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�1ay�a�
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RESOLUTtON
CiTY OF SAtNT PAUL, MINNESOTA
Presented By
Council File # _` � " � � S
�
Referred To Committee: Date
Resolution Adopting the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan
as a Chapter of The Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul is authorized under Mimlesota Statutes, Section 462353, to carry on
comprehensive municipal planning acfivities for guiding the future development and improvement of the
city; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul as a local governmental unit within the metropolitan area is required
under Minnesota Statutes, Section 473.858, to prepare a Comprehensive Plan in accordance with Laws of
1976, Chapter 127; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Saint Paul is authorized under Minnesota Statutes, Section
462.355, to adopt or amend a Comprehensive Plan or portion thereof after a recommendation by the
Ciry's planning agency; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul Administrative Code, Section 105.06, requires the Parks and
Recreation Commission to recommend changes to the parks and recreation element of the City's
comprehensive plan, with input from the City's Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Saint Paul adopted on March 21, 1985, a comprehensive plan
chapter for parks and recreation; and
WHEREAS, the City's administration used that plan to guide its investment of capitai resources and
development of programs throughout the subsequent decade; and
WHEREAS, the 1985 plan no longer provided useful guidance on key policy and invesrinent issues,
leading the Pazks and Recreation Commission to request that a new plan be undertaken to address a
broader range of issues than those covered in the 1985 plan, which focused on delivery of recreational
services in response to significant budget reducfions; and
WHEREAS, in March 1992, the Parks and Recreation Commission appointed the Park Planning Task
Force to wark with Pazks and Recreation Division and Pianning Division staff to update the plan; and
WHEREAS, the task force, after holding nuruerous meetings, forums, and workshops to garner public
input, developed and recommended the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan to the Parks and Recreation
Commission; and
WHEREAS, after its review and a public hearing on May 17, 1995, and after receiving comments and a
recommendation from the Planning Commission, the Pazks and Recreation Commission recommended the
Saznt Paul Parks and Recreation Plan on September 13, 1995, to the Mayor and CiTy Council for
adoption; and
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WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Saint Paul held public hearings on the plan on April 3 and
May 1, 1996, and asked the Pazks and Recrearion Commission to review and comment on the testimony
received; and
WHEREA5, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved comments and recommendations in response
to the City Council public hearing testimony at its meeting on June 12, 1996; and
WFIEREAS, the City Council has considered the recommendations of the Pazks and Recreation
Coxnmission, and has reviewed the plan, and found it to be consistent with the other adopted elements of
the comprehensive plan, and wlth the overall health, safety and welfaze of the residents of the City of
Saint Paul;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby adopts
the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan, as amended, as a chapter of The Saint Paul Comprehensive
Plan, subject to sucfi review by the Metropolitan Council as may be required by law; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan replaces the plan for
parks and recreation adopted in 1985.
Requested by Department �f:
Adoption Certified by Council �'ecretary
BY� 1\ d� Z. . al+�'�..v—
Approved by Mayor: Date � �() �
U � C` "
By: �
"'ga'rYt, and Recreation Division
BY: ��
Form Approved by City Attorney
By:
Approved by Mayor for Submission to
Counci� _ L!? „ _
// (7
B �� �
�� ( a� -��sl
.�,, nn-i.n
DEPARTMENT/pFFICE/COUNCIL DATE INITIATEO I V_ L�J / I O
Parks and Recreation/PBD 2�21/96 : G��SHEET
� INITIAVDATE INITIAL/DATE
GOMAClPEBSON&PHONE DEPARTMEMPIRE CIT'COUNCIL
Donna Drummond ext. 6-6556 �
, dS51('.N �CRYATTORNEY y �i '�->S �CRYGLERK
MUST COUtyCtL AGENDA BY (DA ) Rp�N� O SUDGET D{REG�OR� � FIN. & MGT. SERVICES DtR.
Apt'il 3, 1996 p b11C hearing oeoEx y�Mpypq�ppp��� �KenFo��(
T # OF SIGNATUR GES 2 (CIIP ALL LOCATIONS POR SIGNATURE)
ACTION REOUESTBD:
Sign a letter transmitting the Saint Paul Parks and ReCreation P2an to the City
Council - and the Council resolution by which it will be adopted. The resolution
adopting the plan needs to be scheduled as a public hearing.on the City Council
RECAMMEN�ATIONS: Approve (A) or Reject (R1 pERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTS MUST ANSWER TNE FOLLOWING �UEST�IONS:
1. Has this rsonttir'm ever worked under e contract for this tle artment?' `` �
� PL4NNING COMMISSION _/� CIVII SERVICE COMMISSION Pe D
_ p GB CAMMITTEE y� PacKs 0..d IYCC�'e�5 YES NO
L` STAFF �-0w�w�iss�cn 2- HasthispersonRirmeverbeenaciiyemployee? 1�!{��1 �9�
— YES NO
_ DIS7RIC7 COUF77 � 3. Does this perSONfirm possess a skill not normally possessed 6y any cunent city employee?
SUPPORTSWHICHCAUNGllO&IEGTIYE? YES NO %''�'�''�`{�'�'� �:h'�Y:''�.,4
Recrekt 4� /�e�yti bo: �cod s Explain all yes answers on separete sheet and attach to 9�een sheet
Econo*+��c Oev�lcy�++e„1
INITIATING PROBLEM, ISSUE, OPPORNNIN ('Mio, Whaq Whan. Where, WBy�.
This plan, which will be a chapter in the City's Comprehensive Plan, was undertaken
at the request of the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Commission to replace the
existing plan that was adopted in 1985. The new plan was developed by a task force
that included representatives from the Parks Commission and Planning Commission, as
we11 as citizens with various interests and backgrounds related to parks and
recreation.
ADVANTAGES IF APPROVED
The City, in particular the Parks and Recreation Division, will have strategies and
specific policies to guide future development, operations and maintenance of the
Saint Paul parks and recreation system. . - �'��
DISADVANTAGES IFAPPROVED. �������
None apparent. � „�
4.a,;`3;".E:;3 .�,_'��' u:;:`i�;19
g � ��B 2$ 1596
d5�`�i1�6 � �� lei.�i�
-_.-, ---»�_ .. __ ___
_ ��
Ct�Y ��' � �Y
DISADVANTAGES IF NOT APPROVED� � "
The City, in particular the Parks and Recreation Division, Mayor, and City Council,
will not have an up-to-date policy framework to guide future management and
investment decisions related to the parks and recreation system.
