5.1. PCSR 08-24-2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Expand Access to Improve Athletic Fields to Expand Playability Parks, 9pen Space & Soccer,lacrosse,football,softball,and baseball fields in the Natural eso u rces City have seen increased use as Elk River's population has grown.As such,scheduling time and field space for sports Expanding access to parks,open space,and natural teams has become more and more competitive and is resources is a top priority as the community is expected further exacerbated when rain,snow,and night skies leave to see undeveloped land transition to residential and these fields unplayable.Improvements such as installing commercial use in the near future.The following strate- artificial turf fields and lighting can extend playability gies are intended to help the City meet current needs and on existing fields in the City and should be considered future anticipated needs for park land and natural ameni- especially in parks that see heavy use and are challenged ties in the community. by wetland/water drainage issues such as Lion John Weicht Park. Modify Land Development Regulations to Encourage Focus Resources Developer Driven Park Creation The majority of neighborhood parks are located in the southern portion of the City,some of which have over- As Elk River continues to see growth and development lapping service areas and maybe redundant.The Parks new parks must be established to ensure equitable access. MasterPlan identified Baldwin,Meadow,North Terrance, Future densely developed subdivisions,particularly in the Elk Hills Green Space,and the property south of Ridge- urban service expansion areas of the Gravel Mining area wood Easton 191st Avenue as unnecessary from a system and along Twin Lakes Road,will need to include parks to standpoint as they lack real public access,are prohibitively serve these new neighborhoods.The City's current subdivi- small for park use,and/or are difficult to maintain.If there sion standards require the dedication of land or contribu- are no legal issues related to the dedication/donation of tion of cash for public purpose in every subdivision Bevel- these properties,the City should consider selling them to oped for residential,commercial,or industrial uses,or as a private owners to take the burden of maintenance off the planned unit development.While developers can provide a parks and Recreation Department.Selling these proper- cash contribution in lieu of land dedication,the City should ties would also provide funds for the purchase of lands in encourage parkland development be integrated into these neighborhoods with limited access to parks especially in sites to provide residents access to parks directly in the the north of the City.In evaluating the sale of such proper- neighborhoods being developed.When accepting land as ties,the City should also carefully consider neighborhood parkland,the City needs to ensure the land is appropriate input and identify potential improvements to nearby parks for park us.This includes an evaluation of usable active and access routes to ensure local residents remain well- parkland,access,visibility,and proximity to other parks. served.The City also needs to evaluate how the land was acquired(park dedication,donation,or purchase)and how Park Amenities Menu to properly vacate ownership of these properties. To ensure that the smaller park sites adequately serve the recreation needs of neighborhood residents,the City Update the Parks Master Plan should consider establishing a menu of park and open space activation items for the developer to choose from.A The Parks MasterPlan was adopted in 2015 and many menu of items would also ensure a base level of park and projects identified in the Plan such as the improvements open space activation while providing developers with the to Orono Park are coming to completion.The City should flexibility needed to customize parks and open space to consider updating the Plan to identify new parks and recre- their target market.This type of menu can be integrated anon needs in the community as it grows.The Plan update into the City's Code of Ordinances to help guide desired at a minimum should address service area needs of new park and open space development in new subdivisions. developments in the expanded Urban Service District and supplement the Parks,Open Spaces E Natural Resources section of the Comprehensive Plan. 110 Parks,Open Space&Natural Resources Plan•Elk River Comprehensive Plan DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY