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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2040 Chapter 06 - Parks and Trails City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 113 CHAPTER 6, PARKS AND TRAILS Following is an update to the Parks and Trails chapter of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. In July 2018, the City of Prior Lake entered into a contract with WSB to complete a park master plan document. WSB will be reviewing existing documents, evaluating community demographic trends, updating park inventory, level of service evaluation, park and recreation goals and strategies, identification of facility improvements, identification of trail gaps, implementation, final document and stakeholder engagement. Once the Park Master Plan is completed, it is the intent of the City of Prior Lake to update this chapter of the Comprehensive Plan with the new Park Master Plan document. 6.1 Introduction The Prior Lake Park and Trail System Plan is designed to provide a comprehensive and interrelated network of parks, trails, and natural resource areas for public use. The plan is based on an assessment of need and follows a system-wide park and trail planning approach. The plan takes into consideration: • History of the park system • Community setting • Needs and desires of the citizens, or customer • Natural and cultural resources • Anticipated growth of the community • Other related issues The character of the community, personal conveniences, recreation opportunity, physical environment, extent of open space, and personal living space are important to one's perception of the quality of life in a city. Parks and natural open spaces are intrinsically tied to one's perception of a quality living environment. The park and trail system plan outlined here seeks to achieve this end. For the park and trail system to be successful, it must fulfill the physical, psychological, and recreational expectations of those it is intended to serve. In this context, the term "park and trail system" includes not only parks and trails per se, but urban spaces, greenways, streetscapes, schools, and natural resource areas (open spaces), etc. as well. All these components contribute in one way or another to the quality of life in the city and contribute to each resident's satisfaction with living in Prior Lake. A. System Approach to Planning The Prior Lake Park and Trail System Plan is based on a comprehensive approach to determining recreation needs and a planned approach to meeting those needs. A key principle of this approach is to foster continuous City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 114 improvement to the park and trail system through on-going evaluation of the plan within the context of evolving and changing community needs. Another key concept is meeting service area needs. Recreation service area needs are based on population and geographic area. For example, National Park and Recreation Association (NRPA) standards suggest at least one full-size basketball court is needed for each 5,000 people. Also, people are typically willing to walk or drive short distances to use an outdoor basketball court. Service area standards are benchmarks that help establish a minimum acceptable level of service and coverage. The NRPA service area standards are adjusted to meet the individual needs of Prior Lake. B. Needs Assessment Assessing the needs of the community is critical to developing a successful park and trail system. Since Prior Lake is a growing community, the expectations, concerns, and needs of individuals and families living in the city and visitors using the Prior Lake park system will continue to change and evolve. Anticipating and preparing for these changes will require continuous measuring and monitoring in future years if the park and trail system is to be responsive to community needs. Recreation facility needs change as recreation trends evolve. Sports emerge like pickleball, lacrosse, rugby that compete with traditional sports for limited facilities. Building flexibility into the system plan today becomes paramount to meeting the needs of the community tomorrow. C. Current Recreation Facility Needs The following observations are based on an assessment of available information, comparisons to local and national standards and discussions with various individuals and user groups. Current system needs include: • New neighborhood and community parks to serve existing needs. • Pickleball courts. • Splash pad. • Continued development of an interlinking and multi-functional trail system. • Protection and enhancement of natural resource amenities of the city. • Continued and enhanced partnerships for provision of new facilities and use and maintenance of existing recreation facilities. D. Selected Trends Influencing Outdoor Recreation 1. Population and Employment Growth: Over the next 20 years the City of Prior Lake will continue to grow. The Comprehensive Land Use Plan estimates a year 2040 population of 37,600 people. The 2016 population is approximately 25,520. The city will also experience significant employment and business growth. Parks and trails must be added and expanded to meet the forecast growth. 2. Baby Boom Generation: Demographic changes shape recreation demand. The "baby boom" generation is approaching retirement. It is likely that many City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 115 "boomers" will continue to be active recreation users, but their choice of activities will shift toward lesser intensity and less team sports participation. This translates into more walking, pickleball, bicycling, bird watching, and other more passive forms of recreation and a potential decline in clubs and groups and league sports. 3. Trail Use: Additional trails and trail connections are the most desired recreation elements in almost every city and neighborhood. Trails serve all age groups and abilities and increase safety and access. This translates into more trail right of way acquisition and construction and trail connection to regional trail corridors. 4. More Discretionary Activities: Time pressures, changing work schedules and a variety of family structures all contribute toward individual recreation activities that do not require scheduling. This translates into more trail use, more arts access, personal fitness activities and facilities, and flexible schedules and shorter class cycles (i.e. 5 weeks vs. 10 weeks). 5. Sense of Community and Neighborhood: Due to busy lifestyles and fragmented schedules, some people feel a lack of neighborhood or community "togetherness" and desire the ability to meet with neighbors or to participate in community-wide events. This translates into provision of neighborhood meeting space (i.e. in park shelters) and selected community events. 6. Recreation Users from Outside of Prior Lake: People from the surrounding cities and Townships use Prior Lake parks and trails. Youth athletic organization boundaries go beyond city limits and many Township residents rely on City facilities and programs for recreation and leisure. This outside use means that Prior Lake facilities need to exceed minimum service standards to assure adequate access and to minimize overcrowding and over use. It is estimated that approximately 10% of park use in Prior Lake comes from outside of the city boundaries. 7. Demand for Quality Facilities: Users and the City see the benefit of quality facilities. Users' expectations of field and facility quality have increased. Youth sports are becoming more specialized and focused users have high expectations. People have limited time for recreation and want close to home and quality trails and parks. Quality facilities last longer and are easier to maintain. An example is irrigation of athletic facilities. Irrigation costs more in the front end, but dramatically increases field quality and usability. 