TOTAL AMOUNT OF 7RANSACTION $ —� CASTIREYENUE BUDGETED (CIRCLE ONE) YES NO
FUNDIfdG SOURCE ACTIVIiV NUMBEq
FINANCIAL INFORMATION� (EXPLAIN) .
Council File # � _ 3 .r, ,�
Green Sheet #
RESOLUTION
CfTY OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA
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Presented By
Referred To
c _.._ .. =---- •
Resolution Adopting the Saint Paul Parks and Recre on Plan
as a Chapter of The Saint Paut Comprehensiv Plan
WHEAEAS, the City of Saint Paul is authorized under Mimzesota S tes, Section 462.353, to cany on
comprehensive municipal plamiing activities for guiding the future velopment and improvement of the
city; and
WHEREAS, the Ciry of Saint Paul as a local governmental t within the metropolitan azea is required
under Minnesota Statutes, Section 473.858, to prepare a Co prehensive Plan in accordance with Laws of
1976, Chapter 127; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Saint Paul is thozized under Minnesota Statutes, Section
462355, to adopt or amend a Comprehensive Plan o portion thereof after a recommendation by the
City's planning agency; and
WI3EREAS, the City of Saint Paul Adm
Recreation Commission to recommend c]
comprehensive plan, with input from the
WHEREA5, the City Council of the
chapter for parks and recreation; and
�e Code, Section 105.06, requires the Parks and
to the parks and recreation element o£ the City's
Planning Commission; and
Saint Paul adopted on March 21, 1985, a comprehensive plan
WHEREAS, the City's administrati used that plan to guide its investment of capital resources and
development of programs through t the subsequent decade; and
WHEREAS, the 1985 plan no nger provided useful guidance on key policy and investxnent issues,
leading the Parks and Recreaf n Commission to request that a new plan be undertaken to address a
broader range of issues than ose covered in the 1985 plan, which focused on delivery of recreational
services in response to sig ficant budget reductions; and
WHEREAS, in March 92, the Parks and Recreation Commission appointed the Park Plamiing Task
Force to work with P k and Recreation Division and Planning Division staff to update the plan; and
WHEREAS, the
input, develope
Commission; �nf
force, after holding numerous meetings, forums, and workshops to garner public
recommended the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan to the Parks and Recreation
WHEREAS, after its review and a public hearing on May 17, 1995, and after receiving comments and a
recommendation from the Planning Commission, the Pazks and Recreation Commission recommended the
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Ptan on September 13, 1995, to the Mayor and City Council for
adoption; and
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WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Saint Paul has review the Saint Pau1 Parks and Recreati ' n
Plan, and found it to be consistent with the other adopted elements of the comprehensive plan, and c�ith
the overall health, safety and welfaze of the residents of the City of Saint Paul; �
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saint Paui h eby adopts
the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan as a chapter of The Saint Paul Comprehensiv Plan, subject
to such review by the Meh�opolitan Council as may be required by law; and
BE TT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan rep ces the pian for
parks and recreation adopted in 1985.
Requested by Department o£:
Park and Recreation ;
s :
Adopted by Counci
Adoption Certif'ec
By:
Approved by Mayor:
By:
Date
by Council Secretary
Date
Form Approved by City Attorney
c'i�
Interdepartmental Memorandum
CITY OF SAINT' PAUL
DAT'E: June 28, 1996
��
TO: City Council President Dave Thune and ,
Members of the City Council
FROM: Robert Piram, Superintendent, Parks and Recreation Divis�r����:,._�.
Donna Drummond, Planning Division�vw���n�ww�o�ot
RE: Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan: Parks and Recreation Commission
Response to City Council Public Hearing Testimony
Attached for your consideration are the Saint Paul Pazks and Recreation Commission's
recommendations for changes to the draft Parks and Recreation Plan. As you may recall, the City
Council held public hearings on the draft plan on April 3 and May 1, 1996. At that time, the Council
asked the Pazks and Recreation Commission to review and comment on the public heazing testimony.
At its meeting on June 12, 1996, the Parks Commission approved the comments and recommendations
inciuded in the attached memo.
The resolution adopting the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan will be on the City CounciPs July
10 agenda. A substitute resolution, simply updated to reflect the referral of public hearing testimony
to the Pazks Commission, and subsequent amendments to the plan, will be included in your packets for
the 7uly 10 meeting.
Please call Robert Piram (266-6404) or ponna Drummond (266-6556) if you haue any questions about
these materiais.
cc: Mayor Norm Coleman
Ken Ford, Planning Administrator
q�-�as
Saint p
_ paul
ecreation
304 tYty Hall Annex, 25 W. 4th S�cet, Saint Paul, MI�1 55102 -- 612R66-6400
MEMOBANnUM
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
June 12, 1996
City Council President Dave Thune and
Members of the Saint Paul Ciry Council
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Commission
Parks and Recreation Plan: Recommended Changes Based on City Council Public
Hearing Testimony
Introduction
On April 3 and May 1, 1996, the City Council conducted public heazings on the drafr Saint Paul
Parks and Recreation Plan, as recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission. Five people
spoke at the public heazing (mostly in support of written comments), and written testimony was
received from seven individuals or groups. The Ciry Council asked the Parks and Recreation
Commission to consider this testunony, and recommend appropriate changes to the plan. This memo
summazizes the oral testimony, and provides a point-by-point Parks Commission response and
recommendation to the written testimony.
Oral Testimonv
On April 3, three people spoke at the hearing. Clup Welling, Memam Park resident, stated that
the City has a great parks system. He said bicycle lane striping on Summit Ave. has been a major
improvement, although downtown is still bad for bicyclists. He supports the current and future
improvements depicted on the Trail System map (p. 11). Paul Gilliland, District 2 resident, spoke
in support of written comments submitted by the District 2 Communiry Councii (covered below).
Will Sorlein, Arlington Youth Club, noted that Arlington Recreation Cerner, although one of the
smallest recreation centers in the city at 2 acres, has the sixth highest level of participation and use.
He said the inventory of recreation centers on p. 38 should be corrected in that Arlington has no
tennis or basketball court, and only 1 sofrball field.
On May 1, two people spoke at the heazing. Tom Kelly, chair, Como Park Committee, District
10, spoke in support of written comments submitted by the District 10 Como Communiry Council
(covered below). Karen Swenson, District 2 resident, spoke in support of slightly revised written
comments submitted by the District 2 Community Council (covered below).
