HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-23-08. ~. CITY OF ST. OS~PH
1
www. cityof stjoseph.com
Joint Meeting of St. Joseph Planning Commission & St. Joseph Park Board
July 23, 2008
6:00 PM
Administrator 1. Call to Order
~udy Weyrens
2. Chapter 10 -Parks, Trails & Open Space
Mayor 3. Adjourn
AI iZassier
Councilors
Steve Frank
Rick Schultz
Renee Symanietz
Dale wick
zs College Avenue North PO Box 668 Saint ~oseph, Minnesota 56374
phone 3zo.363.7zoi Fax 3zo.363.0342
PARKS, TRAILS, $c OPEN SPACE
PURPOSE
PARK TI~ILS
s s
8 OPEN SPACE
Parks, trails, and open space facilities are valuable community resources that respond to diverse needs
and contribute positively to the quality of life. Such facilities and opportunities benefit the public by:
ASK: Does this portion ut
the C~~t7~prehensive Plan
prepare St Joseph fir
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success in pursuing
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^ Providing a necessary and satisfying change from the things
we usually do and the places where we spend most of our time.
^ Providing health benefits
^ Providing safety benefits (e.g. wellhead protection or flood
control)
^ Defining a community's image and distinctive character (remind
people of what they once were, who they are, and where they
are)
^ Promoting economic development through enhanced real
estate values and increased tourism
^ Providing land use and transportation (e.g. create buffer areas
and alternatives to traffic by passenger automobile.)
Park, trail, and recreation planning is complicated in that such
opportunities mean different things to different people. It is
crucial to understand the different functions, benefits, purposes,
and interactions of different park, trail, and recreational
opportunities. It is also important to keep in mind that oftentimes
parks and recreational areas change over time to keep up with
changes in the demographic/social characteristics of the
neighborhoods they serve. For example, a toddler play area may
initially serve a new residential neighborhood; however, as the
average age within the neighborhood changes the play area may
City of St. Joseph Comprehensive Plan, 2008 Chapter 10, Page 1
PARKS, TRAILS, & OPEN SPACE
be converted to recreational fields and then passive recreational facilities such as gardens, natural areas,
etc.
Finally, it is necessary to embrace the truth that desired park, trail, and recreation opportunities don't
happen without a shared vision and planning. To assure adequacy and maximum usability, recreation
areas and facilities must be developed with regard for the needs of the people and the area they serve.
Proper planning must take into consideration a number of factors, including but not limited to, location of
existing recreational areas (i.e. proximity to the area seared, separation from incompatible land uses),
adequacy of existing facilities, site planning for the location of future facilities, access to current and future
facilities, provisions for recreation programs, and financing, maintenance and management of existing
and proposed parks, trails and recreational facilities.
To those ends, this element of the Comprehensive Plan will:
1. Describe park classifications
2. Describe trail classifications
3. Inventory existing facilities
4. Analyze existing services and community vision
5. Establish park, trail, and recreation goals, objectives and policies.
It is noted the City of St. Joseph is undertaking master park planning at this time. The Master Park Plan
(MPP) will be guided by a vision specific that document and goals established in the MPP. As such the
MPP is intended to be a more detailed guide for the development of each facility over time.
City of St. Joseph Comprehensive Plan, 2008 Chapter 10, Page 2
PARKS, TRAILS, 8c_QPEN SPACE
II. PARK CLASSIFICATIONS (NRPA)
City planners used to and occasional still do evaluate adequacy of parks on an acreage-to-population
ratio or scale (e.g. 10 acres of parkland for each 1,000 residents), The ratio or scale is still a valuable
measure but, since parkland needs can vary greatly and change over time, the City of St. Joseph has
chosen to employ a systems approach to compare the supply of park and recreation facilities with the
demand for these facilities on the part of residents and other users. This approach is set forth in Parks,
Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines, published by the National Recreation and Park
Association (NRPA).