6.2 Planning Framework The planning framework consists of physical infrastructure and planning guidelines. The former relates to the community's physical infrastructure. The latter relates to various guidelines and planning considerations that give structure to the planning framework. The following defines each of these City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 116 components and their impact on the development of the park and trail system plan. A. Physical Infrastructure Developing an understanding of the physical infrastructure and characteristics of the community played a vital role in developing the park and trail system plan. The infrastructure is based on a set of structural elements, which, in one way or another, have a direct impact on the development of the park system. The key structural elements considered as part of the physical infrastructure includes: • Municipal/City Boundary • Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Guided Land Uses • Transportation Plan • Urban Services Area • Natural Resource Characteristics • Current Park and Trail System • County and Regional Park Lands • School District Properties • Shakopee Mdewankaton Sioux Community Lands • Adjacent Cities Parks and Trail Systems • Water Resource Plans • The Lakes Many of these elements are presented in other sections of this document. Each of these factors has been integrated into the plan whereby they have become part of the very fabric of the system itself. B. Planning Guidelines Planning guidelines give structure to the planning framework. They make it feasible to translate community needs into a physical plan that meets those needs. The guidelines presented here reflect those recommended by the National Park and Recreation Association, which are based on generally accepted practices across the country. The planning guidelines seek to accommodate specific land-use functions usually ascribed to land and water resources designated for park and trail purposes. These functions include: • Recreation: providing space and facilities for people to engage in active and passive recreation activities. • Urban Open Space and Amenity Value: structured and manicured areas used to humanize high density development areas that cannot be readily measured or evaluated by applying a single standard. This includes plazas, squares, parkways, gardens, and other urban spaces such as museums, libraries, performing arts centers, amphitheaters, and historic sites. • Natural Resources: relates to land and water areas specifically set aside for preservation and conservation of our natural heritage and protection of City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 117 ecosystems that are vital to a viable living environment. • Reserve and Contingency: space set aside for park and trail purposes to accommodate new trends in leisure use, new activities or just greater rates of participation. Typically, it is recommended that communities include 10- 20 percent more land than required from their immediate and projected needs. Township use of Prior Lake facilities makes it even more important to plan for reserves and contingency. • Trail Corridors and Right-of-Ways: relates to land areas used for trails. Although these corridors offer benefits such as recreation, nature viewing, and so forth, their focus in this context is also on providing facilities that foster alternative (i.e. non-motorized) modes of transportation. • Organizational: space set aside for operations and maintenance activities. Using planning guidelines, the various functions or uses of park lands listed above can be appropriately addressed and accommodated in a physical system plan for the community. The use of planning guidelines can allow the community to achieve: • A level of service that is desired by the citizens and visitors (customers). • An equitable distribution of parks and trails throughout the community. C. Level of Service Guideline The level of service (LOS) guideline deals with determining the amount of physical space needed within a park system based on the demand for specific types of facilities within a given community. The park and trail system plan presented here focuses on addressing existing needs, forecast growth and anticipating other future opportunities. It also places emphasis on building enough flexibility into the plan to adjust to future opportunities as the city evolves. The Park System Plan is based primarily upon neighborhood parks generally serving a 1/3-mile radius area (approximately 220 acres) and community parks serving a one-mile radius area. These are general guidelines that must be adjusted to reflect residential densities, barriers such as major roads, and water features and neighborhood and community needs. The 1/3-mile radius standard allows most residents the ability to walk to a neighborhood park. The service area standards should be used to identify park search areas and for system wide physical and fiscal planning. The service areas standards for new development areas match the existing distribution of parks in the developed areas of the city. Therefore, new residential neighborhoods will have a similar level of service and distribution of parks as existing neighborhoods. Depending upon density and physical features each new neighborhood park will serve approximately 500 to 1,000 households. D. Park Classifications Park classifications define the minimum acreage and development criteria for different classes, or types, of parks. They are important in that they provide a City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 118 common, consistent, and justifiable framework for planning purposes, thus allowing for the orderly development of the park system that ensures all community needs are fulfilled. The classifications used here are based on the national guidelines recommended by the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA). Table 6.1 provides an overview of each park classification. In the case of Prior Lake, the classifications fit quite well with the existing park system. But given the diversity, complexity, and changing needs of various parts of the community, the classifications are not to be viewed as absolutes. Some flexibility in the way they are applied will be necessary to address the conditions that are unique to each part of the city. City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 119 Classification General Description Location Criteria Size Criteria Application of LOS Mini Park Used to address limited, isolated or unique recreational needs. Less than 1/4-mile distance in residential setting Between 2500 s.f. and 1 acre in size Yes Neighborhood Park Neighborhood park remains the basic unit of the park system and serves as the recreational and social focus of the neighborhood. Focus is on informal active and passive recreation 1/4 to 1/2-mile distance and uninterrupted by nonresidential roads and other physical barriers 5 acres is considered minimum size. 7.5 acres is optimal.Yes Park-School Depending on circumstances, combining parks with school sites can fulfill the space requirements of other classes of parks, such as neighborhood, community, athletic complex and special use. Driven by the location of the school district property.Variable - depends on function.Yes-but should not count school only uses. Community Park Serve broader purpose than neighborhood parks. Focus is on meeting community-based recreational needs, as well as preserving unique landscapes and open spaces. Driven by the quality and suitability of the site. Usually serves 2 or more neighborhoods and 1/2 to 3-mile distance. As needed to accommodate desired uses. Usually between 30 and 50 acres. Yes Large Urban Park Large urban parks serve a broader purpose than community parks and are used when community and neighborhood parks are not adequate to service the needs of the community. Focus is on meeting community-based recreational needs, as well as preserving unique landscapes and open spaces. Driven by the quality and suitability of the site. Usually serves the entire community. As needed to accommodate desired uses. Usually a minimum of 50 acres, with 75 or more acres being optimal. Yes Natural Resource Areas Lands set aside for preservation of significant natural resources, remnant landscapes, open space, and visual aesthetics/buffering. Resource availability and opportunity.Variable No Greenways Effectively tie park system components together to form a continuous park environment. Resource availability and opportunity.Variable No Athletic Complex Consolidates heavily programmed athletic fields and associated facilities to larger and fewer sites strategically located throughout the community. Strategically located community- wide facilities. Driven by project demand. Usually a minimum of 25 acres, with 40-80 acres optimal. Yes Special Use Covers a broad range of parks and recreation facilities oriented towards single purpose use. Variable - dependent on specific use.Variable Depends on type of use. Private Park/Recreation Facility Parks and recreation facilities that are privately owned yet contribute to the public park and recreation system. Variable - dependent on specific use.Variable Depends on type of use. TABLE 6.1 PARK CLASSIFICATIONS OVERVIEW Source: Brauer & Associates as prepared for the Natl. Park, Recreation, Open Space & Pathway Guidelines City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 120 E. Facilities Type and Location Guidelines Facility type and location guidelines, as shown in Table 6.2, identifies the more common types of recreation facilities and defines their optimal location with respect to the various classifications. These recommendations are derived from regional and national guidelines and previous park and trail system plans. It is important to point out the guidelines are general and not intended to define with absolute certainty what facilities should go where in the park system. More important, development of specific facilities within specific parks must be driven by demand rather than unbending guidelines. Actual, known demand based on current and anticipated needs, participation rates, demographic profiles, and recreational trends specific to Prior Lake must be used as the driving force behind facility location. Monitoring and projecting demand on an ongoing basis is essential to ensuring that recreation facility supply is in line with projected demand. F. System Flexibility Building flexibility into a system plan is essential to accommodate the unique circumstances and situations that can and do arise in every community. Park and trail system