Written Testimonv
Wzitten comments were submitted by 7 individuals ox groups. These aze presented in full as
submitted, with a staff response following each point. The written comments submitted are in regular
type, the Corrunission response is in italics. Suggested deletions to the text of the plan are crossed
out, additions are underlined. The Commission would like to emphasize that any additions to the plan
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Commissioners:
Jill Dnnner, Chairperson; Terrence Huntrods, Vice-C6airperson
David Goodlow, Kennetfi Mauer, Blia Moua, 7ohn O'I�alloran, Caml Osip, Phil Ravitzky, Karen Skwira
a 4 _��'
Council President Thune and Members of the Ciry Council
7une 12, 1996
that would require additional resources (staff, fac9lities, or both) should be qualified by the availabIliry
of adequate resources.
Council President Dave Thune
x The new policy suggested below (to follow Policy 26, under Objective 8 on p. 19) would encourage
the City to be open to new, emerging recreation trends, such as skateboarding, that will better meet
the recreation needs of St. Paul residents.
Objective 8: Provide recreation facilities and programming that contributes to stable neighborhoods.
new 27. Consider providing facilities or nrogramming for alternative, emerginE recreation
trends. particulazlv those that meet the recreational needs of vouth (such as
skateboardine).
Commission response: Agree, however, it would be best to avoid the refererzce to a specifzc activiry,
which may become limiting.
Councilmember Janice Rettman
* Add a new policy 24, p. 16, under Objective 6: Foster the economic development potential of the
City's park and recceation system.
24. Pursue nublic/nrivate workine partnerships in re ig•onal parks only if additional financing
sources will promote the adeQUate maintenance of currentpark facilities and nroQram as
we11 as ensure that the St. Paul Reeional Pazks remain free and accessible to all.
Commission response: Slightly modified wording is recommended to clarify meaning. 24. Pursue
publiclprivate vartnerships in re i�onal parks that frnancially support the adequate maintenance oj
parks facilities and pro¢ramming, as lon2 as access to St. Paul reQional parks remai�ee for ald.
* Add the underlined language to policy 45, p. 24, under Objective 13: Increase utilization of
supplemental resources.
45. Pursue opportunities to secure federal, state, and private resources (e.g. grants, partnerships)
when and where possible to:
a. Ensure free access to programs and facilities.
b. Provide the organizational capacity to change service delivery, including the provision
of new services.
c. Build, operate, and maintain facilities; and
d. Expand services beyond the general fund budget (e.g. specialist contracts, community
education� provided ffiat the intent of the Parks Division is to expand access or
opportunities for citizens and not develop pro¢rams or elcpand services only to solel�
generate revenues or establish a s�ecial revenue fund.
Commission response: First, sdighZly modified wording zs recommended to clarify meaning. Add "or
� G'' ''S
Councfl President Thune and Members of the City Council
June 12, 1996
affordable" after ee in a. The word "free" could prohibit charging even a modest fee for programs
and use of facilities for which there is now a fee (e.g. skiing, go�. Second, the addition¢Z Zanguage
suggested for d. is probably not necessary if looked at in the context of the objective. The paragraph
explaining Obj. I3: "Increase utili2ation of supplemental resources. " under which policy 45 is found
(p. 24), explains the intent of this poticy by stating, "Supptemental resources such as fees, grants, and
partnerships, allow the Division to provide services people want which appropriated funds alone
cannot suppoR. In some cases, supplemental resources are necessary to ensure access to services for
all members of our community ". The Parks Division should not provide services soleZy to generate
revenues for other programs, unless the revenue generated is funneled back to support parks and
recreation activities.
Councilmember Mike Harris
Objective 1: Encourage protection, pieservation, and regeneiation of the ciry's open space and natural
resources.
* Add to Policy 2, p. 7.
2. Provide leadership and coordination with federal, state, regional, and local authorities to:
a. Develop management and protection strategies for endangered species and/or sensitive
habitats;
b. Provide adequate and consistent enforcement of regulations to protect water quality,
wetlands, native habitats, and the river corxidor.
c. Ooen a cleaner and more friendlv river to swimmers and other recreational users.
Commission response: The Commission believes there are safer opportunities for swimming than the
Mississippi River. The addition without the specific reference to swimming is recommencled, as
follows: c. Ooen a cleaner and more friendlv river for recreational users.
* Delete the last sentence of Policy 5, p. 7.
5. Take advantage of opportunities that arise from redevelopment activities to add to or enhance
the City's open space and natural resources. :'���.:�T :::'��� ° � «„ ,. ..,...«,...:«:�.. «,�... ,,,.
Commission response: The City needs to be open to all opportunities to add open space, but
particularly in those cases where there will not be an adclitional maintenance or operating cost for the
City. The sentence should remazn in.
* Add to Policy 6, p. 8.
6. Encourage riverfront development that is environmentally compatible with its unique location
and fosters a pazk-like riverfront chazacter, includine but not limited to, onenine the riverfront
to more personal recreation activities like swinunine, fishine, and canoein�
��.�a
Council President Thune and Members of the City Council
June 12, 1996
Commission response: Agree, if the addikan is ended ¢fter personal recreation activities. " without
referring to specifzc activities. Reference to specifac activities can be too Zimiting (other desirable
activities may be exctuded), and again, the Commission is concerned about the safety of encouragzng
swimming in the Mississippi.
'� Add to Policy 12, p. 12, under Objective 4: Fulfill pazk development priorities.
12. In the Local Pazks and Recreation System the City will give priority to all of the following
(map):
a. Completion of Community Recreation Centers (North Dale and Battle Creek);
b. Focus on upgrading identified Neighborhoods in Transition centers:
c. Provision of facilities to accommodate emerging sports and other activities;
d. Redevelopment of Highland Park;
e. Improvement of facilities that support opportunities for coordination and partnership;
f. Upgrading of Swede Hollow Pazk-�
g, Review of existine demo¢raphic and economic data for nossible additions to identified
N�hborhoods in Transition Centers.
Commission response: Agree, but with the replacement of "additions " with "changes ".
* Add to Policy 26, p. 19, under Objective 8: Provide recreation facilities and programming that
contributes to stable neighborhoods.
26, Provide xecieation programming that helps build a sense of community through:
a. Responsiveness to the diverse needs and desires of residents;
b. Enhaucement and celebration of neighboihood identity;
c. Improved outreach to all residents, inciuding those not currently using recreation
services- and
d. Maacimizine our fixed assets to keep recreation centers onen 7 davs a week.