Park classifications provide a systematic way of categorizing park land so decisions regarding design,
capital improvements, and maintenanceloperation are based on the types and functions of parks. This
classification system allows the level of service for each park type to be determined by analyzing the
service area and identifying any gaps or duplications throughout the District. It is understood that park
classifications can change over time. The following terms and descriptions shall be used to classify
existing and future park facilities within the City of St. Joseph.
A. MINI PARK (A.K.A. URBAN/POCKET)
Examples of this type of park include town squares, urban plazas, landscaped courtyards,
promenades, and village greens. Mini parks address limited, isolated, or unique needs within a
limited and concentrated service area. Mini parks may be used for active, passive, or a
combination of active and passive proposes. These types of parks sometimes meet the
neighborhood park needs of surrounding residents. They can also provide opportunities for
community events and enhance the identity of urban core and mixed-use districts.
Mini parks may be located in a variety of areas depending on the specific recreational need or the
type of opportunity present. These parks are very small in geographic size typically ranging from
2,500 s.f. to one acre. Site selection criteria should include access from the surrounding area and
linkage to community pathways. There are no specific criteria for the development of mini-park
facilities. Parking is typically not required, however, site lighting for safety/security should be
investigated.
B. NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
Neighborhood parks are the basic unit of the park system providing informal activity or passive
recreation for an adjacent neighborhood. This type of park serves as the focal point for
recreational and social needs of a neighborhood. Neighborhood parks should be developed to
service the active and passive recreational activities of the area it serves, including different age
and income levels.
Neighborhood parks are usually designed primarily for spontaneous, non-organized recreation
activities and/or to enhance neighborhood identity or preserve open space. Generally speaking,
programmed activities usually do not take place in neighborhood parks and site development
typically includes sidewalk, benches, landscaping, and play features for preschoolers.
Neighborhood parks/playgrounds should connect with trails, which connect to other parks and
neighborhoods.
The service area for neighborhood parks is generally one fourth to one half (% to'/) mile with the
park located in the center of the area intended to be served. Since the primary means of getting
to a neighborhood park is walking or biking, ease of access (interconnected trail, sidewalk, low
volume local streets) and walking distance are priority factors in determining location.
City of St. Joseph Comprehensive Plan, 2008 Chapter 10, Page 3
PARKS, TRAILS., & OPEN SPACE
Neighborhood parks generally range from five to ten acres in size with the population density and
demographic characteristics of the neighborhood it serves being important considerations. A
balance of passive recreational opportunities (ornamentation, conservation, passive activities)
and active recreational facilities (fields, courts, skating, splash pool, etc. primarily used informally
in an unstructured manner) is needed. In addition, a pleasant outdoor environment will enhance
use and draw residents to the park and, therefore, is an important design element.
Limited off-parking (e.g. seven to ten spaces) is needed for those who must drive to the site. Park
lighting should be used for security and safety with limited lighting on recreational facilities.
C. COMMUNITY PARK
Community parks are larger in size and serve more wide-ranging purposes than neighborhood
parks. Community parks focus on group activities and meeting community-wide recreation needs,
retaining open space, and/or preserving unique landscapes.
Like neighborhood parks, community parks should strive to balance active and passive
recreational opportunities. Community parks should serve more than one neighborhood with a
service area of generally a third of a mile to three miles. Since most people arrive a community
parks by automobile or bicycle, the site should be serviced by arterial and collector streets and be
easily accessible from throughout the service area by trail or sidewalk.
The size of a community park is usually 20 to 50 acres, but can vary if open space or landscape
preservation is the purpose of the park. Actual size of community parks should be based on
neighborhood demographics, population density, resource availability, and recreation demand.
The NRPA suggests site selection guidelines include the site's natural area, preserving unique
landscapes within the community, and/or providing recreational opportunities not otherwise
available. When possible, community parks should be adjacent to natural resource areas and
greenways.
Potential active recreational opportunities include large play structures, game courts, informal
ballfields, tennis courts, volleyball courts, horseshoe areas, skating areas, swimming pools,
archery ranges, and disc golf areas. Active recreational facilities may be used for programmed
activities on an occasional basis with most facilities used in an informal, unstructured manner.