planning like any other type of planning must be able to respond to unforeseeable events and windows of opportunity that can occur at any moment. Anticipating future needs requires vision and a sound on-going approach to systems planning. This approach allows one to react to opportunities as they arise. In this context, the system plan requires continuous updating to ensure that the city is in the best position to respond to the opportunities at hand. Communities that enjoy the benefits of vast interconnected open spaces embracing park and recreation facilities are always the one's that had visionary planners and elected officials who took bold initiatives on behalf of future residents. The City of Prior Lake can put itself in this position by adhering to the principles defined in this document. City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 121 Mini- Park Park-School Community Park Large Urban Park Natural Resources Greenways Private Parks/Facilities XXX XXX XXX xx XXX xx xx xx xx X X xx XXX xx xx xx xx X X xx XXX xx xx xx xx X X xx XXX xx xx xx xx X X xx XXX xx xx xx XXX XXX XXX xx XXX XXX XXX xx xx XXX XXX XXX xx XXX XXX XXX XXX xx xx xx xx xx XXX XXX XXX XXX xx XXX XXX XXX xx xx XXX XXX XXX xx XXX XXX xx xx xx xx xx XXX xx XXX XXX xx XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX xx xx XXX XXX XXX XXX xx XXX XXX XXX XXX xx xx xx XXX XXX XXX xx xx xx XXX XXX xx XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX xx xx XXX XXX XXX XXX xx XXX XXX XXX xx xx xx xx xx XXX XXX XXX xx XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX xx XXX XXX XXX XXX xx xx xx xx XXX XXX xx XXX xx xx xx Legend: Carefully selected setting only. Grooming usually required. Carefully selected setting only. XXX = Appropriate and desirable location XX= Appropriate on a limited basis (desirable only if need is documented and/or if a more desirable location is not available) X = Appropriate on a very limited basis (usually not desirable)(open) = Not an appropriate location XXX XXX xx xx XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX xx xx xx XXX XXX xx xx XXX Equestrian Trail All-Terrain Bike CC Ski Trail Independent Bikeways Most often associated with roadway rights-of-way and used for recreation and On-Street Bikeways Bike routes/lanes and used by more advanced bicyclist - Group A & B+ Parking Park Trails XXX xx Warming Bldg. (port. or Concess. Bldg. xx Restrooms Activities Bldg.xx xx Lg. Pic. Shelter Seating Areas XXX Sm. Pic. Shelter XXX xx XXX XXX Picnic Area XXX XXX xx Aquatics Facility XXX Fishing Area xx xx Amphitheater XXX Nature Center xx Beach Area xx Golf Course XXX Archery Range xx xx Track/Field XXX xx Volleyball XXX XXX xx Disc Golf XXX xx Play Structures XXX XXX xx Horseshoes XXX xx xx Hardsurf. Games XXX XXX xx Sliding Hill xx xx xx Tennis xx XXX xx Basketball XXX XXX xx Ice Hockey xx XXX xx Ice Skating xx XXX xx Youth Football X XXX xx Adult Football XXX xx Youth Soccer X XXX xx Adult Soccer XXX xx Youth Baseball X XXX xx Adult Baseball XXX xx Youth Softball X XXX xx Adult Softball XXX xx Neighborhood Athletic Complex Special Use Informal Play XXX xx xx TABLE 6.2 FACILITY TYPE AND LOCATION GUIDELINES Source: Brauer & Associates, Ltd. Activity/Facility City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 122 G. Lifecycles of System Components An important consideration in system planning is the expected lifecycle of system components. In this context, the lifecycle of a park or other system component is essentially the timeframe between when it is first purchased and developed until it is rebuilt/refurbished to serve evolving customer needs. In most cases, parks have a lifecycle of 15 to 20 years, although this will vary substantially depending on the specifics of the park in question. The design for any system component must take into consideration who the customers are likely to be throughout its lifecycle. In the case of a neighborhood park, amenities that appeal to those living nearby today may not be that highly regarded in the future as they grow older (i.e., "age in place"). This must be considered and adjusted for prior to the initial development of the park. Some of Prior Lake's parks are 20+ years old. These parks need to be evaluated on a regular basis and re-furbished as equipment deteriorates or no longer meets customer needs. Prior Lake needs to pay attention to its existing parks and neighborhoods while it builds new parks to serve new growth. This may mean allocation of funds outside of the park dedication funding sources (i.e. general funds and grant monies) for park capital replacement and refurbishing. H. Quality Initiative A basic principle of the systems planning today is the need to provide and maintain a high level of quality throughout a park and trail system to meet customer expectations. Expectations of quality have increased in recent years and many users prefer quality facilities over quantity and close access to mediocre facilities. With decreasing amounts of leisure time, citizens are placing ever-increasing emphasis on the quality of their leisure experiences. This orientation certainly affects public parks and recreation. With the expectation of quality, citizens are much more critical of the way public parks and trails are managed. In addition, they have become more selective about their personal and family leisure agendas, and specifically seek-out quality experiences. Another important consideration is the very pronounced trend toward specialization in recreation and leisure activities. As individuals become more selective and skilled in their pursuits, they demand higher quality facilities and surroundings. In addition, people more than ever define their experiences within the context of the whole environment that surrounds them during the activity, rather than only the activity itself. This holds true for virtually all recreational and leisure activities, whether active or passive in nature. City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 123 The point is providers of recreation and leisure services (public or private) can no longer avoid addressing the issue of quality if they are to remain competitive in the marketplace. A "good enough" attitude in today's marketplace usually means not good enough and is a prescription for failure. I. Restoration and Management of Natural Resources and Ecological Systems The current assessment of need makes it clear that the natural resources of the city are vital to its innate character. Given this, one of the most important aspects of the park and trail system plan is developing a restoration and management plan that will ensure that the character and quality of these resources are protected on into perpetuity. The City has done a good job of protecting wetlands and other resources; however, development pressure is likely to continue as the city becomes more fully developed. Therefore, the opportunity to identify and preserve key natural resource sites (i.e. forests, prairie, lake shore, stream and wetlands) and cultural sites is now. The management of invasive species such as (Emerald Ash Borer, Buckthorn, Garlic Mustard, Purple Loosestrife, etc.) is a growing concern and will require greater action soon. Coordinated City-volunteer programs have proven to be an effective response as much of invasive species control field work is labor intensive and includes environmental education and awareness. J. Americans with Disabilities Act and Universal Access An important aspect of developing a quality park system lies in how well it serves the needs of the all users. More now than ever before, municipalities have a responsibility (morally as well as legally) to provide a reasonable level of accessibility (to parks and programs) for individuals with varying levels of ability. To help ensure that this in fact happens, the federal government has established guidelines, through the American Disabilities Act (ADA), that provide for equal access to all users of public (and private) facilities and programs. The basic intent of the act is clear; reasonable equal access opportunities must be provided to those with disabilities. As new facilities are developed access will be provided and as facilities are redeveloped improved access will be made. The City will periodically evaluate its facilities for accessibility and make improvements as needed and appropriate. K. Playground Safety Through the Consumer Product Safety Commission The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent regulatory agency of the federal government with responsibility to inform the public of unreasonable risks of injury associated with consumer products. These standards address accessibility, entrapments, fall heights, etc. New City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 124 playgrounds and playground replacements will be designed to meet CPSC standards. L. Park System Plan Based on these needs and the opportunities and constraints of the park and trail system, the following defines the basic principles of land use and interrelationships on a broad scale. 