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Home My WebLink About(02) Final Draft Master Park Plandam ~... wR.i'.t~cn~ ~X~^'Y'1 + ,•'^ ~- f.; yi~ * ~ ~ww yr, 5.,.~ ~~ W ~ ...~~ .1~ i. •li]`A. ~ ~ I LAM T( ,,.:IN • ~ • ~ r ~A a rh i1.~ l ', s. y` f City of St. Joseph Park and Trail System Plan PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT November 10, 2008 ©2005 Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. The information contoined in this Proposal was prepared specifically for you and contains proprietary information. We would appreciate your discretion in its reproduction and distribution. This information has been tailored to your specific project based on our understanding of your needs. Its aim is to demonstrate our ideas and approach to your project compared with our competition. We respectfully request that distribution be limited to individuals involved in your selection process. SEH is a registered trademark of Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. SEH The contributions and support of all of those who participated in the developutent of the Park and Trail System Plan are gratefully acknowledged. The City would also like to thank the citizens of St. Joseph who responded to the Park and Trail survey and those who attended and participated in the Park and 'frail System Plan Open House. Bntce Bet-ghorst, Chair Lonnie Abbott Alison Brown Bcll Corv Ehlcrt vlarge Lesuick Chuck Vluske Kenee Symanietz, City Council Liaison ~~:~~~ AI Rassier, vlayor Steve Frank Rick Schultz Renee Syntanictz Dale Wick )~ f Judy Weyrens, City Administrator Lori Bartlett, Finance Director "ferry "I'hene, Public Works Director SEH Veronica A. Anderson, ASLA, APA Chris A. Behringer, ASLA SEH acknowledgements Chapter 1. Executive Summary ..........................................................10 Chapter 2. Introduction ......................................................................... 11 Vision Statement ......................................................................................... 11 Need for a Plan ........................................................................................... 11 The Park and Trail System Plan ............................................................... 11 Planning Process .........................................................................................12 Use of the Park and Trail System Plan ....................................................13 Recent Park-Related Planning Efforts .....................................................13 Chapter 3. Community Background ................................................. 14 Introduction ................................................................................................. 14 City History ................................................................................................. 14 Natural Resources ...................................................................................... 14 Previous Park Planning and Acquisitions ............................................... 15 ~ Chapter 4. Recreation Programs ........................................................ 16 Introduction ................................................................................................. 16 Recreation Programs ................................................................................. 16 Recreation Providers .................................................................................. 16 Chapter 5. Park Inventory and Analysis ......................................... 17 Current Park Classifications ..................................................................... 18 Current Park and Open Space System .................................................... 18 Conditions in the System ..........................................................................20 Park Evaluations .........................................................................................20 Brian Klinefelter Memorial Park ..............................................................21 Centennial Park ..........................................................................................23 Cloverdale Park ..........................................................................................25 Hollow Park ................................................................................................. `l7 Memorial Park ............................................................................................29 Millstream Park ..........................................................................................31 Monument Park ..........................................................................................33 Northland Park ...........................................................................................35 ~i Existing Trail System .................................................................................37 /~ SEH table of contents Chapter 6. Community Input ..............................................................40 Introduction .................................................................................................40 Surveys ......................................................................................................... 40 Park and Trail Related Issues ...................................................................42 Chapter 7. Trends Analysis ..................................................................44 Demographics .............................................................................................44 Recreation Trends ......................................................................................45 Chapter 8. Mission, Goals, Objectives and Policies .....................47 Introduction ................................................................................................. 47 Mission Statement ......................................................................................47 Goals, Objectives, and Policies .................................................................47 Parks and Open Space ...............................................................................48 Recreation ...................................................................................................50 Trail System .................................................................................................51 Natural Resources ......................................................................................52 Chapter 9. Park and Trail System Standards .................................53 Park Standards and Guidelines ................................................................52 Mini Park .....................................................................................................52 Neighborhood Park ....................................................................................52 Community Park ........................................................................................53 Special Use Park .........................................................................................53 Regional Park ..............................................................................................54 Greenways ...................................................................................................54 Natural Resource Areas ............................................................................55 Open Space .................................................................................................55 I Trail Standards and Guidelines ................................................................55 Park Trail .....................................................................................................5:i Connector Trail ..........................................................................................56 On-Street Bikeways ....................................................................................56 Specialized Trails ........................................................................................56 l SEH table of contents Chapter 10. Park and Trail System Plan .........................................60 Park Reclassification ..................................................................................60 Future Park Needs ......................................................................................60 Recommendations ......................................................................................62 Individual Park Recommendations and Concepts ................................63 ~ Brian Klinefelter Memorial Park ..............................................................65 Centennial Park ..........................................................................................67 Cloverdale Park ..........................................................................................69 Hollow Park .................................................................................................71 Memorial Park ............................................................................................ 73 Millstream Park .......................................................................................... 75 Monument Park .......................................................................................... 77 Northland Park ...........................................................................................79 East Park ......................................................................................................81 West Park .....................................................................................................83 Future Stearns County Park .....................................................................85 Future Trail Needs .....................................................................................86 Chapter 11. Maintenance Plan ............................................................94 I Park Maintenance Responsibilities ..........................................................94 Park and Trail Maintenance Goals and Recommendations ................95 Maintenance Guidelines ............................................................................98 Chapter 12. Implementation Plan ....................................................102 Introduction ...............................................................................................102 Implementation Strategies .......................................................................102 Funding Sources .......................................................................................103 Cha ter 13. Amendin and U datin the Park and Trail P g P g System Plan ............................................................................................. 110 SEH table of contents Chapter 14. Appendices A. Park and Trail Questionnaire ......................................................... 111 B. Questionnaire Results ...................................................................... 116 C. Recreation Evaluation Tool Form ..................................................124 i~ SEH D. League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust-Park Survey ........127 E. Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Grant Program .......... Inspection Notes ...............................................................................128 F. Open House Comments-September 29, 2008 ............................. 131 G. Public Hearing Comments-November 6, 2008 (To be completed). .............................................................................................................134 table of contents =~ ~~~~° _~a ~r~d ~~bl~s List of Figures ~~ SEH 5-1 Brian Klinefelter Memorial Park Aerial ...................................... 22 5-1 Centennial Park Aerial .................................................................. 24 5-3 Cloverdale Park Aerial .................................................................. 26 5-4 Hollow Park Aerial ......................................................................... 28 5-5 Memorial Park Aerial .................................................................... 30 5-6 Millstream Park Aerial .................................................................. 32 5-7 Monument Park Aerial .................................................................. 34 5-8 Northland Park Aerial ................................................................... 36 5-9 Existing Park and Trail System Map ........................................... 37 10-1 Brian Klinefelter Memorial Park Concept .................................. 66 10-2 Centennial Park Concept .............................................................. 68 10-3 Cloverdale Park Concept ............................................................... 70 10-4 Hollow Park Concept ..................................................................... 72 10-5 Memorial Park Concept ................................................................ 74 10-6 Millstream Park Concept .............................................................. 76 10-7 Monument Park Concept .............................................................. 78 10-8 Northland Park Concept ............................................................... 80 10-9 East Park Concept .......................................................................... 82 10-10 West Park Concept ......................................................................... 84 10-11 Future County Park (Aerial Only) ............................................... 85 10-12 Park Trail-Type I ............................................................................ 87 10-13 Park Trail-Type II .......................................................................... 88 10-14 Park Trail-Type III ......................................................................... 88 10-15 Connector Trail-Type I ................................................................. 89 10-16 Connector Trail-Type II ................................................................ 89 10-17 On-Street Bike Lane ....................................................................... 90 10-18 On-Street Bike Route ..................................................................... 90 10-19 Park and Trail System Map ........................................................... 91 10-20 Park Search Area Map ................................................................... 92 10-21 Trail Map ......................................................................................... 93 figures and tables 5-1 Current Park Inventory and Classification ...................................18 /J SEH 5-2 Summary of Park Areas by Classification ....................................19 5-3 Existing Park Facilities Matrix .......................................................19 5-4 Existing Intra-Trail System .............................................................38 10-1 Revised Park Classification/Acreage Adjustment .......................60 10-2 Park Classification Acreage Guidelines ........................................ 61 10-3 Future Parks-2030 ............................................................................61 10-4 Proposed Trail/Sidewalk Segment Expansion Classifications....86 12-1 Capital Improvement Recommendations-Park and Open Space .......................................................................................104 12-2 Capital Improvement Recommendations-Trails .........................108 list of tables (To be Completed) Gvty o f It. Jo-se~i Park atcd Ti~atil Srs~tezu PG~ut 2008 2. Introduction St. Joseph's parks, trails and open spaces provide the community essential recreational opportunities, maintain property values, and preserve valuable wildlife habitat and scenic landscapes. They also foster a positive image of the City's commitment to providing a rec- reational system that helps define the community's quality of life. Parks provide places to play, relax, and exercise. Trails provide connections to parks and other destinations within a comnurnity as well as providing linkages to adjacent conununities and region- al trails. Open spaces provide the pri-narily undeveloped "green" areas within the fabric of city development. Together these three components help to promote a healthy and active lifestyle so important to people today. Vision Statement St. Joseph shall provide an attractive, well-maintained park, open space, and trail system that is safe and accessible to all community members and that provides a range of active and passive opportu- nities for diverse and changing recreation needs. Need for a Plan As a community begins to grow and becomes more urbanized, parks and open space provide a measure of visual relief from the higher density built environment-a value often difficult to quan- tify in dollars. By addressing park and trail system planning needs proactively, the City of St. Joseph will ensure thoughtful preserva- tion and expansion of the City's park and trail system, instead of having to react to future growth demands. ~e Park and Trail System Plan The Park and Trail System Plan is a policy document and long- range planning tool used to guide funrre decision-making related to conuuuuity parks, recreation facilities, u-ails and preservation of open spaces. This plan will provide St. foseph with a usable tool that will enable the City to: • Identify community and City concerns • Evaluate the current park, trail and open space system • Establish a clear vision and attainable goals for developing, maintaining and expanding the park system • Set measurable objectives • Determine future park and trail system needs • Make sound recommendations based on park and trail system conditions, public input and future needs GvC~ o~lt. forme-~i Park ~ucd Travl.fys~e~ PGsut 2008 • Estimate preliminary costs for park acquisition, development, improvements, maintenance The Park and Trail System Plan ensures that City parks, trails and open spaces are continually assessed, maintained, upgraded and expanded to sustain St. Joseph's image as au attractive, livable community-a place where people want to visit, live, and work. A healthy and active park system demonstrates that the City cares about its residents and their quality of life. 'I'bis Plan builds on the "Parks, Trails, and Open Space" section of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan Update, which is currently being developed by the City. While the Comprehensive Plan is more general iu nature, the Park and Trail System Pla^ provides a detailed evaluation and plan for addressing park and trail devel- opment, improvement and management objectives. ~iann~ng ~ rocesi In 2008, the City of St. foseph hired SEEI to work with City staff, officials, the City's 2008 Comprehensive Plan Update consultant and the public to prepare the Park and Trail System Plan. Planning efforts began by reviewing related planning documents including the Parks, Trails and Open Space Section of the 2002 Comprehensive Plan and the ongoing 2008 Comprehensive Plan Cpdate. Conutnmity members received a survey with their water bills requesting input on the existing park and wail system and on fiuure desires and needs. S[:I I worked with the Park Board at monthly meetings, which were open to the public, to develop the Park and Trail System Plan that included: • Creating vision and mission statements • Reviewing community input and park evaluations • Identify issues related to the park and trail system • Preparing goals, objectives, and policies for the City's park, trail and open space system • Making recommendations for future improvements to the system • Formulating an implementation that would assist in the budget- ing of park and trail related capital improvements The City held a community open house on September 29, 2008 to provide the plan for review and to accept public comments. A public hearing was held on November 10, 2008. The City Council adopted this plan on ______________________. GGty ~ St. ~~z elk Pav~k crr~d Tra.~C .fys~tetiu PG~ut 2008 Use o f the Park and Trail System Plan Staff, council, conunission and park board members, other gov- ernmental entities, organizations or any citizen interested in the City's vision for the park, open space and trail system will find this document useful for understanding the goals and policies for guiding parkland acquisition, development and maintenance. City staff will use this document to establish priorities and annual work plans for park, trail and recreation facilities. Recent Park-Related Planning Efforts A number of recent planning efforts related to park and trail system planning have been undertaken in the St. Joseph area that iucludcs: • St. Joseph Comprehensive Plan Update (2008): The City is currently updating its 2002 Comprehensive Plan, which includes a section on parks, trails, and open space (See Chapter 10). • St. Joseph Transportation Plan (Prepared in 2006, updated 2007): A Transportation Plan was prepared for the City as a guide to address mobility issues related to roadways and trails within the City. • St. Joseph North Corridor and CSAH 2 Realignment Corridor Study (In progress): The study will identify pre- ferred corridor alignments for motorized and non-motorized travel in and around the St. Joseph area. • Field Street Corridor Study (In progress): The study will determine the need for a new east-west collector in the southern portion of St. Joseph to provide traffic movement for existing and proposed developments and east-west through traffic. • Feasibility Study for Stearns County Rails with Trails (2007): Stearns County examined the potential for extending two significant trails-the Lake Wobegon Trail and the Rocori Trail-to create a connecting regional trail system within Stearns County. • 2030 Stearns County Comprehensive Plan (2008): Included Section 7-Parks, Open Space and Recreation Plan. The Comprehensive Plan was adopted March 4, 2008. GvL~ o~ St ~o~e~li Paf-k A,s2d T~ai~l .Sys~te~ct P(,atit 2008 t. Community Background ntroduction St Joseph is a ;rowing central Minnesota city located in Stearns County. It is adjacent to St. Joseph and St. Wendel Townships and is near the cities of St. Cloud, Waite Park, and Collegeville, and the town of Jacob's Prairie. City History Settlers came to the area in 1854, partly because of its proximity to the Ked River Ox Cart Trail, which at that time was a major route for u-ausporting goods from Pembina iu the northeastern corner of the Minnesota to Minneapolis and St. Paul. This first group of settlers included a German immigrant by the name of Peter Loso. Loso made a claim on sections 9 and 10, on which was platted the village of St. Joseph (originally named Village of Clinton), making him St. Joseph's first settler. Many other settlers soon followed, and, after organizing in 1858, the Village of St. Joseph was incorporated on January 18, 1890. Natural Resources St. Joseph is located within an Eastern Broadleaf Forest ecological biome, as classified by the Minnesota Deparunent of ~~atural Resources and the C.S. Forestry Service. 