Laserfiche WebLink
June 1, 2000 <br /> <br />Mr. John Kue~ter <br />Chairman of Elk River Park Committee <br /> <br />Dear John, <br /> <br /> Thank you for the opportunity to make a proposal for the creation a multi- <br />jurisdictional regional park, trail, and open space plan to the Elk River Park Committee <br />last month. As I mentioned at the park meeting, the St. Cloud Area Planning <br />Organization (APO) is well-established agency that among other things, does an <br />effective job of long range planning for recreational facilities for the Benton, Sherburne <br />and Stearns County area. The APO has an extensive park and recreational plan that <br />includes trail rights-of-way, preservation of historic sites, and purchase of large regional <br />parks and open spaces. In the past, they have successfully made proposals to the state <br />legislature for requests for bonding or grants for development of their park system. I <br />believe that one of their reasons for success was that they have professionally prepared <br />plans based on input of citizens from all communities in the area. <br /> <br /> The eastern portion of Sherburne County does not have a similar comprehensive <br />multi-community park plan or the experience in preparing requests for major grants. <br />Because of success of the APO park planning, I am proposing that the Elk River Park <br />Department lead in the establishment of a similar coalition of park and open space <br />organizations from communities along a corridor located along highways 101 and 169 <br />from Rogers to Princeton. These communities all face similar needs, goals, and <br />problems and have a natural geographical affinity and interest. <br /> <br /> The goal of the coalition would be to develop a comprehensive park, trail, and <br />open-space plan without borders and investigate means of implementing the plan. <br />Cooperation between communities can provide coordination (or prevent duplication) <br />of regional parks and open space, continuation of trail corridors, and provide the <br />resources for professional planning. Requests for development grants from the <br />legislature and other government agencies are generally more effective when they <br />represent multiple interests. <br /> <br /> This proposal would require from approval from the City Council as well as City <br />staff time to identify the proper representatives of other communities, draft invitations <br />and organize the initial meetings. If you have any questions on this proposal please call. <br /> <br />CC: Pat Klaers, City Administrator, Michelle McPherson, City Planner <br /> <br />19232 PROCTOR RD · ELK RIVER, MN. · 55330 <br />PHONE: 763 441 2561 FAX: 763 441 7626 <br /> <br /> <br />