1. Neighborhood Service Areas: The city is divided into a number of service areas to achieve the following: • Serve neighborhood needs within each service area (typically a 1/4 to 1/2-mile radius). • Provide a variety of recreational opportunities (at neighborhood level). • Facilities and amenities are accessible from throughout service area (via trails and residential roadways). • Individual parks within service area work together to service neighborhood needs -- i.e. compliment rather than duplicate each other. • Parks serve as social center of neighborhood service areas. 2. Community Parks: Uses within community parks vary from exclusive programmed athletic fields to passive natural resource uses and a mix of active and passive activities. The City is divided into community park service areas that are designed to: • Meet community needs within a convenient location (i.e. 1-2-mile radius). • Meet active athletic needs for adults and youth. • Meet passive natural resource needs. 3. Youth Athletics: Maximize potential within community while avoiding domination of facilities in neighborhood parks. Serve youth athletics by providing facilities in athletic complexes, park-school sites, and (on a more limited basis) community parks. Also provide access to facilities through partnerships with other cities. 4. Adult Athletics: Maximize potential within community while avoiding domination of facilities in neighborhood and community parks. Serve adult athletics by providing facilities in new athletic complexes. Also provide access to facilities through partnerships with other cities. 5. Trail System: Develop interlinking trail system that services the needs of all user groups and skill levels. Maximize potential by focusing on linkages to regional and adjacent communities’ systems. Regional Trails Several trail corridor needs were identified and approved in the Scott County City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 125 2030 Comprehensive Plan process and the subsequent update to the plan in 2012. If completed, these trails would provide a regional trail network connecting all the regional parks, cities, and state recreation facilities in Scott County as well as providing connections to neighboring counties. • Prior Lake Outlet Regional Trail - One of these trail corridors is the Prior Lake Outlet Regional Trail Search Corridor. The regional trail search corridor travels through Shakopee and Prior Lake as it connects the Minnesota River Extension Regional Trail Search Corridor to Scott County Regional Trail. Scott County will lead a planning process in the future to determine the alignment of the regional trail. • Scott County West Regional Trail - Early Metropolitan Parks and Open Space System plans designated a 12-mile corridor for a regional trail running from Murphy-Hanrehan to Cleary Lake then to Prior Lake and finally connecting to the Minnesota Valley State Trail in Shakopee. The trail alignment primarily follows roadways, including CR 21, CR 17, CR 79, and the continues into downtown Shakopee. Approximately 12.5 miles of the trail are completed; 8 miles along CR21 and CR82 in Prior Lake and Credit River Township and 4.5 miles completed from the intersection of Co Rd 42 and 17 continuing through downtown Shakopee. The trail utilizes the historic Holmes Street bridge, connects to the Highway 101 bridge, traverses the Minnesota River, and connects with local trail segments in Carver County. From there, the Minnesota River Bluffs Regional Trail is a short on-road connection away. The existing gap between Co Rd 78 and the intersection of CR 82 and Marschall Road (Co Rd 17) is due to be completed in the early 2020’s. • Spring Lake Regional Trail - The master planning process for the Spring Lake Regional Trail was completed in 2011 and envisioned a “destination trail” connecting Spring Lake Regional Park in Prior Lake to Lagoon Park in Jordan (a future hub of regional trails), the Minnesota Valley State Trail, and a future Carver County regional park along the Minnesota River bluffs. Through Spring Lake Regional Park, a connection will be made to the Scott West Trail. Along the way, this 13.5-mile corridor is proposed to journey along several natural landscapes and unique features, including lakes and wetlands, drainage ways, forests, prairies, and the Minnesota River bluffs. This is expected to be a long-term corridor with trail sections developing incrementally as the cities of Jordan and Prior Lake continue to grow outward and land uses change. A short segment of the trail along CSAH 12 is open to the public. 6. Natural Resources: Develop a management plan to preserve these resources is important to the long-term vitality of the community. This entails: • Reforestation Plan. • Water run-off and retention pond cleaning. • Creation and maintenance of shoreline buffers. City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 126 • Wild life preservation: o Nesting boxes. o Limitations on feeding. o Habitat and food source plantings. • Prairie areas. • Control of invasive species. 6.3 The Existing System A. Summary of Existing Parks, Natural Resources and Trails 1. Parks The first parks in Prior Lake were developed in the early 1970's. As the community grew so did the park system. Through purchases supplemented by state and federal grants, a bond referendum, and development dedications the system became what it is today. Today, the City of Prior Lake park and trail system has 53 parks including neighborhood parks with assorted amenities, several natural resource parks for outdoor enjoyment and community parks with first-rate athletic facilities and other amenities. In all, there are more than 800 acres of parkland and 80 miles of sidewalks and trails. 2. Natural Resources The natural resource areas contain a variety of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. The park system contains a diverse mixture of lands, much of which could be described as valuable community assets and other portions, which were development leftovers. Prior Lake is not alone in this dilemma. Many other communities end up with park property dedications that contain odd shaped parcels and undevelopable land. Fortunately, many of these less desirable development areas contain a mixture of natural resource amenities, and from a preservation standpoint can be viewed as valuable community assets. The concern of future development of the park system is that there will be a need for additional active recreational space and that these natural resource areas should not be as high a priority and that land dedications should consist of stable, flat, upland areas. This does not mean that the city will not pursue the acquisition of valuable natural resource areas but should be more selective when accepting dedication parcels that will not meet the recreational needs of the community. The Wetlands Conservation Act of 1991 protects the city's wetlands and with the current city tree ordinance the preservation of natural resources within the community will happen without the city accepting these parcels as part of the development dedication. City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 127 3. Trails The existing trail system in Prior Lake consists of approximately 80 miles of existing community sidewalks and trail ways. The strong nationwide trend toward trail development is also present in Prior Lake. People of all ages are seeking safe and enjoyable corridors for walking, jogging, in-line skating, and biking. Trails will link together public parks, commercial and industrial areas, regional trails and schools. Prior Lake is still in a growth stage where parks, roads, housing, and commercial areas are yet to be developed. This puts Prior Lake in the enviable position of being able to plan trail corridors ahead of development (rather than squeezing them into existing developed areas). This translates into a "build as you develop or redevelop" approach unless outside funding sources are found. In all future areas of development and road reconstruction trails must remain a crucial element in the design, and all efforts will be made to link neighborhoods, parks, industrial, and commercial areas with trailways. The addition of minor collector streets to the hierarchy of streets in the City trail plan will shift a portion of the burden for trail construction to subdivision development where it becomes part of the cost of platting land. B. Proposed Park Acquisition and Development The City of Prior Lake and Spring Lake Township have entered into an Orderly Annexation Agreement which will result in the City of Prior Lake annexing parts of Spring Lake Township over the next 20 years. There are also undeveloped areas within the current city boundary. This new growth creates a demand for new neighborhood and community parks. The Parks Master Plan being completed by WSB will identify the need, location and amenities for future parks. The amount of new conservation areas, public open space and special use parks is to be based on natural resource preservation needs and other factors. The area needed will vary depending on the resource and use. 1. Natural Resources The value of environmentally sensitive natural features has typically not been of concern in a park and recreation system in the past. Generally, park system plans concentrated on sites for recreation use only and policies cautioned against accepting sites that did not have recreation value. A current trend