Commission response: Agree, with slightly modified wording to clarify meaning and better match the
phrasing of the rest of the recommendation, as follows: d. Keepine recreation centers open 7 da�
week as need and av¢ilable resources pernait.
* Add to Policy 36, p. 21, under Objective 10: Foster opportunities for on-going community and
citizen involvement and feedback.
36. Involve all constiments (residents, park users, interest groups) in setting balanced priorities
for progranuning, maintenance, use of facilities, phvsical enhancement or develonment of
facilities and/or onen snaces, and other park-related matters. Site nlans for facilitv
improvements wiil be submitted to the Planning Commission and Citv Council for review and
approval.
Commission response: Agree with the addition of the first phrase. Regarding the Zast sentence,
requiring Planning Commission and Ciry Council review and approval for all p¢rks faciliries site plans
�
�� r ��
Council President Thune and Members of the Ciry Council
June 12, 1996
would m.ake government Zess responsive, rather than more responsive. Aii site plans for construction
in the city are now reviewed by a team of City staff from various departments. (Site plan review is
detailed in Sec. 62.108 of the Zoning Code.) District councils receive notifzcation of alt site ptan
reviews. Individuals or groups m�ry request PZ¢nning Commission review of a particular site plan.
Planning Commission deczsions may be appealed to Ciry Council. This system provides adequate
safeguards, without unduly slowing down the timeline for making planned improvements. There are
approximately 20-30 parks-reZated building projects every year. To require Planning Commission and
City Council review on all would add tremendously to the time and workload of all concerned without
aclding measurable benefzts.
* Add an action step in the Implementation Plan under "Design and Development" on p. 28.
Site nlans for facilitv imurovements will be submitted to the Plam�in¢ Commission and Citv
Council for review and an�roval.
Commission response: As stated above, the Commission believes that adding steps to the formal
review process will make goverrzment less responsive rather than more.In addirion, steps add costs to
the process as well at all levels. The current appeals process has worked well in cases where there are
po(icy and community concerns.
'` Replace action step 19 on p. 29.
19 . �—,...«-=-- -- o ..i ,. _�w «�, a_....«= ------=:«., .wo ..,...�;t,:r.., ,.c vee..:.... n..r,...•:....+
_.,'"` '` "� _._ r _.,_'.,"""� _' "" �.'"- �'....' ,.
r°��°°° :� T�.•�- ��..°�° °°�,� Explore the possibilitv of moving Cafesgan's Carousel to
Como Park.
Commission response: Como Park already has a large number of attractions that draw people. The
Commission cannot recommend adding more attractions without a review process that includes the
Carousel Board and the community. Also, a mave to Como would require construction of a building
to accommodate the carousel. The following wording, which doesn't rule out a Como Park Zocation,
is suggested, "Continue to explore the possibilities for keeoin2 Cafesjian's Carousel in St. Paul. "
* Add a new action step on p. 29 under "Outreach, Awazeness, and Promotion" .
Comuile an inventorv of all the joint use a¢reements that Parks and Recreation has with various
schools, universities, and other institutions in order to publicize the op�ortunities for nazks users.
Furthermore. in light of recent facilitv expansions by the St. Paul 5chool District. Parks and
Recreation needs to clarifv the le¢al status of those documents.
Commission response: Agree with the first sentence, but would suggest this be added as a new d.
under action step 21 under Outreach, Awareness, and Promotian on p. 29, which addresses ways of
encouraging communiry use of recreation facilities. The second sentence is probably not needed.
Staff are not aware of any problems or ambiguiry with any of the Zegal documents that define joint use
arrangements with the school district. The staff will review these agreements as they compile the
inventory.
��'��`
Council President Thune and Members of the Ciry Council
Jmme 12, 1996
�` Add a policy to require City participation in the VJinter Carnival, including a regululy scheduled
Ice Casfle (i.e. every five years).
Commission response: The City has a Zong history of participating in the �nter Carnival, This
includes offering joint activities and sharing facilities each year with the St. Paul Feskval and
Heritage Foundarion, the private group that operates the �nter Carnzval. The foundation determines
when an ice castle should be built (and does the major fundraising); Parks and Recreation hns assisted
by providing a pubZic space for it. This is just one example of the marry community partners the Parks
and Recreation Division works with each year.
Friends of the Parks and TraiLs of St. Paul and Ramsev Countv
* p. 7, Objective 1: Encourage protection, preservation, and regeneration of the city's open space
and natural resources.
new policy 6. Work with Ramsev Countv to ensure the hiehest water aualitv in our lakes and
streams that is possible.
Commission response: Agree, with some slight modifications, as follows: Work with Ramsev Countv
and others to ensure the highest possible water aualitv in the citv's lakes and streams.
� new policy 7. Support institutine new zoning code for nazk lands.
Commission response: Zoning is generally implemented to ensure appropriate development and use
of land. The idea of adding a zoning category for park land was studied in some detail several years
ago with the Parks Commission and Planning staff. It was determined that a separate zoning category
was a timeconsuming process and could create more problems than it would solve. The city charter
amendment approved several years ago makes it very difficult for the City to sell or give up parkland;
and if this is determined to be necessary, land must be found to replace it in the park system. 77tis
serves the purpose of designating ancl protecting parklands in Saint Paul.
* new policy 8. Bluff lands throuehout the city should be nrotected bv easements or
acquisition.
Commission response: Most of the city's bluffZands are already protected in one way or another,
either through public ownership or through buflding restrictions. This polzcy is probably not
necessary.
* p. 10, Objective 3: Develop park and open space connections.
Policy 8. Pursue opportunities to expand the Ciry's recreational trail system and give priority
to development of trails which:
new e. Provide north-south bicycle-pedestrian connection. (All pazkways and boulevards and
potential main corridors such as Avd Mill Road should accommodate bicvcle and
a`-��
Council Pzesident Thune and Members of the Ciry Council
June 12, 1996
pedestrian traffic. i.e. I,exinaton Pazkwav and Avd Mill Roadway_
Viewing the Trail System map, p. 11, the lack of a north-south connection is evident. It is important
to provide bicycle/pedesuian trails in the heart of the city. The map highlights the difficulty in
getting to Como Pazk from anywhere in the southwest portion of the ciry.
Commission response: The nonh-south connections are not there now, but they are planned. The
trail map on p. 11 indicates a planned off-road path and on-street bike lanes connection along Ayd
Mild, Pascal, and Hamline to connect to Como Park from the southwest.