'I~his type of landscape unit is primarily comprised of deciduous a-ees. The topography of the area is primarily flat with the presence of hills, wetlands, lakes and rivers. "I'he area soils are primarily a product of glacial till deposits and outwash sediments. St. Joseph is split between two watersheds-the Mississippi River- Sartell and the Sauk River watersheds. The south fork of the Watab River and the Sauk River both flow through SL Joseph, both of which are n-ibutaries to the Mississippi River. The City is located near two lakes: Kraemer, a 192-acre lake located west of the City i^ St. Joseph Township; and Rossier, and a 33-acre lake located north of the City in St. Wendel "Township. There are a number of protected wetlands located near St. Joseph Township as well as one affectionately named Lake Sarah, which is located just south of CSAfI 2 near 94. GGLy ~.St. Jo-ze~t Pa.Ylc arzd Trarl Syr~te-vu PCa,~2 2008 Previous Park Planning and Acquisitions Until the recent development of the Park and Trail System Plan, park, trail and recreation planning has occurred under the guid- ance of the Park Board and at the City's comprehensive planning level. The City completed an inventory of the park system in the mid-1990s. Parks in St. Joseph have been added to the system over time through purchase, land redevelopment, donation and new development projects. Following is a synopsis of each park's addi- tion to the system: • Centennial Park, located south of CSAH 75 and west of CSAH 2, was donated to the City on the condition that it is used as a park in perpetuity. • Memorial Park, located southwest of the intersection of 2nd Avenue NW and Birch Street NW, was a redevelopment site pri- marily designed for ball fields in the 1940s. It was dedicated to the soldiers of WWII. A granite memorial is located above the park along 2nd Avenue. A number of local teams, including Legion Baseball and St. Joseph Saints, use the baseball fields. • Millstream Park was purchased from the Monastery of St. Benedict by the City of St. Joseph was in the 1970s. The site was used as 3-hole golf course since the WPA days-a precursor to the current 18-hole disc golf venue. • Monument Park, originally developed as a rest area in 1941 along old highway 52, features an historical marker indicating the location of a timbered fort used as shelter during the 1862 Dakota Conflict. • Hollow and Cloverdale Parks were added to the park system during the 1960s as part of the subdivision process. • Northland Park was constructed in 1993 as part of the Northland residential development. • Brian Klinefelter Memorial Park was constructed in 1977 and later was dedicated to the memory of Brian Klinefelter, a St. Joseph Police Officer who was killed while on duty in 1996. • Approximately 95 acres of property on the Sauk River and 15 of acres of land in the northwest corner of the proposed River Bend PUD site have been dedicated to the City as future park sites. cry ~.st. Ja-se~c Pa,Yk a,~cd Tratil Sys~te~ PC,a~c 2008 4. Recreation Introduction Research demonstrates the importance of recreation to staying active, socially engaged and physically fit. America's population, both young and old, is e~cperiencing health-related issues associated with lack of exercise, compounded by the increasing popularity of the Internet and other technologies that encourage a more sedentary and insular lifestyle. .;,~,~ ->, ~ ~ ,~r;~~ Recreation programs provide a community tools to address these issues by: • Providing opportunities to socialize with other members of the community • Providing health-related benefits • Stimulating local economy • Providing healthy, rather than destructive, pastimes for youth "The City of St. Joseph contracted with the St. Cloud Boys and Girls Club to provide summer recreation over the past four years. "The City previously sponsored asix-week summer recreation program that included activities for preschool to fifteen-year-old children. Other St. Joseph area providers, partners, or supporters of recre- ation programs or activities include: • Stearns County • St. Cloud Independent School District 742 • St. Benedicts College • St. Johns University • St. Joseph Elementary School • St. Cloud River Bats • Saint Joseph Saints Amateur Baseball Team • Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) • Boys and Girls Club • Scouting • Lions Club • VFW • Sno Joes Snowmobile Club • St. Joseph Recreation Association e~y f St. ~o~r-e~i Pa~lc a~t~cd T~c~.r~ Sys~tetitt PCa~t 2008 5. Park Inventory and Analysis 'r 1i`fr",± n .`< rr''~ISSI,~1Crltt^~r-; The following provides a description of current park classifications: Citywide 1'c~rk • May serve some or all types of a community's recreation needs • Provide activities for either a wide range of users or for specific interests • May contain an area for nature study, hiking and riding trails, pond fishing, spectator sports and numerous other activities • Designation may be used in small communities not because of size and/or variety of recreation facilities but is the only park available in the community • Typically serve several neighborhoods and are under municipal administration • Generally more spacious than neighborhood parks or playgrounds • May provide swimming pools, picnic areas, more elaborate play fields, restroom facilities and tennis courts • May serve people of all ages • Serves ahalf--mile radius Neighborhood Parks • Provide open space for passive recreation for all ages within a neighborhood • Ideal site is scenic or wooded • Site development should include sidewalk, benches, landscaping, and play features for preschoolers • Should connect with other trails in the system • Serves aquarter-mile radius • Suggested minimum size is one acre ~. • Provided in conjunction with educational and institutional facilities • Primarily serve recreation needs of children ages ~-12 • Size is dependent upon type of activities and facilities provided • May provide play areas, ball fields, basketball and tennis courts and open play areas • Service area is variable but usually serves aone-quarter mile radius Cvt~ o f St. fo-se~c Pa.Yk atcd T''ai~l Sys~evcc PG~uc 2008 .~:' xx • Provides limited active recreation value • May include (but not limited to) golf courses, historic sites, conservancy areas, linear trails and floodplains • Not always available to the public • Considered important inclusion to a community and its park and open space program :urrent Park and Open Space System "the City of St. Joseph owns and operates approximately 78 acres of parkland. The following table provides a summary of current park classifications and acreage (See Figure ~-9). tiriau hhnetelter Memorial Park Community Park South of last llale Street and West of 12~~' Avenue SE 'L~.U4 Centennial Park Community Park 205 Birch Sweet 41' 2.3 Cloverdale Park Neighborhood Park Corner of E Able Street and 8~h Ave SE .~k8 Hollow Park Neighborhood Playground West of Birch and 5cn Avenue NW .:id Memorial Park Citywide Park `L8 Third Avenue NW 4.89 Millsu~eam Park Community Park North of CSAH 7~ and East of CSAH 3 35.0 Monument Park Specialized Recreational Area West Birch Street and 2.,d Avenue NW .31 Northland Park Neighborhood Park West of Northland Drive 9.2:i Gi~t~ o~ It. f~ie~t Pa.Yk curd Ti~a~ lys~tetict PGayt 2008 ••" Approximately 110 acres of land-95 acres as a Regional Park and 15 acres as a Neighborhood Park-has been dedicated to the park system as part of the River's Bend PCD development along the Sauk River in the southeast quadrant of the City. Currently, commm~ity parks comprise the greatest number of parkland acres with the park system followed by neighborhood parks (See Table ~-2). 'T'able 5-3 sununarizes facilities within each of the parks. .~ ~ Cit~~widc Park,, I 1.~~> ~~ Conununity Parks 3 62.34 Neighborhood Parks 2 9.73 Neighborhood Playgrounds 1 .54 Specialized Recreation Areas 1 .31 TOTAL PARK ACRES 77.81 i Parks Brian Klinefelter Memorial Park 25.01 X X X X X X Centennial Park 2.,3 X X X X `C X X X Cloverdale Park .~18 X X X IIollow Park ,54 X X X Memorial Park },gg X X X `C X X X vlillstream Park 35.0 X X X X X X X X X vlonument Park .31 X X Northland Park 9.25 X X X X X Gvt~ o~It. J~ie~e Pas~k aycd Ti-argil Sys~teuc PGatit 2008 Chapter S: Park Inventory and Analysis 20 Conditions of the current park and trail system were evaluated during the development of this Plan. (See Figures :i-1 through 5-8). Park Evaluations The City's neighborhood parks and playgrounds, community parks, citywide parks and special recreation areas were evaluated based on three criteria: safety, condition and maintenance. Apoints-based approach was used to rate park facilities. "I~his evaluation tool pro- vides an efficient and standardized means of rating each park in the system. overage scores were competed for condition, mainte- nance and safety for each facility. The consultant interpreted the resulting averages as excellent, good, fair or poor-. Each park also was assessed on overall aesthetics. (See Appendix X for Evaluation Worksheet). The evaluations produced a number of issues and opportunities within each of the parks. In general, the results of the evaluation showed that the overall conditions are fair to good and provide range of recreational opportunities, there is a general need to improve grading, drainage and turf conditions. In addition, a number of the park facilities could use updating or replacement. These improvements would ensure that the parks comply with ADA standards. Reconuuendations and park concept development discussed in future chapters will be based upon the site evaluation, staff and public input, and general design considerations. cry ~ St.~o-s e~i Pa.Yk aticd Ti~atil Sys~te~ PGayl: 2008 ' ~L s~. - ~~~ i ~, ~~ i i i ~ ~ o~ad >~ l I - --- ~. ~IC~ i- ~ ~ ~ ~~ Brian Klinefelter Location South of East Dale and West of 12th Avenue SE-Brian Klinefelter Memorial Park is located primarily within a residential neighborhood in the east central portion of the City with the southern edge adja- cent to agricultural lands. Classification Comutunity Park Size ?ci.0~l Acres Existing Facilities/Amenities • Play equipment • Picnic Shelter • Picnic tables • Benches • Bituminous trail • Pedestrian bridges (2) • Memorial monument • Bituminous parking lot • Class 5 parking area • ADA portable restroom General Evaluation Overall, the park is in good condition. 'T'here are, however, general grading and drainage issues that affect the quality of general turf conditions iu sonic areas. There is a small stormwater pond that on the northeast corner of the site that is currently being mowed to the waters edge. The park provides an excellent bituminous walking trail around a central wetland area and through a mature oak stand along the east side of the park. Benches along a bitumi- nous trail provide views of the wetland and park. The park also offers a picnic shelter constructed of Field stone columns and a green metal roof. Issues • Drainage and grading problems • Turf establishment and maintenance • No drinking fountain • Accessibility issues • Use of pea gravel surface material in play area • Dog clean-up problems • Play area does not provided shaded bench areas Opportunities: • Provide additional play equipment for tots • Replace play surface material • Provide additional natural resource/storm water management interpretive trail signage • Enhance stormwater pond with native vegetated buffer • Provide picnic shelter with restrooms that are accessible April- November during park hours • Future trail connection potential on south side of the park that could connect to the new Kennedy Elementary School and future park near planned River's Bend neighborhood. • Install dog waste bags and container • Provide at least one shade structure and additional shade trees at bench near play area • See League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust report for park system survey and recommendations regarding accessibility, safety, and facility condition (Appendix D) • See Minnesota Department of Natural Resources inspection notes related to accessibility and safety issues as part of Outdoor Recreation Grant Program conditions (Appendix E) • Master plan park based on concept that was developed for this plan CGCy o f It. ~ Jo~e~k Park arzd Trar:~ Sys~tezcc PCa.~i 2008 Figure 5-I: Brian Klinefelter Memorial Park N Park Boundary TraN ~~o GvLy o~ St. f oze~lc Pa.Yk a,~cd T~ai~l lys~te-c~cz PC~ut 2008 ~~ Centennial Par Location: 205 Birch Street West Centennial Park is located within a multiple and single-family residential neigh- borhood just south of CSAH 75 adjacent to a business disu'ict on the northwest side of the Citv. It is located across Birch Street with pedestrian access to both Monument and vlemorial Parks. General Evaluation Overall, the park is in fair condition. There are general grading and drainage issues that affect the quality of turf conditions in much of the park. The play equipment is outdated, has accessibility issues, and is in need of repair or replacement. Although the park provides picnic tables and benches, it could benefit from additional shade u'ee plantings. The park is protected on three sides by a black chain-link fence with non-gated access openings from Birch Street, the north side of the park, and 2nd Ave NW. Issues • Grading and drainage problems • Turf establishment and maintenance • Dog clean-up problems • No restrooms in community rental building • Accessibility issues • Outdated play equipment • Use of pea gravel surface material in play area • Problems with general turf and volleyball court maintenance • Lack of internal trail and external trail connections Opportunities: Classification Plant additional shade trees Community Park Redesign horseshoe pit area Size Replace play equipment 2.3 Acres Replace play surface material Existing Facilities/Amenities Provide internal trail system to link park features • Play equipment Provide trail connection to CSAH 75 crossing or underpass to access Millstream and Northland Parks and to the Lake • Picnic tables Wobegon Trail • Benches Provide at least one shade structures and additional shade trees • Half-court basketball court over bench near play area • Sand volleyball court * Provide ADA accessible restrooms that are available April • Rental community pavilion through November during park hours • Picnic shelter (L) Install dog waste bags and refuse container • Horseshoe pits Install irrigation • On-street parking See League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust report for park system survey and recommendations regarding accessibility, • Drinking fountain safety, and facility condition (Appendix D) L =Lighted GGCy o f lt. ~o~e-~h Pcts-k a~r2d T~ar~ .fys~e~c P(,~uc 2008 figure 5-2: centennial Park _, . ~ ~ , ~~? `*~., a ~~ µY Wyk ,~: s"`(~ ' 1 E ff: '. ~' ,~ _,~~ ~ *~~~ '' ~T ~. ~ ~ ' `` _ ~ P C ~ ...~w/!N i~ _~. .. moo. _~=~" ~ ~ ~ I4 :. ~' ` .., . ... :~ . ~ -T - ... °' F N Park 9oundary Trail m a m is GvCy ~ St.~o-se~lc Park aticd Trar%~ Srs~te~cc PGayc 2008 Cloverdale Parkl Location Corner of Fast Able St. and 8th .Avenue SE-Cloverdale Park is located within an older single- family residential neighborhood in the center of the City. Classification: Neighborhood Playground/"Ibt Lot Size .=18 Acres Existing Facilities/Amenities • Play equipment • Bench • Concrete play structure • Picnic table General Evaluation Overall, the park is in fair condition. 'There are general grading and drainage issues that affect the quality of turf conditions in much of the park. The play equipment is outdated, has accessibility issues, and is in need of repair or replacement. The park uses pieces of concrete have as play strucn-res, and Minnesota Street doesn't provide adequate signage to the park. While nicely shaded, the facilities and space appear to be underutilized. Issues • Drainage and grading problems • Turf establishment and maintenance • No restrooms • No drinking fountain • Accessibility issues • Use of pea gravel surface material in play area • Outdated play equipment Opportunities See League cif Minnesota Cities report for park system survey and recommendations regarding accessibility, safety, and facility condition (Appendix D) • Adding a gazebo as focal point within park • Master plan park based on concept that was developed for this plan GGC~ o f St. f~se~c Pas-k a,~2d Trar~l lys~e-c~c PGa.>/c 2008 ~igure 5-3: Cloverdale Park ... ;~ ~ ~, ''' :;: ~~ - ;' ~~r ~s ~` ~, y ~~ ~ a ~ ~ . ~;, ;~. ~. e .~. R~~~' ~,_! ' ^ ~, ~ i r ~„ihE`; ~. ~ ~' ~~ ~, ~~ .: .. ~ ~ d. MR"~, ~ ~ f ~;~. i ~~ _ ~ T. - per. ' ,~ ~ c .7 :y. JF'.;~''; ~ . ~;. ,~- ,4 Park Boundary hail m a a m GGCy o~ lt. J~"'C' V Pas-k arzd Ti-atil .fys~e~ PGcut 2008 Location West of Birch Strcet and 5~f' Avenue N~1'-Nollow Park is located within an older single-family resi- dential neighborhood on the northwestern side of the City. Classification Neighborhood Playground/Tot Lot. Size .54 Acres Existing Facilities/Amenities • Play equipment • Bench • Picnic Table General Evaluation Overall, the park is in fair condition. There are general grading and drainage issues that affect the quality of turf conditions in much of the park. The play equipment is newer than most iu the City but is still relatively outdated. The play area has accessibility issues. The seating and picnic areas could benefit from additional shading. Issues • Drainage and grading problems • Turf establishment and maintenance • No restrooms • No drinking fountain • Use of pea gravel surface material in play area • Accessibility issues • Could use additional shade • Lack of external trail connection Opportunities • Evaluate park use and facilities • Acquire additional land, expanding park to the west and reclassifying as a Neighborhood Park. The park could provide a broader range of active recreational opportunities for future neighborhoods on the west side. • Plant additional shade trees or provide shade structure near play area • Install dog waste bags and refuse container • See League of Minnesota Cities report for park system survey and recommendations regarding accessibility, safety, and facility condition (Appendix D) * Master plan park based on concept that was developed for this plan • Provide internal trail system to link park features • Provide trail connection to citywide pathway and trail system GvLY ~ It. f ~~e~Gc Pasrk a~2d Ti~ai~ Sys~te-vct PGatit 2008 Figure 5-4: Hollow Park . { '~s .~ ~: `` '~ Park Boundary Trail ~~ N o n m ~y, _ a: ,. ~ . ~ ~~. ~ ~ ~-_....~i~lt` ~, GGty o f St. f~s~e~i Pas-k ar2d Trar.~ Irs~eticc PC~uc 2008 General Evaluation Overall, the park is in fair condition. With the exception of the ball fields, significant grading and drainage issues affect the quality of general turf conditions in much of the park and sliding hill area. The skating rink is generally in good condition but needs minor repairs. The park has access issues: cars were observed driving clown the hill from 3rd Ave NW. Issues • Drainage and grading problems • Turf establishment and maintenance Memorial Park Location 28 3~~ Avenue ~ W-Memorial Park is located within a multiple and single-family residential neighborhood just south of CSAH 75 adjacent to a business district on the northwest side of the City. It is located across Birch Street from Centennial Park and directly downhill from Monument Park. Classification Citywide Park Size Existing Facilities/Amenities • Baseball field w/dugouts • Park building w/bathrooms and concession • Hockey rink/skateboard court (L) • Pleasure ice-skating area • Sliding hill • Parking area L =Lighted -~=~: • No drinking fountain • Accessibility issues near bleacher and concession stand areas • Skateboard signage graffiti • Open dugout, no fence protection • General park access issues • Lack of internal trail and external trail connections Opportunities • Plant additional tree planting for shade • Provide "soft" barriers to eliminate uncontrolled access to park • Evaluate park use and facilities • Install dog waste bags and refuse container • See League of Minnesota Cities report for park system survey and recommendations regarding accessibility, safety, and facility condition (Appendix D) • Master plan park based on concept that was developed for this plan • Provide internal trail system to link park features • Provide trail connection to citywide pathway and trail system GLty o~ lt. Jo-se~k Pas-k aycd Tv~a~%l Irs~e~ PGafz 2008 ,'1bL9if~ de`.., a"u~'7i~Y'dcld ~'i'yi ~+lT'' t "' ,~~~ Air ~, ~ I - • ,,. , 1 {''~:- ;~ .~ ~. - ~` ~. "~ vim,.. , -~ ~~; ~" ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~, _~. ,~' .~..~ i~ N Park Boundary 7rSi) s > >o is GGt~ o~.St. foze~i Park aticd Tra,~l Sys~tetict PGa,~c 2008 ~ ~, ~\ I ~ ~~ i M ~, I ~ Ill It ,~~ ~ , 1 ~ • , '1 ~~ ~,1 a --~ '~ II i ~~- i ~ •l~aa' Millstream Park Location North of CSAH 7;i and East of CSAI [ 3-Millstream Park is located in the northwestern portion of the Citv. It is bordered by CS.