emerging has local communities accepting woods, steep slopes, creeks, and wetlands for preservation. This acquisition of natural features can come at the expense of a completed recreation park system or a slower or more expensive recreation park system. While City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 128 more than 50% of the current park system is contained in natural areas consisting of woods and wetlands, caution should be taken so that this trend towards the preservation of natural resources does not have a detrimental impact on the ability to meet the need for active recreational space. All parkland should generally be treated as the preservation of land and open space whether it is active, passive, or a natural resource area. 2. Trail Needs The recommended trail system for Prior Lake includes all the minor arterial streets, major collector streets and the proposed minor collector streets. Smaller trail systems within subdivisions and development proposals should be built to augment the City-wide trail system and provide access points to neighborhood parks. The trail proposed along Highway 13 is expected to be the most difficult to achieve, since it will involve negotiations with the Minnesota Department of Transportation before implementation. The Highway 13 trail is a desired link in the trail system as it provides the connection between County Road 42 and County Road 21. This trail connection would complete a loop around Lower Prior Lake and would also connect to the regional trail system and provide access to two regional parks. However, the construction of the Highway 13 trail system is difficult due to terrain and existing development. Trail needs are based on the need to provide trails to serve new growth, to connect new development with the rest of the community and to interconnect Prior Lake trails with adjacent community's trails. Internal access trails within neighborhood parks are well received and looped trails within a park provide accessibility as well as an excellent opportunity for exercise and casual strolls. With the addition of the Spring Lake Township annexations, there will be a need for future trails and sidewalks to connect new parks and neighborhoods as well as new internal park trails. C. Issues and Opportunities 1. Playground Equipment Over the last few years most of the playground equipment in Prior Lake has been converted to the newer modern modular systems. This trend in playground equipment provides a variety of physical and social skills. There is a multitude of equipment on the market today and the newer equipment provides accessibility for the disabled as well as a variety of play options which can keep children occupied for long periods of time. City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 129 Another consideration when purchasing new playground equipment is safety. All new playground equipment that has been installed conforms to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines. When considering funding for future parks adequate funds should be included which will allow for the installation of newer style playground equipment, which provides accessibility, meets safety standards, and provides a wide variety of activities for children of all ages. 2. Parking in Neighborhood Parks At present most neighborhood parks do not have parking lots. By necessity many neighborhood parks are used for organized youth sports. That can create parking issues in neighborhoods if on-street parking is too frequent or causes safety concerns. When future neighborhood parks are developed, parking lots should be included in the design. Parking lots provide for better park access as well as keep cars off neighboring streets. Parking bays along streets will sometimes suffice when there is limited land available. The provision of an adequate supply of youth and adult athletic facilities in community parks minimizes the need to use neighborhood parks for programmed sports, thus reducing parking needs at neighborhood parks. 3. Future Park Design and Dedication of Land The existing park system in Prior Lake includes over 50% of its land in natural resource areas including wetlands, woodlands, steep slopes, and storm water ponds. With the current needs for additional playfields and open space it is critical that future park dedications include land that can be developed into useable playfields and provide enough open space for parking, larger play structures, picnic areas, hard surface play courts, and other park amenities. Where possible, new neighborhood parks should be a minimum of 7.5 acres and should be suitable for active recreation (ball fields, soccer, etc.). There had been a trend in accepting park property in which the city ends up with the undevelopable portion of the development acres. At present the city has an adequate amount of park property comprised of natural resource areas and it is critical to the future development of the park system that only good useable upland park be accepted as dedication. Where there is not adequate upland dedication property available then consideration must be given to accepting cash in lieu of land so that land may be purchased, or so other neighborhood parks can be developed to a higher standard than currently exists. 4. Funding for Prior Lake Parks Funds for the purchase of lands, the development of new parks, upgrading the existing system, and providing indoor recreation space typically come from a variety of sources. Funding sources include park City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 130 dedication fees, general funds, matching grants, private donations, partnership funding (i.e. with schools for shared indoor facilities), bond referendum, etc. City policy requires new development to pay its fair share of the cost to acquire and build facilities needed to serve that growth. In general, this means new park and trail land and facilities should be acquired and built through dedication and fees from new growth. The park dedication requirements and fees are periodically updated to reflect city park and trail needs, current land costs and park construction costs. Due to rising land and construction costs it is important the park dedication rates be reviewed and updated on an annual basis. The City of Prior Lake 2019-2023 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which can be found as Appendix A to the Implementation Chapter, includes a 2019-2028 park plan, which provides a summary of uses and sources of funds for existing and proposed parks. 5. Need for Indoor Recreation Space In planning the future of the community consideration should be given to the need for indoor recreation space. The Library/Resource Center accommodates programs and is available for community events and meetings. The Shakopee Mdewankaton Sioux Community has a community center facility (Dakotah! Sport and Fitness) that is open to the public for swimming and athletic activities on a fee basis. Community school facilities have been very successful in other communities and communications with school district personnel would include the possibilities of a community school facility. The City and District should continue to work together to meet community indoor recreation needs. City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 131 TABLE 6.3 PARKS LIST Park Type Status C Community D Developed N Neighborhood P Partially M Mini U Undeveloped NAT Natural F Undeveloped Future Park S Special Use PARK NAME PARK TYPE PARK STATUS NATURAL AREA ACRES PARK ACRES BOUDINS M D 0 1.25 BROOKSVILLE HILLS M D 1.5 3 BUTTERNUT M P 0.2 0.2 CARDINAL RIDGE N P 31 42.5 CARRIAGE HILLS N D 0 5 CRYSTAL LAKE N D 4.6 4.6 DEERFIELD N/NAT D 25 26 ENCLAVE AT CLEARY N D 60 62.86 FAIRWAY HEIGHTS N/NAT D 12.9 12.9 FISH POINT N D 5 9 GLYNWATER N/NAT D 10 11.87 GRAINWOOD CROSSINGS M P 0 2 GREEN OAKS M D 0 2 HAAS LAKE NAT U 11.2 11.2 HERITAGE S D 0 0.5 HICKORY SHORES NAT D 25 27.3 HOWARD LAKE N D 0 5.65 HORKEY AT SHEPHERD'S N D 15 15.8 INDIAN RIDGE M D 0.5 0.2 ISLAND VIEW M D 2 4 JEFFERS POND N D 4.2 4.2 JEFFERS SOUTH N/NAT D 13.76 13.76 KNOB HILL N D 12 13.5 LAKEFRONT C D 93 141.18 MEADOWVIEW N P 3 3.5 MEMORIAL C D 0 11.5 NORTH SHORE OAKS N P 3 5 NORTHWOOD M D 0 1 NORTHWOOD MEADOWS N D 4.7 34.7 OAKLAND BEACH M D 0 1.5 PIKE LAKE NAT P 34.15 34.15 RASPBERRY RIDGE N D 5 16 RASPBERRY WOODS NAT D 22 22 RAYMOND N D 2.3 2.6 ROTARY GATEWAY M D 0.3 0.63 SAND POINT BEACH C D 1.5 20 SAND POINT N D 0 6 SOUTH SHORE M D 0 1.4 SPRING LAKE NAT F 39.4 39.4 STONEBRIAR M D 0.7 1.04 SUNSET HILLS N D 1.6 3.5 TIMBER CREST N D 2.8 2.8 THE PONDS C D 15 70 THOMAS RYAN MEMORIAL C D 0 38.4 WATZL'S POINT BEACH S D 0 3 WESTBURY PONDS N P 16.5 22 WILDERNESS PONDS M/NAT D 1.5 20 WILDS N D 0 7.8 WILDS NORTH N U 8.4 8.4 WILLOWS N D 0 2.5 WOODRIDGE N D 0 7 WOODS AT THE WILDS NAT U 0.5 0.5 WOODVIEW NAT D 16 16 TOTAL 505.21 822.79 City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 132 TABLE 6.4 PARK AMENITIES City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 133 Figure 6.1 Parks and Trails Map City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 134 D. Existing Parks Inventory Park Name Type Acres Boudins Mini 1.25 Acres Boudins Park is located at 14201 Rutgers Street near Watersedge Trail, which is in the