Potential passive recreational opportunities include internal trails, individual/group picnic and
sitting areas, nature study areas, bandshells, and ornamental gardens.
Off-street parking is essential; lighting for security, safety and facilities should be as appropriate.
D. SPECIAL USE PARK
Special use parks cover a broad range of park and recreation facilities oriented toward a single
purpose. NRPA classifies special use parks as one of three types: historic/cultural/social sites,
recreation facilities, and outdoor recreation facilities. Historic/cultural/social sites showcase
unique resources and may include historic downtown areas, performing arts parks, arboretums,
ornamental gardens, performing arts facilities, indoor theaters, churches, public buildings, and
amphitheaters. Recreation facilities may include community centers, senior centers, hockey
arenas, marinas, golf courses, and aquatic parks. Outdoor recreation facilities include tennis
centers, softball complexes, and sports stadiums.
City of St. Joseph Comprehensive Plan, 2008 Chapter 10, Page 4
PARKS, TRAILS, 8c OPEN SPACE
NRPA suggests special use parks be strategically located in a community-wide context and
conveniently accessible from arterial and collector streets along with pathways. Other primary
location considerations are: recreation need, community interests, the type of facility, and land
availability. Special use park acreage needs vary widely with facility space being the primary
determinant. Since there are a variety of potential special use parks, specific standards for site
selection and development parameters are not defined.
E. GREENSPACE/OPEN SPACE GREENWAY
Greenways are lineal park system components that serve several functions under NRPA
guidelines: tie park components together to form a continuous park environment; emphasize
harmony with the natural environment; allow for safe and uninterrupted pedestrian movement
between parks and throughout the community; provide people with aresource-based outdoor
recreation opportunity and experience; and, they can increase property value. Greenways
emphasize park use/trails more than natural resource areas.
Criteria for locating greenways are primarily land availability and opportunity to secure right-of-
way. Greenways may follow suitable natural resource areas (preferred) or, if designed properly,
revitalized riverfronts, abandoned railroad beds, boulevards, etc. In addition, proximity to parks
and connector trails are important considerations.
Potential recreation activities within greenways include hiking, walking, jogging, bicycling, in-line
skating, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, etc. Greenway width is highly variable and per
NRPA standards can be as little as 25 to 50 feet with widths greater than 200 feet being
considered best.
F. NATURAL RESOURCE AREAS
Natural areas have a great deal in common with natural greenways in that they are land set aside
for preservation of significant natural resources, remnant landscapes, open space, and visual
aesthetics/buffering. As defined within the NRPA system, natural areas usually consist of
individual sites exhibiting natural resources, protected lands (wetlands, public waters, shoreland),
or lands unsuitable for development (steep slopes, ravines, ponding areas, utility easements,
etc). Specific LOS standards do not apply to natural areas.
The employment of this type of park facility is based on availability of areas and need for
preservation, so size is highly variable. Location considerations are primarily limited to sites that
exhibit unique natural resources or remnant landscapes of the region. Undevelopable/protected
lands are usually selected on the basis of enhancing the character of the community, buffering,
and providing linkages with other park components. Natural resource areas are resource based
as opposed to user based but can provide some passive recreational opportunities providing
such use does not negatively impact the resource to be preserved.
City of St. Joseph Comprehensive Plan, 2008 Chapter 10, Page 5
PARKS, TRAILS, 8c OPEN SPACE
III. PARK INVENTORY
The City of St. Joseph features several existing park and recreational facilities, most of which are
conveniently located and generally accommodate the recreational needs of residents. Recreational
facilities within the City can be described according to their type, population served and location.
Following is a listing of the park and recreational facilities existing in the City of St. Joseph. Map 10-1 at
the close of this Chapter illustrates the location of said facilities:
Millstream Park (North of CSAH 75 and East of CSAH 3)
This community park located in the northwestern quadrant
of the City is in good condition. The facility occupies a 35-
acre area bordered by CSAH 75, CSAH 3 and the Watab
River.
