9.0. PRSR 10-14-15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 Regional Park Designation for Woodland Trails Park An application to the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) for Woodland Trails Park to be designated a Regionally Significant Park was reviewed and given a "high"ranking. However, a Master Plan for Woodland Trails needs to be completed in early 2016 for the Park to become eligible and part of the designated regional system defined by the GMRPTC. Achieving regional designation shows that the park meets a very high standard for natural-resource based outdoor recreation and is part of a regional system across greater Minnesota. This is also the requirement to make Woodland Trails Park eligible for Regional Parks Legacy funding with an estimated$8 million annually available for parks that have regional park status. Funding can be used for improvements outlined in the Master Plan on page 49, such as a building for environmental education,maintenance and storage, a restroom building,and improved wayfinding including new signage and kiosks. Trail improvements would be another priority. While a Parks and Recreation Department system-wide adopted Master Plan was recently completed, a`Master Plan'as defined by the GMRPTC for a regional park requires certain items not addressed in the adopted Master Plan such as an ecological/land resources plan, a sustainability plan and a park management plan. The cost for a Woodland Trails Master Plan is estimated by the GMRPTC in the range of$15,000 - $20,000 for a consultant to complete. We are recommending $23,000 in the Park Improvement Fund for 2016. Recreation Facilities Study RFP The Recreation Facilities Study Plan RFP is nearly completed. N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Commission\Packets\2015\10-14-15 PRC Packet\Director's Report 10-14-15.docx