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07-23-07 Joint PC-EC-OSRC Agenda AGENDA Golden Valley Planning Commission Joint Meeting with Environmental Commission and Open Space and Recreation Commission Comprehensive Plan Update Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road Council Conference Room Monday, July 23,2007 6 pm - 7:30 pm 1. Presentation/Discussion of the Comprehensive Plan Update - Parks and Open Space Element 2. Adjournment This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72-hour request. Please call 763-593-8006 (TTY: 763-593-3968) to make a request. Examples of alternate formats may include large print, electronic, Braille, audiocassette, etc. . . . 7 .lley Planning 763-593-8095 I 763-593-8109 (fax) Date: 7/16/07 To: Planning Commission Members Open Space and Recreation Members Environmental Commission Members ~e Hogeboom. Planning Intern From: Subject: Comprehensive Plan Update: Parks and Open Space Element Commissioners: This month's Joint Commission Meeting will focus on the parks and open space element of the Comprehensive Plan. Planning consultants from Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. have been assigned to author this element of the Plan. They, along with City staff, will discuss the nature of this element and the process in creating the Comprehensive Plan document. Attached you will find a copy of the parks and open space element, revised in 1999. We ask that you review this document priorto Monday's meeting. This document will stand as the basis for future revisions. . If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 763-593-8099 or through email at jhogeboom@cLgolden-valley.mn.us. We appreciate your input in this process. Atta'chments: Comprehensive Plan: Parks and Open Space Element 1999 cc: Mark Grimes Lisa Wittman Rick Jacobson Chris Behringer Lisa Nesbitt Jeannine Clancy Eric Eckman AI Lundstrom Brian Erickson Sue Cook Sheila Van Sloun Veronica Anderson Jeanne Fackler ;; . . . ------ 'Hey (".,,,. ,:,It" "i.i ...O.'i....~.~.. ;. . '-'.": -"-" :., ;-., "'~' :..,.....,::.c-.: '."..:..::'--; n,~ . . " 'f ~ '. -< CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARK SECTION ';'" . TABLE OF CONTENTS M-ission..-.... II .,", ..... i.... II ~>~.. ~'I II ..... .... II 11.1.11.11 .... II ... ..... II' ......11... II.. I'" ... ".'1 ..... II ....1 In-traduction II... 11.11.... II' ...... II.. II" Ii......... II ....11 .......1.. II ....1. II.... II II........ 11.1 I' i. .....1 Background.............................................................................................. 2 Park Systems Classification............................................................... 2 Park Locations and Acreage .........:.... ................................... ............... 3 Urban Trails ......................:............... ...................................... .......... 6 . . Parks & Recreation: Goals and Policies...... ...................... ............... ........... 7 Land Acquisition, Facility Development and .Maintenance ....................7 . Recreation... ...".-.......... II ii.,. .... II... I.. II II ....... .".......... ........:.. .... I' II... II II II I" .".... .~8 Tr?lHSystem au. I; ... Ii .... Ii II.... u....'....n "" "" ..., '" ......... "II ..._ ...... ...... .... .........9 Natural Resources .......................... ................... .................. ........... 11 Exhibit A - Parks & Open Space Map........................................................ 14 Exhibit B -- Priority Items ....... ............. .................... ..... ..... ........... .... ... ...... lS ExhibitC - Park Facility Information...........................................................16 . . . . MISSION The mission of the Golden Valley Park & Recreation Department shalLbe to provide and maintain sufficient, attractive parks and scenic areas for the beauty and leisure time activities of the community, and to provide wholesome recreation for the entire family. Consistent with this mission, every opportunity shall be afforded, with. financial limits, to plan, procure, develop .and maintain parks and recreation reSOurces. INTRODUCTION Parks, playgrounds and other public and semi-public open spaces.in Golden. Valley must be continually assessed, maintained and upgraded if the City is to retain its image as an attractive and pleasant suburban community. Along with providing,adequate and convenient recreational opportunities for all residents, parks furnish visual contrasts within the more densely built-up sectors.and can help to better define the image and form of developing