8.1. SR 12-01-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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SPECIALITY ATHLETICS Elk River parks offer facilities for alternative athletics that few other cities offer. The City's high - quality mountain biking, biathlon, and cross country skiing trails are some of the best in the Minneapolis /St. Paul metropolitan area and are a destination for residents and visitors. Volunteer efforts are a significant part of what keeps these facilities at a high level. The City should lead the effort to continue management of the facilities and also to ensure the long term success of the volunteer programs. COMMUNITY PARKS Through the public engagement process, residents put an emphasis on "destination" style parks. Community members acknowledged that they are willing to drive to larger playgrounds, unique activities, and high quality facilities. Thus, Elk River has an opportunity to build on the success of existing "signature" parks by further enhancing them as destinations. As the community continues to grow, additional pressure will be put on community facilities, which may necessitate the creation of additional community parks or expanding and improving existing parks to meet increased demand. ADDITIONAL INDIVIDUAL PARK NEEDS Needs identified needs for specific parks included, but are not limited to: Youth Athletic Complex (Signature Park) • Continue to improve as a high quality youth sports complex • Support amenities (parking, restrooms, concessions) are lacking and should be improved • There is a need for better wayfinding, both to and within the park • As the city grows, facilities need to be added to keep up with demand Orono Park and Dave Anderson Athletic Complex (Signature Parks) Improve circulation within the park Upgrade outdated support facilities (concessions, flush restrooms) to improve fan/visitor experience Lion John Weicht Park (Signature Park) Address wetland /water issues and soils issues • The amphitheater needs to be rebuilt and possibly relocated to address public safety /visibility issues • The facilities plan will address building problems and the potential for other uses such as Ice Arena 19 City of Elk River- Parks and Recreation Master Plan Draft 11 .25.1 4