Commission/pkrvw <br /> April 12,2000 <br /> Page 3 <br /> property is also located such that it could be linked to future preserved open spaces <br /> • <br /> as clustered subdivisions develop in the area, including Windsor Park. This <br /> property may be a good candidate for a future regional park if the land becomes for <br /> sale or the use changes. <br /> Windsor Park <br /> As you all know, the Park is mostly wooded with many native species in the under <br /> story. The under story is presently planned to have a trail looping around it in and <br /> out of the public right-of-way and then across the preserved open space to Elk Lake <br /> Road. A conservation easement will be place over the Park and the MN Land Trust <br /> will be the holder of the easement. As part of the process of writing the <br /> conservation easement document, the City will have to determine what uses will be <br /> allowed in the Park and determine in advance likely paved areas and structures so <br /> that they can be included in the easement. It is likely that the MN Land Trust will <br /> want some portion of the Park to remain natural and limit hard surfaces to a <br /> minimum. <br /> Staff recommends that the Park remain in its natural state with only removal of <br /> non-native species such as prickly ash, buckthorn and honeysuckle or any trees <br /> with Oak Wilt that may be present. For the purposes of writing a conservation <br /> easement, a provision to allow for the following future uses might be considered: <br /> • Garbage storage <br /> • Picnic tables <br /> • Play structure <br /> • Park identification signs <br /> • Wood chip trail through the center of the Park <br /> Gagne Park <br /> A Park Concept Plan was prepared in 1998 identifying the following proposed <br /> improvements: <br /> • Use existing entrance road allowing adjacent residents access off of it <br /> • Prairie restoration in northern open field with a loop trail, picnic structure <br /> and tables, play structure, portable toilets, and parking lot <br /> • 2 ball fields and a soccer field in the southern open field <br /> • Paved trail around ball fields and in the woods along the Elk River <br /> • Benches and rest areas for pedestrians and canoeists along the Elk River <br /> • Secondary picnic area accessible by trail only <br /> • Acquire additional land adjacent the Elk River to the south and east if and <br /> when it becomes available to provide greater park river access <br /> • Park identification sign <br /> • Delineate park boundaries and install boundary markers <br /> • Garbage /recycling corral <br /> • Harris Island Park <br /> \\elkriver\sys\shrdoc\planning\stevewen\parkmmo\pkrvw.doc <br />