9.5. SR 05-18-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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37 City of Elk River - Parks and Recreation Master Plan Maintain our Park Assets at a High Level Park maintenance received high satisfaction marks from the community. As Elk River grows, new parks will need to be developed at the same time that existing facilities will need ongoing upkeep. Since parks represent an investment in the community, maintenance efforts are the best way to protect those investments. Dedicating appropriate resources to park maintenance pays off in the long run by lengthening the life span of capital investments and keeping facilities safe. Strengthen Trail Connections Trails are the most desired park feature in Elk River, according to community input. Providing a complete trail network with connections between neighborhoods, schools, downtown, as well as to other parks and the rivers would give people safe routes to significant destinations in the city. The Great Northern Trail (GNT) acts as a spine through the community, offering cyclist and pedestrian connections from the north end of Elk River through Woodland Trails Park and nearly reaching the core school area. Neighborhoods, particularly those east of Highway 169 would also benefit from better connections the GNT. Highway 169 is a barrier to trail usage and many residents report having to drive to the GNT. In addition, connecting north to Zimmerman and Princeton would improve the GNT as a regional connector and would elevate it from being a nice community feature to being a vital community and regional asset. The city should consider taking a leadership role in completing this regional paved non- motorized trail. Connect to the Rivers The Mississippi River and the Elk River, along with Orono Lake, represent some of the finest natural resources in the city. Residents expressed a strong association with the city’s water features and they take advantage of the rivers and the lake for recreation. With fishing at Orono Park, the concert series at Rivers Edge Commons, boating from Babcock Park, and nature walks at Bailey Point Nature Preserve and Camp Cozy, many recreational opportunities exist along the water. Opportunities exist to strengthen both the physical connections and views to the rivers. Potential trails along the river could significantly strengthen the Mississippi River Trail (a nationally recognized designated bicycle and pedestrian trail that traverses the shores of the Mississippi River in the United States) as well as improve the general trail network in Elk River. Protecting property along the rivers will also ensure connection for residents for generations to come. In addition to trails, locations that offer river views, such as the Mississippi River Bluff lands in the southern portion of the community should be expanded.