9.5. SR 05-18-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Chapter 5: How We Get There 42 GE T T I N G T H E R E Neighborhood Parks Service Area In Elk River residential development within the urban service area is at a density that will support a neighborhood park at a 10-minute walking distance, or a half-mile service radius. Most areas are well served. Because the urban service area is largely developed with little vacant land available to create new parks, emphasis will be on improving connectivity to existing parks and providing basic neighborhood park facilities as undeveloped parks become developed. North of the urban service area residential development is not at a density that supports walking distance neighborhood parks. Larger lots in this area provide for private recreation, or residents can drive to larger, community parks within the urban service area. In some areas cluster developments create neighborhoods that need neighborhood park facilities but may not have the population to justify a neighborhood park. To meet park needs outside of the urban service area the City of Elk River shall: • Provide high quality, drive-to, ‘signature’ parks that meet the needs of the entire community within the urban service area. • Provide non-motorized trail connections between neighborhoods, natural resource areas, parks, and the Great Northern Trail. • Strategically locate and acquire land for future park development. • Provide neighborhood parks outside a rate of 1.5 mile service radius, so that most residents live within an easy bike ride or 30 minute walk of neighborhood recreation. These parks will be natural-resource based, be linked by recreational trail systems, and provide minimal facilities such as children’s play areas and a mowed flexible field space. Recreation facilities should be developed when 300 or more households within cluster developments or on lots less than 2 acres are located within 1.5 miles of the park. 1/2 Mile