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9 City of Elk River - Parks and Recreation Master Plan <br />Trends <br />Trends <br />The city, recreation, and our environment are ever changing and dynamic. New <br />technologies, trends, cultures, and activities affect new facility and program needs. <br />Elk River must keep pace with these changing needs. By building flexibility into <br />recreation and park facilities, the city will be able to adapt quickly and efficiently <br />to new needs. The following chapter outlines key national and local trends <br />influencing recreation and parks in Elk River. <br />A Growing Community <br />Elk River continues to be a growing community. From 1990 to 2010 the <br />population doubled from 11,143 to 22,974. <br />The city anticipates adding nearly 13,000 more people by 2035, placing additional <br />demands for recreation of all types on the current park system. Further, the <br />existing park amenities have aged and require increasing maintenance, repair and <br />replacement. <br />Aging and Aging Actively <br />Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) represent almost 25% population nationally. In <br />Elk River this demographic, specifically the over-55 population, grew 84% from <br />2000 to 2010, significantly outpacing growth in the rest of the population (31%). <br />The Baby Boomers are aging, but are determined not to let it slow them down. <br />Many seek changes in lifestyle to reflect their lack of child-care responsibilities <br />and expanded recreation, educational, and cultural interests. As the nation’s <br />largest generation gets older, they are more active with continued participation <br />in social, economic, cultural, recreation, and civic affairs. Elk River will need to <br />provide opportunities, civic participation, social interaction, education, as well as <br />a broad range of active recreation choices. <br />Chapter 2