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DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY <br />The City of Elk River has two recently adopted plans that form the basis for much of the content in the Parks, Open Space, <br />and Natural Resources Chapter: the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2015) and Trails Master Plan (2018). While these <br />plans address park and trail needs at a system-wide level, it is important to recognize that new projects and needs will arise <br />as Elk River continues to grow. As such, this Chapter is intended to place these plans in the context of the Comprehensive <br />Plan and reinforce relevant strategies and recommendations as they support the community led vision for the future of <br />these assets in Elk River. <br />Recent Plans <br />Powered by Nature City of Elk River Parks and Recreation Master Plan (Adopted June 2015) <br />The Parks and Recreation Master Plan provides a stra- <br />tegic approach to protecting and cultivating the City’s park <br />and recreational assets for future generations. This Plan, <br />much like the Comprehensive Plan, is a tool to guide the <br />City Council, Parks and Recreation Commission, and City <br />staff in the allocation of resources for maintenance, trail <br />construction, playground installation, riverfront protection, <br />and program development based on community desires <br />and needs into the future. The “big picture” priorities <br />identified in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan for the <br />future park system include: <br />• Improve Existing Parks and Facilities. <br />• Maintain Park Assets at a High Level. <br />• Strengthen Trail Connections. <br />• Visually and/or Physically Connect to the Elk and Missis- <br />sippi Rivers. <br />• Provide Engaging Recreational Programming for the <br />Entire Community. <br />• Preserve Natural Resources and Greenways. <br />Trails Master Plan (Approved 2018) <br />There are 47 miles of paved and natural surface trails <br />throughout the City. The Trails Master Plan outlines <br />the existing trail and sidewalk network in Elk River and <br />identifies areas for proposed extensions and new trail/ <br />walk corridors with the goal of creating a comprehen- <br />sive trail network that weaves together neighborhoods in <br />the City. Important connections to note in this Plan are <br />the extension of the Mississippi River Trail and the Great <br />Northern Trail which tie into both national and regional <br />trail networks. <br />Powered by Nature <br />City of Elk River <br />Parks and Recreation Master Plan <br />Adopted June 2015 <br />Elk River Comprehensive Plan • Parks, Open Space & Natural Resources Plan 107