The following facilities are located in Millstream Park: disc
golf, play area, crushed limestone trail, eight campsites
with electrical hook-up, picnic shelter with restrooms, grill
shelter, soccer field, two softball fields with lighting,
bleachers, vault restroom, sand volleyball court, basketball
hoops, horseshoe pits, picnic tables and parking lots.
Monument Park (West Birch Street.and 2"d Avenue N.W.)
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Photo by SEH,Inc. -
This one-third acre mini park was developed in 1941 and includes a historical monument. The monument
is entitled the St. Joseph Block House Memorial and is one of five such sites in Stearns County. The
historic marker stands where a timbered fort that was used by area settlers for shelter during the Sioux
Uprising in 1862 was located.
In addition to the contemporary monument, the park includes: a picnic area, paved trail segment, and off-
street parking.
Hollow Park (West Birch and 5'h Ave NW)
This one-half acre mini or neighborhood park is located at the
end of West Birch Street north of the intersection of Birch Street
and 5~' Avenue NW. The mini park includes a play area, a bench,
and a picnic table.
City of St. Joseph Comprehensive Plan, 2008 Chapter 10, Page 6
PARKS, TRAILS, & OPEN SPACE
Centennial Park (205 Birch Street West)
This 2.25 acre neighborhood park is located in the northwest
quadrant of the City adjacent to land uses which primarily include
multiple family residential and business uses.
The park is in good condition and includes: a play area, picnic
tables, benches, ahalf-court basketball court, a sand volleyball
court, community building (available for rental), and horseshoe
pits.
Memorial Park (28 Third Avenue N.W.)
This 2.5 acre special` use ,park is located northeast of the
intersection of 3`d Avenue and Ash Street and is in good condition.
The park includes: unlit baseball diamond, hockey/skate park with
lighting, concession building with restrooms, water taps, an
equipment shed, a maintenance shed, bleachers, picnic tables, a
sliding hill, and off-street parking.
Northland Park (West of Hackberry Drive)
This 5.6 acre neighborhood park was constructed in 1993 in
conjunction with the Northland housing development and is in
excellent condition.
The park currently includes: a play area, a sand volleyball court, a
picnic table, benches, and off-street parking facilities.
Cloverdale Park (Corner of East Able Street and 8~' Avenue SE)
This half-acre mini; park is located north of East Able Street and 8~' Avenue SE. The park is located in a
maturing residential area and includes a play area and benches.
Brian Klinefelter Memorial Park
This 26-acre community park located in the east central portion
of the City adjacent to Tenth Avenue S.E. and south of Dale
Street. The park includes: a play area, picnic tables, benches,
bituminous trail/bridges, a memorial, portable restroom facilities,
and off-street parking.
City of St. Joseph Comprehensive Plan, 2008 Chapter 10, Page 7
PARKS, TRAILS, & OPEN SPACE..
IV. TRAIL CLASSIFICATIONS (NRPA)
Through the same means as park classifications, trail classifications provide a systematic way of
categorizing trails. Such classification assists in making decisions regarding design, capital
improvements, and maintenance/operation based on the types and functions of trails. The following terms
and descriptions shall be used to classify existing and future trail facilities within the City of St. Joseph.
A. PARK TRAIL
Park trails are trail facilities located within existing parks, including greenways and natural areas.
Under NRPA guidelines, park trails are at the top of the trail hierarchy, should be considered the
preferred trail type, and should be employed to the greatest extent possible. NRPA guidelines
classify park trails as one of three types: trails in heavy use areas which are suitable to serving a
separate, single purpose (e.g. pedestrian or bicyclists); trails in lighter use areas which serve
multiple purposes (e.g. pedestrian, in-line skating, bike); or, trails within areas suited for minimal
impact (e.g. natural area}.
Park trails are generally developed for recreational value and in harmony with environment. Park
trails are typically hard surfaced but can be a soft surface if within a natural area.