~I[ 75. CSAH :3 and the ~~-atab River. Classification Comunmity Park Size 35 .lcres Existing Facilities/Amenities • Disc golf • Play equipment • Crushed limestone trail • Eight campsites w/electrical hook-ups • Picnic shelter/buildings with water tap • Grill shelter • Soccer field • Softball fields (2) w/lighting and irrigation General Evaluation Overall, the park is in fair to good condition. Significant grading and drainage issues affect the quality of turf conditions in much of the park. The City is currently iu the process of re-grading and re-seeding erosion-prone areas of the site. Concrete play structures were removed from the play area of the park. Issues • Drainage and grading problems • Turf establishment and maintenance • Outdated play equipment • Picnic facility structures need renovation • Ball field bleachers need painting • Open dugout, no fence protection • Park is in need of general maintenance • Use of pea gravel surface material in play area • Ponding area within river filling with silt • Disc golf facilities showing signs of wear • Lack of internal trail and external trail connections • Although near the Lake Wobegon Trail, the park lacks a trail connection Opportunities • Plant additional trees • Evaluate stormwater management options • Renovate buildings • Improve trail underpass beneath CSAH 75 for upgraded and safer pedestrian linkage from Millstream Park to parks on the south side of CSAH 75 • Install two dog waste bags and refuse containers • Ponding area restoration • Provide internal trail system to link park features • Provide trail connection to citywide pathway and trail system and the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail • Bleachers See League of Minnesota Cities report for park system survey • Dug-outs and recommendations regarding accessibility, safety, and facility • Sand volleyball court condition (Appendix D) • Basketball hoops See Minnesota Department of Natural Resources inspection notes related to accessibility and safety issues as part of Outdoor • Horseshoe pits (4) Recreation Grant Program conditions (Appendix E) • Picnic tables Master plan park based on concept that was developed • Drinking fountain for this plan • Restroom Building Evaluate existing disc golf course as part of master plan for • Restrooms - (2 M/F Vault toilets) potential renovation GvLy o~ It. J~e~k Park aid Trar~l lys~tetict PGayc 2008 Monument Pa Location 28 :3. d Avenue N W-Monument Park is located adjacent to a business district along 2nd Avenue NW and Birch Street West on the northwest side of the City. The park is located across from Centennial Park and directly up-hill from Vemorial Park. Classification: Specialized Recreation Area Size .31 Acres Existing Facilities/Amenities • Historic marker • Picnic area • Parking lot General Evaluation Overall, the park is in good condition with no notable issues other than the need to contiuue general maintenance. Issues • Needs general maintenance • Needs trail connection to trail system along 2nd Ave NW • Shrub hedge around parking lot is in need of pruning Opportunities • Provide connection to existing trail system • Consider amedium-sized hedge to serve as barrier to Memorial Park that is more in scale to the parking lot space • Refer to park concept developed for this plan cry ~ It. Jo~e~k Pa.Ylc a,~cd Tv~arl Sys~Eetitt PCa~c 2008 Figure 5-7: Monument Park n -+,- ~ ~~. + ~ - Y' . M b d 'ti~R ,. .i ~~ ' . ~~ '~ ~~ ~~~~ ~~. ~, ~ ~ e.~:. N Park Boundary Trail a a a GvC~ o~.ft. Jo-ve~~lc Pasrk a~cd Tv~ar~l lys~eticc PC~uc 2008 General Evaluation Location West of Northland Drive- Northland Park is located within a residential neighborhood along the west side of Northland Drive in the north central area of the City. Classification Neighborhood Park Size 9.25 Acres Existing Facilities/Amenities • Play equipment • Sand volleyball court • Picnic table • Benches • Parking lot • Basketball court • Backstop ~- .~ ~~ l ~ v w~ +M1r Y 1 '." I .-;-. '. Overall, the park is in fair to good condition. Significant grading and drainage issues affect the quality of turf conditions in the park. The play elements are located around the perimeter of the park in response to the wet conditions in the center. Issues • Drainage and grading problems • Turf establishment and maintenance • Use of pea gravel surface material in play area • Park would benefit from additional shade trees and/or structures • Play area accessibility • Lack of internal trail and external trail connections Opportunities • Re-grade site during development to correct drainage problems • Update play equipment • See League of Minnesota Cities report for park system survey and recommendations regarding accessibility, safety, and facility condition (Appendix D) • Master plan park based on concept that was developed for this plan • Provide internal trail system to link park features • Provide trail connection to citywide pathway and trail system GGty a~ It. Joie~c Pas-k a.~cd Ti-ayl Iys~eticc PGatit 2008 Figure 5-8: Northland Park N Park BounOary ; TtBil ~s o ~~ c~cy ~.st. J~se~c Pas-k aticd Ti-arl Iys~tetiu PGavc 2008 Figure 5-9: Existing Park and Trail System Map N ~ Y ~ S £ ~ ~ d O y~ ~ ~~ ~ ~Z a _> a ~' '~ t~ L d~ ~ ZSc~ -, 3~Ligud O O oa _V ~1:~ S ¢~ O ui ~ ~~ f- ui Y C7 Z H X W 1 .....----~ ---••. 1 . ,~ __ :• •, --, .~ ; i - - F l~ ~ -- ~,, ---~ _. 'i~----- ------ ..__. -- ~--- ~- ~~~~I~~ Z ~l ~~ .. ;. ~ r: --~~------- / e' ~i \~ ~Gty a f St. J Park a.~cd Trawl .Sys~te~sc PG~uc 2008 Existing Trail System According to the City's Transportation Plan, the existing trail sys- tem consists of wails and sidewalks that connect pedesu•ians and bicyclists to area businesses, parks, and schools. "There are approx- imately eight miles of designated pedesu-ian and bicyclist trails within the City of St. Joseph. Segments within the system connect to pedestrian and bicyclists by either sidewalk or trail. The follow- ing table describes the current infra-city trails. Iris Lane From Northland Heights Development 6' sidewalk to Northland Drive .42 Ash Street From alley west of lsc Avenue NW to 15C Avenue NE 6' sidewalk .24 West Minnesota Street From 4~h Avenue NW to College .-venue 6' or wider sidewalk 6' or less sidewalk .38 East Minnesota Su•eet Prom College Avenue to 16~h Avenue SE 6' or wider sidewalk 6' or less sidewalk 1.04 East Baker Street Prom College Avenue ro lsc Avenue SE 6' or wider sidewalk .09 Callaway Street From College Avenue to Graceview Estates 8' bituminous trail .29 Foxmore Ilollow From Foxmore Hollow to College Avenue 6' sidewalk .10 Iverson Sweet From 3.d Avenue to College Avenue 6' sidewalk .24 Ist Avenue N W From TH 7~ to West Minnesota Sn-eet 6' sidewalk .22 College Avenue From TH 7~ to Hill Street 6' or wider sidewalk 1.09 Northland Drive IIickorv Drive to north plat line 6' sidewalk 22 4cn Avenue SE Connects TH75 to East Minnesota Street 6' sidewalk .1=k St. Joseph Elementary School Trail system around the school property 8' or less binuninous nail .47 Graceview Estates Trail system within Graceview Estates connecting to Klinefelter 8' bituminous trail 1.28 12tH Avenue SE From East Minnesota Street to Klinefelter Memorial 6' sidewalk .69 Liberty Pointe Trail system in Liberty Pointe 8' bituminous trail .57 Klinefelter Park Trail system in Klinefelter Park 8' bituminous trail .57 Millstream Park Trail system in Millstream Park 10' unimproved trail .Sonrrv: Ailn~dvd ~iam Sl. ~use~~h ~m~nsJn~rinlion Pb~n, (2006, rvi~isvid 2007) GvLy o~ St. ~~ Pik aticd Ts-aril Sys~te-roc PGatic 2008 Regional Trails Tl-e Lake Wobegon 'frail is a 10-foot-wide, bituminous hike-and- bike pathway. As a regional trail, it extends from the City of St. ,Joseph west 58 miles to the City of Osakis and connects to the Central Lakes "Trail, which is a 35-mile paved wail extendiug to Feigns Falls. Stakeholders in the regional trail include Stearns County, seven focal comnuuiities (including St. Joseph), the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT), and a number of citizen vohuiteer groups. Morrison County (on the north end of the trail) is interested in extending the u-ail north to connect to the Paul Buuvan Trail. There is also interest from the Cities of Waite Park and St. Cloud to extend the u-ail eastward into the metropolitan area of St Cloud. The Lake Wobegon 'T'rail runs along a Mn/DOT rail corridor for- merly owned by the Burlingron Northern Railroad Company. It is a multi-use [rail serving bicyclists, pedestrians, rollerbladers, and roll- erskiers. [t is also a~~ailable in the winter months to snowmobilers. GvLY a~ St. ~ JQT2~t Pa.Ylc at2d Tvar~ Sys~eticc PGQ,r2 2008 6. Community Input Introduction Conununity input is the key to successful park, trail and open space planning. Understanding community needs, desires, and concerns help determine future priorities for park, trail and facilities devel- opment and open space preservation. Surveys The City used a number of community outreach initiatives while preparing the current Comprehensive Plan Update and Park and Trail System Plan to discuss park use, facility and maintenance needs inchuiing the use of community surveys. A survey was pre- pared as part of the Comprehensive Plan that sought information from the public on a broad range of topics including parks, trails, and open space. Another survey was prepared for the development of the Park and Trail System Plan that included the same ques- tions distributed for the Comprehensive Plan Update but went into further detail regarding park-and-nail-related questions. The fol- lowing summarizes the general findings of the survey: • The majority of the respondents felt parks, recreation services, trails and open space were important to their quality of life. • The major reasons for using the park system in St. Joseph were to walk or bike for exercise (39%), to enjoy the outdoors or nature (28"/~~) or to picnic and enjoy general leisure activities (11"/0). The two lowest responses for using the park system were to play sports (2%) or to meet friends (1%). • For those not typically using the park system, the major reasons given were lack of information available about the park system (22%), lack of time or interest (19%) and lack of facilities (18%). • The majority of respondents felt that families, adults, and chil- dren had sufficient recreation opportunities in St. Joseph; how- ever, the opportunities were most lacking for teens and seniors. • When asked about the benefits that parks, recreation services, trails and open space provide, the top four responses were that they provided opportunities to enjoy nature and the outdoors (26"'/0), they improved health and wellness (21"/0), protect the nat- ural environment (16"/0), and that they connect people together and build stronger families. Promoting youth development was not seen as a significant benefit. • Sixty-seven percent of those responded felt that the City was well served by existing parks; however, those who did not feel that the City was well served provided a range of reasons including: - Accessibility to the southeast side of the City GLty o~ St. J~' ~C' ~ Pa,Yk a.~cd Trar~l lys~te-r~cL PG~c 2008 - Lack of trails on the southeast side of the City and access to the Lake Wobegon Trail - The need for updated play equipment - The need for a range of park types within the system - The need for a recreation center which included aquatic opportunities - The need for greenways connecting the parks within the system • The majority of the respondents ranked the quality of the existing park facilities on a scale of 1 to .~ as being good to somewhat good. • When asked what type of park facilities would most add to their quality of life, respondents reported that trails would add the most quality (32°/u), and then play equipment (29%), picnic shelters (26"'/0) and finally athletic fields (13%). • The three types of parks felt most needed in St. Joseph included and listed in the order of importance were natural areas (22"/0), smaller neighborhood parks (18%), and larger parks (18%). The type of park that respondents felt were least needed were athletic fields (701/a). • When asked how natural areas should be used, the majority of the respondents felt that there should be a combination of pres- ervation for wildlife habitat, limited public use which included only trails, benches and viewpoints, and semi-active recreation areas within the natural areas that included picnic areas and areas for play. • Respondents felt that top two reasons to develop trails in St. Joseph were to provide exercise (26"'/0), experience nature (22"'/u). The least chosen reason was to develop trails for improving chil- dren's access to schools (7%). • Programs most needed in St. Joseph included those related to special events, e.g., concerts in the park, festivals, etc. (20"/0), outdoor/environmental programs (18"'/u), and general interest classes (14"/0). The program that received the least interest was an arts program (5"'/0). Additioual comments from the conununity survey/visioning ses- sion include the desire for the following park and trail facilities and antcnities: • Dog park • Community center preferably with aquatic facilities • Neighborhood Park by Liberty Pointe neighborhood • Canoe access to Sauk River GGC~ o~ .ft. Jo-ye~h Pas-k a~cd Tv~ lyt~te-roc PGatit 2008 • Integrate greenways as part of major trails, rivers, and lakes • Create greenway between Watab River and Kraemer Lake • Trail around Kraemer Lake (would be part of County Park Master Plan) • Preserve natural areas, e.g. along Sauk River in future park area • Consider special use trails, e.g. cross-country ski trails with pos- sible connection to future county park on Kraemer Lake • Additional athletic fields • Splash pad • Open space preservation 'ark and Trail Related Issues The issues related to St Joseph's park and u-ail system help to identify deficiencies, problems and opportunities. The Park Board identified a number of areas to focus attention on to meet the short- and loner term recreational needs of the community based on the community survey and City staff input, as well as input from the 2008 Comprehensive Planning update process. The identified issues include: 1. While the majority of parks are located primarily in the north- ern half of the City, CSAH 7;~ creates a significant barrier for pedestrian access in the southern portion of the City. 2. While there are a number of park types in the St. Joseph park system, there is a general need for a greater range of park facili- ties and amenities within the parks. 3. There are several small remnant parks in the system that could be expanded, redesigned, or reevaluated for better usage. 4. Facilities such as a community and/or aquatic center are lack- ing within the community. While a significant investment, these types of facilities bring together a wide range of age and user groups and serve as a social nucleus for the community. 5. Dog waste left behind in parks was identified as a growing problem. 6. All parks, particularly the play areas need to be brought into compliance with the American Disability Act (ADA) standards as parks are revitalized. 7. The existing parks have significant grading and drainage issues making maintenance and turf establishment difficult. GvL~ o~ It. fo-se~i Pasrk a~cd TYar~l Iys~tetitt PG~ut 2008 Recreation 1. Currently, there are no recreation programs sponsored by the City of St. Joseph. The City participates by supporting the pro- grams provided by the Boys and Girls Club and other associa- tions. 2. St. Joseph recreation programs and park and trail information are not readily available to visitors or residents. 3. While the median age is relatively young, the core community is aging as typical in all communities. St. Joseph should be pre- pared to accommodate the changing recreation needs of this age group. 1. The trail system within the City remains fragmented. Pedestrian movement from the southern section of the City to the northern areas, particularly access to the Lake Wobegon Trail, are hindered by the necessity to cross CSAH 7~ or use an outdated, unlit underpass that provides access to Millstream Park. 2. The majority of parks, with the exception of Brian Klinefelter Memorial Park, do not have an internal park trail system that connect elements within the parks nor do they have trail linkag- es to the external trail system. 1. Acquiring and preserving natural areas as high quality, "open space" will be critical for St. Joseph as it continues to urbanize. 2. Natural areas are prone to threats from invasive plant species, diseases and development. Proactive measures are needed to prevent loss. GvCy df St. ~~ Pa.Yk aszd TrayC Syt~etiu PGatit 2008 7. Trends Analysis To assess and anticipate St. Joseph's current and future recre- ational facility needs, it is important to understand general social trends and demographics. Age composition, the number of households, ethnic diversity, and the City's housing turnover rate have the potential to affect park and trail use and needs. (See the 2008 City of St. Joseph Comprehensive Plau for a more detailed discussion of St. Joseph's demographics and social trends) Based on the 2000 U.S., the State Demographers Office calculat- ed an increase in the City of St. Joseph's population of 25% between the years 2000 and 2006. It is estimated that by the year 2030, population will show an increase of 9,880 persons between 2006 and 2030 or 168%. While projectious are not exact predic- tions of future growth, they do provide a measure by which to determine future community needs. Figure ~-1: Population Growth POPULATION GROWTH Year 15,753 .Snurrvc Jliru,vrnln Slnly Uvnm~nrr~,hic Cenlvr, .Sl. Clo,rrl Arun WirslvnaNvr Tiwnlrnvnl l•in'i/ilir~ l'Inrt • According to the 2000 Census, St. Joseph has a relatively young population with a median age of 21.8 years with the largest age groups between 20 to 24 years (292% of the population) and 15 to 19 years (18"/0 of the population) of age. Children under 9 represented approximately 7"/c, of the population and residents 55 years and older represented approximately 10%. However, the trend for Stearns County is for a significant increase between 2005 and 2035 in the ~0+ year old groups while only a slight increase in the 0-19 year old age groups. This finding may sug- gest the need for more passive recreational opportunities in the future such as a comprehensively developed trail system. GvE~ o~ St. Joze~Gc Pa.Yk aticd Trarl Sys~te~c PC~uc 2008 2000 2006 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 • Average household size calculation shows a decline from 2.74 in 2000 to 2.56 in 2006. • There are a significantly greater number of family households (63.6%) over non-family households (36.4%) in St. Joseph. • Approximately 73% of housing units in St. Joseph are owner-occupied. Statewide Outdoor Recreation Survey In 2005, the Minnesota Department of Natural resources released the results of its 2004 outdoor recreation participation survey. The survey provides a statewide assessment. of outdoor recreation preferences. A mail survey of 4,400 residents was distributed throughout the five survey regions of the state: North, Northwest, Central, Metro (seven-county metropolitan area), and South. The survey produced a 60% response rate. The survey found that outdoor recreation is important to Minnesotans. Of those responding, 57% indicated that outdoor recreation is "very important", 25% indicated that it is "moderately" important and 18 % indicated that outdoor recreation is of "little importance". The survey found that there are a number of reasons cited by the respondents for going outdoors. The primary reason indicated was "simply to enjoy nature" and the second highest reason was to engage in exercises and feel healthier. Other reasons noted for going outdoors included outdoor recreation as a means to build bonds with family and friends, escape the pressure of modern life, and to learn and explore nature. When asked what outdoor activities were preferred, 32 activities were identified by survey participants. A chister analysis was performed on tl-e data resulting in the following four distinct activity clusters: • Hunting and motorized trail activities • Passive and learning activities • Active recreation activities • Boating/fishing/camping/golfing activities "The "active recreation activities" category contains 26% of all recreation activities experienced by Minnesota adults, and includes swinuning, biking, running/jogging, outdoor field sports, tent camping, inline skating, non-motorized boating, and downhill skiing/snowboarding. c~cy ~ St. ~o~e-plc nasrk aged marl sys~te~u PC~uc Zoos The "passive recreation and learning activities" cluster contains 40%n of all recreation of Minnesota adults. Activities in this cluster include: walking/hiking, "nature observation", and visiting nature centers, historic/archaeological sites and outdoor zoos. The results of the statewide recreation participation survey support similar responses provided by the citizens of St. Joseph during the 2008 St. Joseph Comprehensive Planning process and for this Plan.7. ~~, Est ~ Pik ~ r~~ sy~~ n~ ZooB 8. Mission, Goals, Objectives and Policies Introduction The City of St. Joseph recognizes the importance of parks, open spaces, nature areas, trails and recreational facilities in the overall health and well-being of the comnumity. A mission statement, goals, and policies have been developed for St. Joseph to address and plan for its fiuure park, open space and trail system. A mission is the fimdameutal purpose for any organization or initiative. The mission is generally able to be encapsulated into a "mission statement" that, in turn, allows for clear goals and attainable objectives. Goals are idealist statements that are purposeftilly ;eneral in nature and intended to be atxained at an undetermined futuue date. Objectives are general, comprehensive actions that may or may not be measurable but when taken collectively are intended to achieve a particular goal. Policies are specific action items that may or may not be measur- able but often include 'should' or `shall' statements. Mission St. Joseph's Park Board Mission: "To plan, develop, preserve, improve, and maintain our City's parkland for a balanced and diverse park and nail system." The St. Joseph Park Board is committed to: • Promoting a sense of wellness and healthy lifestyles • Providing a wholesome, enjoyable, safe, and aesthetically pleasing recreation system for current and future neighborhoods • Fostering community social interaction • Protecting natural resources and open space • Providing the community with efficient recreational services and facilities • Providing efficient, functional, well-maintained, and responsive recreational services and facilities GGCy o~ St. ~o-s~fc Pasrk ar~d Ti-aril Sys~e-wc PCatic 2008 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE Goal Provide a sufficient amount of public land to meet the recreational needs of existing and future: residents. Objective Provide 10 acres/1000 people to be set aside for parks, trails and open space to accommodate the needs of future residents in the year 2030. Policies/Recommendations The City shall: • Continue to acquire land as needed to maintain the 10 acres per 1,000-person standard within search areas shown in the Parks, Open Space, and Trails Plan • Search for land appropriate to the intended recreational use • Pursue grants from regional, state, and federal agencies to obtain funding for park and open space planning, acquisition, and administration • Coordinate park system efforts with other functional and gov- erning agency plans Goal Provide adequate and equitable funding for the acquisition, improvement, development, and maintenance of park and trail system components. Objective vlaximize public's investment in the existing and future park, open space and trail system. Policies/Recommendations The Citv shall: • Include capital improvement recommendations of this plan in the City's five-year capital improvement program • Continue to provide for regular operations and maintenance of existing park and trail system components through the annual budget Goal Assure that private development will adhere to City standards for open space For parks, trails, and/or open space preservation. GGL~ df .St.J~'v~'V Pasrk avcd Trarllys~tezcc PG~uc 2008 Objective Assure that land within any new development for park and open space follows the requirements of the St. Joseph's Public Land Dedication ordinance. Policies/Recommendations The Gity shall • Maintain zoning and subdivision regulations that provide for and encourage the continued development of parks, open space, trails, and recreational opportunities • Apply official controls, such as parkland dedication requirements, to ensure that appropriate parkland is provided with new devel- opment. Whenever possible, land dedication should reflect the adopted Park, Open and Trail System Plan • Evaluate the quality and usability of land for parks and open space being proposed for parkland dedication by developer Goal Provide convenient and accessible recreation sites and facilities for all community members. Objective Locate parks to ensure balanced recreational service areas across the limits of the municipality. Policies/Recommendations The City shall: • Strive to locate neighborhood parks within every half-mile radius of a residential neighborhood, whenever possible • Allow school sites to function as neighborhood parks providing they include facilities associated with this park type to include elements such as play area, picnic shelter, etc) Objective Provide accessibility to all parks and trails within the system. Policies/Recommendations The (:itv shall: • Construct or upgrade recreational facilities that will meet or exceed ADA requirements for accessibility • Establish a procedure for reviewing accessibility compliance of new construction designs CvCY a f It. ~QZe~i Pa.Ylc a~t2d Tvar.