and redeveloping areas as well. Parks can provide a measure of relief from the monotony of buildingsr industrial areasr parking lots, shops, streets and. other urban features, thereby imparting a psychological uplift to its surroundings - a value which is often difficult to express in terms of dollars. Well-kept parks with attractive facilities and open space areas act as positive influences to preserve the character of the community and to help deter any deteriorating influences. Parkland and open space provide an ecological function for wildlife habitat and native plant species which add to the quality of life in Golden Valley. Therefore, it can be concluded that parks and open space serve as essential resources in communities by keeping property values highr preserving certain areasfor scenic and 1 utilitarian qualities, maintaining a certain image for the areas and providing, varied recreational experiences and opportunities. . BACKGROUND A. PARK SYSTEMS CLASSIFICATION Underthe general heading of park systems, various types of public recreation areas are normally established to provide for the two principle forms of activities - active use in community/neighborhood parks, and passive use in open space/nature areas. In evaluating the recreation facilities in Golden Valley, the following classifications have been utilized. Neighborhood Parks: an active area designed for intensive use by children and family groups <:Iose to home and affording opportunities for informal recreation and..possibly some scheduled activities for all.ages. . Community Parks: a larger, active play area providing for a greater variety of play experiences and activities. Open Space/Nature Areas: land set aside for preservation of natural resources, remnant landscapes and visual aesthetics/buffering which may include areas for trails and other passive recreation uses. Regional Parks: a large park area providing broad expanses of natural scenery and capable of accommodating large numbers of people. It often includes special facilities of area-wide interest. Special Use Facilities: includes such facilities as play lots, squares and plazas, public beaches, swimming pools, parkway systems, golf course facilities, greenbelts, drainageways, trails, and any other facilities of a special nature for . 2 . . . which standards are difficult to formulate and whose number,locatiQn and . distribution is dependent upon a number of factors such as physical conditions, natural amenities, opportunities for acquisition and public demand. B. PA.RK LOCATIONS AND ACREAGE Golden VaHey's park system was developed with the neighborhood in mind. Attractive .park facilities. (community and neighborhood parks) and nature areas are scattered throughout the City in order that the maximum number of residents .are.provided with c1oseptoximity to the nearest recreational area. The following list describes the existing park system in the City.This includes a park's classification, .Iocation and size. Generally, the City's community parks are larger than the neighborhood park facilities. Each facility is geographically located on the map t Exhibit A. Community Parks ............. Location ..................................... Acres Brookview Park ......................Winnetka Ave.. & Brookview Pkwy. ..... 33.0 Gearty Park.......................... .3101 Regent ...... .................... ............4.7 Hampshire Park ......................Olympia &touisiana ................,'......... .11.0 Lakeview Park........ .... ........... .Olympia & Hillsboro................ ......... ,.. 5.0 Lions Park............................. Harold & Glenwood ........................... 20.0 Medley Hills Park....................Ensign & 23rd Ave. ............................ 11.0 Schaper Park .........................Hwy. 55 and Ottawa ......................... 14.0 Scheid Park ...........................Duluth & Toledo................................ 11.4 Wesley Park...........................Wesley Dr. & Orkla............................ 19.0 Neighborhood Parks Glenview Terrace Park.......Zenith & Manor Dr. ................................. 5.0 Golden Oaks Park.............. Valders & Plymouth................................. 2.0 Natchez Park.................. ..201 Natchez ........ ...................... ............. 