B. CONNECTOR TRAIL
Connector trails are multiple purpose trails which assist safer travel for pedestrians & bicyclists
moving from one park to another and throughout the community. Connector trails focus on
recreation and transportation options. Connector trails can be located external to or within right-
of-way. NRPA guidelines classify connector trails as one of two types: trails that are likely to be
used heavily in which case they can be used to separate users, or trails with lighter use suitable
for accommodating multiple users.
C. ON-STREET BIKEWAYS
Under NRPA guidelines, on-street bikeways are paved roadway segments that safely separate
bicyclists from vehicular traffic and may be a bike route (for preferential or exclusive use by
bicyclists - e.g. next to heavily traveled roadway) or a bike lane (shared portion of roadway
providing separation between automobiles and bicyclists - e.g. paved shoulder). The speed of
users (i.e. commuters, fitness/recreation enthusiasts, competitive athletes) is an important
consideration in trail design as is opportunity to secure right-of-way.
D. SPECIALIZED TRAIL
Specialized trails provide for alternate activities such as all-terrain bikes, cross country skiing, or
equestrian use and are closely related to environment. Special use trails are often looped, usually
within a larger parks and natural resource areas. Specialized trail are usually planned for and
provided by regional or state entities.
City of St. Joseph Comprehensive Plan, 2008 Chapter 10, Page 8
PARKS, TRAILS, 8c OPEN SPACE
V. TRAIL INVENTORY
Table 10-1 below lists trails existing in the City of St. Joseph, please note trails proposed, but not
constructed are illustrated in italic type face in the right column. In addition, the trails are illustrated on
Map 10-1 at the close of this chapter.
TABLE 10-1
TRAIL INVENTORY
Classification General Description Detail Description of Each Type Existing/Proposed
Facilities
Type I: Separate/single purpose hard -surfaced
Multi-purpose trails located within trails for pedestrians or bicyclistslin-line skaters. Klinefelter Park (Type II)
greenways, parks and natural
Park Trail resource areas. Focus in on Type II: Multi-purpose hard-surfaced trails for
recreational value and harmony with pedestrians and bicyclists/in-line skaters.
the natural environment.
Type III: Nature trails for pedestrians. May be hard
or soft surfaced.
Type I: Separate/single-purpose hard-surfaced
Multi-purpose trails that emphasize trails for pedestrians or bicyclists/in-line skaters Wot~egon Trail -Type I
safe travel for pedestrians to and located in independent R.O.W
Connector Trail from parks and around the
community. Focus is as much on Type II: Separate/single-purpose hard-surfaced
transportation as it is on recreation. trails for pedestrian orbicyclists/in-line skaters.
T icall located within road R.O.W.
Bike Route: Designated portions of the roadway for
Paved segments of roadways that the preferential or exclusive use of bicyclists.
On-Street Bikeway serve as a means to safely separate None
bicyclists from vehicular traffic. Bike Lane: Shared portions of the roadway that
provide separation between motor vehicles and
bic clists, such as aved shoulders.
Special Use Trail
All-Terrain Bike Trail Off-road trail for all-terrain
(mountain) bikes.
Single-purpose loop trails usually located in larger None
Cross Country Ski Trail Trails developed for traditional and parks and natural resource areas.
skate-style cross-country skiing.
Trails developed for horseback
Equestrian Trail ridin .
City of St. Joseph Comprehensive Plan, 2008 Chapter 10, Page 9
PARKS, TRAILS, & OPEN SPACE
VI. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS.
A. SIDEWALKS
The location of existing sidewalks is included with existing trails in Map. 10-1 at the close of this
Chapter. The City currently requires the installation of sidewalks on collector and minor arterial
streets in conjunction with property subdivision. In addition, the Subdivision Ordinance gives the
City Council the authority to require sidewalks on local streets as directed. In addition, the City
has policies in place related to public sidewalk maintenance and repair.
B. RECREATION PROGRAMS
There are a number of coordinated and uncoordinated recreational opportunities in and around
St. Joseph.. .
C. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
The American with Disability Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The law requires
local and state governments, places of public accommodation and commercial facilities to be
readily accessible to persons with disabilities. ADA statutes affect the City of St. Joseph and other
local and state park and recreation facilities in the following ways:
^ Newly constructed buildings (after January 26, 1993) must be constructed to be readily
accessible.