~ lys~te~t PCtut 2008 Goal Protect open space within the system to preserve sensitive wildlife habitat, protect aesthetic views, and provide interconnecting greenways throughout the area. Objective Identify ways to preserve open space in the community to form aesthetic places and connective corridors. Policies/Recommendations "I'he City shall: • Work cooperatively with adjacent communities and other public agencies to develop an integrated open space system • Protect open space areas from unnecessary encroachment or destruction from neighboring properties • Protect and manage publicly owned open space areas within the City • Maintain and develop natural corridors to foster ecosystem con- tinuity and provide connections to the parks and open space RECREATION Goal Explore a variety of recreational programs that are responsive to the changing needs and interests of the community and that are distributed evenly across socioeconomic users. Objective To provide all residents with recreational facilities and program opportunities. Policies/Recommendations "the City should: • Collaborate with area non-profit organizations and agencies to provide adaptive and recreational opportunities • Collaborate with and support youth sport organizations • Cooperate with public and private entities to provide opportunities that utilize recreational facilities • Consider developing an educational or promotional program to encourage residents to engage in active and healthy lifestyles • Work with other local/regional governmental units, civic groups, and schools to create information for new residents GLty o f St.~~Le~t Pavlc artid T~arl Sys~te~wt PCatit 2008 • Continue to educate the public and promote the use of recre- ational facilities within the park and trail system via the City's website, brochures, etc • Monitor user satisfaction and solicit new programs TRAIL SYSTEM Goal To offer the conununity a citywide interconnected trail system with access to regional trails that meets recreation and u~anspor- tation needs. Objective To provide a range of trail types that will provide a safe and user- friendly mode of bicycle and pedestrian movement throughout the City. Policies 'fhe City shall: • Develop a citywide trail system utilizing and encouraging alter- native modes of transportation • Develop trail links that provide safe and convenient access to and between parks, schools, neighborhoods, commercial areas, natural areas and other destinations • Cooperate with adjacent communities to coordinate trail system connections • Cooperate with state, regional and county agencies in the for- mulation of an area comprehensive trail system plan. • Review trail design and maintenance practices to ensure consis- tency in approved designs • Work with appropriate authorities to identify and utilize rights- of-way for trail purposes • Integrate the trail system with the greenway (wildlife) corridors while avoiding impact to sensitive areas • Create bike lanes on collector and arterial roadways as needed to accommodate commuting and efficiency use • Pursue a "Safe Routes to School Program" to encourage stu- dents to walk or bike to school cry ~ St. ~~-se~c Pas~k aticd Ti~a,~f syvte-roc pCatic Zoos Natural Resources Goal Promote natural resource protection. Objective Protect, preserve and limit development of naau-al resource areas within the City. Policies/Recommendations The City shall: • Identify and acquire significant habitat areas and areas of unique plant and animal species for nature areas to ensure their preservation • Utilize native plant material in restoration of natural areas • Review natural area development proposals for conformance with ordinances regarding tree preservation, water quality, wetland protection and mitigation, and shore land protection. • Work with developers to provide permanent quality open space areas within proposed developments • Protect designated natural areas from unnecessary encroachment or destruction from neighboring development • Enforce no-net loss of wetlands within jurisdictional limits through administration of the Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Act • Increase emphasis on minimizing runoff volumes through implementation of best storm water management and other development practices that are technically acceptable and financially feasible Goal Protect the City's natural resources and ecosystems through com- munity education. Objective Educate property owners to he stewards of their property and the property and natural resources within their conununity. Policies/Recommendations The City shall: • Expand environmental education programs with schools and other organizations within the community • Work with property owners and developers to encourage reforestation, invasive plant species and disease control and preservation of significant vegetation GLty o f St.~~-se~t Pacrk a.~cd Ti~a~i~l lys~te-rat PCayc 2008 9. Park and Trail System Standards The rational Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration have developed park and u-ail system standards-based guidelines to serve as spatial and fimctioual guidelines for communities as they develop a park and trail system plan. The following is a list of the proposed park and trail classifications from those guidelines, including Level of Service (LOS) application most relevant to St. foseph's needs. Mini-Park Description: Smallest park classification used to address limited or unique recreational needs (example: downtown pocket park) Location Criteria: < 1/4 mile distance in residential setting Size Criteria: 2,:100 sq. ft. to 1 acre in size but can be up to 5 acres Site Selection Guidelines: Site should be easily accessible from surrounding area and should link to the community trail system. Development Guidelines: Park facilities similar to those found in a neighborhood park, however there are generally no programmed activities and no specific design guidelines. Park design can be a function of needed use, e.g., picnic area, shaded seating area, etc. Neighborhood Park Description: Basic unit of park system, that serves as the recre- ational and social focus of the ^eighborhood. Typically developed to provide both active and passive rea-eation opportunities for residents of all age groups living in the surrounding neighborhoods. Location Criteria: 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile service area radius Size Criteria: 3-10 acres Site Selection Guidelines: Site should be easily accessible from surrounding neighborhood, should be centrally located and shotdd link to a couununity greenway system. Site development should provide for both active and passive recreation opportunities. The landscape of the site should possess pre-development aesthetic value and not be a "left-over" outlot or located within a 100-year floodplain. Development Guidelines: Park development should be a balance of 50% active space and 50% passive space for recreational uses on the site and typically not be programmed. Appropriate park GGty o~ lt. Jo-s e~c Pas~k artid Tvar~l Sys~te~wc PG~u2 2008 elements include play equipment, court games, open "non-pro- grammed" play field or open space, tennis courts, volleyball courts, shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits, ice skating areas, wad- ing pool or splash pad. Other park facilities should include picnic areas, internal trail system, and general open space for enjoying the "park scenery". neighborhood parks should provide at least 7 to 10 parking spaces and limited lighting should be provided Cor facility illumination, security and safety. Community Park Description: Larger in size and serves a broader purpose than the neighborhood park with the purpose of providing recreational opportunities for several neighborhoods or larger sections of the community. Typically developed to provide both active and pas- sive recreation opportunities for larger groups while preserving unique landscapes aucl open spaces. Location Criteria: Should serve two or more neighborhoods within a 1/2 mile to 3 mile service area radius. Size Criteria: 30-50 acres (Size may be determined as needed to accommodate desired uses) Site Selection Guidelines: Site should be easily accessible from entire service area, should be centrally located and shotdd have strong connection to other park areas. Site development should provide for both active and passive recreation opportunities. The landscape of the site should possess pre-development aesthetic value and noc be a "left-over' outlot or located within a 100-year floodplain. The site, when possible, shotdd be located adjacent to natural resource areas and greenways. These areas tend to pro- vide landscapes with greater biodiversity thus enhancing the pas- sive recreational experience. Development Guidelines: While the community park shotdd be designed to acconunodate both active and passive recreational opportunities, programming should remain, for the most part, limited. Appropriate active park elements would include: larger play areas with creative play equipment for a range of ages, court games, informal ball fields for youth play, tennis, volleyball and shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits, ice skating, swimming pools and beaches, archery ranges, and disc golf. Parking lots should be provided to accommodate use and limited lighting should be provided for facility illumination, security and safety. Gvty o f St. Jo-se~Gc Park a.~cd Trar~l lyt~tetiu PGatic 2008 Special Use Park Description: Covers a broad range of parks and recreational facili- ties oriented toward asingle-purpose use such as historical, cultural or social sites. "Chew sites may offer local historical, educational, or cultural recreational opportunities. Examples of this type of park include historic downtowns, performing arts parks and facili- ties, arboretums, public gardens, indoor theatres, churches and public buildings. Other examples include community and senior centers, community theau-es, hockey arenas, golf courses, and aquatic parks, tennis centers, softball complexes and sports stadi- ums. Community centers, however, are typically located in neigh- borhood or community parks. Location Criteria: Location is primarily based on recreation need, comnnuiity interest, facility type and availability of land. These types of parks should service the entire community rather than a defined neighborhood or area within a community. "the site should be easily accessible fi•om major transportation routes and traffic light locations where possible. Size Criteria: Facility space requirements should determine size of park. Site Selection Guidelines: A central location is optimal and no specific site selection standard is recommended due to diversity of use potential. Development Guidelines: Due to the unique quality of this type of recreational facility, community input and focus groups should be used to determine the site development program. Regional Park Description: Serves regional users or draws visitors from local areas. It generally provides outdoor recreation facilities and activi- ties that. are primarily natural resource based, such as camping, picnicking, hiking, swimming, boating, canoeing, fishing, nature study, etc.). L"sually, a park that offers of range of these activities is more likely to atn•act regional visitors than a park that offers only one of these facilities. Location Criteria: Often located in areas that provide a unique or unusual geologic feature, is historically significant or contains characteristics that are of statewide significance. Size Criteria: "Typically 100 acres or more, however exceptions may be based on use characteristics, special feanu-es, etc. GvL~ o~ S~-. Jo-se~c Pa,Yk aid Tva~:l Sys~te-icc PCatit 2008 Greenways Description: Links park system components to create a "cohesive park, recreation and open space system," that emphasizes the uanu-al environment. Greenways allow for safe, uninterrupted pedestrian movement between parks throughout a community and can enhance property values. Location Criteria: Location is primarily based on availability of land. Typically, greenways are linear in nature and follow natural corridors such as waterways. Greenways can also be of the built environment including abandoned railroad beds, areas within residential sub-divisions, revitalized riverfi-onts, reclaimed indus- trial sites, safe powerline rights-of--way, pipeline easements, trans- portation rights-of--ways, etc. Boulevards and parkways can also be considered candidates as greenways if they provide a "park-like quality and provide off-street trail opportunities." Corridor Width Criteria: 25 feet. witkrin a subdivision, 50 feet mininnim and 200 feet optimal. Site Selection Guidelines: Site selection is generally based on availability and the trail system plan. Natural corridors should be considered whenever possible but appropriate "built" corridors are also acceptable with proper design. Development Guidelines: Greenways provide the opportunity for a number of recreational travel opporumities such as hiking, walking, jogging, bicycling, and in-line skating. Parkway corridors also provide attractive travel experiences for the motorist and canoeing can occur in "green" waterway corridors. Natural Resource Areas Description: Link park system components to create a "cohesive park, recreation and open space system;' that emphasizes the natural environment. Greenways allow for safe, uninterrupted peciesu-ian movement between parks throughout a conrnrunity and can enhance property values. Location Criteria: Location is primarily based on availability of land. Typically, greenways are linear in nature and follow natural corridors such as waterways. Greenways can also be of the built environment including abandoned railroad beds, areas within residential sub-divisions, revitalized riverfronts, reclaimed indus- trial sites, safe powerline rights-of--way, pipeline casements, trans- portation rights-of-way, etc. Boulevards and parkways can also be considered candidates as greenwavs if they provide a "park-like quality and provide off-street trail opportunities". Gc~Ly d~.St. Jo-se~i Park awd Trar~l Sys~teticc PG~uc 2008 Corridor Width Criteria: 25 feet within a subdivision, 50 feet mininnun and 200 feet optimally. Site Selection Guidelines: Site selection is generally based on availability and the u-ail system plan. Natural corridors should be considered whenever possible but appropriate "built" corridors are also acceptable with proper design. Development Guidelines: Greeucvays provide the opportunity for a number of recreational travel opportunities such as hiking, walking, jogging, bicycling, and in-line skating. Parkway corridors also provide attractive travel experiences for the motorist and canoeing can occur iu "green" waterway corridors. Open Space Open space, broadly defined includes woodlands, fields, wetlands, su-eam backs, floodplains, steep slopes and unique geological formations-un-built. areas. Open Space provides protection for scenic areas and euciangered habitats. It also continues to provide land for local food production and can help shape the form of urban growth by providing "breathing room." TRAIL STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES Park Trail Description: Multi-purpose trails located within greenways, parks and natural resource areas. Purpose: Oriented to the natural environment, allows for unin- terrupted movement throughout the park system, connects parks and other recreation areas together to form a cohesive park sys- tem and protects the user from vehicles. Types: There are three types of park trails -Type I, Type II and 'T'ype [II. • Tvo~I: Suited in areas where use patterns necessitate separate paths for pedestrians and bicyclists/in-line skates, for example divided trail system around a lake. Typically 8-10' hard surface. • TvoT e II: Suited for lighter use patterns, for example, traveling from residential area to a park preserve or nature area. Typically 10' hard-surface. • Type III: Suited for areas requiring minimum impact, for example a trail through a nature preserve. Typically 6-8' soft-surface. Gvty a f It. J~~e~c Park aticd Ti-argil lys~e-ccc PCatic 2008 Connector Trail Description: viulti-purpose trails that provide for safe travel for pedestrians to and from parks and through commm~ity. Differs from Park "Grails primarily in location. Purpose: Generally located within existing road rights-of--way and utility easements or along built drainage ways. They eau be used for commuting purposes. 'types: There are two types of connector trails - Type I and Type II • T~Re I: Suited in areas where use patterns necessitate separate paths for pedestrians and bicyclists and if required, in-line skaters, for example trail within the shoulder of a parkway or collector street right-of-way. Typically 10' hard surface. • Tvo~II: Suited for lighter use patterns, for example, traveling from residential area to a park preserve or nature area. Typically 10' hard surface. On-Street Bikeways Description: Paved segments of roadways in form of bike routes and bike lanes. Purpose: Intended to safely separate bicyclists from traffic. Types: "there are two types of ou-street bikeways -Bike Route and Bike Lane • Bike Route: Suited in areas where use patterns necessitate sepa- rate paths for pedestrians and bicyclists and if required, in-line skaters, for example trail within the shoulder of a parkway or collector street right-of-way, typically 4-6' paved shoulder (part of roadway). • Bike Lane: Suited for situations where traffic volumes are heavy enough to call for a clear separation between bicycles and vehi- cles, typically d' hard surface (part of roadway). • Paved shoulder should be used for both types of bikeways. Gvty a~ St. J~ Patrk ~uLd Ts'atiC SyS~te2tt PGatit 2008 Specialized Trails Description: Most often located within natural resources areas, greenways, community parks and special use facilities, such as golf courses. These types of trails are typically developed and maintained at the regional or state level. Purpose: "fend to be sin;le use and emphasize the use of the natural cnvirounu~nt. Types: There are three types of Special L'se Trails: • All-Terrain (Mountain Bike Trails): Relatively new recreational activity with no general standards available at this time. Trail design should follow standards developed by regional park and state resource agencies. • Cross-Country Ski Trails: Trail types vary in terms of types and widths to accommodate traditional and skate-ski styles. Trail design should follow standards developed by regional and state resource agencies. • Equestrian Trails: Trails are usually grass or woodchip surfaced. The length varies and often extends greater than 10 miles or more. There are no specific standards for how many miles should be developed within a community. Trail design should follow stan- dards developed by regional and state resource agencies. city o f St. Joze~c Pas~k aticd T~a.