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<br />The Elk River Vision <br />A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional <br />service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity <br />Request for Action <br /> <br /> <br />To <br />Parks and Recreation Commission <br />Item Number <br />8.1 <br />Agenda Section <br />Discussion Item <br />Meeting Date <br />December 11, 2019 <br />Prepared by <br />Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director <br />Item Description <br />Alba Ridge Park and Oxbow Park Properties <br />Reviewed by <br />Cal Portner, City Administrator <br />Reviewed by <br /> <br /> <br />Action Requested <br />Discussion of Alba Ridge Park and Oxbow Park properties. <br /> <br />Background/Discussion <br />Alba Ridge Park and Oxbow Park have recently been brought to our attention with issues requiring staff <br />attention. Both parks are undeveloped and acquired primarily for open space with no development or <br />future uses planned. Neither park is mentioned in the 2015 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. <br /> <br />Alba Ridge Park was purchased by the city in 2006 as a means to acquire 20-acres of dense woods, prairie <br />and wetlands in the northern part of the city. We have continued issues with the ditches and beavers <br />requiring time and resources for trappers this past summer/fall to trap beavers. The sod farmers <br />upstream of the park have complained about continued damming and the increased water levels <br />damaging their property/sod. Recently, beavers have returned again to the ditch traversing the northern <br />boundary. The trapper will return again this month to trap and relocate the pesky beavers and destroy the <br />dam for the third time this year. <br /> <br />We have received a neighbor complaint regarding Oxbow Park of hunters parking on the street and using <br />the park to access the William H. Houlton Conservation Area (WHHCA). It has been suggested that this <br />park has become an access arm for the WHHCA. The 2.7-acre park was purchased with park dedication <br />monies in 2003. The Commission chose the name Oxbow Park due to the parks location adjacent to the <br />Mississippi River. Staff feels this park could be easily assimilated into the WHHCA. <br /> <br />Financial Impact <br />Alba Ridge is one of the few parks in our park system that could be re-sold by the city since gifting or <br />park dedication funds were not involved. <br /> <br />Attachments <br /> Alba Ridge Park original concept plan <br /> Alba Ridge Park aerials <br /> Oxbow Park aerials