6.0 3 ... North Tyrol Park ...............4300 Sunset Ridge ...............................:..9.4 Seeman Park ....................1101 Florida Ave. ....................................4.6 South Tyrol Park.............. .1501 Kaltern Lane................. ........... ... .... ..2.9 Stockman Park................. .Adell & Major...... on....................... ..... ..... .t.3 Wildwood Park... .............. .Duluth. & Pennsylvania......... ...... .... ..........5.0 Yosemite Park...... ...... ...... .351 yosemite............. .... ... ......... ..............1.2 St. Croix ...........................5850 St. Croix Ave. .................................1.0 . Special Use Facilities Brookview Golf Course .............. 100 Brookview Parkway...... HoneywellUttle League Area..... 6600 Sandburg Road....... Open Space/Nature Areas Bassett Creek Nature Area BriarwoodWilplife/Bird Sanct. Honeywell Pond Laurel Avenue Ponds Laurel Avenue (Kings Creek) South Cortlawn Mary Hills Park Outlot # 1 Pennsylvania Woods Rice Lake Nature Area St. Croix Nature Area Tree Farm Western Avenue Marsh ...... 146.7 .... 11.0 2130 Zane Ave.............................. 7.6 2500 Unity........................... .... ..... 19.0 1800 Douglas Dr. ..........................3.6 7100 Laurel Ave. ...........u..........~.. 15.2 6200 Laurel Ave. ........................... 2.0 6600 Laurel Ave. S. ......................17.3 Golden Valley Rd. & Bonnie Lane ..14.2- 2301 Noble Ave. N. .......................2.9 23rd & Rhode Island .....................22.6 4120 Bassett Creek Dr................... 9.3 5850 St.Croix Ave. ....................... 1.0 Plymouth Ave. and Orkla Dr........... 2.0 Western & Winnetka .................... 21.0 . In terms of acreage, it would appear that the City of Golden Valley is amply provided for in total amounts of dedicated park and open space land. Of the established parks, nature areas and special use facilities owned and operated by the City of Golden Valley, there are a total of 462 acres. Of this, 166.5 acres are . 4 f ! t I . in community and neighborhood parks, 137.7 acres in nature areas,. and 158 - acres in Brookview Golf Course and the Honeywell Little League area, special use facilities. In addition to the city-owned open space and park facilities, Golden VaHey residents have many other park acres in the mu~icipality for their use. Theodore Wirth Park (owned and maintained by the Minneapolis Park Board 'but largely located in the City of Golden Valley), has 517 acres in Golden Valley. Also, the City of Golden Valley has agreements with General Mills, Independent School District #281,Breck School and the State Arts School, which addanothet 100 acres for resident use. In total, public park property totals approximately.1,068 acres. In Golden Valley, the total acreage of nature areas, comrnumityand neighborhood,parks is 304 acres, or about 14.5 acres per 1,000 residents. This does not include the 158 acres of special use facilities for BrookviewGolfCourse and the Honey,well Little League area. . Many of the small sites are located within V4 mile of residential areas, whlle all are within V2 mile of a municipal site. However, not all sites are within easy accessibility of many small neighborhoods due to numerous barriers. While the park and recreation acreage appears sufficientitherestilfremain a number of opportunities to add to the system by further acquisitions, particularly as related to the environmental or preservative type of park holdings and through an active park development program . The community park at Brookview is seemingly large enough, but since this represents the one and only community-wide special use facilitYieveryeffort should be madeto enhance it within designated and logical directions. The 21- acre City-owned tract east of Winnetka and north of Western Avenue (known as the Western Avenue Marsh) forms a logical extension potentiaLfor 'combining the active site with the passive. 5 Augmenting the public recreation sites are a number of private or semi-privately maintained areas which tend to serve a segment of the population needs. The largestfacility is the 152 acre Golden Valley Country Club to the east of the Civic Center. Others include the various facilities provided by the public and private schools alike. Other specialized facilities are available at the Brookview Recreation Area[ including the Brookview Community Center[ an l8-hole golf course[. Par 3 golf course, driving ranger pro shop and grill. Every effort should be made to cooperate with other agencies in order to perpetuate maximum recreationa I services . c. URBAN TRAILS (See Transportation Plan) The City of Golden Valley. is nearly complete in the development of a 50 mile urbantrai.1 system. (The present system links various neighborhoods with parks[ schools[ and the Civic Center area.) The urban trail is one of the most effective forms of open space when