~l lys~eut PG>2.yc 2008 10. Park and Trail System Plan The following section presents the Park and Trail System Plan. The Plan is based on a number of factors including standards developed by the National Recreational and Park Association and Academy for Park and Recreation Administration as described in Chapter 9. "The Plan is also a result of reconunendations that have emerged through park and trail system analysis and conununity, park board, and City staff input. Park Reclassification A few parks have been re-classified and other categories added to reflect current national guidelines and consideration of commu- nity needs such as the addition of a greenways and uanu•al resource areas. Table 10-1 shows revised park classifications as shown on Park and Trail System Map. (See Fi;ure 10-18) South of Last Dale Street and West of 1?th Brian hlinelelter Park Conunuuity Park 25.04 Avenue SE Centennial Park Community Park 205 Birch Street West 2.30 Cloverdale Park vlini Park Corner of L' Able Street and 8th Ave SE .48 Hollow Park Neighborhood Park West of Birch and 5~h Avenue NW .54 Memorial Park Special Use Park 28 Third Avenue NW 4.89 Millsu~eam Park Community Park North of CSAI [ 75 and East of CSAH 3 35 Monument Park Special Lase Park West Birch Street and 2nd Avenue NW .31 Northland Park Neighborhood Park West of Northland Drive 9.25 *Kiver Bend Fast Park Neighborhood Park South of CSAH 121 15.31 *Kiver Bend Nest Park Regional Park South of CSAH 121 95.30 Parks to Ge Reiaained "Total Planned Parkland = 188.42 acres Future Park Needs St. Joseph uses the National Park Standard of providing 10 acres of parkland and open space per 1,000 people. While the current park system, excluding the recently dedicated 110.61 acres, exceeds the national standard of 10 acres per thousand people (13 acres/1,000), the addition of the dedicated land shows the current ratio to be 32 acres/1,000). It is important to note, however, that while the total park land acres in the system exceeds national guidelines, that ratio alone does not imply that the commm~ity is being pro- vided with an adequate range of park types or classifications and recreation facilities. Table 10-2 shows park classification acreage ratio guidelines adapted from National Standards that are most relevant to serving St. Joseph's needs. These ratios plan for providing and adequate distribution of park types within the system. These standards typically apply to those parks that offer active recreation oppornmities. Standards do not apply for park and open space areas that are more specialized or that pro- vide passive recreation opportunities that are dependent on the location and size of the feature itself. GLty o~lt. Jose-~i Park aticd Tvai~ 1ys~e~cc PCayc 2008 • 11x I 1 1 ~~k~a K~r1 ~.. 3~ I ( I Commu~iity Paik II`` >1V Neighborhood Park 2-10 Vlini Park <2 Greenways No standard Special L"se Park No standard Naniral Resources Areas No standard Regional Park No standard Table 10-3 shows land needed to accommodate future park needs by 2030 applying national park standards. It shows that by the year 2030, St. Joseph should have adequate parkland acres to serve the needs of the conunuuiry. In actuality, St. Joseph may still need to add one to two more community parks (Typically the size of com- munity parks range fi-om 20 to 50 acres) so this ^eed may go down to one. The table also shows that there will be a need for additional neighborhood parks. Neighborhood parks are essential to the quality of life for conununity residents and are considered a "basic unit" of the park system because they serve as the main recreational and social gathering place in the neighborhood. They are barrier-free, human-scale, and pedestrian-oriented components of city infrastructure. .. 1 t-°. Park Svstem •. I I ' 1 1 1 ~ 1 88.42 ~' 10 acres/ 1000 1 1 1 A 1 1 . 1 ' 1 . 1 1:17.53 0.89 Community Parks 62.34 5 acres/1000 78.77 <16.43> Neighborhood Parks 2:1.10 2 acres/1000 31.51 <6.41> Mini-Parks .48 .5/1000 7.88 <7.40> Greenways 0 N/~1 Special Use Parks 5.2 N/A Natural Areas 0 N/A Regional Park 95.30 N/A .r /tssuurvs dvdirn/arl ~~nrk lnrul (En.+l nrirl Wvs[ l'nrk.~) nn .Sunk River This ratio does not include any additional public recreation and space provided by others such as the land provided by schools, churches, other public buildings or county parks, etc. Gc%~ o f St. J~s~e~c Park a~2d Ti~art! .Sys~te~c PC~ut 2008 RECOMMENDATIONS The following is a list of general park system and park specific in-provements that have been identified by the Park Board based on identified needs, visioning workshop and community input: GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS Parks and Open Space • Continue to purchase quality underdeveloped or undeveloped land as opportunities arise to add to the park and open space system • Acquire land and master plan a new community park in southern portion of the City • Master plan future regional parkland dedicated to the City as part of a PUD development along the Sauk River southwest of the new Kennedy Elementary school site • Master plan future neighborhood park dedicated to the City as part of the same PUD development along the Sauk River west of the new Kennedy Elementary school site • Continue to add Neighborhood Parks to the park system through the park dedication process • All parks, particularly the play areas, need to be brought into compliance with the American Disability Act (ADA) standards • Locate and plan for dog park(s) in existing or future park areas or study the feasibility of locating a dog park within existing city-owned open space • Evaluate open spaces (undeveloped areas owned by the City) identified during the development of this plan to determine pas- sive or active recreation potential or preservation or restoration potential as "natural areas" • Correct grading, drainage, and turf establishment problems in the parks to promote high quality and useable areas. Recreation • Provide a range of creative and varied active recreation facilities within existing and new parks • Conduct a facility needs study for multi-use community center • Participate in regional aquatic center planning effort • Staff and develop a city sponsored recreation program • Create community awareness of parks, trails and facilities through the City website and newsletter • Provide recreational facilities for teens and seniors Gvty o f St. f~Le~c Parkk atitd T~a~ Sys~tevct PGayt 2008 Trails • Study the feasibility of renovating TH 75 pedestrian underpass to provide access to parks on the north side of TH 75 and con- nection to Lake Wobegon Trail • Expand or develop internal park trail connections and provide linkages to the Citywide trail system • Whenever physically and economically possible, acquire ade- quate right-of-way in the undeveloped portions of the City to build off-road trails Natural Resources • Acquire, preserve and protect high quality natural areas as the City continues to become urbanized • Control natural areas of invasive plant species, such as buck- thorn, purple loose-strife, tartarian honeysuckle, prickly ash, etc., diseases such as oak wilt, and pests such as they gypsy moth, ash borer, etc. to maintain the health of the City land- scapes but City-owned and managed natural areas in particular • Maintain awareness of current and future natural threats (inva- sive plant species, diseases and pests, etc.) and control measures to maintain the health of City-owned and managed natural areas Individual Park Recommendations and Concepts Concepts were developed for each of the parks within the park and trail system. Concepts were also developed for two Future parks (labeled iu this plan as East Park and West Park). The concepts (See Figures 10-1 to 10-10) were developed based on recommendations derived from public, park board and City staff input. GGLy a f St. Jo-ze~c Pas-k aticd Trar~l Iys~te-ctic PGa.~t 2008 Pre-K Play that stimulates the very young, pre-kindergarten age usually consists of bright colors, friendly shapes and traditional activities. Areas and items that the very small can climb on, crawl under, swing and slide on. Children at this age learn and role play, it is important to stimulate the imagination at this age. K-5 Kindergarten through 5th tirade is an age that children are fall of energy. The physical challenges and activities are a large part of development of motor skills and enriching a child's awareness of play. Challenge provides a child with the knowledge of their personal capabilities, such as how high you can climb, how long you can balance and endurance. Play at this age is not only devel- opmental but also is the training ground for social interaction. Teen Play "The needs and desires of young people, 6th grade thru high school are different than the needs of pre-k and k-~ play groups. The "teens" need areas they can go where they feel safe, secure, and can enjoy themselves. Teens need areas to "hang-out" with their friends, talk and challenge their motor skills. Areas can simply be unstructured play, lean rails, basketball, obstacle course and teen swings. If provided with an area distinctly designed for them the teens will foster leadership and growth among themselves. Gvty o f Jt. ~o-se~c Pas~k aticd Trar~l lys~te~c PGayt 2008 '' Chapter 10: Park and Trail System Plan 65 ,~;;° • Provide additional play equipment for tots • Replace play surface material • Provide additional natural resource/storm water management interpretive trail signage • Enhance stormwater pond with native vegetated buffer • Provide picnic shelter with restrooms that are accessible April- November, weather permitting during park hours • Future trail connection potential on south side of the park that could connect to the new Kennedy Elementary School and future park near planned River's Bend neighborhood • Install dog waste bags and refuse container • Provide at least one shade structure and additional shade trees at bench near play area • Park Board to consider recommendations by League of Minnesota Cities report (See Appendix D) • Park Board to consider recommendations by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as part of Outdoor Recreation Grant Program conditions (See Appendix E) • Master plan park based on concept that was developed for this plan Brian Klinefelter Park: Community Park - 25.04 Acres Existing Features: Memorial, picnic shelter, play equipment, picnic tables, trail and parking lot Proposed Features: Pre-K and Teen play equipment, additional wail, landscape buffer at pond, park shelter w/restrooms, site amenities and landscaping Brian Kliucfeltcr Park Prc-K Plae 1?quipm~~nt 540,000 Teen Play Equipment 540.000 Walking Trail 565,000 Landscape Buffer X5,000 Park Shelter w/restrooms X150,000 Site Amenities $40,000 Landscape Features ~y15,000 Total X355,000 GGL~ a~ St. J~'VC' y Pa.Ylc ayrd TYar~C .Sys~te-ut PCatz 2008 - - ..._ _ - ~. F J ~ .. ~/ Land a buff ~ ~ ~ Pond buffed w ~ ~ .~,~'~~ ; _._.r„~ ~ .', . ~ ~. w,.~.,,. ~ , Existing parking _/ ~ ~ ~~' '•+` t .~ ,* , °°, .... ~ ~ S ~ r . pray F ~ ~n15',?pi,4A>~ Exiling i. Shelter with p'° "~ ~' 1een~i ~~ )J restroon,, ~ ~ ~ J play ~ f~ r ~ 4 L~ ,and Dario : + 1 +s. i......._s J ..-_ ~.'~w• +. • ~ `,~Z. Existing +~' •` •`,~° ^ " play area ~ " 0 t ~ ~ ~ , ~; ~ ~ o .,~ r 3 rs'~e - ~~ ` rl~Y~ 4 ~f i ,~ ~~: ~ ~ s a 3 .E x S `' ~ '{< a .4 } ~+ X 7, g ~ 3 3 _ ~ Z `, v . .; ' ~ 5 P `. ;.+, a .~. ~` s - ~ ~ ;` * connection to _ KennedyComrrftinity ~ ~ P i School a - ' N -'-- ---- BRIAN KLINEFELTER PARK CONCEPT ~~ SE Gvty d~ lt. J~'vC' y Pik astid I~ai~l lys~te-ltic PGatit 2008 _, • Plant additional shade trees • Redesign horseshoe pit area • Replace play equipment • Replace play surface material • Provide internal trail system to link park features • Provide at least one shade structures and additional shade trees over bench near play area • Provide trail connection to CSAH 75 crossing or underpass to access Millstream and Northland Parks and to the Lake Wobegon Trail • Provide ADA accessible restrooms that are available May through October during park hours • Install dog waste bags and refuse container • Install irrigation • Park Board to consider recommendations by League of Minnesota Cities report (See Appendix D) • Park Board to consider recommendations by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as part of Outdoor Recreation Grant Program conditions (See Appendix E) • Master plan park based on concept that was developed for this plan Centennial Park: Comnntnity Park - 2.30 Acres Existing Features: Pavilion/rectal, picnic shelter/restrooms, bas- ketball, horseshoes, play equipment, sand volleyball court, picnic tables and benches Proposed Features: Splash pad, parking lot, play equipment, walking nail, re-build horseshoes, site amenities and landscaping Ccn~c•nnial Park Splash Pad 5200,000 Pal'klllg lOt ;'~lJO,OOt) Plav Equipment X250,000 Walking 'T'rail 576,:100 Re-build Horseshoes X5,000 Site Amenities 515,000 Landscape Feannes 550.000 ~Cotal ~i I~;..;uu J GLty o~ ft. J~e~ft Pas~k aid Try lys~te-r cL PGa.~c 2008 Figure 10-2: Centennial Park Concept s ~\ W N d C~ L -. 01 ~_ = d ~ C d ~ ~ Y % ~ ~ _ u, L ~ W ~ ~~.j~ ~ A' . . ~ -, ~: ~ ~' • '~~ ~ ~ ~ tnR ~' M1. 1~ ~~ ~ py W '1q qqq q 1 ~ l'qq eggq • : ~i O ~ • • Y •+ F ~• - ~ •+ • Q .:. ~^: ~, ..A~q. ~ r a ~~ A _~~ ~ ,. N A i. Q q ,~ v ~ . N ro 1 S ^~ Y ,~f~ Z .. , `,z' ~R i~~ ~ H h ' ~ ~n` .1 .' NA ^ _ ti ~' ~ -~ 4~. .• • !' • ~ ~: ~! ~~ 1 ~~ • ~.. •MA ~ R ~ J~ ~7, O ~~ ~ ~ Y - ~ •r 'J G W > w '~] GvLy o~ St. Jo-se~ri Pasrk aycd TYa.~C Sys~te~cu PGatic 2008 Cloverdale Park • Park Board to consider recommendations by League of Minnesota Cities report (See Appendix D) • Park Board to consider recommendations by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as part of Outdoor Recreation Grant Program conditions (See Appendix E) • Master plan park based on concept that was developed for this plan Cloverdale Park: Mini Park - .-18 acres Existing Features: Play equipment Proposed Features: Gazebo, labyrinth, walking trail, granite monoliths, rock outcropping, site amenities and landscaping Caov'CI'tlale Park Gazebo - `~~)~ `)`~:~,1)U~) Labyrinth-grauite stone 530,000 Trail 510,000 Granite Monoliths 550.000 Kock Outcropping 540,000 Site Amenities 515,000 Landscape Feauu-es S60.000 Total 5`?:~0,000 CGty o~ St. Jove-~c Pa.Yk aid Tv'ar~l Sys~e~ P(,ayc 2008 Figure 10-3: Cloverdale Park Concept ~~~I ,~ . i t' ~. -; ` ~A ~~;: r ~ ti ~ .. ~~ ,., p~ 1 1 ~ .:. e r a,:Lf'~. w71 ~~ a W V Z U Y Q a a 0 W 0 J V ~ C ~ m L c O a ~ O - ~ = rJ N V ~ ~ y j ~ o ~ d ~ ~ O ~ d <z, ~ a -- ~ _ o+ c ~ _ ~ v o .~ a~ o _ ^' =Z ~~ GvL~ o f St. ~oze~~c Park aticd Ti~ar~l lys~tezu PGatic 2008 ~~ ~~ E,~aRter*t~l~aslrandeTrsit~~sten~Pfa~ris %4 Ft: T r.'iwr ~ 71 .s Hollow Park • Expand park toward the west and re-classified as a Neighborhood Park • Park Board to consider recommendations by League of Minnesota Cities report (See Appendix D) • Park Board to consider recommendations by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as part of Outdoor Recreation Grant Program conditions (See Appendix E) • Master plan park based on concept developed for this plan Hollow Park: Neighborhood Park - .54 Acres Existing Features: Basketball, play equipment, sand volleyball court, back stop, picnic tables, benches and parking lot Proposed Features: Park expansion, play equipment, walking wail, splash pad, sand volleyball, basketball, park shelter, shade structure, site amenities and landscaping 1l~ill~~w Park Park h:~pansion 510,1)01) Play Equipment SI00,000 Walking frail 570,000 Splash Pad 575,000 Sand Volleyball Court 57,500 Basketball 52:1,000 Park SI-elter 540,000 Shade Structure 510,000 Site Amenities 510,000 Landscape Features 53:1,000 Total 537.3,500 GvLY o f St. ~o32-~i Pa.Yk a.~d Ti-argil Sys~tevu PG~u2 2008 x ~~ ~ ,,~ * ~ , r •. ~~ ~ F- a Z ~_'` _ o -~ ' ~~~~ ~ } >> c ~ a ~ -' ~ z ~ _..~ Z~~ ~~:- - . w ~• -~ ' l ~ 1 '~ `~C J _`` , _ Q ~~ ~ ~ o .~ ,, ., :. } A.i ~ ~`eA ~ ' Qt C C Q~ L O ~ d O ~2; Q L A ,~ d N ~ 01 C ~C Q1 n0 ~ ~~ ~ .~ = T ~ ~~ N ~ ~ ~ l7 a V ~n ~ d l7 l7 w GGL~ o f St. f ~ve~t Pas~lc A,t2d Tc~at~C .Sys~te~t PGayt 2008 • Plant additional tree planting for shade ~' • Provide "soft" barriers to eliminate uncontrolled access to park • Install additional bleachers • Install electronic scoreboard • Install lighting and PA system • Construct roof over grandstand • Improve parking • Provide internal trail system to link park features. • Install dog waste bags and refuse container • Park Board to consider recommendations by League of Minnesota Cities report (See Appendix D) • Park Board to consider recommendations by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as part of Outdoor Recreation Grant Program conditions (See Appendix E) • Master plan park based on concept developed for this plan Memorial Park: Special Lase Park - 4.89 Acres Existing Features: Baseball field, concession stand/restrooms, hockey rink, skateboard, sledding hill, and off-street parking Proposed Features: 4~'arming house, walking trail, roadway/park- ing lots, bleachers, roof over bleachers-2, scoreboard, play area, lighting and landscaping llc~uorial Park ~~~.uniin~ I[ousc Sl`?O,O110 4~'alking "frail $03,000 Roadway/Parking Lot S3:i0,000 Bleachers 510,500 Bleacher -Roof - 2 530,000 Scoreboard 530,000 Field Lighting 5250,000 Play Area 550,000 Landscape Feanu-es 525,000 Total 5928,500 GvLy o~ St. ~ J~se~k Pa.Yk atitd Ti-a,~l lys~teticc PC~uc 2008 Figure 10-5: Memorial Park Concept :c~Ly o~.St. J Pa.Yk a.~cd Ts-arl fys~ezu PGatit 2005 Millstream Park • Plant additional trees • Evaluate trail underpass beneath TH 75 to provide access from Millstream Park to parks on the south side of TH 75 • Install dog waste bags and refuse container • Replace play equipment • Park Board to consider recommendations by League of Minnesota Cities report (See Appendix D) • Park Board to consider recommendations by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as part of Outdoor Recreation Grant Program conditions (See Appendix E) • Master plan park based on concept developed for this plan • Evaluate existing disc golf course as part of master plan for potential renovation Millstream Park: Conuuunity Park - 35 Acres Existing Features: Camping, pavilion/rental, shelter, basketball, horseshoes, play equipment, disc golf, sand volleyball court, 2 softball fields, picnic tables, benches and parking lot Proposed Features: Shower/restroom facility-campers, additional camping, new softball fields, concession stand, walking trail, trail connection to south side of highway, pre-k, k-5 and teen play equipment, entry road and parking lots, benches/picnic tables/ litter receptacles, disc golf and landscaping ~Iillsn~eam Park Adcliti~nial Camping 5250.000 Shower/Restroom Facility 5100,000 Concession Stand 5200,000 3 Softball Fields 5260,000 ~M1'alking 'T'rail 5168,000 Box Cuhert at Hwv 5200,000 Play Equipment 5120,000 Enu~v Road/Parking Lots 51,000,000 Site Amenities 550,000 vlodifications-llisc Golf 520,000 Landscape Features 550,000 Total 52,298,000 GGCy o f St. ~oze~li Parrk a.~cd T~ar~l .fys~te~ PGatit 2008 =figure 10-6: Millstream Park Concept ~~ ~~ o~ Q - 'a a`, E ~ -o ,~ c Q V ~ ~~ y ° o -t i ~ A i o~~ -« o v ""^~ c ~~ ~~~ i~ ~ ~i o - :' / ~, o ~ ,. N a w V Z O v Y Q a w H H J J a I I ' I I 7 p 7 ~a - p ~ d _ L L' ~ - LL ... ~ of ~ L - C Y Y T C .~.. T 2 d 0 ° ¢ ~ w a a w ~ , v d w ~ ~Z~ I GGLy o~ It. f~s~e~i Pas-k aticd Trail Iys~e-vct PC~rt2 2008 Chapter 10: Park and Trail System Plan 77 • Provide trail connection to citywide trail system • Refer to park concept developed for this plan Monument Park: Special Lse Park - .31 Acres Existing Features: Monument, off-street parkin Proposed Features: Trail connection, landscape buffer, perennial beds, and relocate picnic tables ~i~nnnncnt Park flail Conuccti<n~ 512.000 Landscape Buffer X3,000 Perennial Beds X10,000 Total 525,000 cry f st. ~ozepTi Pa,:rk aticd Trarl syyt~ p~ Zoos viii is a u-+'; i'ieiixJiii:iiL n i~(.ri ...~iiitc~i ~~~I -- . ~~: -w ..~ , ~,, ~ ~k ' 'fir `. K. ~. '~~ ~ a, ~„, ~ _ ~~ \~•~. 1~ \••~ J a w v z 0 u Y Q a ~"' Z W Z ~i 1 'J1 s ~ ~ v O L A v .` v A Q ~ ~ v ~ C C .' ~ ~ ip v C N ~ H OV W d D] a m K ~- ~~~ ~ ~ ,;. _ ~ ~.: -_ - \~i _ 1 ~ _ _ •~~ GGty ~ St. Jo~e~c Pas~k avcd Ti~a.GC Sys~te2ct PGaut 2008 Northland Park • Replace play equipment • Provide dog waste bag and refuse container • Park Board to consider recommendations by League of Minnesota Cities report (See Appendix D) • Park Board to consider recommendations by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as part of Outdoor Recreation Grant Program conditions (See Appendix E) • Master plan park based on concept developed for this plan Northland Park: Neighborhood Park - 9.25 Acres Existing Features: Basketball, play equipment, sand volleyball court, back stop, picnic tables, benches and parking lot Proposed Features: Play equipment, walking trail, hockey, infiltra- tion Swale amenity, relocate sand volleyball, teen play equipment, park shelter, site amenities, landscaping and parkway parking Northland Park Plav 1?giiip~n~•nt - I'hasc :3 515.(100 ~'alkiug "Nail ~y100,000 Ltfiln-atiou Swale °,y"100,000 Sand Volleyball Court 57,500 Teeu Plav Equipment 540,000 Park Shelter X50,000 Hockey Rink 575,000 Site Auunities X10,000 Landscape Features $50,000 Parkway Parking 550,000 Total X497,500 GvCy df St. J~ Pa,~-k a.~2d Trar~l lys~tevct PGa,~c 2008 Figure 10-8: Northland Park Concept • Master plan park based on concept developed for this plan East Park: Regional Park - 95.30 Acres Existing Features: Farmland, lowland Proposed Features: Parkway, parking, walking trail, dog park, canoe/boat landing, active recreation area, passive recreation area, nature center, camping, educational signage, nature trails, site amenities and landscaping I?ast Park P~u~kwa~~jParking Sl,O01),000 Walking 'T'rail S450,000 Dog Park `.x'75,000 Boat Landing X75,000 Active Recreation S750,000 Passive Recreation 5250,000 Camping 5500,000 nature Center 5250,000 Educational Siguage 525,000 Site Amenities 5150,000 Landscape Feauu~es 5175,000 Total ~ 3,700,000 CvC~ o~I~. Jo-se~~i Pavk aid TYatil lys~teticc PCart 2008 Figure 10-9: East Park Concept (Park to be-renamed in the future) t ,-+" ParRway ~ '.' Y ,~ ~. }it Camping .. h'ti ` _ ~ '. " Active ' r,, K•`'f~ F ~/ ,r`• `~, tip Nature :' f,' ~ f f~~ ~yRiver a~c«~zs ~; center ,` } t ,%;~ { tioa[1~ ling '`- ' ~ Passive ~ ~I `• ,~icni~ '•-f CFA ~ recreation ..