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rk.,( ITEM 6.11 . ty of � MEMORANDUM 41k River TO: Planning Commission FROM: Pat Klaers, City Admi f' ra4 r DATE: September 24, 1996 SUBJECT: Park Land Acquisition The city has discussed obtaining park land from Mr. Gagne for a number of years. This potential park land is north of Highway 10, north of the Elk River along the Waco Avenue alignment. Mr. Gagne has 48 acres in this area (see attached maps) and over the years, has offered to sell this land to the city. Mr. Gagne has recently advised the city that he is willing to donate this land to the city for park and public purposes. This land gift will be subject to City Council approval and acceptance of an appraisal which identifies the value of this property. Additionally, the city will need to have a Phase I 411 Environmental Audit completed before it accepts this property. State law requires that the Planning Commission review any city acquisition or disposal of property. While this land is not going to be purchased by the city but is a gift, it still seems appropriate for the Planning Commission to review this property becoming part of the city land inventory. The Park and Recreation Commission has reviewed this site at a number of meetings. This property was included as part of the 1991 Park Master Plan. In the draft updated Park Master Plan, a park in this vicinity is also identified. In April, 1995, the Commission also evaluated this area as a potential location for recreation fields. Part of this property is in the floodplain and is flat and open and is conducive to the development of recreation fields. If flooding were to take place in this area, there would be limited damage to the recreation fields. Access into the area was the major concern that lead the Commission to recommend that this property not be purchased and developed into recreation fields. Nonetheless, the Commission supported obtaining this property if economically feasible for park purposes. Accordingly, the Commission has already indicated its support for the city obtaining this property. • 13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425