laid along the routes people travel[ walk or live. The spaces provide the maximum visual impact and the maximum physical access. Broad expanses of open space tend to be under-utilized[ for it is the perimeter that is most readily available to the greatest number. Furthermore[ it typically cuts cross-sectionally through urban regions[ bordering industrial[ commercial[ residential[ and green areas.Thus[ it provides easy access to a great number of people as they engage in a variety of activities. Continued development of the trail system throughout the community may entail additional acquisition or controlling procedures to enable suchlinkage[ a situation which could add a new approach to the present way of establishing sites[ as well as provide additional acreage to the currently owned parkland. (For further discussion on urban trails[ see the Transportation 'Plan.) . . . 6 . . . GOLDEN VALLEY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Parks and Recreation: GOALS and Policies L.A.ND ACQUISITION/FACILITY DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE GOALS I. 1 To develop appropriate park and recreation areas and facilities to serve the existing and future needs ofcitizens. 2. Continue to implement an excellent maintenance system. that maximizes the available resources and . provides for high quality parks and facilities. POLICIES The City will: , 1. strive to foster e.fforts to retain historically significant elements within the community. 2. continue to provide input to the Metropolitan Parks Commission, Minnesota Department of Natural. Resources, Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. 3. continue to coordinate and cooperate with adjacent communities, Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District, the State of Minnesota and the Metropolitan Council in park planning, programming, and development efforts. 4. continue to evaluate the acquisition and development of neighborhood parks in order that each neighborhood service area as illustrated on the city map, is adequately served with appropriate recreational facilities. 5. continue to investigate available grants from regional, state, and federal agencies to obtain funding assistance for park and recreation planning, administration, acquisition/physical development, and programming efforts. 6. continue. to look for opportunities to provide special use recreation facilities for broad community use such as a swimming pool, swimming beaches, mini-outdoor 7 concert area, ice arena, drama production/concert theater, multi-use gym facility and youth center. 7. strive to maintain and acquire properties that provide connections between existing open spaces and parks. 8. continue to maintain, re-evaluate and improve Brookview Golf Course to provide an excellent golfing facility for the public. 9. continue development of the parklands acquired by the City in accOrdance with the City of Golden Valley Capital Improvement Plan. 10. acquire land or expand existing land for parks where it is deemed beneficial (i.e., Wesley, Lakeview, Scheid). 11. work cooperatively with the school districts and other agencies or busines$esin order to maximize the joint use of facilities. OBJECTIVES The City will: 1. continue to develop park and recreation facilities which minimizethernaintenance demands on the City as much as possible through appropriate planning, use of durable, quality materials, and labor-saving devices and practices, while maintaining high standards of quality of appearance andcQnditions. 2. continue to provide a public golf course facility to include an IS-hole regulation course, 9-hole par three course, driving range, puttingfchipping-sand/greenareas for warm-up, concessions, pro-shop and all other amenities consIdered appropriate for the operation of a full scale golf facifity. . . II. RECREATION GOALS 1. To provide a balance of recreation and leisure opportunities to meet the diverse needs of the community, including all age groups and ability levels. 2. To deliver a variety of recreation and leisure programs in a flexible manner that is responsive to the changing needs, interests, and circumstances of the community. . 8 . . POLICIES " The City will: 1. continue to cooperate with the school districts in promoting community use of school facilities (i.e. swimming pools{ playfields{ gymnasiums{ and theaters). 2. continue to collaborate with other agencies in the provision of recreation and leisure programs for special populations. 3. periodically monitor user satisfaction and solicit new program ideas through participant evaluations. 