northeast corner of Prior Lake. The park was developed in 1977. Modular playground equipment was installed in 1998. A picnic shelter was constructed in the park in 1995. The park includes a pleasure rink and a backstop with a small aggregate infield and short outfield which is suitable for T-ball and elementary age softball and baseball. Brooksville Hills Mini 3 Acres Brooksville Hills, developed in 1995, is located at 16505 ltaska Ave. near Brooks Circle and Credit River Road in the Southeast section of the city. This mini park is surrounded by homes on three sides and has a trail leading from Brooks Circle to a small playground area. It has no streets abutting the park. The playground equipment was installed in 1995 and includes freestanding swing, slide, and merry-go-round. The playground was bordered with a poured concrete curb which is permanent, attractive, low maintenance, and more economical than the standard wooden landscape timbers, but does not meet CPSC standards. There is a possibility that the park could expand, and road access be provided should the property to the east of the park develop. A bituminous path and park identification sign were constructed in 1998 on Brooks Circle, which helps neighbors locate and access the park. Butternut Mini 0.20 Acres Butternut is a neighborhood mini acre park located at the center of a cul de sac on Butternut Circle. The mini park has picnic area and picnic tables (no grill). Cardinal Ridge Neighborhood 42.5 Acres Cardinal Ridge includes three tracts of park property and is located on Crossandra Street and Fish Point Road. This park is in the Southeast section of the city. A trail was constructed in 1997, which runs through the development and connects Highway 44 to Crossandra Street, as well as providing an access to Markley Lake. There is a soccer field in the central portion of the park. Due to severe topography there was no area suitable to build a parking lot to serve the soccer field, so as part of the development of Fish Point Road the city required that the developer provide parking bays along Fish Point Road. This concept worked well here and should be considered in future development where parking lots would impact the actual park property. A small 20 car parking lot was constructed on Crossandra City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 135 Street which allows park visitors the opportunity to access Markley Lake and use the trail system and playground equipment. Playground equipment was installed in 1998. Approximately 5 acres of this park is comprised of woods, wetlands and stormwater ponds. The pond is used as the pleasure rink for this park. A picnic shelter was constructed next to the play structure in 2005. Carriage Hills Neighborhood 5 Acres Carriage Hills is located at 14585 Carriage Lane in the north central section of the city. The park has homes on three sides with three access points going into the park from the surrounding streets. Park development was completed in 1996. The park amenities include a large ballfield, picnic shelter, modular playground equipment with some freestanding tot apparatus, sand volleyball, a hard surface play area, basketball court, and pleasure rink. The park design includes an internal path system which makes all amenities accessible and provides a loop around the park for exercise and enjoyment. Crystal Lake Neighborhood 4.6 Acres Located at 4217 Village Lake Drive in the southern portion of the city, Crystal Lake is a natural neighborhood park established in 2004. The park includes a picnic area and shelter, grill, walking/hiking trails and a fishing dock. Deerfield Neighborhood 26 Acres Deerfield Park is in the southeast section of the city at 17100 Fish Point Road. There are three access points to the park and the park is surrounded by homes on three sides. An internal park trail was installed in 2004 and a park shelter and play structure were installed in 2002. The park is 26.5 total acres with 25.5 of those acres being wooded, natural, wetlands or open water. Enclave at Cleary Neighborhood 62.86 Acres Located at 5384 Trailhead Lane SE, Enclave at Cleary is a 62.86-acre park, 60 acres of which are natural. The park was developed in 2006 and includes walking/hiking trails and playground equipment. Fairway Heights Neighborhood 12.9 Acres Fairway Heights is located at 3600 Fox Tail Trail NW. Approximately 11 acres of the park is wetlands and trees. In 2001, trails were started to connect Fox Tail Trail to County Rd. 82. A play structure was installed in 2002. Currently the trail is not connected to County Road 82. City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 136 Fish Point Neighborhood 9 Acres Fish Point is located at 15111 Fish Point Road, which is in the northeast section of the city. The park was acquired in 1979 and development began in 1980. Fish Point is a walk-in park with no off-street parking. Most of the park is in a valley with rolling terrain and woods. Approximately 7 acres of this park are in a natural state and includes woods, wetlands, stormwater ponds, and open drainage ditch. The open areas do include a modular playground system, a picnic shelter which was constructed in 1994, and basketball court which was constructed in 1995. There is a bituminous path which enters the park from 150th and during the summer of 2001 the gravel road/path which enters the park from Fish Point Road was paved up to Maves Trail. Glynwater Neighborhood 11.87 Acres Glynwater Park is located at 3456 Glynwater Trail NW. Current park amenities include play equipment, picnic area, picnic shelters, grills, hiking trails and a nature preserve. The modular play structure, picnic shelter, and the trail system were installed in 2001. Grainwood Crossing Mini/Special 2 Acres Grainwood Crossing is located at 4360 Quincy Street in the central part of Prior Lake adjacent to the bridge crossing that separates upper and lower Prior Lake. Grainwood Crossing was purchased in 1993 with the aid of a State of Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Grant. The concept was to have a park which would represent the history of the railroad crossing which ran through this area and across the lake. This property also provides another access point for the public to fish and picnic by the lake. In 1995 construction was completed on a rest area which was designed after the original train waiting area. This rest area will contain historical information regarding the site and the history of the trains which went through this area. The park area also includes portable toilet enclosures, handicapped parking, paths, picnic area, and a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fishing pier which was acquired through a grant. Green Oaks Mini 2 Acres Green Oaks is located at 15060 Green Oaks Trail in the northeast section of Prior Lake. The park was developed in 1977 and was totally renovated in 1997. The renovation included modular playground equipment, one-half court basketball, relocation of the backstop and skating rink, as well as grading and storm sewer installation, which corrected the drainage problems. A picnic shelter was constructed in the park in 1995. The playfield is small and can accommodate elementary age children. An eight-foot-wide bituminous trail and five off street parking spaces were installed in 2003. The trail goes through the park connecting 150th St. to Green Oaks Trail. City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 137 Hass Lake Natural Resource 11.2 Acres Hass Lake is located at 3120 Wilds Ridge Road in the northern portion of the Wild's development. This parkland has a variety of natural features including woods, wetlands, and a small lake. Plans for this area include a greenway/trail that would connect to Wild's North and continue to the Jeffers Pond development. In 2003, a trail connection connecting Wild Ridge Road to Cougar Path and an 800' floating boardwalk across Haas Lake connects to County Rd. 42 were built. Heritage Mini/Special 0.5 Acres Heritage is located at 4377 Quincy Street, which is in central Prior Lake near the bridge crossing and directly across the street from Grainwood Crossing. This small piece of park property provides a scenic overlook of the lake and a rest area for visitors and trail users. This site includes benches, and memorial/centennial paver bricks. This mini park compliments the Grainwood Crossing Park and is a unique landmark in the center of the community. It is also the site of a rose garden. Hickory Shores Natural Resource 27.3 Acres Located at 4217 Village Lake Drive, Hickory Shores Park is a natural park. Established in 2005, this park provides opportunities for shore fishing and hiking as well as a scenic/historic area. Howard Lake Neighborhood 5.65 Acres Howard Lake Park is located at 16358 Stemmer Ridge Road in the Spring Lake Estates neighborhood. The park was developed in 2007 and includes picnic areas, softball/t-ball field, basketball court, play equipment, pleasure rink and a 12-stall parking area. Horkey at Shepherd’s Neighborhood 15.8 Acres Located at 13810 Shepherd’s Path, north of CH42, this 15-acre nature preserve includes a picnic shelter, walking/hiking trails and a community garden that was added in 2017. Indian Ridge Mini .2 Acres Indian Ridge is