* new f. Sepazate bike and pedestrian facilities should be nxovided when Wheelock Pazkwav is
redevelooed.
Commission response: As indicated on the trail map, p. II, and in Policy IOd. (p. 10), this is what
is planned for Wheelock.
* p. 16 ObjCCtivO 6: °��.� `t,o ,to vi,. .,« ..,..e..«:,,i ,.c «�.e n:.. _v ..a „«:.,
s�ste�r Foster parks and recreation as a valuable asset of the citv.
Commission response: The original wording of this objective should remain. The recommendations
under this objective have what could be termed econo»zic development benefits for the city, so the
original wording is more descriptive.
* p. 19, Objective 8: Provide recreation facilities and programming that contributes to stable
neighborhoods.
The recreation centers are called upon to do more and mpre activities that could be labeled °Human
Services". The St. Paul Parks and Recreation Division should focus on recreational activities and the
infrastructure, i.e. provide the buildin¢, while the city works out more uartnerships with human
service providers. such as Ramsev Countv or the Family Center Proeram to provide the services. If
the Parks Division becomes more involved in human services, they will not have the resources to
fulfill their mission of pzovidin¢ recreational services. Manv recieation centers aze lax¢e buildings
which should not be considered the domain of only the Parks Division. The centers should be a lace
for the neiehborhood to eather where they can join in recreational activities or receive a variety of
services.
Commission response: This recommendation is not necessary, as Parks and Recrearion programming
does focus on recreational activities. Most people would probably agree that these activities have
some associated social benefits. And the staff do feel that recreation centers are communiry gathering
places where residents can take advantage of programming or services provided by others. The
location of a number of district council offices and meeting rooms in recreation centers is probably the
best example.
* Add detailed Table of Contents itemizing policies and objectives - to make it easier to read.
7
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Council President Thune and Members of the Ciry Council
June 12, 1996
Commisszon response: This will be done in the fanal printing.
'` Some policies are in conflict - such as Policy 1. "Pursue opportunities and parmerships to acquire
land specifically for open space and natural resources protection according to the foilowing criteria,
etc. and Policy 5. "Take advantage of opportunities that azise from redevelopment activities to add to
or enhance the City's open space and natural resources. Priority will be given to opportunities that
do not add publicly-owned and developed pazkland that will require additional public maintenance or
operating expense.
Commission response: The Commission does not believe that these policzes are in conflict. It is
probably possible to come up with circumstances where policies could be in conflict, but generally the
policies are written to cover a wide variety of circumstances and issues. Judgment must be used to
determine which policy is the most relevant to a particular situation.
* There is no mention of enterprise facilities such as golf, Midway Stadium, large picnic shelters,
etc. There shouid be a policy stating that it a facility is revenue generating, a certain percent of the
revenue should be reinvested in the facility in order to maintain it.
Commission response: This is a very complicated issue that the Parks Commission has been looking
at for some time. 772e Parks Commission will continue to work on revenue issues. A general policy
intended to cover specific budget issues and circumstances that change from year to year probably
doesn't belong in a long-range comprehensive plan.
* In the 1996-1997 Action Plan, dollars aze listed under certain steps. What is the source of this
revenue? As outiined in the document itself, state and federal dollars are being reduced and the city
budget is flat. If new larger recreation cemers are built, how will the ciry be able to staff them?
Commission response: The identification of dollar resources needed to accomplish various action
steps was an attempt to inform the reader of the potential budget impact of that action step. Largely,
these costs have not been specifzcally budgeted for. They will be accomplished within the existing
budget as much as possible.
Heritase Preservation Commission
* Major Strategies (p. 4)
Shaping City Character
This strategy recognizes that pazks, parkways, and natural and historic features lend form, character,
and identity which enhance the City and its neighborhoods. It aiso recognizes that the existing system
of parks, parkways, and nawral and historic resources provides a strong framework to build on. The
policies in this strategy focus on preservation, maintenance, and development of the park and
recreation system and the City's natural and historic resources.
Commission response: Agree.
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Council President Thune and Members of the Ciry CouncIl
June 12, 1996
* Strategy: Shaping City Character (p. 5)
... The Parks and Recreation Division must continue to explore ways to enhance and preserve the
City's natural and historic environment and provide opporiunities for people to become more awaze of
the natural and historic environment ...
Commission response: Agree.
* Findings: (p. 5)
new 10. Saint Paul's park svstem includes structures and landscane feariues that are historically
valuable. Their vreservation is important to the continued vitalitv of the citv.
Commission response: Agree.
* p. 7, Objective 1: Encourage protection, preservation, and regeneration of the city's open space,
natural, and historic resources.
Saint Paul's open space, natural, and historic resources provide many benefits ... The Division is
continuously confronted with demands to expand recreational opportunities and increase access to
develaoed and undeveloped parkland. Consequernly, the City's open space and historic resources
may become wlnerable to unwarranted use and degradation ...
Commission response: Agree.
�` p. 7, Policy 2. Provide leadership and coordination with federal, state, regional, and local
authorities to:
a. Comvlete and maintain an inventorv of historic resources, includin¢ site analvsis and
evaluation of inteQritv and sienificance.
b. � Develop management and protection strategies for endangered species and/or sensitive
habitats and historically imnortant structures and features.
Commission response: Agree, with the addition of "natural and" before historic resources in a.
* p. 8, Objective 2: Expand physical and visual access to the River.
Policy 6. Encourage riverfront development that is environmentally compatible with its historv and
unique location, and fosters a park-like riverfront chazacter.
Commission response: Agree.
* p. 15, Objective 5: Enhance the City and its neighborhoods.
Policy 14. Provide site and facility design, rehabilitation, and retrofitting that:
� � -�'`�
Council President Thune and Members of the City Council
June 12, 1996
c. Respects and enl�ances historically imnortant structures and features and the natural and
historic environment;
Commission response: This addition seems unnecessary, since the dause already refers to enhancing
the historic environment.
* Strategy: Building Community
p. 21, Objective 11: Promote cultural awareness.
St. Paul possesses a rich cultural heritage and broad spectrum of arts, historical, and ethnic resources.
These resources inciude the park system itself, and its historic structures and features.
Commission response: Agree.
'� p. 21, Policy 40. Encourage the nreservation of historicallv important park structures and features
and the use of park facilities to host public cultural and historic events.
Commission response: The recommendations under Objective 11, where policy 40 is founcl, deal with
programming. This addition really doesn't fit here. It is adequately covered by Policy 2.b, as
amended, (protection of historic resources) and l4. c. (site and facility design that respects the historic
enviranment).