4. undertake entrepreneurial recreation program activities whenever feasible. 5. cooperate with public and private entities to provide recreation and leisure opportunities and utilize{ to the fullest. extent possible{ the recreational facilities located within Golden Valley. 6. develop recreation program budget priorities that ensures quality leisure opportunities. 7. provide an excellent golfing opportunity for the public in a flexible ma.F1nerthatis responsive to the changing needs of the consumers of thislejsur€act:jvity~ OBJECTIVES The City will: 1. continue to provide direct recreational services while at the same time encourage and enable programs provided by other agencies and groups. 2. continue to recruit and utilize seasonal part-time employees and volunteers in order to assist in implementing the city's recreation programs. III. TRAIL SYSTEM GOALS 1. To strive for a citywide interconnected trail system that meets the recreational and transportational needs of the citizens of Golden Valley ina safe and environmentally . sensitive manner. 9 2. To provide a citywide trail system that provides access to possible state and county trails,as well as trails in surrounding communities. . POLICIES The City will : 1. continue. to work toward the development of a citywide trail system to serve. asa recreation facility and provide for alternative modes of transportation within the City. 2. encourage development of trail linkages to provide safe and convenient access to and between parks, schools, neighborhoods, commercial areas, and other destinations. 3. continueto review development proposals for conformance with adopted policies pertaining to trails and make recommendations consistent with the needs of the community . 4. cooperate with adjacent communities to coordinate trail system connections between the communities (i.e., Hwy. 100 overpass between Duluth Street and 36th . Avenue North). 5. cooperate with state, regional, and county agencies in the formulation.of a comprehensive trail system that enhances: access to facilities both inside and outside the city, and avoids duplication. 6. continue to work with Hennepin County to provide trails along the major arterials within the community. 7. work with the appropriate authorities to identify and utilize railroad and utility rights...of-way for trail purposes when opportunities arise. 8. periodically review its trail design and maintenance practices to ensure that they remain consistent with accepted designs that accommodate user needs. 9. periodically analyze the need for additional signals, signage, or special crossing facilities to enhance trail safety at high-volume traffic intersections (Le" Hwy. 55 and Rhode Island, Douglas Drive and Ottawa Avenue). . '10 . . . OBJECTIVES 1. The City will continue to improve its trail signage and public information program pertaining to the citywide trail system for safe use of the trails. IV. NATURAL RESOURCES GOALS 1. To strive for adequate protection, preservation, enhancement and developmentof natural resources within the City such as water bodies, wetlands,swimming beaches, public water accesses, scenic views, woodlands, prairies, and wildlife habitats. 2. To expand knowledge and understanding oftheCity/s natural resources and eco- system in order to protect them from detrimental impacts. POLICIES The City will: 1. continue to review development proposals for conformance with adopted ordinances regarding tree preservation, water quality, wetland protection andmitigation, and shoreland protection. 2. work with developers to provide permanent open space areas or cash in lieu orland in development plans. 3. encourage private property owners to protect and maintain natural resources on their property, emphasizing an educational approach where possible anc:t. effective. 4. work to protect its parks and open space areas from unnecessary encroachment or destruction from neighboring properties. 5. utilize site planning, construction and maintenance techniques on public parklands to minimize negative impacts on the natural environment. 6. utilize or specify native plant materials in projects on City property to the extent possible. 11 7. search forand, when appropriate, take advantage of opportunities to atquire tax forfeit properties to add to the City's inventory of natural resource-based open space as appropriate. 8. continue to identify and acquire, when feasible, significant habitat areas and areas of unique plant and animal species to ensure their preservation. 