8.1. SR 12-01-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Initiative 2: Maintain Our Park Assets at a High Level Based on survey responses and conversations with Elk River residents, it is clear the maintenance of the City parks is of high quality. The hard work of the City is evident in its fields, playgrounds, and trails. These efforts are bolstered by remarkable volunteer efforts. From Woodland Trails and Hillside Park to the Youth Athletic Complex and Bailey Point, the many hours of volunteer time donated to the City help create a system of quality parks and recreational opportunities that is out of reach many cities of comparable size and population. It is important to recognize the hard work and resources that go into maintaining high quality athletic facilities, park and trail systems. If the park system grows to the north with new neighborhoods, dedicated resources and staff must grow as well. Recommendations 1. Continue to ensure the safety of all park facilities through regular maintenance and equipment upgrades. Strategies: Annually inspect all parks, buildings, restrooms, picnic shelters, ball fields, courts, outdoor ice rinks, parking lots, trails, etc. • Allow operating budgets that result in well- maintained parks, trails, and facilities. The annual maintenance operating budgets should address natural resource and restoration efforts such as buckthorn removal and a park forest management plan. Consider the addition of a certified forester and a horticulturalist to parks professional staff. • Develop tiered maintenance level standards for routine maintenance to guide the most intensive maintenance to the least intensive. _.- . Prepare annually a five -year Capital Improvement Plan program for all park facilities. 2. Develop and formalize maintenance priorities in a maintenance manual. Strategies: • Write maintenance priorities and schedules as part of the parks maintenance manual. • Develop tiered maintenance level standards for routine maintenance to guide the most intensive maintenance to the least intensive. • Retain flexibility needed to respond to changing conditions and maintenance needs. • Prioritize snow removal at schools, businesses, high use areas, and areas which become dangerous without immediate attention. • Work with the school district to standardize and coordinate school and city athletic field maintenance standards. 3. Reduce on -going maintenance costs over time by replacing outdated park equipment and materials with high - efficiency models and high - quality, low- maintenance materials. Use the latest technologies to improve efficiencies and reduce costs. 43 City of Elk River- Parks and Recreation Master Plan Draft 11 .25.1 4