District 2 Communitv Council
Objective 4: Fuifill park development priorities.
* Add an item to Policy 12, p. 12.
12. In the Local Parks and Recreation System the City will give priority to all of the following
(map):
a. Completion of Community Recreation Centers (North Dale and Battle Creek);
b. Focus on upgrading identified Neighborhoods in Transition centers:
c. Provision of facilities to accommodate emerging sports and other activities;
d. Redevelopment of Highland Park;
e. Improvement of facilities that support opportunities for coordination and partnership;
f. Upgrading of Swede Hollow Park ;
g. Review of existing demographic and economic data for possible additions to identified
Neighborhoods in Transition Centers (g. was added above); and
h. Coordinate with Public Works. DNR. and Ramsey-Washin¢ton Watershed District in
the Phalen/Ames L,ake wetland restoration uroiect.
Commission response: Agree. The map illustrating these items ¢lso needs to be modifaed.
* Amend Policy 13, p. 12.
10
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Council President Thune and Members af the City Council
June 12, 1996
13. Pursue opportunities and joint use partnerships to acquire or provide access to land for pazks_
�en s acn e, or � recreation development according to the following criteria: ...
Commission response: Agree.
" Add an action item under "Design and Development" on p. 28.
Work with Public Works. DNR. Ramsev-Washington VJatershed District and the Universitv of
Minnesota to develop nlans for the Phalen/Ames Lake wetland restoration. (12)
Commission response: Agree, with slightZy revised wording: ParticiDate with Public Works. DNR.
Ramsev-Washinxton Watershed District and the Universitv of Minnesota in the �reparation o lans for
the Phalen/Ames I,ake wetland restoration. (12)
* In generai, the plan does not place enough emphasis on the role of open space as an amenity and an
enhancement to the livability of the urban landscape. Add a new finding on p. 5 for the Shaping City
Character Strategy.
new 10. In addition, St. Paul residents beneFit from the use of recreational and open space managed
by other entities. These include Ramsev Countv Parks. Water Department onen space. Public Works
and Metro�olitan Council on nding_and drainaee areas, and urivate recreation lands. If possible,
numbers of parcels, acreage, etc. shouid be indicated as they have been in other categories in this
section.
Commission response: Agree, but would delete references to Metropolitan Council ponding and
drainage areas (staff doesn't believe there are arry in St. Paul). Also, figures on number of sites and
acreage of these other types of open space is not readily available and would be costly to collect.
* Include a map of ali open space.
Commission response: Again, this would be nice to have, but the information is not readily available
and would be costly to collect.
�` Involve Parks Division and neighborhood in design, modification and use decisions for sewer
easements, ponding areas, and other open space related to sewerage and watershed management.
Commission response: Parks (Forestry secrion) is involved with the Public Works Department in
planning the planting done for sewer and street projects. Involving neighborhoods more in these
decisions is a good idea.
* Incorporate concepts contained in the Phalen Chain of Lakes Watershed Plan, including:
- Use of native species in plantings.
- Natural border grasses and plantings on Phalen lakeshore and (apply to) other pazk areas.
- Runoff control.
11
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Council President Thune and Members of the City Council
June 12, 1996
- Use of more environmentally-friendly plantings in general, rather than "flat mow" grooming
of all pazk areas.
Commission response: Add a new policy 6. under Objective I, which addresses rratural resource
protection, as follows:
6. Faplore use of the foZlowinQ techniques, where practical, to Dreserve the Citv's natural
resources:
a. Use of native sDecies in �lantings;_
b. Use of natural border grasses and olantings alonq shorelirtes:
c. Control of chemical runoff into Donds, lakes, streams, and rivers: and
d. Avoidance of�lat mow" �roomin�in �ark areas where a more natural look is
approDriate.
District 10 Communitv Council
Since District 10's comments are fairly lengthy and detailed, the Parks Commission response will
follow each point in italics and parentheses. In most cases, the Commission agrees with the spizit of
the comments but has suggested alternate wording that is more commonly understood.
Parks Plan Overview
Shapin¢ Citv Character
* p. 7, Objective 1: Encourage protection, preservation, and regeneration of the city's open space and
�a� environmental resources. Environmental resources consist of natural and cultural features and
areas. (7yce Commission prefers the term "natural resources"be left, as is, in all cases. The terna
"natural resources" is better understood by more people. "Environment" is a broad term, implying
inclusion of all things natural and built. The term "cultural" is also somewhat broad and difficult to
defne. The definition of "natural resources ", according to the State of Minnesota's Environmental
Rights Law, II6B.02, includes histaric, scenic, and aesthetic resources as well as those resources of
land, water, air, plants, animals, etc. This seems like a more appropriate definition given the focus
of the policies under this objective.)
Saint PauPs open space and natural resources provide many benefits. Undeveloped "natural" azeas
help shape and soften the built environment, provide habitat for plants and wildlife, and improve the
overall environmental qualiry of the city. However, the amount of open space in the city is limited,
and both it and environmental resources aze wlnerable to increasing development pressure and
gel�iea degradation. (Don't use "environmental resources ", but "deeradation" is better than
'pollution ".) While much of our remaining open space is in public ownership, park designation does
not necessarily protect ege�-sflase it nor � environmental resources. (Simplify sentence;
stop after "does not necessarilv orotect it".J The Division is continuously confronted with demands to
expand recreational opportunities and increase access to developed and undeveloped parkland.
(Change agreed to earlier under HPC comments.) Consequently, the City's open space and �
environmental resources (keep "natural ") may become wlnerable to unwarranted use and degradation.
A conscious effort must be taken to ensure their protection and preservation for enjoyment by future
12
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Council President Thune and Members of the Ciry Council
June 12. 1996
generations, especiallv before future developmenttakes place. (Disagree, unnecessary quatifzer.)
Because neither ecological systems nor culturai fearures aze � confined to the city's boundaries,
protection and preservation efforts must be coordinated at a�egies� lazeer level. (Disagree, leave
sentence as is.)
Policies: (p. '�
1. Manage the City's park and recreation system to ensure:
a. Preservation and restoration of environtnental resources; (replace "environmental"
with "natural
b. Management of all pazkland and open space in an environmentally sound and
sustainable manner;
c. Opportunities for all citizens to enjoy, appreciate, and understand the Ciry's �a�
environmental areas. (Leave "natural".)