9. support efforts of the Metropolitan Parks Commission, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. .Fish and Wildlife Service to protect and preserve endangered and threatened species and their natural habitat. 10. The City recognizes the importance of wetlands for wildlife habitat, open space, storm water management and aesthetics, and will work toward the policy of no net loss of wetlandswithinitsjurisdictionai limits through administration of the Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Act. o . . . 11. increase its emphasis on minimizing runoff volumes through implementation of filtrati.on and other practices that are environmentally acceptable technically and financially feasible. 12. continue to. take a pro-activ~approach in efforts to identify and treat diseased trees in a timely manner through implementation of the City's shade tree. disease program. 13 . work with private property owners and developers to. encourage preservation of significant vegetation and reforestation. 14. The City is committed to both working under its own initiative and with other organizational units to develop and test new techniques that will improve the eff~ctiveness of natural resource management efforts. 15.The City should work to provide, maintain, search for and develop public access parks and areas on water bodies in the City of Golden Valley. Development may include, but is 1J0t limited to, public beaches, public boat accesses, fishing docks, lakeshore parks, picnic areas and scenic shore open space (i.e. Sweeney Lake and Twin Lake). 16. work to protect, and properly manage large open space areas within the City. 17. strive to maintain and/or develop natural corridors to foster eco-system continuity. . . . 12 . . -. OBJECTIVES TheCitywiU; 1. continue to strive to maintain existing natural corridors connecting parks and open space. 2. continue. to work .with the school districts to expand school based environmental educati.on pr.ograms. 3. continue to initiate inventories and analyses of its natural resources. 13 ;. ""-; CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - PARKSECTION PRIORITY ITEMS EXHIBIT B . The following list of projects has been. selected by the Open Space and Recreation Commission as priority items to be considered in the City's Long Range Plan. .. Major park at Sweeney Lake .. Purchase of underdeveloped and undeveloped land .. Multi-use community center .. Indoor multi-use soccer facility .. Mini-outdoor concert area .. Soccer field with lights .. ArcheI)' range .. Environmental education facility .. Expanded city-wide trail network .. Purchase of Gene'ral Mills land .. Tunnel under Winnetka Avenue from Area B along creek .. Indoor community theater .. Expand volunteer' recognition .. Access trail under"railroad between Schaper Park and city-owned loton Sweeney . Lake .. Commuter trail .. Expanded golf opportunities .. Aggressive skate park .. Periodically review parkland dedication requirements to ensure that they are consistent with current land values and acreage factors . 15 Golden Valley Park Informa'tion f"'ighteu ~all Use GENERAL ACfIVITIES AMENITIES . SPORTS WINTER 'Recreation building ~".~ ~ -;;; .~ ... restrooms open during ~ '" ~: g" "tl ~ 1:: .D "tl " "tl " t: .;'; gp '" ~ bO .~ ~ .s season. ~ ~g ~p; & ~~ l~ ~8 i~ j~ ;8 ~~ ~~ ~~ 8 f~ ~~ ~~ .f.fli.iW!!IM.ii:~~l:I~~~~~]i~~~i~I~~i~~:i:f~)tij~l::~~J~~i:i~~:j~I~j~::~~~~:~~i:l~i~Ii:Jil1:f:~~~jji~~f;~::j:~~j~~~:~~il~:~~:::::tr:i~~~~:tI~~I~I~~:~l::~Ii:l:t~i~:j:I:i~:t:i:I::jl;~:I~~:~i:~t:i~i~~~i:if::~:iI~j~lj::~:~:lji:::li:~i:i~i~~~l]::~~i:li:i:iI:II~iM]i~::lmIt:::i:::i@~i~i:::i~1:iI:i:liI~:i~~!:::i:i~::::li~jiI~i~i~i:~~i:;~~~~i~i~~:~l::~:~:ltr Brookview Park 33 X X I X L X I 4L X. 2 .. .. Brookview Golf Course 147 GeartyPark 4.7 Glenview Terrace Park 5.0 Golden Oaks Park 2.0 Hampshire Park 11.0 Lakeview Park 5.0 Lions Park 20.0 Medley Park 11.0 Natchez Park 6.0 North Tyrol Park 9.4 Sl Croix Park 1.0 Schaper Park 14.0 Park 11.4 j v."man Park 4.6 South Tyrol Park 2.9 Stockman PMk 1.3 Wesley Park 19.0 Wildwood Park 5.0 Wirth Pk (Mpls Pk Bd) 517 Yosemite Park 1.2 Honeywell Little Lg. 11.0 Minnesota Arts School 1.5 Sandburg Balltlelds 20.0 L X X X X X X L X L X L X L X L X X X X X X L I X X I X X X X L I X X X X X X IL 2 X X X IF IL L L X X L L L L L L X X L L L L X X L 2L X I X 2 X I X 2 J/IF 2 X 2 3L X I X I 2L X I IF 2L X 2 X 1 X 1 X 2 J/IF 3L X 2 2 X I 1 3 L L X L X .. L L X L L X X .. X X L L X L L X X L X X X X L Bassett Creek 7.6 X Briarwood Bird 19.0 X Sanctuary General Mills Hdqtrs. 29 X General Mills Research 57.0 X Laurel Ave. Greenbelt 34.5 X ills 14.2 X ..isylvania Woods 22.6 X Rice Lake 9.3 X Western Ave. Marsh 21.0 X .. - Revised Aug .1999 16