`r ij) .i i:~; ' j s, r / f l: t ~~. ~-~ ;., ~ .~.' f~. ~~ r .. .. .. ~ . . -.. .. r ~ . ` : ~~ '`~ `r ~,./ i~latural area . 1 R ,:: .yam,,;: , - ;.~, ', ~ . ` ~ ' ~ ~~- Dog Park ~ ~+,r..~4 ' N = - - EAST PARK CONCEPT ~~ SEN Llit~/ O~ S t. J0"LE~YYG L'G{if'!C U.ti/LGi, L i'GLfiL S~/SiCB'GLL L'Gt{tiL L UUtS • Master plan park based on concept developed for this plan West Park: Neighborhood Park - 5.31 Acres Existing Features: Lpland and lowland areas Proposed Features: Play equipment, walking trail, boardwalk, park shelter, site ameuities and landscaping ~~'csi Park Plae t?<~uipiucnt S150,000 Walking 'frail $121,?50 Boardwalk ~1Q000 Park Shelter °40,000 Site Amenities X15,000 Landscape Features 850,000 Total $386,250 GGCy o~.ft. J~ye~Gc Pa.~-k c~.r2d Tvavl Sys~te~c PCa.~c 2008 Figure 10-10: West Park Concept (Park to be renamed in the future) i~ty o~ l~ ~ f ~ve~c Pik cued Trc~.vC .fys~te~t PGa.~2 2008 Figure 10- I I: Future Stearns County Park on Kraemer Lake ;vty o~ St. J~~ Pa.Yk aticd T~ar~l Sys~tetiat PGayt 2008 Future Trail Needs The City's trail system has been evolving and key segments identi- fied for future improvement and expausiou as part of the City's transportation planning process. This plan builds upon that plan- ning effort which includes previous mapping of the trails and side- walks. "I'he existing and proposed trail segments, however, have been classified by type according to standards developed by the National Recreation and Park Association and the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. Additional rec- ommendations have been proposed as part of the park and trail planning process in order to provide contiguous connections between existing and filture city and county parks, neighborhoods, regional trails, key destinations within the City and neighboring communities whenever possible. Table 10-4 shows the classification of trails by type within the City. Figures 10-12 to 10-17 illustrate the spatial and aesthetic qualities of each [.rail type. North Corridor From CR 133 to GSAH 2 8' I3it Trail Connector/Type II Field Street Prom College Ave to 20th Ave SE 8' Bit Trail Connector/Type II Neary Street From Jade Rd/12th Ave West 6' Cona•ete Sidewalk Park Trail/Type II through Rivers Bend Development River's Bend Trail svsteul within River's Bend 6' Concrete Sidewalk Park Trail/Type II Addition east of Jade/ 12th Ave 8' Class 5 Park "frail/Type II 8' Bit Trail Park Trail/Type II GSAH 2 From North Corridor to West 8' Bit Connector Trail/ Realignment vlinnesota St "Type II Northland Drive From Northland Park to 6' Concrete SW Park Trail/Type II WObegOll rl'all and fl'OIII Wobegon Trail to Hickory Crescent Hill Trail System within Crescent Hill 6' Concrete Sidewalk Park Trail/Type II Development Developmeut 12th Avenue SE Prom Klinefelter Park to 8' Bit Trail Connector Trail/ 20th Ave S Type II County Rd 121 From Hill Street to Jade Rd/ 12th 8' Bit Trail (County) Connector Trail/ Ave SE Type II Jade Rd/12th Ave SE From County Road 121 to 6-8' Bit Trail Connector Trail/ Interstate 94 "Type II 20th Ave SE Wobegon Trail to County Road 8' Bit Trail Connector Trail/ 121 "Type II 20th Ave NE Wobegon Trail to North 8' Bit Trail Connector Trail/ Corridor 'type II Graceview Estates Connection with Existing 8' Bit Trail Park "Trail/Type II Graceview Estates Trail GvCy df St.J~'y~'V nark ar-cd Trar~l Sys~etiu P(,a,~c Zoos °• CBapter 10: Park and Trail System Plan 87 .~ 1 ~~~ \~ Jlinncs~ua ~i ~. ~ ~ (i~~m tlh .Acc~ V'1~ iu ti' l3it Trail ~ (:<nui~~~ <<~; i..~l; ;.~;~~ ; CSAH 2 Realignment County Rd 133 Trail system from Crescent 8' Bit Trail (County) On-street Bikeway/ Hill development. to Paved Shoulder Wobegon Trail Northland Heights Connecting Northland 6' Concrete Sidewalk Park "Trail/Type II Ileights to Crescent Hill, North Corridor, and Northland Plat 8 Odell Street County Kd 121 to 8' Bit Trail Connector/Type II 20~I~ Avenue Old TH 52 Old TH 52 from 6' Concrete Sidewalk Park Trail/Type II Millstream Park to Birch St. Vest Park West Park to Iverson St. 6' Concrete Sidewalk Park Trail/"Type II CR 133 CR 133 to St. Cloud limits 8' Bit "I•rail Connector/Type II Wobegon Trail CR 133 to 20th Ave NE 10' Bit "frail Connector Trail/Regional Trail/Type II Hollow Park Hollow Park to Old TH ~2 8' Bit Trail Pail: 1~r,)il l\lu~ I [ TYPE I PARK TRAILS .4RE TYPICALLY LOCATED WITHCN A GREENWAI'. PARK OR NAiUR4L RESOCIRCE AREA (CORRIDOR WIDTH VARIES, WITH 100 FEET BEING RF,COMMENDED MINIMUM WHEN TRAIL USES ARE SF.PARAI F:D) N~ICURAI_ LANDSCAPE [N MEDIAN STRIP NATURAL LANDSCAPE IO FOOT WIDE BICYCLE. EXHIBITINGA\:ARIETY AND CN-LINE SKAT[N(. OF I.ANDFORMS, TRAIL K FOOT \VIDE VEGETATION. Si PEDESTRIAN SCLN[RY' ~ - 1~RA[L • I~ SEPARATE TRAILS FOR PFDF:S I RIANS n: BICY"GLIB C,'IN-LINE SKATERS SIGNAGE crcy o f st. ~~~e~k Pa,Yk a,~cd 7Y~rl sys~te~c PG~c Zoos Chapter 10: Park and Trail System Plan 88 Figure 10-13: Park Trail -Type II TYPE II PARK TRr41LS ARE T~"PICALLY LOCA"fED VV'1THIN A C:REEN WAY, PARK OR NACURAL RESOI RC'E AREA (CORRIDOR VV"[DTH VARIES, WITH 50 FEET BEING THE RECOMbIEND MINIMUM) NATURAL 10 FOOT WIDE LANDSCAPE Ph DF:S fKLW, BICYCLE, BUFFER 3c f?i-LINE SKATING ~ TRAIL ADJACENT PONDING AREA FOR 5CENERY. N:VTL'RAL V.4LCJES. S"CORM LAND USE. R'.4TFR CON"CROL. & RC'FFF.RING BLUFF LINE OR OTHER NATURAL FEAfIfRE SI(~N:VGE TYPE Ill PARK TRAILS ARE Tl'PICALLti' LOC.AfED NATC?IU1L VV'ITHIN A N ATL?RAL RESOCiRCE AREA SL?CH AS A LANSCAPLS NATL?RE PRESERVE. G lU S FUOT R'lllE SOFT-SURFACED TR.41I. NATURAL LANDSCAPING EXHIBITING Cn1[QCE LANDPORb1S, V'EG[TATION PAI'fFRNS. Sc R'II.DI.Ih'F: H.4 TRAIL ONLI ~ NOTE: CONSIDERATION SHOCILD BE Gf4'EN TO INTERPRFTIVH pUGMENl1NG SOFC-SURT'ACEU NAIlIRE TRAILS R'I'CH SIGNAGE H:1RD-S['RFACED ONES TO ALLOW UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO ALL t'SER GROUPS c~cy ~lt. J~ve~t Pas-k a,~cd Tsrarl Sys~te-r~ct PC~uc 2008 Chapter 10: Park and Trail System Plan 89 Figure 10-15: Connector Trail -Type TYPE [CONNECTOR TRAILS ARE TYPICALLY LOCATED WI CHIN THE: ROAUWA\' KI(iH f-DF-WAY ANU DFSI(iKF:U TO ACCOD4MODAIE HEAVY CJSE PATTERNS AUJACF:NI~ LAND USES to FOOT M[N. SETBACK W"HERE VARY r- SPACE PERMITS - BOULC\':\RD ~ ,..~„ PLANTINGS BOTH SIDES ~ RIGH~f-OI'-WAY' WIDTH ~'.11ZIFS LANDSCAPE BUFFER TYPICAL RUAU\\'Al' 10 FOOT WIDE PEDESTRIAN. BICYCLE. & IN-LINE SKATING 10 FOOT WIDE PEDF.S- ' TRAIL (8 FOOT WIDE IF TR[AN, BICI CLG, & IN-LINE PEDESTRIAN ONLY) SKATING TRAIL (8 FOOT l\'IDE IF PEDESTRIAN SIGNAGE SIGNAGE ONLYS pEPENDING ON THE CIRCU6ISTANCES, TYPE I CONNECTOR TRAILS CAN BE UEVELOPED POR MULTIPLE OR SEPERATG USES AND%OR DIRECTIONAL USES. THEY CAN ALSO BE DEVELOPED ON ONE OR BOTH SIDES OF THE ROADWAY. 10-16: Connector Trail -Type I TYPE II CONNECTOR TRAILS ARE. Tti'PIG\LI Y" LOG1TED WITHIN THE RO:\DR'AY RIGHT-OF-1\AY' AND DESIGNED TO AC'COMODATE MULTIPLE USES AND-OR DIRECTIONAL USE R1GH F-OF-WAIF WIDTH VARIES ADJAI'ENT LAND USES L:NDSCAPE VARY 10 FOOL' MIN. SETBACK WFIF.RE ISf'ITI~R A ~ SPACE PERMITS - BOULE\~1RU w ~ti-~` I TYPICAL ROAD W,\Y I I f0 FOOT WIDG LANDSCAPE BCIFFF.R MUL'LIYLE USE fRAIL SIGNAGE Gvt~ o~ St. Ja-s e~i Pa,>rk aid Tra~rl lys~ev>;c PCatit 2008 Figure 10-17: On-Street Bike Lane BIKE LANLS ARE DLSIGNATCD PORTIONS OF THC ROAD\\'AY' FOR THE PREFERENTIAL USE OF BICYCLISTS. THEY ARE USED IN INSTANCES WHERE VEHICLiLAR TRAFFIC VOLUMES EX- CF:F:D SAI'F: RIDING CONDI'170NS USUALLY ALON<i AN URBAN I.ANUSCAPF: BUFF'F:R ROAD SECTION BIKEWAY'S MAl' BF.,4D,41CFN'I TO CONNECTOR TRAILS LANDSCAPCBUFCCR gure I 0-18: On-street Bike Route LANllSCAPEBUFFER BIKE ROl RTES ARE TYPICALLY P:1VED SHO['LDERS :\LONCi ROADW:\YS THAT ARE SIGNED AS B[KE ROUTES BIKEWAYS MAC' BE ADJACENT IO CONNECTOR TRAILS LANDSCAPE BUFFER 4 TO G FOOT PAVED SHOULDGR - ~ STR IPINCi ~I CYPICAL IIOAllW:\l' SIGNAGE S'T:\NDARD DRIVC SIGNAGE LANG GGty a~ St. Jo'z~k Pavk ar cd Trar%l Sys~te-rte PCatit 2008 SIGNAGE a iv ~~ rv~i \Y[DE PARKING =figure 10-19: Park and Trail System Map # ~~ ~ 5~ ~o ~ r ~ ~~~ aus :~IxSr~~~~~~~zaza O ~ _ ' t, ~ .111 11: ~! ~ ~N a . _. 0 . _ _ z ~ ~ ~ ~ • ~1 ,~~ i i ~~` _~__ - ~ iI r ~ ~ .T._... _, ~_.. -~ ~:~ .. ~F ~ ~: f{ ;f~._ 'i ~` •--, :~.: ~~~ - mac. a li f ~ ~\~ GvL~ a~.ft. Jo-r-e-~c Pa,Yk a.~2d Ti~ar~l .fys~tetict PGatit 2008 Chapter 10: Park and Trail System Plan 92 ~igure 10-20: Park Search Area Map .~ ~ ~~ ~ _~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~ U ~~~~~a~~~~~~=a~~~~ ~~ t ----k: i ,,~ _ _._ _. _.~ ' ~' 11~ ~° w =Z Q ~ ¢~ a \, I.a. 1 l: .~ ~° .~ ~ U GvLy o~ It. Joz e~fi Park aticd T~~,~l Sys~te-roc PCatit 2008 =inure 10-21: Trail Map _ ~ ~~~~~~~e~~~ ~~ ~o w W s ;V s ~ossbb' b v a ~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~ Q e ~'~s e {~ci, ~ ~ C. .~ .~` W`. ` 1 ~ ~ w ~ i1t W A.lv ` .- ~ :. ,. ~, f, 1f ~l _._...r ~,~, ~ ". ~~ j ~ - -° ..v -,yam r' i' ~~~ ~ ~ ~ i \ ,, __- ~i GA i ^ f _ ~ 1~ , GvCy o f S~: J~s~e~i Pa.Yk a.~2d Tv~ai~l Syt~e~c PG~ut 2008 I I. Maintenance Plan While it is true that planning and design of a conuuunity's pack and trail system can provide a beautiful image, especially when the facilities are brand new and yet to be used and enjoyed, it is the long-term care that exhibits a City's commitment to providing places and experiences that add to the quality of life of its residents. Well-maintained park landscapes do not mean, however, play and picnic areas virtually void of vegetation and shade or wildlife. As communities are becoming more urbanized, the landscape is becoming gray and hard and less green, colorfiil and soft. Sounds are even different -more about the honking of horns and less about the sound of birds singing. Parks need to provide an environment that is sustainable, improves the quality of the natural environment and, in turn, improves and enhances the quality of life for the visitor. Well-maintained parks balauce the need to enhance or restore ^aau-al resources with the need to provide active and passive play opportunities. These types of "livable° parks are created through sustainable maintenance practices. What are sustainable maintenance practices? They are "any practice that protects the park's and the community's natural resources while providing for visiwr and staff safety and recreational opportunities." 'T'his section will discuss sustainable park maintenance practices in conjunction with traditional methods. Doing so will provide an opportunity to provide a range of landscape types within a park. This is in keeping with conuuunity input want to see more "nauiral areas for passive recreation". The City does not necessarily have to purchase more land to provide those opportunities, it can be a part of a nrrinteuance approach. An example of sustainable design and maintenance is the instal- lation of a native plant vegetative buffer around the stormwater pond iu Brian Klinefelter viemorial Park. This type of planting enhances water quality, provides wildlife habitat, decreases noise disturbance to wildlife and decreases maintenauce efforts and the use of gasoline-powered equipment. 'ark Maintenance Responsibilities Currently, the St. Joseph Public 41'orks Department is responsible for the day-to-day and ongoing operations of the park and trail system. There is currently one supervisor, two full-time and two seasonal park staff responsible for the maintenance of the parks and park facilities. GG~ ~ St-. J~e~Gc Patrk astid Tvar~l Sys~tezct PCatit 2008 The Public Works department is responsible for the following park and trail related tasks: • Job planning and scheduling • Budget and cost analysis • Grounds maintenance • Facility maintenance • Vehicle and equipment maintenance • Trash and snow removal In general, the level of maintenance varies from park to park and is generally good, though some parks are in need of greater atten- tion. Community growth and the addition of new parks and trails to the system will place additional burden on current. maintenance operations. While active parks tend to receive a higher level of need and attention, most open spaces also require some type of annual maintenance. Park and Trail Maintenance Goals and Recommendations Goal Create a successful and functional maintenance program that will address the concerns of existing and future parks, open space and trails. Recommendations • Provide adequate and well-trained park personnel. • Promote an understanding of the significant scope of work related to park and trail operations and maintenance. • Plan for realistic time frames when scheduling maintenance work. • Acquire appropriate equipment to perform maintenance effectively and efficiently. • Create and maintain a log for tracking park system and individual park maintenance activities. Goal Strive to use sustainable mainte-iauce and care practices for park- land, trails, and park facilities whenever possible. Recommendations • Periodically survey the condition of each park and facilities within the park in order to effectively and efficiently schedule routine maintenance projects. Gv~ o~ St. ~ J~se~c Pas-k ar2d Ti~ar~l Sys~te-pct PGayt 2008 • Design a sustainable maintenance program that will evaluate annual labor needs, supply and equipment needs for the park and trail system and develop an effective and efficient method for keeping park landscapes maintained, facilities maintained and working properly. • Include in the maintenance program the following guidelines: 1. Retain as much existing soil during construction and plant- ing projects. Stockpile and reuse this soil on-site to minimize disturbance that could encourage growth of invasive plant species. 2. If fill needs to be imported, request weed-free fill. 3. Use native plants (shrubs and trees) whenever possible because most natives do not need fertilizer, once established. 4. When using fertilizer, use organic or "slow-release" and use no more than once or twice a year. ~. To determine the need for fertilizer, soil should be tested once every three years. 6. If soil pH needs to be adjusted, the use of lime or soil acidi- fying materials can be added. 7. Use compost as an annual dressing. 8. Create a compost area within the park system to supply needed compost. 9. Trees and shrubs have a different nutrient need than turf. Leaves or needles can be analyzed to determine nutrient needs. It is better to treat nutrient deficiency problems before the problem occurs. 10. Mulching retains moisture in the soil, moderates soil temper- ature, prevents erosion and the washing away of nutrients and keeps weed growth under control. Mulch should applied no deeper than 4" on trees and 2-3" on shrubs and about an inch on perennials. Keep mulch at least 1" away from the bark of trees. 11. Use shredded hardwood mulch rather than wood chips because of its slower decomposition rate, which has less nitrogen depletion properties. 12. In turf areas and newly planted areas, water deeply, about one inch of water per week to keep plants healthy and to prevent soil erosion. Water in the early morning or early evening to prevent evaporation. 13. In turf areas that require irrigation, use a moisture sensi- tive system with a timing device to save water resources and money. cry f st. ~w~~ ~~-k ~ z~~ .ry~~-vim PCa,~L zoos 14. Consider using two types of grass within the parks, a cool season athletic mix turf grass for active play areas, such as ball fields and picnic areas and a native cool season grass such as Canada rye in place of Kentucky bluegrass and fes- cue in other areas of the park. l:i. Mow high (about 3" or no more than one-third of the blade of grass) in earlier morning hours, leaving grass clippings on the turf. Longer blades of grass tend to grow deeper roots helping to avoid erosion and obtaining more moisture and nutrients from the soil. 16. Include large drifts of native grasses and flowers areas of the park, especially around water bodies to protect water quali- ty, provide seasonal color and texture, enhance wildlife hab- itat (especially for songbirds and butterflies), deter nuisance geese populations, and to save money. 17. Include a controlled burn approach to maintaining native landscapes within parks. Controlled burns should be per- formed only by trained personnel. 18. Incorporate natural stormwater-control measures within the parks such as rain gardens, grass swales, and additional planting of trees around parking and other hard surface areas to reduce site run-off. 19. Reduce the use of pesticides or other chemically treated products such as wood products whenever possible due to their impacts on water quality and wildlife habitat. When needed, especially in the case of invasive plant species con- trol such as purple loosestrife, buckthorn, tartarian honey- suckle, prickly ash, etc., they should be applied only by trained personnel and care should be taken to ensure proper storage. Goal Operate and maintain a park and trail system in community part- nership and cooperation. Recommendations • Solicit public evaluation of park and trail maintenance from the public using periodic surveys, online feedback via a Park and Trail web page, or comment/suggestion boxes placed in the parks. • Use community volunteer resources to assist in park beautifica- tion projects, e.g., rain garden, restoration projects, invasive species control, and installation of signage, new playground structures, etc.). These types of activities bring community members together, especially in neighborhood park settings, and can create a sense of ownership that may continue as stewards of their park. CG~V ~ - J~, s ,~ t~ f ~ _>~~ r~;~ a~tcd rf aril .SyS~teticc PCa~s2 Zoos • Create volunteer recognition programs to acknowledge groups or community members for their service. • Educate the public on the aesthetics and benefits of sustainable park landscapes using brochures, fact sheets, City website, City newsletter and signage. • Solicit community interest and involvement by sponsor photo contests. People like to photograph wildlife, butterflies and birds. It is a way of gently connecting with nature. Landscape ~• -. ~I~r~°cs and Shrul,s Planting `C Remove tree Selectively Replace New/Replacement stakes. Only replace shrubs shrubs that Fertilizer Only when planted prune lower that have have become branches that overgrown. overgrown. will create a vlulch ~ hazard. Do not Prune woody prune leader. shrubs to improve shape. Pest Control (Only as X X needed) Prune woody shrubs to DO NOT h i SHEAR mprove s ape. Plant Repair X X X SHRUBS. DO NOT Pru~iiiig `C SHEAR Prtuiing should SHRUBS. be done only by trained Pruning should personnel he done only by trained personnel. Perennials/ Ornamental Grasses Planting X Iu areas where Replace dead Replace dead establishment is plant material. plant material. New/Replacement unsuccessful, amend soil and Change plant Change plant replant. species in species in cases of major cases of major Perennials and die-outs. die-outs. grasses may be divided. ccdy o~.ft J~zep~k Pasrk a.~cd Tvai~l Sys~e~cu PGact 2008 .~ , De-thatching? X Re-grade sections ~ Complete major that may have renovation of turf Aeration April June Scpt. become "bumpy" areas designated for active sports h ll b Remove lawn from suc as a Mowing X X X area around tree fields, soccer trunks. fields, etc. Re-sodding X X Re-seeding X Weed control (Only X X as needed) Fertilization X Naturalized Areas Planting X Weeding bums Plant species Long-term and general selection management management is should be should consider critical during the modified based wildlife habitat first three years on success quality. of establishment. rates. The goal is to have Plant species minimal contact in selection should subsequent years be modified to reduce impact to based on success wildlife habitat. rates and aesthetic quality. ONLY BURY IN NATIVE GRASS Replace plants & FLOWER or re-seed as AREAS. needed. Most trees and shrubs cannot typically survive this method of weed control. Gvty df St. J~se~k Pas-k a.~d Trar~l .Sys~te-pct PGar2 2008 ., Park Vehicle Roads ~Iainteuance Sweep and repair damaged surface. X Repair Saw-cut or lift portions to be removed. Replace with matching material. Replacement See "Repair" 20 years Concrete Sidewalks Maintenance Power wash, remove gum. Check for uneven X or lifting sections. Re-caulk expansion joints. Repair Saw-cut along existing score lines. Replace with matching concrete only. Score new con- crete to match. Replacement See "Repair". `LO-:i0 years Gravel Surfaces Vlaintenauce Fine-grade to smooth uneven and rough X surfaces. Repair See "Vlaiuteuaiice". Replacement Excavate impacted area. Replace new material l:i years and re-compact in place. Ornamental Fencing vlaintenance Inspect for rust, dents, general damage and X sharp edges. Repair Repaint with matching rust inhibiting paint. Grind rust spots clean and prime before painting. Do not apply paint when air temper- ature is below 50 degrees or in high humidity. Replacement Replace sections or entire fence as required. Standard Furnishings (Benches, bollards, bike racks, and trash receptacles). Maintenance Clean tables, benches, etc. with water or mild, Y non-phosphorous soap as required to remove food, gum, graffiti, bird feces, dirt, etc. Inspect for chipped or cracked paint and X rust spots. Ke-apply wood protection on any exposed wood. X Repair Replace fixtures and other components per manufacturer or replace item if necessary. Repaint as needed with matching color. Replacement Replace irreplaceable furnishings with same make and models, if possible. GvCy o f St. ~o-r-e-~i Pasrlc a.`td Trar~l fys~e-~cc PCast 2008 Chapter I1: Maintenance Plan t01 Maintenance Clean and polish drinking fountain, bowls, and Y fixtures. Check for water pressure and adjust according to manufacturer's instructions. X Repair Repair per manufacturer's instructions. Replacement Replace irreparable furnishings with the same make and matching color, when possible. Custom Furnishings Maintenance Inspect all hardware and tighten, if necessary. `C Inspect metal parts for chipped paint and rest spots. Re-galvanize and re-paint, as needed. Re-apply wood protection ou wooden items, e.g. Y Wooden benches Repair Replace hardware with same types. Re-weld, re- galvanize and repaint or powder coat broken cus- tom metal fabrications in shop specializing in metalwork. Keplacement Replace damaged wooden parts with same type of material, including stone and metal parts. Play Areas Maintenance Remove graffiti, trash, feces, other materials potentially harmful to people and children from play structure and area surfacing. Check structure for dangerous conditions such as `~ wore equipment, sharp edges, rust, loose bolts, etc. Repair See "Maintenance". Replacement Replace outdated play equipment. 