8.1. SR 12-01-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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NEW PARKS VC As the community expands north, two types of residential developments are anticipated. Some development will continue according to the large lot pattern found in the northeast part of the city. Other developments, however, will have greater density and more of a neighborhood feel, like Rice Lake. The larger lot development pattern cannot support neighborhood parks accessible by foot for all residents. Furthermore, many residents already have additional land as part of their private property and may not require nearby neighborhood parks. On the other hand, residents in the denser, more defined neighborhoods have expressed a desire for neighborhood parks that they can access on foot. In addition to parkland, as the City expands to the north it should consider adding parkland as opportunities present themselves for the purposes of preservation and connectivity along the Mississippi and Elk Rivers. Acquiring properties like Houlton Farm would allow the City to ensure that high quality riverfront land is preserved for future generations of residents. ATHLETICS The provision of athletic facilities in Elk River relies on both the City and the School District. In order to meet national standards for many athletic facilities the City relies on the school district's fields, gyms and tennis courts. City owned and operated athletic facilities include: • Dave Anderson Athletic Complex - adult softball fields are located at Youth Athletic Complex - youth softball, baseball, and football fields. • Oak Knoll Athletic Complex - football, soccer, baseball, and softball fields. • Elk River Ice Arena - hockey and skating. In addition to the dedicated athletic facilities, many parks have informal softball and soccer fields, basketball hoops, and ice rinks for pick -up games. At this point, Pinewood Golf Course is not open. Through the needs assessment and planning process, however, community members expressed a desire to retain golf for community use. The City's facilities are an asset to the community but have not kept pace with the city's growth. Because of increasing demand for open field space for soccer, lacrosse, and football, time on these fields has become a scarce commodity. Burgeoning youth softball and baseball programs also compete for enough field space to accommodate demand. The shortage of athletic field space is exacerbated when rain, snow, and darkness leave the fields unplayable. The community wants more high - quality athletic facilities, and the City and School District should continue to work together to provide these facilities. 17 City of Elk River- Parks and Recreation Master Plan Draft 11 .25.1 4