located at 15081 Fairlawn Shores Trail, which is in the northeast section of Prior Lake. Indian Ridge is a small thin piece of park property which was acquired through tax forfeiture. The park was totally renovated in 1997. The renovation included grading and turf development, modular playground equipment, hardcourt area, and street side parking bays. A pleasure rink was installed in 1998. City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 138 Island View Mini 4 Acres Island View park is located at 3425 Crystal Circle and the access to the park is located on Crystal Circle. The park is 15 to 20 feet lower than Crystal Circle and is hidden behind a row of homes. The park has a playground and limited open space. The property to the north of this park is a townhome development which includes a natural area with a trail providing a connection to Island View Park. A trail was installed in 2001 connecting Crystal Circle with the trail system at Glynwater Park. Jeffers Pond Neighborhood 13.76 Acres This neighborhood park located on the north side of Prior Lake at 15122 Jeffers Pass, was established in 2002. Park amenities include a picnic area with shelter, grill, play equipment, softball/t-ball fields, basketball court, pleasure rink, walking/hiking trails and parking for 12 vehicles. Jeffers South Neighborhood 4.2 Acres Located at 3874 Raspberry Ridge Road, this 2002 addition to the park system includes a picnic area, shelter, walking/hiking trails. Knob Hill Neighborhood 13.5 Acres Knob Hill Park is located at 4700 Carriage Hills Parkway, which is in the northeast section of Prior Lake. The park is divided by Carriage Hills Parkway with the smallest portion of land being on the south side of the street. The concept for the smaller portion of park is to combine this with additional dedication property when the adjoining property is developed. This piece of property would also provide an excellent opportunity to extend a greenway/trail to the proposed park on the lake. The parkland which is located on the north side of the Parkway is comprised of woods, wetlands, and steep slopes. Though this is the largest portion of the park, there is little space available for park development. A play structure, picnic shelter and basketball courts were installed in 2000. In addition, a trail was installed in 2000 that connects Carriage Hills Parkway to Hummingbird Trail which runs along County Road 42. Lakefront Community 126 Acres Lakefront Park is located at 5000 Kop Parkway at the west end of County Road 44. The park is in the center of the city and within walking distance of downtown Prior Lake. The park was purchased with a Park Bond Referendum and the assistance of a State and Federal grant in 1975. In 1978 an additional 7 acres was acquired which is now Watzl's Point. This park has been labeled as the "jewel" of the park system. The development includes an access road, paved parking, multi-purpose pavilion, playground equipment, City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 139 amphitheater, trails, tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball diamond, prairie and wetland restoration, paved hockey rinks, skating, skate park and picnic areas. The road was moved so the access is on Main Street and wraps around a pond near downtown. The parkway provides easier access for user groups. A boardwalk provides a unique connection between Lakefront Park and downtown and keeps the traffic out of a quiet neighborhood. The 15.18- acre Kop family farmstead was acquired and added to the park. The acquisition of this land was critical to the final design of the park and to preserve this beautiful piece of property for future generations. The acquisition of the farm property provides better access road to the park and areas for wetland and prairie restoration. In 2004 the City partnered with the MnDNR on a program to promote fishing in the neighborhood. A fishing pier, lighted fountain, aerator, and shoreline fishing blocks were installed in the 13- acre pond by the entrance to Lakefront Park. Sunfish, crappies, bass and northerns were released in the pond to promote youth fishing. Meadow View Neighborhood 2.1 Acres Meadow View Park is located at 2416 Stonecrest Path NW. Amenity additions include an internal trail and play structure. Memorial Community 11.5 Acres Memorial Park is located at 5181 160th Street, which is in the east central portion of the city. Memorial park was developed in the early 1970's and the park includes an adult baseball field, two picnic shelters, playground equipment, and a large picnic area. The picnic area is nicely wooded with a predominance of mature oak trees. In 1996 a concession/restroom facility was built which is a major improvement over the old facilities. The large picnic shelter is heavily used, and the addition of the restrooms accommodates the picnickers as well as the ball players and spectators using the baseball field. An old wooden playground structure was replaced in 1998 and is now one of our most popular playground sites in the city. A Prior Lake Athletics for Youth (P.L.A.Y) storage building is also constructed on the site. Trail connections have been made to County Road 44, a 30-vehicle parking lot and a full-size basketball court were also completed in 1998. The Prior Lake V.F.W. has contributed a great deal to the development of this park, including the addition of a new veteran memorial in 2018. The High School Baseball Boosters have also contributed a computerized scoreboard. North Shore Oaks Neighborhood 5 Acres North Shore Oaks is located at 14300 Fisher Avenue, which is in the north eastern portion of the city. The park is five acres of which three are wooded and hilly. This left little area for the playground and open playfield. A freestanding playground was installed in 1995 which includes slide, swing and merry-go-round. Concrete curbing was used around the perimeter of the City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 140 playground. This curbing is permanent, attractive, low maintenance, and more economical than the standard wooden landscape timbers. There is a greenway/trail which connects Fisher and Ferndale and this trail could be extended to the west and tie into the proposed trail corridor which runs north to CH 42 as well as tie into the trails on Carriage Hills Parkway. This park has expansion potential with future development. Northwood Mini 1 Acre Northwood is located at 16731 Northwood Road and Spring Lake Road and is in the Southwest corner of the city. This park includes a skating rink, playground equipment, a picnic area, picnic shelter and a pleasure rink. There is a trail which connects the park with the Northwood Road neighborhood. Northwood Meadows Neighborhood 34.7 Acres Established in 2012, Northwood Meadows Park is located at 2995 Hawk Ridge Road NW and includes a picnic area and shelter with grill, softball/t-ball fields, one-half basketball court, play equipment, pleasure rink, walking/hiking trails, natural preserve areas and electricity. Oakland Beach Mini 1.5 Acres Oakland Beach is located at 6675 Rustic Road and is situated in the northeast section of the city. This small mini-park is surrounded by homes and has three access trails leading to the surrounding streets. This park includes a skating rink, basketball court, picnic shelter, and playground equipment that were installed in 1998. This small park was devastated by a storm in 1998. Since then, many of the trees which were destroyed in the storm have been replaced. Pike Lake Natural 34.15 Acres Pike Lake Park is located on the north side of Prior Lake at 4262 140th Street. This park was established as a natural park in 2007 and includes walking/hiking trails and handicapped accessible shelter. Raspberry Ridge Neighborhood 16 Acres Raspberry Ridge is located at 4010 Lords Street in the central portion of the city. Though this park is 16 acres there is only 5 acres which can be used for active recreation. The park includes a picnic shelter, ball field, pleasure rink, basketball court, playground equipment, parking lot and trails. A trail link connecting the existing trail from Lords Street to the trail on CH 21 was installed in 2003. Most of the park contains woods and wetlands. City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 141 Raspberry Woods Natural Resource 22 Acres Raspberry Woods is located at 4124 Hidden Pond Road and is situated in the north central section of town. Raspberry Woods is an environmental open space park which has many trail connections. The trails enter from the north connecting the Carriage Hills neighborhood and to the south to the Raspberry Ridge neighborhood. The trails can extend from CH 21 and continue east to future developed areas on the Vierling property and proposed parkland. The concept of greenways is very popular, where trail users can get away from automobile traffic and can experience nature. This park provides that opportunity. Trail development in this park was difficult due to varying terrain, wetlands, and woods. A boardwalk was constructed over a wetland area and provides a nice variation to the standard trail and allows people to pass through the wetland and experience yet another natural amenity. Raymond Neighborhood 2.6 Acres Raymond Park