10-15 years Gvty o~ St. Jo-z e~c Pas~lc aticd Tram Sys~e~ctc PCa.>'t 2008 12. Implementation Introduction Cnderstanding the intrinsic benefits and monetary values that parks, trails, and open spaces provide to a community is key to securing funding to purchase land, develop, operate, and main- tain aquality park and wail system. Providing parks and trails not only benefits the residents, but also maintains community property values. Implementation Strategies The following are strategies for implementing St. Joseph's vision for the future of parks, wails and open space. Information collected through community input, the park board and profes- sional assessment were used to develop a set of recommendations previously discussed in Chapter l0. The recommendations for implerneuting the Park and Trail System Plan directly relate to capital improvements for acquisition, development, and improvement projects. Ceder the current organizational framework, the Park Board is responsible for identifying park improvement projects and making recommendations to the City Council for budget setting. The Department of Public Works is responsible for day-to-day opera- tions and management. The following strategies are intended to provide guidance to decision makers responsible for implementing the plan. 'T'hey are organized into a park and trail improvement matrix of short-, mid-, and long-term strategies (See Tables 13-1 and 13-2) that are based on time increments of 1-5 years, 6-10 years, and 10 years and beyond. The cost opinions shown in this Plan are based on 2008 dollars and will need to be adjusted to accommodate future industry changes. See Chapter 10 for individual park design concepts upon which the individual park improvement and development cost opinions are based. While the su-ategies are shown in terms of short-, mid-, and long-term planning increments, the successful completion of the strategies will depend upon the fiscal and political climate in any given year. [t is important, therefore, that the City monitor, review, and prioritize the strategies on an annual basis prior to the budgeting process. GLL~ o~ lt. Jo~ze~k Pa,Yk a,~rd Ti~avl Sys~te~cc PCafi 2008 Chapter 12: Implementation 103 Funding Sources Funding for improvements and development are addressed as part of an annual budgeting process. Project requests are includ- ed in the City's Capital Improvements Program (CIP), and are evaluated on aproject-by-project basis. GIPS are often used as internal planning tools to identify proposed projects and estimate costs for park and nail development and improvement. Implementing the park and trail projects outlined in this Plan will help the City fulfill its park and nail system plan goals, objec- tives and policies for the next ten years. Funding sources may include: St. Cloud Regional half-cent sales tax, park dedication fees, bonding, local, state and federal grants, and donations. Gvty ~St. J~se~fc Pasrk arcd Ti-all Sys~teticc PGayc 2008 Table 12-I Capital Improvement Recommendations - Parks and Open Space -~ Purclruc under-d~'~~c Icrp~'rl curt unil~~rd~'- ~ veloped land for development of future parks, trails, and open space. Short-term (1-~ Years) [ [igh Priority V~,'-A Mid-term (6-10 Years) Medium Priori~v \ .~ Long-term (10 Years +) Low Priority \ .A Feasibility study for CSCAH 75 underpass. $25,000 `Parks to be brought into compliance with t~~merican Disability Act (ADA) standards (See Appendices D and E). \/,~. Brian Klinefelter Memorial Park Pre-K play equipment ~~0,000 X "Teen play equipment '~-k0,000 X Walking trail ~6ri,000 X Landscape buffer X5,000 X Park shelter w/restrooms 5150,000 `Y Site amenities 50,000 K Landscape features $15,000 `C Final Design/CDs $3Ci,000 X SUBTOTAL $390,000 Centennial Park Splash pad $200,000 Y Walking trail 576,500 X Rebuild horseshoe pits 55,000 Y Site amenities 515,000 X Parking lot 5150,000 X Play equipment 5`?50,000 X Landscape features S50,000 X Design/CDs 575,000 X SUBTOTAL $821,500 Y As nnrfrlions: L All wrrks mill by brun,~hl inlu rnnrrrlinnvv undr. AUA slnnrbrrds ns frnrG o~ vnr'lr frank's rerurnnlion, ur sooner, ns nul- lirrvd in rv~urrnnvndnliurrs /innrd iu ;l~r~rvrrdirvs D and li. CGCy o f St. ~Jo~e~c Pa,Yk a.~cd Trarl lys~e-r~ct PCatit 2008 Table 12-I Capital Improvement Recommendations - Parks and Open Space (cont.) ' ~ . • ~ Cloverdale Park , Sltort-term (1-5 Years) I ligh Priority Mid-term Long-term (6-10 Years) (10 Years +) Medium Low Priority Pri~~ril~~ Gazebo-20~ ~2J,OO0 X Labyrinth - Kasota stone 530,000 X Walking trail 510,000 X Granite monoliths $50,000 X Rock outcropping 540,000 X Site amenities $15,000 X Landscape features 560,000 X Design/CDs 523,000 X SUBTOTAL $253,000 X Hollow Park Park expansion 510,000 Play equipment $100,000 Walking trail 570,000 Splash pact 575,000 Sand volleyball court 57,500 Basketball court 525,000 Shade structure $10,000 Site amenities $10,000 Landscape features 535,000 Design/CDs 537,500 SUBTOTAL $411,000 Memorial Park Warming house $120,000 X Walking frail 563,000 X Roadway/parking lot 5350,000 X Bleachers '~" 10,500 X Bleacher roof-2 530,000 X Scoreboard 530,000 X Field lighting 5250,000 X Play area 550,000 X Landscape features 52ri,000 X Design/CDs 510,000 X SUBTOTAL $1,015,500 X e~ty of St. f~Le~c Pa~lc awd Ti~ar~ Sys~e-yu PCa.~c 2008 Table 12-I Capital Improvement Recommendations Short-term ~fid-term Long term - Parks and Open Space (cont.) (1-5 Years) (6-10 Years) (10 Years +) EIigh Priority Medium Low Priority Pric~rit~~ •~ Millstream Park , Additional camping 5250,000 X Shower/restroom facility 5100,000 X Concession stand 5200,000 X Walking trail 5167,500 X Trail connection/Hwy 5200,000 X 3 Softball fields 5260,000 X Play equipment 5120,000 X Entry road/parkin; lots 51,000,000 X Site amenities 550,000 X 'Modifications-disc golf 520,000 X Landscape features 550,000 X Final Design/CDs 5240,000 X SUBTOTAL $2,657,500 X Monument Park "frail connection 512,000 X Perennial beds 510,000 X SUBTOTAL $22,000 X Northland Park Play equipment-3 Phase 515,000 X Walking trail °5100,000 X Infiltration swale 5100,000 X Sand volleyball court 57,500 X "Peen play equipment 540,000 X Park shelter 540,000 X Ilockey rink 575,000 X Site amenities 510,000 X Parkway parking 550,000 X Landscape features °550,000 X Design Development/CDs 550,000 X SUBTOTAL $537,500 X CriCy ~ St. Jo-se~c PaNlc a~cd Tv'ar~ Sys~e-wc PCa,~c 2008 Table 12-I Capital Improvement Recommendations Short-term vlid-term Long-term - Parks and Open Space (cont.) (1-5 Years) (6-10 Years) (10 Years +) I Iigh Priority Medium Low Priority I'ri~>ril~ ., East Park , Parkway/Parking $1,000,000 X Walking u-ail $~k50,000 X Dog park X75,000 X Boat. landing 575,000 X Active recreation $750,000 X Passive recreation S`?50,000 X Mature center $250,000 X Camping $500,000 X Educational signage S`?5,000 X Site amenities $150,000 X Landscape features 5175,000 X Final Design/CDs $370,000 X sUB~rc~~r:~I. 5 t,o;o,ooo X West Park Plav equipment 5150,000 `~ Walking trail 5121,`?50 X Boardwalk 510,000 X Park shelter $40,000 X Site amenities 515,000 X Landscape features 550,000 X Final Design/CDs S3F~,000 X SUBTOTAL $424,250 X GvLy o f St. J~'y~' y Pa~vlc ~ Ti~ar~l Sys~t-eat PG~t 2008 Table 12-2 Proposed Capital Improvement Costs -Trails North Corridor From CR 133 to CS~1I 2 8' Bit "frail LF lU,'.)3U .y'437,200 I sigh Field Street From College Ave to 20th 8' Bit'I'rail LF ti,706 X268,240 Low .\ve SE Newry Street From Jade Rd/ 12th Ave 6' Concrete SF 3,221 512,884 Low west through Rivers Bend Sidewalk Development River's Bend Trail system within River's 6' Concrete SF 5,386 521,544 Low Bend ,addition east of Sidewalk Jade/12th Ave 8' Class 5 SF 1,955 523,460 Low 8' Bit 'Frail LF ~i,333 5213,320 Low CS~~H 2 From North Corridor to 8' Sit LF 7,075 5283,000 High Realignment West Minnesori St. Northland Drive From N'orthlaud Park to 6' Concrete SF 3,168 512,ti72 High Wobegon "frail and From SW N'obcgon 'frail to Hickory Crescent FIill frail system within 6' Concrete SF 3,379 $13,516 Low Development Crescent Ilill Development Sidewalk 12th Avenue SE From Rlinefelter Park to 8' Bit 'T'rail [.F 3,168 512,672 Low `~Oth Ave S County Rd 121 From Hill Street to Jade 8' Bit Trail LF 4,488 5179,520 Done Rd/12th Ave SE (County) Jade Rd/ 12th Ave From County Road 121 to 6-8' Bit "frail LF 4,752 5190,080 Low SI: Interstate 94 20th Ave SE Wobegon Trail to County 8' Bit "frail LF 11,088 5443,520 Medium Road 121 20th Ave NE Wobegon 'Frail to North 8' Bit Trail LF 4350 5174,000 Medium Corridor Graceview Estates Connection with existing 8' Bit Trail LF 2,482 599,280 Medium Graceview Estates trail sys- tem W Minnesota St From 4th r\ve NW to CSAH 8' Bit Trail LF 3,Oti`? S12`?,480 High `? Realignment County Rd 133 "Frail system from Crescent 8' Bit Trail LF 2,957 S118,280 Low Hill development to (County) Wobegon Trail Northland Heights Connecting Northland 6' Concrete SF 3,7-19 $15,000 Medium Heights to Crescent Hill, Sidewalk North Corridor, and Northland Plat 8 Odell Street County Road 121 to 20th S' Bit Trail LF 4,277 5171,080 Low Avenue Old TH52 Old TTI 52 from 6' Concrete SF 1,620 57,000 High Millstream Park to Birch St Sidewalk GGL~ ~ lt. Jo~e~fc Park atitd Tr~rl lyr~te-rte PGa,>/c 200& Table 12-2 Proposed Capital Improvement Costs -Trails (cont.) ~~~~C.~l Park ~'l'St PaC'k CU I~'f rSOn 5[ ~ COnCretf SI' =~.~) /ll ~yh.3 OO T.UW SlClewalk CR 133 CR 133 to St Cloud Limits 8' Bit Trail LF 4,875 X195,000 Low (County) Wobegon 'T'rail CR 1;33 to 20th Ave ~iE 10' Bit Trail LF 3,850 5200,750 Low I{ollow Park Hollow Park to Old TH 52 8' Bit Trail LF 700 528,000 High Cost Assumptions (2008 Dollars) 10' Bituminous (Bit) Trail = X55 LF 8' Bituminous (Bit) = 940 LF fi' Concrete Sidewalk = X4.00 SF Establishing Priorities Establishing low, meditun, and high priorities for implementing the trail system plan, as shown in Table 13-2, is based, in part, on their short-, medium-and long-term ability to provide: • Trail or sidewalk connections between existing parks (High Priority) • Trail or sidewalk connections to the Lake Wobegon Trail, neighborhoods and key destinations within the City (Medium to High Priority) • Trail or sidewalk connections to future parks and connections or to surrounding communities (Low Priority) A specific time frame has not been identified; however, it is assumed that this list of recommendations would be reviewed annual during the budgeting process. Gi~Cy o~.ft. Jo~~lt Parrk A,rul Trar;~ .fys~e-wc PCatic 2008 13. Amending and Updating the Park and Trail System Plan AMENDING THE PLAN Applications to amend the Park and Trail System Plan should include the following information: • Location and map of surrounding properties that may be impacted. • Description and reason for request. • Explanation of the impacts to the goals, objectives and policies of the Park and Trail System Plan, community, adjacent properties, transportation, public utilities and services, and natural resources • The City must publicly notice the proposed amendment. Notices must be sent to all adjacent property owners and to adjacent jurisdictions. • The Planning Commission must hold a public hearing to review the request and the City Council must take action on the request. • If the amendment request is approved, the City must make the approved changes to the Plan and concurrently amend the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and/or Zoning Map, if applicable. UPDATING THE PLAN The City of St. Joseph should review this Park and Trail Svstem Plan annually. If there are significant physical, economic, or demographic changes; significant changes in community needs, priorities, trends; or significant regulatory changes by adjacent jurisdictions, then the City should update the Plan accordingly. At a minimum, the City should update this Plan every ten years or in conjunction with the Comprehensive Plan Update. The process for updating the Park and Trail System Plan should be similar to the process used to develop this Plan Gvty o f St. Jo-se~c Park a~cd Trc~,r%l lys~e~ PCa.~t 2008 APPENDIX A Gvty o f St.~ove-~c Pasrk a.~cd T~al~l lys~te~ PCatit 2008 Park and Trail Questionnaire Dear St Joseph Resident, The Gity of St. Joseph is preparing a Park and Trail System Plan. Park and trail system planning provides a tool by which the City can successfully address current and future park related issues and opportunities. By maintaining an adequate supply of parkland with well-developed and maintained facilities, the City will continue to provide resotn-ces that contribute to the rich quality of life of its residents. We invite you to participate iu the development of your park system by answering the following questions and returning it to City EIall at 23 College Avenue North or by fax at (320) 363-0342. The questionnaire is also available online at the City's website at: www.cityofsyoseph.com. If you have any questions, please contact _ __at (3`LO) 363-7201. 1. Do you live inside the City of St. Joseph city limits? (Please check one.) a. Yes No; please tell us where you live 2. In what quadrant of the City do you live? (Please check one.) a. Northeast b. Northwest c. Southeast d. Southwest 3. How important are parks, recreation services, trails, and open space to St. Joseph's quality of life on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being not important and 5 being very important? (Please circle one.) 4. What types of parks are most needed in St. Joseph? (Please check your top 3 choices.) a. ____ Smaller neighborhood parks b. ____ Larger community parks that serve whole community c. Natural areas d. Athletic fields GvCy o~.St. f~"'r' y Pa,Yk a~2d Trams .fys~euc PCarti 2008 e. Parks in a-eek or river corridors f. ____ Linear trail parks j. ____ No additional parks are needed 5. How should natural areas be used? (Please check one.) a. ____ ~o public use (preserve for wildlife habitat) b. ____ Limited public use (trails, benches, viewpoints) c. ____ Semi-active recreation (picnic tables, playgrounds, etc.) d. Combination of the above 6. What is the primary reason to develop more trails in St. Joseph? (Please check one.) a. ___ Increase non-motorized u•ansportation options b. ____ Experience nature c. ____ Improve children's access to schools d. Exercise e. Recreation f. ~o additional trails are needed 7. What type of program is most needed in St. Joseph? (Please check your top 3 choices.) a. ___ Outdoor/environmental programs b. ____ Aquatic programs c. General interest classes d. ____ Special events (concerts in the park, festivals, etc.) e. ____ Sports E Arts Fitness classes p• _--- h. ___ ~o additional recreation programs are needed GvC~ o~St. Jo-s-e~h Pas~k a,~cd T~arl Sys~e~ PG~ui 2008 8. What park facilities would most add to the quality of life in St. Joseph? (Please check all that apply.) a. ____ Play equipment b. Athletic fields c. Picnic shelters d. Trails 9. Are all areas of the City served well by existing park facilities? (Please check one.) a. Yes. b. No, where are the deficiencies? 10. How would you rank the quality of existing park facilities on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being poor and 5 being excellent? (Please circle one.) 1 2 3 4 ~ 11. Which of the following benefits of parks, recreation services, trails and open space are most important to you? (Please check your top 3 choices) a. ____ Provide opportunities to enjoy nature/outdoors b. ___ Promote youth development c. ____ Improve health and wellness d. Protect the natural environment e. ____ Help seniors and disabled people remain active E ____ Connect people together, build stronger families and neighborhoods g•----Other:------------------------- ----------------- 12. What is the primary reason that you use parks in St. Joseph? (Please check one.) a. ____ Enjoy the outdoors or nature b. ____ lise a speciFic facility at a park c. ____ Play sports d. ____ Picnic and general leisure activities e. Walk or bike for exercise E Meet friends GLty o~ St. f~s~e-~i PA,srlc aticd TYa.~I Sys~te-r~ct PGa.~t 2008 g. ____Yarticipate iu family activities (family reunions) h. ___Attend special events/concerts i. ___Don't use parks 13. If you seldom use or do not use parks or trails in St. Joseph, what are your reasons? (Please check your top 3 choices). a. ____ Not. interested/No time b. Feel unsafe c. Lack of facilities d. ____ Poorly maintained e. ____ Too far away, not conveniently located E ____ Do not know where they are located g. ____ Do not know what is available 14. Do you think the following groups have sufficient recreation opportunities in St. Joseph? (Please check yes or no for each group.) 15. What one major recreation improvement would you like to see made in St. Joseph during the next five years? 16. Please share any other comments you have about St. Joseph parks, open space and trails. Gvty o~ It. fV "'~' L Pa,Yk artid Ts'ar~l lys~e~c PGayc 2008 APPENDIX B GGL~ o~ St. l oz2~t Park aycd Tvar~l Iyr~te-wc PGatic 2008 Question SE SW NE NW Others Totals 182 Do you Ilve {nslde the City of St. Joseph Gty limits? In wfiat quadrant of the City do you IiveT a. Yes 50 3 29 10 2 94 b .Yo, Where do you live? 4 4 Collegeville Kimball St. Uoud Blame fJnabfe to determine - information rrot available 3 3 Haw important are parks, recreation services, trails and open space to St. Joseph's quality of life on a scale of 1 to 5 3 with 1 being not important and 5 being very important? 1 2 0 1 0 0 3 2 4 0 2 0 D 6 3 6 0 0 5 0 11 4 14 1 10 2 0 27 i 22 2 16 3 3 46 4 What types of parks are most needed In St. loseph7 a. Smaller neighborhood parks 19 2 13 1 1 36 b Larger cammunny parks 16 0 14 4 2 36 r. Natural areas 22 3 10 b 3 44 d Athletic fields 9 0 5 0 0 14 e. Perks in creek or river corridors 14 2 11 3 1 31 f. [ineor Vail parks 9 0 9 1 0 19 g. ~Vo additional parks are needed 12 0 7 2 0 21 S How should natural areas be used? a No pubLc use (preserve for wi~dl,fe habrtat) 4 2 4 3 0 13 b. Limited public use (trails, benches, viewpaintsJ 17 0 1 L 4 1 33 c. Semi-active recreation (panic tables, playgrounds, etc) 7 0 4 0 0 ii d. Combination of the above 25 1 11 3 2 42 6 What is the primary reason to develop more trails in St. Joseph? u Lncrcasc non-motonred transportation options 9 1 5 3 2 20 b. Experience nature IS 0 8 S 2 30 c. rmprove children's access to schools 6 0 1 2 0 9 d_ Exercise 21 1 30 3 1 36 c. Recrevtion it 1 5 2 1 20 f. No additional trails needed 3 1 8 4 0 21 7 What type of program is most needed In St. losephT a Outdoor/cnvironrrrc•nty! proyroms 19 Z 12 4 2 39 b. Aquatic programs 16 1 10 1 1 29 c. General interest dosses 18 0 9 3 1 31 d Spec~o! events (contents in the park, festivals, etc) 22 1 15 6 1 45 e.5ports I1 2 9 0 1 23 f. Arts 6 D 4 1 1 12 q. Fitness classes 12 0 8 2 1 23 h No vdvitianv! trvils needed 9 1 5 3 1 19 GvCy ~ St. J~'~~' y Palk astid Ti-ar%r! lys~ev~c PGAtit 2008 8 What park facilities would most add to the quality of lirfe in St. Ioseph? a Play equlpmerrt 26 2 18 4 2 52 b. Athletic fields 10 1 7 1 1 20 t. Punk shelters 22 1 16 5 1 45 d. Trails 32 1 15 6 3 57 9 Are all areas of the City served well by existing park facilities? a Yrs 29 1 17 7 ~ 54 b..Jo, where are the ~ef~ciencies' 13 ? B 2 ~ 25 - no parks Nose to 5E srde for kids to go without crossing busy roads - no indoor or outdoor roc center/pool - Southeast, a trail or nature area would be great! - Once Kennedy closes, it will be a ways to other parks. Also, garhage and dog poop in parks - Crossing Hwy 75 to access Wobegon Trail or use parks. - all the parks are the same, need variation - plowing walkway ~ Kleirtfelter in winter - Athletic - Kleinfelter isnt for krds under 4 really. A trail to Lake Wobegon would be nrce SE Are • a - Ha•:e :o cross busy high•.vay to get to the •.vobegon trail tram the south side of St- .oseph `I'. 111 '1 r'I'II 1!t rl', II f•f••- HVr•1.1 .1' I:I'.\'.tl (~i5 1~1•'.\".r It :li ll - Playground equipment avail_hiliri and cpticns. nc pcol to community. Dirk by I I Nasn nrrds I,Ixlal np,. +Iclrthl.7nd Nark rnuhl I:~~P rnr.rr lypl~:of ficdlties, ulcnlr tihel trr, rn pre play equipment, •.vad+no pool, a toddler type of play equ pmert'::oulc be awesome. In tltr- shrthl.ind yCrllnn+t, +: r•rl ,nn:rt'd play rrulpmrnt inr tnirlcllrr .