^ Renovations or alterations occurring after January 26, 1992 to existing facilities must be
readily accessible.
^ Barriers to accessibility in existing buildings and facilities must be removed when it is
"readily accessible". This includes the location and accessibility to restrooms, drinking
fountains and telephones.
Most facilities are handicap accessible, however, playgrounds and play features and connections
to various facilities within existing parks are generally not handicap accessible.
D. REGIONAL PLANS
Stearns County park, trail, and open space plans include the extension of the Wobegon trail from
CR133 in St. Joseph to the Mississippi River. The County also recently purchased the former
"Honer" property west of Kramer Lake for park/preservation purposes.
The existing-future trail map included in the 2030 Stearns County Comprehensive Plan is
included at the close of this Chapter.
E. PARKLAND DEDICATION REQUIRED
The City has adopted parkland dedication requirements within the Subdivision Ordinance.
Dedication standards require all subdivisions to dedicate a reasonable percentage of property to
the public or preserved for conservation purposes or for public use as parks, recreational
facilities, playgrounds, trails, wetlands or open space as determined by the City Council.
Alternately the City may choose to require a fee in lieu of parkland dedication or a combination of
land dedication and fee.
City of St. Joseph Comprehensive Plan, 2008 Chapter 10, Page 10
PARKS, TRAILS, He OPEN SPACE
Standards pertaining to residential subdivisions require single family lots provide 1,172 sf of
parkland or fee in lieu of parkland dedication per unit; multiple family developments must provide
at least 1,250 sf of parkland/fee per unit. Commercial/industrial subdivisions are required to set
aside two (2) percent of the land area minus streets and other dedications or a fee in lieu of
parkland dedication equal to the land dedication value.
F. PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
The City has appointed a seven member Park Board which meets monthly to plan for the
development and redevelopment of St. Joseph park, recreation, trail, and open space systems.
Park Board duties and responsibilities include but may not be limited to:
^ Acquiring land for park purposes (following City Council approval)
^ Control property set aside for park dedication
^ Provide recommendations to the City Council as requested or directed
^ Provide for park care and maintenance
^ Provide for free entertainment for the public
^ Plan and develop educational programs and activities for the City
^ Promote public interest in and understanding of City parks, programs, and activities
^ Coordinate recreational park activities with other community organizations or groups
City of St. Joseph Comprehensive Plan, 2008 Chapter 10, Page 11
PARKS, TRAILS, & OPEN SPACE
VI1. EVALUATION OF EXISTING SYSTEMS
Providing quality recreational opportunities begins with proper planning. Proper planning must take into
consideration a number of factors, including but not limited to, location of existing recreational areas (i.e.
proximity to the area served, separation from incompatible land uses), adequacy of existing facilities, site
planning for the location of future facilities, access to current and future facilities, provisions for recreation
programs, and financing, maintenance and management of existing and proposed parks, trails and
recreational facilities.
The City's combination of recreational activities, historic sites and existing parkland/open space provide
residents and visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities. Map 10-2 (NOTE: NEED To DETERMINE PARK
CLASSIFICATIONS PRIOR TO DEVELOPING THIS MAP, WILL BE INCLUpED IN GOMpREHENSIVE PLAN AND MPP) IndlCateS areas Served
by existing recreational facilities. As indicated parks are located so as to serve the needs of most
residential areas of the City, however additional facilities would benefit residents in the south central
portion of the City. Additional parks and/or open space may also complement the commercial/retail areas
in the downtown and CSAH 75 corridors.
Map 10-2 also indicates park search areas.
City of St. Joseph Comprehensive Plan, 2008 Chapter 10, Page 12
PARKS, TRAILS,, & OPEN SPACE
VIII. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES
Following the inventory and evaluation of existing park, trail and recreation facilities and in accordance
with NRPA guidelines, the following goals, objectives, and policies/recommendations have been
prepared.
