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DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY <br />Park Inventory, Supply & Distribution <br />The City of Elk River boasts 1,444 acres of park land that <br />include six athletic and active recreation facilities, 15 <br />neighborhood parks, three conservation/scenic areas, <br />13 open space/undeveloped parks, and two community <br />parks. All City parks and recreation facilities are operated <br />and maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department <br />under the direction of the City Council and the Parks and <br />Recreation Commis sion. <br />The majority of established neighborhoods in Elk River are <br />within a half-mile, roughly a 10- to 15-minute walk, of a <br />neighborhood park. However, much of the rural residential <br />areas in the northern portion of the City are not served <br />by neighborhood parks. In the north, the pattern of rural <br />subdivisions made it less feasible to provide smaller parks <br />within a walkable distance from existing residences which <br />lead the City to elect to further disperse parks in this area. <br />The south of the City is better served by neighborhood <br />parks and also has access to community parks with play- <br />grounds and other neighborhood park features which <br />helps to close gaps in service for this area. The southern <br />portion of the City is primarily built out which limits oppor- <br />tunity for additional parkland acquisition. <br />The railroad tracks present a major barrier to accessing <br />Meadowvale Park for residents living on the north side <br />of Lake Orono, underscoring a need for improved access <br />in the City. The accompanying map highlights residential <br />areas that are underserved by the current park system as <br />well as areas that are planned for future residential devel- <br />opment. It is important to note that much of the land in <br />the Urban Service Expansion Area is outside of the current <br />neighborhood park service area which means any new <br />residential development here will need to coincide with <br />additional parkland designation. <br />108 Parks, Open Space & Natural Resources Plan • Elk River Comprehensive Plan