2. Provide leadership and coordination with federal, state, regional and local authorities to:
a. Complete and maintain an inventorv of environmental resources, includin¢ site
analysis and evaluation of inteeritv and sienificance. Data wIll be inteeiated with
state and federai inventories, evaluations and desienations, and coordinated with the
Metro Region Forest Resource Mana¢ement Plan and the Citv's Le¢islative Code
uertainin¢ to herita¢e nreservation. (A slightly different version of the first sentence,
to do an inventory of natural and historic resources, was agreed to as part of the HPC
comments. Delete the last sentence because it is too detailed,• coordination is implied
in the policy as written.)
� b. Develop management and protection strategies for endangered species and or sensitive
habitats and cultural resources; (no longer needed,• "and historicallv important
structures and features" was added in the HPC comments abave)
�: c. Provide and coordinate adequate and consistent enforcement of regulations to protect
cultural resources, water quality, wetlands, native habitats, a� the river corridor and
other surroundine environs. (changes no longer needed, for reasons cited above.)
d. Pursue the possibilitv of restoring or reconstructine wetlands within nack and open
s�ace areas. (Agree with the addirion of d.)
3. Pursue opportunities and partnerships to acquire land specifically for open space and �a�x�a�
environmental (disagree) resource protection according to anv of (agree) the following
criteria:
a. Areas containing species included on the State or Federal list of endangered or
threatened species;
b. Areas representing significant landforms, native plant communities, eF sensitive
habitat, or cultural xesources;
c....
(As stated above, the Commission believes "natural " resources is a better understood term
than "environmental" or "cultural resources".)
13
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Council President Thune and Members of the City Council
June 12, 1996
4. Support and strengthen citywide tree preservation and reforestation efforts.
a. Establish a Tree Advisorv Boazd to hel�oversee the planning and mana¢ement of the
local communitv forest. (The City Council is cunently the Ciry's officially designated
"Tree Advisory Board". Action step 6 on p. 27, to review ancl revise the tree
protection ordinance, should be expanded to add "and zdentify methods of improving
citizen participation in tree management issues ".)
* p. 12, Objective 4: Fulfill pazk development priorities.
The park system is continually being developed, � redeveloped, ureserved and
rehabilitated. ('preserved" is out of contert with what's covered here, "rehabilitated" is fzne)
Many projects are necessary to ensure that ep onle (agree) have
adequate access to qualitv oazk and (agree) recreational opporiunities. Othezs axe necessary to
modemize pazk facilities and ensure that they meet current codes. Park development
priorities change through the yeazs as environmental and (agree) recreational demands and
needs change and the Division must continue to expiore opportunities to meet these needs.
Howevei, there aie some projects that cucrently stand out because of their magnitude and
potential impact on the entire City reeion. (make it "citv and re i�) To realize these
projects, they must become the priniary focus of park development efforts and resources in
the coming years.
Policies:
11. In the Regionai Parks and Open Space System, ttte City will give priority to all of the
following (map) after environmental resource inventories have been comoleted (see Objective
1, Policy 2a.). (Disagree, unnecessary quctlifzer.)
a. Completion of the Como Park Master Plan oals and renovation; (Here the
Commission suggests "Completion of renovation and improvement of Como Park.
Como Zoo. and Como conservatorv. " This gets away from a specific reference to the
master plan, which has been a source of disagreement.)
b. Completion of plans to unprove the riverfront (see Obj. 2, policy 7);
c. Development of recreational trails (see Obj. 3).
* p. 15, Objective 5: Enhance the City and its neighborhoods.
Parks and recreation facilities enhance the quality of the City and its neighborhoods. ...In
addition, the value of pazks as neighborhood amenities is directly related to how safe they are
perceived to be and how attractive they appear. However, neighborhood concezns about
perceived negative impacts, such as when a recreational trail is proposed adjacent to private
property, need to be balanced by the recreational needs of the eCiry -°°'a��'° °° °�°'�^'�
re�ion. (Suggest "the clty and re i�on ".) The City must continue to work to foster appropriate
design, mainTenance, and communiry involvement to ensuce patks enhauce neighborhoods as
well as serve ^"•^^��-..-.�-ae�� the broader nublia (Suggest making it, "serve the broader
public's recreational needs ".)
fl4
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Council President Thune and Members of the Ciry Council
June 12, 1996
Policies:
14. Provide site and facility design, rehabIlitation, and retro-fitting that:
a. Meets or exceeds accepted standards for safety, security, durability, maintenance and
accessibility;
b. Meets user needs for support facilities such as parking, transportation, (Suggest
"circulation and parking".) lighting, drinking water, restrooms, signage;
c. Respects and e�e�s ureserves the natural and historic environment;
d. Respects and enhances (Suggest delering "and enhances" from both c. and d.)
neighborhood identiry;
e. Minimizes unpact on surrounding neighborhoods.
17. Involve neighborhood residents, park users, and community groups in nlanning, (agree)
development, programming, and maintenance of parks. (see Obj. 10, policy 36)
* p. 21, Objective 10: Foster opportunities for on-going communiry and citizen involvement and
feedback.
Involving citizens in decisions regazding park lp anning, (agree) development, operations, and
maintenance gives them a sense of ownership, responsibility, and control. Residents play an
important rofe in helping staff identify park and recreation needs specific to their neighborhood. In
1990 the City took a significant step in providing a forum for citizen involvement in the lp annine,
(agree) management, operations, and development of the pazk and recreation system by establishing
the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Commission. �et�tix�ing Exuanding support for citizen
participation (Continuing is a better word tharz expanding here; however, techniques for better
supporting citizen participation need to be explored.) must be provided to ensure thei� that (agree}
involvement is meaningful and effective and has a clear nnpact on the quality of park and recreation
services.
Policies:
36. Involve all constituents (residents, park users, interest groups) in setting balanced priorities
for plannine, develonment• programming, maintenance, use of facilities, and other park and
recreation matters. (agree)
a. Use of the Citv's Eazly Notification System Policy and Procedure will be used.
b. All nearby district councils will be invited in the site ieview process from its
beeinnine.
c. Detailed minutes of all Parks and Recreation Commission and committee meetines
will be available.