GOAL #1: ADEQUATE, APPROPRIATE PARK AND TRAIL SYSTEM
Objective A: Maximize public's investment in existing park and trail facilities by maintaining
features that meet the demonstrated recreational needs of the City.
Policy/Recommendations:
1. The City should conduct a detailed assessment of existing park and trail
system elements in terms of: facility type, area served, accessibility, size,
active/passive recreational opportunities provided, resource availability,
recreation demand, level of service needed, etc.
2. Following said detailed assessment, the City should determine attributes
and features of the existing park and trail system to retain and/or
enhance.
3. The City should determine what, if any, existing park and trail system
elements are no longer providing for a demonstrated need. Existing park
and trail system elements for which a need is not demonstrated should
be converted to services for which there is a demonstrated need.
4. The City shall maintain zoning and subdivision regulations that provide
for and encourage the continued development of parks, open space,
trails, and recreational opportunities.
5. The City shall identify needed capital investments applicable to existing
park and trail system components. Capital investments in existing
system components should be included in the five-year capital
improvement program.
6. The City shall continue to provide for regular operations and
maintenance of existing park and trail system components through the
annual budget.
Objective B: Provide active and passive park and recreational facilities to meet the needs of
diverse groups within the community including, but not limited to, persons with
differing ages, abilities, incomes, household type, etc.
Policy/Recommendations:
1. The City should strive for appropriate access for mobility impaired
persons to park and trail system components and facilities throughout
the City.
City of St. Joseph Comprehensive Plan, 2008 Chapter 10, Page 13
PARKS, TRAILS, 8c OPEN SPACE
Objective C:
Objective D:
2. The City will strive to provide equal access to parks and open space
areas throughout the community by providing for equal distribution of
parks and open spaces throughout all sections of the City relative to user
population densities.
3. The City will strive to provide adequate and equitable funding for the
acquisition, rehabilitation and development of park and trail system
components in a fair and equitable manner.
Continue to enhance the value and recreational opportunity afforded by park and
trail system components.
Policy/Recommendations:
1. The City will strive to promote park and trail system continuity and
accessibility by linking municipal system components and maximizing
opportunities to link to regional systems.
2. The City should connect areas of interest within the community such as
commercial areas, parks and residential neighborhoods to the
interconnected park and trail system.
3. The City should identify and prioritize natural areas and special places to
preserve as part of the park system.
4. The City shall apply official controls, such as park dedication
requirements, to ensure that appropriate park land is provided with new
development. Whenever possible, land dedication should relate to the
park and trail plan contained at the close of this Chapter.
5. As street/utility reconstruction occurs within the developed part of the
City in areas designated for future trail and/or sidewalk development, the
City will strive to park and trail plan contained at the close of this
Chapter.
6. The City will strive to acquire land shown on the park and trail plan
contained at the close of this Chapter where and when feasible.
7. The City will continue to consider opportunities for shared facilities and/or
system linkages provided by the presence of regional facilities,
educational institutions, other units of government, and private
enterprise.
Promote economic, health, and practical benefits of park and trail system
components.
Policy/Recommendations:
1. The Park and Recreation Commission should further educate the public
and promote the use of the parks by working with other local/regional
City of St. Joseph Comprehensive Plan, 2008 Chapter 10, Page 14
PARKS, TRAILS,,,Bc OPEN SPACE
governmental units, civic groups and schools to create information to be
distributed to new residents and available to the public regarding City
parks and activities at the parks. Such collaboration should also review
common park signage elements as a means of linking the park system
and notifying the public of where public parks are located and how to
access.
2. The City should consider development of an educational or promotion
program to encourage residents to be more active and healthy and take
advantage of the park and trail opportunities both locally and regionally.
3. The City should continue its pursuit a "Safe Routes to School Program"
to encourage students to walk or bike to school via a system of
sidewalks, trails, and bikeways.
4. The City/EDA should consider methods of promoting park and trail
system components to tourists and/or community visitors.
City of St. Joseph Comprehensive Plan, 2008 Chapter 10, Page 15
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