is located at 2350 Raymond Avenue. This park is located in Spring Lake Township but is within the City of Prior Lake and Spring Lake Township Orderly Annexation Area. Park amenities include a picnic area and shelter, grill, fishing pier and four stall parking lot. Rotary Gateway Neighborhood 0.63 Acres The Rotary Gateway Park, located at 4666 Dakota Street SE in downtown Prior Lake, was established in 2004. The neighborhood park provides an important pedestrian trail connection to/from downtown Prior Lake and Lakefront Park. The park also includes picnic areas, a small gazebo, benches, a sculpture and fountain. The Rotary Club of Prior Lake has continued to enhance the park since its establishment and also assists with park maintenance activities. Sand Point Beach Community 20 Acres Sand Point Beach Park is located at 14349 Crest Avenue and has lakefront on Prior Lake. Sand Point is situated in the northwest section of the city and is one of Prior Lake’s most popular parks. The park contains 900 feet of lakeshore, beach and bathhouse as well as two large picnic shelters, one modular play structure, three sand volleyball courts, fishing dock, and nice open space/picnic areas. This park is one of the most popular picnic sites since it contains so many amenities. Situated next to the park is a DNR public boat access and parking area which is heavily used. The Lions Club of Prior Lake contributed a great deal to the improvements within the park. Sand Point Neighborhood 6 Acres Sand Point Park is located at 5675 Cedarwood Trail, which is in the northwest section of the city and directly north of Sand Point Beach park. The park has City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 142 three access points into the neighborhood. This park is an area of open space which includes a ball field, play equipment, and a pleasure skating rink. There is also a picnic shelter as well as hard surface play area. Improvements include a pleasure rink and play structure. South Shore Neighborhood 1.4 Acres Located at 2925 South Shore Drive, this park features a picnic area and shelter, grill and play equipment. Spring Lake Natural Resource 39.4 Acres Spring Lake is a Natural Resource Park and includes restrooms, hiking/walking trails and natural preserve areas near the southwest portion of the community. This park is adjacent to Spring Lake Regional Park, which is a 373 acres park that is accessible on Howard Lake Rd. Amenities include a 3.5-mile paved trail system, restrooms and a 10-acre off-leash dog park. Stonebriar Mini 1.04 Stonebriar Park is located at 17096 Stonebriar Circle in the southcentral portion of the city. The park includes a picnic area and tot-lot play equipment focused on younger children (ages 2 to 5). Sunset Hills Neighborhood 3.5 Acres Sunset Hills is located at 3205 Balsam Street, which is situated in the southwest corner of the city. Sunset Hills is an example of a smaller park which is being utilized as a neighborhood park. Sunset Hills contains a small ball field, a pleasure skating rink, picnic shelter, play equipment, a hard surface court and sand volleyball. The Ponds Community 70 Acres The Ponds is located at 17100 Toronto Ave and is situated in the southeast corner of the city. Development of this community park/athletic complex began in 1980 and this park has developed into the city's premier athletic complex. The older portion of the park includes two soccer/football fields, baseball field, six fenced softball fields, playground structure, two picnic shelters, concessions and restrooms and a full-size hard-court area. Field lights are available on the baseball and softball fields and both soccer/football fields as well as an irrigation system and a large playground system. The back portion of The Ponds was developed in 1997-98 and includes 1 full size soccer field, 2 softball/baseball fields, archery range, picnic areas, 2 parking lots, and a path system that meanders throughout the park. When developing this area extreme care was taken not to disturb the wetlands and natural areas. This resulted in a blend of active, passive, and natural areas City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 143 which make this a unique park. Critical to the success of this expansion was the addition of an access road which leads to Mushtown Road. The larger soccer field is irrigated to protect the turf, enable proper turf development, restrict the growth of weeds and provide a safer playing surface. Thomas Ryan Memorial Community 38.4 Acres Thomas Ryan Memorial Park is located at 4600 Busse Parkway in the southeast corner of the city. It is one of the city's community athletic parks. The park was purchased and constructed with funds from the 1997 referendum and is dedicated to Thomas Ryan, a Prior Lake native who was killed in Vietnam. Concession facilities, restrooms, picnic area and a modular play structure are provided. The park has four youth baseball fields and four soccer fields. Great care was taken to treat the water run-off before leaving the site with ponding and natural plantings. Wetlands and natural areas were developed. Timber Crest Neighborhood 2.8 Acres Timber Crest Park is located at 4846 Bluff Heights Trail SE. Timber Crest includes a modular play structure, a basketball court and a picnic shelter. A trail runs alongside the existing wetlands connecting Bluff Heights Trail to CH 21. Watzl's Point Beach Special Use 3 Acres Watzl's Point Beach is located at 15620 Red Oaks Road and is situated within Lakefront Park in the center of the city. Watzl's contains a small beach as well as bathhouse and concession building. An eighteen-place boat slip was installed to eliminate boaters from having to beach their boats to utilize the park amenities and to create a 130' separation between the swim area & boat slips (better safety for swimmers). Westbury Ponds Neighborhood 22 Acres Westbury ponds is located at 16765 Simkins Avenue, directly west of the Five Hawks Elementary School. The parkland contains a mixture of wetlands, stormwater ponds, woods, and varying terrain. The park includes a trail which winds through the woods and around the wetlands. The concept for the trail is to continue the trail extension to the school property and continue to Priorwood Street. The park has very little open space and thus does not include a playfield. There is a large play structure at the school which is used by the neighborhood children and is be easily accessed with the trail. City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 144 Wilderness Ponds Mini/Natural Resource 20 Acres Wilderness Ponds is located at 16551 Blind Lake Trail and is situated in the southeast section of the city. This park is comprised mostly of wetlands with a small open space available on Fish Point Road. There is a trail system incorporated in the development which takes residents from CH 21 to The Ponds, which is located directly to the south of the development. Playground equipment is provided, and the main attribute of this park is the availability of the trails which lead into The Ponds and Deerfield Park. Wilds Park Neighborhood 7.8 Acres Wilds Park is located at 15200 Wilds Parkway NW. Wilds Park amenities include softball and T-Ball, play equipment, picnic areas, picnic shelters and grills and a pleasure rink. Wilds North Neighborhood 8.4 Acres Wilds North is located north of The Wilds Development. Park improvements include a picnic shelter construction, modular play structure and basketball court. Willows Neighborhood 2.5 Acres Willows Park is located at 16950 Elm Avenue in the south-central portion of the city. The park includes playground equipment, four stall parking lot, pleasure rink and backstop, a basketball court and picnic shelter. Landscaping was completed along 170th Street and a chain link fence was installed to keep children out of the busy street. Woodridge Neighborhood 7 Acres Woodridge Park is located at 17170 Toronto Avenue in the southeast section of the city. This park has homes on three sides and a small portion of land directly to the west of the main park across the street from Toronto Avenue. The elevation and configuration of the park provides only enough space for a small softball field, play structure, and picnic shelter. The smaller piece of park property across Toronto Street is utilized as a small pleasure rink. This park does include a trail which leads through the neighborhood into The Pond's park. For athletic fields and large open play areas this neighborhood does have easy access to The Pond's. Woods at the Wilds Natural Resource 0.5 Acres The park is located at 3190 Wildwood Trail NW. A small gazebo has been installed to accommodate the natural setting overlooking the pond. City of Prior Lake Parks and Trails 2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 145 Woodview Natural Resource 16 Acres Woodview Park is located at 17180 Sunray Circle and situated in the southwest section of the city. Woodview is a mixture of woods and wetlands and will be preserved as such. This park provides a unique a greenway/trail through the park which would connect the Pleasant Meadows neighborhood with the Spring Lake/Sunset Hills neighborhood Willows park, and Sunray Circle. This park should remain as a natural resource park.