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The general population and the population in Elk <br />River, specifically, is aging. The over -55 portion of <br />the population is larger in Elk River than in other <br />typical communities. Seniors are heavy users <br />of recreational trails and there is high interest in <br />more trail opportunities. <br />Youth are also a large portion of the population <br />in Elk River, and providing more recreation <br />opportunities for children in Woodland Trails Park <br />will increase usership and create park stewards of <br />the future. <br />RECREATIONAL TRENDS <br />Trails continue to be a high demand recreational <br />amenity in Minnesota and the nation. According <br />to the 2014 Parks and Recreation Survey, on <br />70% of Elk River residents identify trails as high <br />priority, which mirrors state and national trends, <br />where trails are consistently at the top of the list of <br />desired amenities. <br />Increasing environmental issues in the news <br />are attracting people to be more concerned <br />about the natural environmental surrounding <br />them. Natural recreation experiences, such as <br />birdwatching, hiking, nature study, and fishing, <br />are more in demand in recent years. Woodland <br />Trails Park provides these opportunities as well <br />as a showcase location for natural resource <br />interpretation and best management practices. <br />PUBLIC HEALTH VALUES <br />With the rise of obesity and health issues, <br />being active and getting outside is increasingly <br />recommended as a way to stay healthy. <br />ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/ <br />TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES <br />The cross country ski trails at Woodland Trails <br />Park are well known regionally for their high <br />quality and condition. Park volunteers spend many <br />hours maintaining these trails for skiers, walkers, <br />runners, and bikers. The cross country ski trails <br />and biathlon range in the park have been used by <br />several current and former Olympic cross country <br />skiers and biathletes. It is a unique and rare <br />amenity that brings in skiers from the surrounding <br />region. <br />With the addition of proposed park facilities, <br />such as the nature center, children's nature play <br />area, and picnic shelter, many more diverse park <br />users will be attracted to Woodland Trails Park. <br />There are plans for the Great Northern Trail to be <br />extended south to downtown Elk River and north <br />to Zimmerman and Princeton, which would offer a <br />wider range of non -motorized, safe connections to <br />the park and adjacent destinations for a broader <br />population base. <br />16� ,F)I , ,& IF,) R,,II I/'T-K I -TF,-- I DRAFT JULY 7, 201 6 <br />