+af k,d5 - Big parks ve*y spread cut, no shade areas, tar between PL-Iypro:u\d hq., l;ntrnr - too many programs -Tess amenities, more trails and space - Would like a splash pad for children How would you rank the quality of existing park facilities on a scale of 1 to S with 1 being poor and S being 10 excellent? I 1 0 1 0 0 2 2 5 1 3 2 O 11 3 17 1 17 4 1 40 4 18 0 fi 2 2 28 5 5 1 2 2 0 10 it Which of the following benefits of parks, recreation services, trail and open space are most important to you? a. Provide opportunities to enjoy nature/outdoors 3u Z 18 U 2 54 b. Promote youth development 8 0 12 1 1 22 c. Improve health and wellness 25 2 19 5 1 52 d. Protect the natural environment 20 3 7 8 1 39 e. Help seniors and disabled people remain active 18 0 6 ~3 0 28 f. Connect people together, build stronger families and neighborhocrJs 1K 0 14 4 3 39 ;. ~t~er 1 ~} - 3 3 2 - dog park - Save taxpayers money and spend it on the roads GLLy o f It. -J~se~c PaH'k at2d TravC Syt~tetitt PCar2 2008 12 What is the primary reason that you use the parks in SL Joseph? a fnioy the outdoors or nature 17 1 1l 4 2 35 b. Use a specific facility at a park 2 0 2 1 0 5 c. Play sports 1 0 2 0 0 3 d_ Picnic and general leisure activities 6 0 4 3 0 13 e. Walk or b,ke for exercise 24 1 18 4 1 48 f. Meet friends 1 0 0 0 0 1 q Participate rn fom,fy activities (family reunions) S 0 3 0 0 8 h_ Attend special events/concerts 1 0 1 1 2 5 i. C7on't use parks 2 1 1 1 0 5 13 If you seldom use or do not use the parks or trails in St. bseph, what ar e your reasons? a. ~Vot interested/no time 5 1 3 3 2 14 b. Fceiunsafc 3 0 2 2 0 7 r. Lock of facili[ies S 1 4 3 0 13 d Poorly rnaintained 2 0 1 3 0 6 e. Too far away, no[ conveniently located 4 2 3 0 0 9 f. L7o not know whcrc they are iorvted 5 0 2 0 1 8 g. Do not know what is available 6 1 5 2 2 16 14 Do you think the following groups have sufficient recreation opportunities in St. Joseph? Children Yes 20 0 13 9 7 49 No 18 2 10 0 0 30 Teens Yes 10 0 6 4 5 25 CVO 2ti 1 17 4 1 50 Adults Yes 21 1 14 7 7 50 No 14 1 7 1 0 23 Seniors Yes 14 0 11 7 4 36 CVO Z2 1 9 1 1 34 Families Ycs 18 0 IS T 6 46 No 15 2 7 2 0 26 Tourists Yes 17 0 10 7 4 38 N'o 13 2 11 2 1 29 cry ~ St. Jtrse~~c Pasrlc aticd Trar~l .fys~tt~ PCtut 2008 1S•SE What one major recreation Improvement would you like to see made in St. Joseph during the next flue years? - Opportunity to enjoy summer concerts as Munsinger Parkin St. Cloud - Swimming Pool, skateboard park for teens, flower park for seniors, need shade trees al parks- - Community center with planned activities for seniors and all ages for free or minimal cost for lasses. - Basketball and tenors courts - tiYe really enjoy the trail at Klinefelter Park- There is slot located behind 11013th Avenue 5E that the City owns. Many kids in our area (ages 4-ill that don't know each other due to no parks. This would be an ideal place for a playground. - Tract system at Millstream Park - Dag Park - Need Babe Ruth Baseball - Community Center - Swimming classes - a water park - Development areas need to preserve some trees and open space - More natural areas like along the Sauk River or forested areas - Sitting bench on S. College Avenue/CR121, I bench for every lath - City Rec Center with pool - More Walking trans - Continue to improve park system as population increases - Sernor Gtizen - Assisted Irving community Center - Community swimming pool/splash pad - Neighborhood parks - Build or buy a space at Kennedy as a Community Center - Swunming pools for older children - Keep it dean - I'd love to see a library - Planting of trees to replace those cut for developments - When our children were young, we really wished for a ch~ldrens pool - I ~rr.uld tike to see more activities for adults and seniors. - :': Ater dark A dirt bike and 4 vrheeler area so kids don't have to use City Streets somehotiv not a noise problem. - A Community Center possibly with a full size pool, no splash pool, with exercise equipment. - Community Center or additional use of Fire hall for cards and games for adults and teens. - Snow removal on park tracts. - Swimming or a beach. Swimming pool -time for lap swimming and family fun- - Public sw~rnmmg pool, could charge for season passes. - Swimming pool, Like Foley has - more activities for all ages - Create more activities IequipmentJ in parks for kids to use- Not a kiddie pool 15-SW What one mapr recreation improvement would you like to see made in St. Joseph during the next flue yearsT Safe trail from the south side of St. Joseph to the LVabegon Trail -maybe bull an overpass for biking/walking Gv~ o~.St. fQ-s~ Paf-k atzd TYa.~I lys~e2tt PCatti 2008 15-NE What one major recreatlon Improvement would you like to see made In St.loseph during the next flue years? I think it's a shame that the Ciry spent more monty on landscape at the ~VTF than in the areas where people actually live. - Childrens pool - Help kids to feel safe ,f they play outdoors by themsleves - More nature trails. - Community Center with indoor walking and exerce~se options - Purchase Kennedy Grade School - Childrens water park - I would like all parks to be handicap accessible -It's the law! - Fix all roads in town - Community Center -Pool A walk,ng/bik,ng/rollerblading trail around Northland park. Also, a little commercialization Iretarl & Foodl on the 4Vobegon Trail. - Water and Toilets along the lake ~vobegon Tra,l - A community pool at a central park location in the same vicinity as a large playground. A new, updated park that has someth,ng for everyone. S,mdar to lake George complex with communtyy center. - A park similar to Kleinfefter in the Northland Addition. I have 2 - i would really hke to see a dog park R more trals in natural settings -everybody should be out walking and running more. - Municipal pool. bYe really need a water park with a campground nearby. the City of Benson has an awesome water park. - Drug/alcohol free Events for teens and young adults - One large park with multiple availability for skateboarders Purchase of Kennedy Elementary far community use, classrooms, meeting space, gym 15-NW What one major recreatlon Improvement would you like to see made in St. loseph during the next flue years? - Trails - or at least plan & corridors for yr/land if possible I feel that already exec*ed many aties and being around it for about 3D years I feel proud of our accomplishment and the ury officials carrying on the difficult task. Have an outdoor ILargel swimming pool for all ages More trees planted along fake Wobegon and also in parks. The parks need additional maintenance. Pool, more playground equipment. A svrimming pool(s)/Garden 15- what one major reueation improvement would you Ilke to see made in St. loseph during the next five Others years? frills, bike paths - bike paths, lots of students on hikes, city park for kids and older people - Trail Addifions - Pool/Pet Park Snowmobiles allowed ,n town. More money would be spent. I know that I would spend a lot on food and - recreation in town otf the Wobegon Trail. - Splash pad Need to have Wobegon Trail Center open more often. Participate actively in developing lake Wobegon - Trail activdies. Gvt~ o f St. f ~s2~lt Pasrk a~2d Tsra~ lys~te~wt PGayt 2008 16-sE Please share any other comments you have about St. Joseph parks, open space and trolls. Kiinefelter Park is a very nice park and a good consideration for a summer concert series. They need more waste receptacles placed throughout the trails. Maybe people would be more apt to pickup after their dogs if they didn't have to carry the waste product for the entire walk. - we enjoy walking our dogs. We came from 5t. Cloud and it feels so good to be able to walk and feel safe, We need to keep more open spaces. That is the reason I moved out of St. Clodu to come here- I need trees, wild areas for wild life. - Plow the paths in the winter. I love the Wobegon Trail. I love walking there and when I have the time. I love Klinefelter Park- It's a great place for walking, having Family picnics and Flying kites. For myself, this rs enough to keep me happy, but for others this may not be so. I would like you to seriously consider the possib~hty of a uty owned and operated water park. A place from tiny tots to senior citizens to swim and enjoy and as possible tourist attraction to our fair city. The City of St. Cloud rs sometimes known as the City of 10,000 trafhc tights. it only has the civic center to attract people to its city. Once upon a time, it had a large pool located near Lake George to attract children and adults to get out of the house and away from their computer games and tv sets to play and exercise, but now it doesn't even have that. I think a City owned and operated water park would ive the people of St. Joseph what St. Cloud no longer has, a family oriented water park where tots, children, teens, adults and senior citizens can (earn how to swim, exercise and play plus attract people from SL Cloud and other areas to St_ joseph for aday of fun and exe The City needs to develop their own rec program not hand it over to the boys and girls club. Place a significant amount of money budgeted far recreation program - hire a part-time director- 550,000 budget Utilize master garden talents in commurntV and add flowers/plants to trails and parks - or even people who want to volunteer (seniors, adults, etcj Its too difficult to get to the bike trail from the south side of 75. Please work on a solution to this very dangerous situatian- Need an area far dog owners to have a place to e.,ercise and go patty. Dog owners need to be aware of crdmances and city needs ro enforce crdmanc~s. Kleinfelter Park is beautiful, however, there is a lot of dogs unleashed and owners svho don't pickup the dog waste. Could a section of that park be fenced off and use dfor a dog park. Dogs running loose chase the wildlife, Good job I use Kleinfelter Park and I tone it! Enforce laws requiring people to pick up from their dogs. 1Ne're so happy that the Wobegon Trail is nearby. PAy grandchildren and use the parks guile often and enjoy walking, riding bikes, elc Senior Housing Apartments We should improve the parks we have and begin to put money aside far a future park along the Sauk River. - Trails off the road, so safer for children This is no public bussing for our children to get to St. Cloud. We need access to pool and various other facilities for all ages, Including teens 1P SW Please share any other comments you have about St. joseph parks, open space and trails. - St. Joseph needs to keep and protect the natural environment for the tivildlife that inhabit the areas. GvLy o f It. Jo-r~~c Pasrlc aticd T~ar~C .fyt~e-rte PGa,>'c 2008 16-NE Please share any other comments you have about St. Joseph parks, open space and trails. I use the Northland Park. Park needs weed control. The City needs to take a little more pride in their neighborhoods hke 5artell does. I live on Iris Lane. I feel the Clty should plant some trees or at least mow along Take care of the weeds on the south side of the Wobegon Shelter. Toilet Facilities? Need more flowers downtown trees/planters, - tiYe feel we have enough parks. We see very few children at Northland Park- - Not sure if anything can be done, but the wobegon trail can be pretty dark, can it be lit closer to town? - The tot lot on Abte & 8th is not handicap accessible. we use the park almost daily and you cant get rn without difficulty with wagon Stoller or wheelchair. A year round facibty/community center w/ water park would be ideal 4Ye have so many parks and I never see anyone at these parks. They are a waste of money and you want to add more. As a uty, we would be wise to use the Wobegon Trail to generate income. Klernfelter walking trail is fantastic and should Serve as a model- - Love the lake tiYObegon trod. Northland park rs a joke- It isnt kept up. Dandelions are out of control. A couple of swings and a slide isn't enough to entertain a 2 year old. Our parks bang our community together. Please focus on our ewsUng parks and adding adequate playground - equipment to all of them. Kleinfelter Park should b used as our "model" park- It has many options for the community, A community center would allow for physical acUviry during the winter too and for senior activraes. The current Northland Park does not serve toddler age childrens' needs. We do not use the parks with play equipment in St. Ice for two main reasons: The first reason being non-age appropriate equipment for toddlers. The second reason being the larger parks are on the south side of Cr 75, not safe to walk or bike to. I've often thought it would be great to expand the trail at Kleinfelter hack (if possible) and maybe make a public rock garden - peacegarden maybe? Or just lots of flowers and plants. There is a lack of play equipment for the expanding neighborhoods. Northland ?ark has not gotten any new equipment for 14 years. Add onto ~Nobegon Trail from St. doe to St. Cloud - Please put in the new equipment that you have for the Northland Addition. 16-NW Please share any other comments you have about St. Joseph parks, open space and trails. I vrould like to see a trail go from the center of town to the netiv Kennedy School. I bike to work and have come - close to being hit by cars and buses. Parks are just big empty spaces -Centennial -some trees would provide some much needed shade, beauty and - buffer from noise. 16- Others Please share any other comments you have about St. /oseph parks, open space and trails. 'Jrry well maintained. Several options. Cr~ r~lt. foze~k Pa,Yk ar/cd T~A,r~l sys~etirc PCA.~c Zoos APPENDIX C GvLy a~ It. Jo-ye~i Pa.Yk aticd Tvat~l .Sys~e~c PCayt 2008 Recreation Facility Evaluation Tool This instrument can be used to identify anti evaluate parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and recreation centers. Each park and recreation center is rated with respect to safety, condition, and maintenance of the facility. Compute average scores for condition, maintenance, safety for each facility (such as "sports field"). This will result in a rating for each element that can be considered "excellent" (>1.750, "good" (1.50 - 1.749), "fair" (1.150 - L~49), or "poor" (< 1149). An overall facility score can be determined by averaging the three category scores together. The result of the overall average is then interpreted as excellent, good, fair, or poor. The ranges for the overall scores are the same as those listed above for the category scores. G~•ucral I~<~,u~~~nu I.uiliii~, llrinking fountains Restroom cleanliness Park Landscape features Cleanliness Park equip- ~~dequate size Safety meat and amenities hazards Landscape maintenance Playground Equipment damage Area free of litter Fill Swing sets Protruding bolts, screws, nails, or fixtures Football Fielcl Levelness Mowed and watered Turf wear Evidence of puddles Yardage markers Lighting Soccer Fielcl Yardage markers Level viowcd and watered field Turf wear i':vidence of puddles Goal presence Lighting Gvty ~ St. Jar e~i Pa.Yk a.~cd T~atr' Sys~te~c PGtuc 2008 To calculate scores: Assign point vahres to each item as follows: 13asclr.ill/SuC~lrill L~~~~cl Cicl<l ~ ~lu~~~~~~..u~cl ~c,i~cn~~l Diamonds Turf ~~'ear L:vidence of puddles i3ackstop preseuce Pence along 1st and `3rd base Lighting Tenuis Courts Cracks Maintained for use Weeds Low spots Lighting Outdoor Basketball Cracks Maintained for use Courts Weeds Low spots Lighting Aquatic Facilities Safety and first aid Facility cleanliness Phone accessibility equipment Phone 6' Concrete fence around perimeter of facility Game Squares Legibility Maintained for use Cracks Picnic Shelters Materials-Amenities Area free of litter (Tables) Maintained for use Lighting Cvty o~St. fie-~!i Pa.Yk ~ucd Tva.~l Sys~te~ PGuyc 2008 l I'mo' ',~ ~ j,,EAGU E of f~/t[NNESOTA CITIES CUNNECT[NG & INNOVATING SINCE 1913 RECEIVED JUN 19 P008 June 13, 2008 Terry Thenc Public Works Director City of St. Joseph 25 C;alegc Ave North St..loseph, MN X6374-0668 Date of visit: June 10, 2008 Dear Mr. Thenc: On the date listed above, [met with you to discuss loss control issues pertaining to the City of St. Joseph. This was in conjunction with the city's participation in the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust property, liability and workers' compensation program. Purpose of Visit The purpose of this visit was to survey the city's park system to identify potential hazards and other loss control issues that should be addressed in the city's master park plan. Accessibility Many of the features located within the parks such as playground areas, bathrooms, drinking fountains, picnic tables, and shelters are not wheel chair accessible. General planning and improvement need to be made in this area. Playground Surfacing The pea rock surfacing in the use zone of playground equipment does provide protection from fal Is. This material needs to be "worked up" and returned to areas fur which it '`vas displaced on a regular basis in order to maintain the proper depth required. Seventy percent of all accidents on playgrounds are from children falling. Old and Outdated Equipment Same of the parks contained old, outdated equipment that is no longer recommended for public playgrounds under the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Public Playground Safety Handbook. Other equipment appears to be at the end of its useful life and should be replaced in the future. LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES INSU RANCE TRUST 222 SOUTH 7TH 5T. SUITE 1300 PHVNE: ((,I2) ~(~-3000 Fnx: (612) 7G6-3199 LOSS CONTROI FI ELU SERVICES MINNEAPVLIS. MN 55402-3332 TOLL FREE: B00) 449-7707 WEB: 1h'WW.LMC.O RG CvL~ df It. J~rL~' ° Park a,~cd Trar~l Sys~tetict PGayt 2008 ITEM 15 -STATEMENT OF ACCESSIBILITY To be eligible for an Outdoor Recreation grant, the recipient must comply with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). For each facility, you propose to develop or rehabilitate, describe in detail how it will be made accessible. In addition, all critical components of the park must be made accessible even if they are not part of this application proposal. Critical components include, but are not limited to: parking, restroom, drinking fountains and accessible routes to all facilities. This program requires all access routes to be a minimum of 5 feet wide. This section is an important factor in selecting those applications that will be awarded grants. Applications that do not give enough information to determine the degree of accessibility typically do not rank high enough for funding. If you use outside contractors, be sure they are aware of the accessibility requirements. The following guidelines will help you design your facilities. Copies can be ordered from the U.S. Access Board at (800) 872-2253, or downloaded off of their website at http://www.access- board.gov. 1. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Americans with Disability Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG), as amended, Oct. 3, 2002. The amended accessibility guidelines include a new section 15 that provides standards for recreation facilities such as, playgrounds, boating and fishing facilities, golf and swimming pools. Also included in the new amended guidelines, is a definition of "Area of Sport Activity" and requirements for accessible routes to the area of sport activities and sport courts. 2. Regulatory Negotiation Committee Final Report on Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas. Until incorporated into the ADAAG standards, the final report for outdoor developed areas should be used for designing recreational facilities such as campgrounds, picnic areas, trails, and beaches. The park shelter will be designed to comply with the International Building Code, which is based on ANSI A117.1, with the State of Minnesota modifications for ADA. This will include the 6 ft wide (or wider) walks leading to the basketball court, volleyball court, softball player areas, picnic tables, play ground area (tot lot), park shelter, the table area of the shelter, including the countertops, and the restrooms including door accessibility, plumbing fixtures, and grab bars. c~ 17 ''~~ Park a~rcd Tvar%f Sys~te~cu PCatic 2008 St. Joseph, MN Park and Trail System Plan OPEN HOUSE COMMENTS September 29, 2008 General Comments 1. No splash pads, need pool w/zero entry 2. I'm impressed by the proposals. My friend is eager to use a dog park and my husband and I are in favor of this so that we have parks to take our infant that will have fewer dogs (off leash). 3. The real need is for dog park today not several years from now. Expansion (park) to the south is still years away and removed from residents and near water? How about north side of Memorial? 4. I question what type of teen areas are to be built also question why Klinefelter? :i. Do or will all shelters be started with water/services? 6. Need bridge across Sauk River for access to Waite Park somewhere south of East Park 7. Move dog park to West Park 8. Very beautiful displays, well done, public input has been heeded, keep paying attention to environ- ment and sustainability, thank you 9. Archery range 10. Dredge Millstream? How about Klinefelter? Centennial Park 1. Parking lot should be on the other side of park and entrance should be by the El Paso Cloverdale Park 1. Too many new trees in Cloverdale concept, too small of park for that Hollow Park 1. Does future expansion of Hollow Park (N/W), including trails to Millstream sound reasonable? Millstream Park 1. Would amphitheater be better suited to Klinefelter rather than Millstream? 2. What happened to disc golf? 3. Can we speculate and architect softball fields (3) into Millstream, with new aligned County Road 2? Northland Park 1. What happened to shelter and bathroom in Northland and entry (?) Northland 2. Bathrooms in Northland 3. Hockey rink in Northland should come with warming house, maybe? GGCY o~ It. Jo-se~i Park arul Trarl .fys~e~c PGayc 2008 4. No hockey-use splash park instead, keep volleyball where it is; no parking on Iris Lane for that many people. Make parking lot off Northland Drive on east side of park, no picnic area on north side of park, more trees or shrubs, remove rock from play areas, use rubber mulch d. No hockey rink, put where college students are, parking on Northland, put water park in Northland- 3rd biggest park, keep picnic areas close to parking area, no teen park, make ball park more useable, i.e., bases, aggregate, play ground area -don't put pea rock around it, north side -don't need people walking through our yards 6. Move parking to Northland Drive and keep picnic area near parking; we have lots of people walking through our yards now, I live the trails it keeps the kids off of the streets, move the hockey across town by the college and splash park to Northland where the kids are, volleyball attracts a lot of young adults, put it where there is parking, baseball diamond doesn't get used, maintain it East Park 1. No parking by boat launch in East Park 2. Move dog park closer to I-94 in East Park 3. No shelter and restroom or parking in East Park 4. Screening needed by homes on north side of East Park 5. No road access to boat landing in East Park 6. Picnic area needs to be by camping in East Park 7. Why no soccer fields in East Park West Park 1. No parking by boat launch in East Park 2. In park by the new Kennedy School, it seems like the dog park would be better utilized in a different space and camping moved closer to the river for scenery and canoe access Gc~Ly a f St. ~o-se~c Pasrk a.~cd Trarl lyr~eticc PCa,~c 2008 Appendix G (To be completed) GvL~ a~ St. J~-s~e~Gc Park aticd T~-~ lys~teticc PGcryc 2008 '~~ `~~~. ~ '~-, ~'i~.~~y oaf, :a ~~ j r i +':y '~..~ j r+~" '" y~®NS ASH .... -. ., .. r ~,.~:: _ s '~ ,: i CRS: . ~'~ ~~'~'dt r c c i In ~'~ ~ ~.ek ~C' _. r -.~ ~ .-'.~. J ~, ..x *' ~: it Sr.°.~~.