(Proposed a., b., and c.are too detailed for inclusion in the policies. To accomplish the
intent, suggest adding an action step under "Communicakons and Conrdination" on p. 31
stating, "Review and imnrove strate2ies for notifvinQ and involvin2 constituents in setting
balanced Driorities for planninQ. development, programminz, maintenance, use ot'facilities.
and other oark and recreation-related matters. (36))
15
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Council President Thune and Members of the City Council
June 12, 1996
Conclusion
The Pazks and Recreation Commission approved these recommendations at its June 12, 1996 meeting
by a»na�imous vote. The public testimony and the Commission's responses will appeaz on the Ciry
Council's July 10 agenda for consideration. The Ciry Council is requested to adopt the Saint Paul
Parks and Recreation Plan, as amended, replacing the elcisting 1985 plan as a chapter of the City's
Comprehensive Plan.
If you have any questions about these materials before the 7uly lOth meeting, please feel free to call
Robert Piram, Director, Parks and Recieation Division (266-6404), or ponna Drummond of the
Planning Division staff (266-6556).
cc: Mayor Nomt Coleman
Robert Piram, Superintendent, Parks and Recreation Division
Ken Ford, Planning Adminisuator
Donna Dnimmond, Planning Division
Public Hearing Testifiers
16
PLANNiNG COMMISSION
CTTY OF SAIN"T PAUL
Norm Coleman, Mayor
DATE: June 9, 1995
TO:
FROM:
RE:
Introduction
Pazks and Recreation Commission
Planning Cortunission
�avu1 McDonell, Chair
I100 Ciry Hal[ Annes
2J A'est Fourth Street
Saini Pau(, MN S.i102
°1�-3�.s
Telephone: 6I b266-656i
Facaimide: bT2-?28-3314
Planning Commission Recommendation on Draft Parks and Recreation Plan
The St. Paul Parks and Recreation Commission has released a draft Parks and Recreation Plan for
public review and comment. It held a public hearing on Wed., May 17, and will accept written
comments through June 13. The Parks Commission is charged with recommending the proposed
parks and recreation element of the City's comprehensive plan. The Planning Commission is charged
with reviewing the proposed plan and making a recommendation with respect to the relationship of
the plan to the overall comprehensive plan and capital allocation policy of the City. The Planning
Commission may also comment on any other planning considerations. This memo contains comments
that the Planning Commission wishes to submit to the Parks Commission as part of this review
process. These comments were approved by a resolution of the Planning Commission at its meeting
on 3une 9, 1995.
Issues
In reviewing the plan, the Planning Commission identified the following issues on which it wishes to
comment:
Maps: both total number, and coordination of the trail map with the Tzansportation
Plan bike route map.
2.
�
1995-1996 Action Plan: lack of specificity for some action steps.
Policy on periodic updating of the plan.
Integxation of paxks planning with other city development inStiatives.
Mississippi River: enhanced recognition of the importance of the river and the
opportunities it represents.
These five issues are discussed below.
St. Paul Parks and Recreation Commission
June 9, 1995
�
The following maps need to be included to better illustrate certain plan recommendations:
1)
2)
�����
Major River Access Points and Views, including tributary creeks and bluff edges (to
illustrate Objective 2, policies 5, 6, and 7 on physical and visual access to the
Mississippi River.);
Regional Parks and Open Space Priorities (to illustrate Obj. 4, Policy 11, which
identifies Como Park, the riverfront, and recreational trails as regional priorities);
3) Local Parks and Recreatiun System Priorities (to illustrate Obj. 4, Policy 12, which
identifies as local priorities improvements to Highland Park, Swede Hollow, and
certain recreation centers, and provision of year-round recreational facilities); and
The policies identified above refer to actions such as "preservation and enhancement of significant
river and downtown skyline views wherever possible", "completion of plans to improve the
riverfront", and "upgrading identified Neighborhoods in Transition Centers". Without maps, readers
of the plan can only guess what these refer to. Also readers who are unfamiliar with the city may not
know where Como or Swede Hollow Parks are located, for example.
4) Inventory maps in the appendix. The appendix now contains a map and chart
showing recreation center locations and facilities. There also needs to be a map or
maps showing all parkland in the city by type (regional, city, neighborhood level
parks, ornamental spaces, parkways), and specialized recreation Facilities (ballfields,
swimitiing pools, golf courses, etc.). This kind of an inventory map was included in
the 1985 Parks Plan.
Trail System map (p. 9). This map needs to be coordinated with the Bike Route Map in the
Transportation Policy Plan, Page II-55. In particular, the plan policies and map should identify and
give special prioriry to development of trails that improve the three principal recreational bike routes
in St. Paul: 1) Saint Paul Grand Round Loop; 2) Mississippi River Trail; and 3) the Capitol Route,
which are de£ined on the Transportation Policy Plan map. Care should be given to making sure the
terminology and perhaps even the graphic symbols used are the same, since both the Parks and
Transportation Policy plans are part of the same Comprehensive Plan.
1995-1996 Action Plan
The specificity and level of detail among the action steps varies somewhat. A few of the action steps
almost read like policies; it is unclear what the specific action to be taken will be. For example, step
21 for 1995 states that Parks staff will "involve the communiry in a systematic way in setting program
and service related priorities in selected programs". How will this be done? Overall, the action steps
should be fairly specific and cleaz as to what exactly will be done.
2
St. Paul Pazks and Recreation Commission
June 9, 1995
Policv on Periodic Uudating of Plan
�����'�
The introduction to the 1995-1996 Action Plan indicates thatthe action plan will be updated by staff
biannually and presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission for review and approval. At this
same time, there should be an assessment of the overall plan, to detemune if any portions of plan
need updating. Revisions can be made, if necessary, and the plan can be "recertified". In this way,
the plan can be kept more current, and it may eliminate the need for another major rewriting of the
plan in five or ten yeazs. To accomplish this, the following language changes are suggested:
Add a policy to Objective I5: Improve management of resources.:
54. Review, and revise if necessar�plan objectives and oolicies on a biannual basis. when a new
two vear action plan is develoDed, and recertifv the Dlan as the current aolicv of the Cit�
Add language to the second paragraph of the Implementation section:
The intent of the action plan is to provide a realistic work plan that will help focus the work of the
Parks and Recreation Division over the next two years. The action plan, alone with anv necessarv
chanpes to the plan's objectives and olicies, will be updated by the staff biannually, presented to the
Parks and Recreation Commission for review and approval, and adopted by the City Council.
Inteeration of Parks Plannin¢ with Other Initiatives
The City is involved in many other initiatives that affect the physical developmern of Saint Paul, and
represent opportunities to add to or enhance the city's open space and natural resources. For
example, the Phalen Village Small Area Plan calls for the restoration of Ames Lake and surrounding
wetlands on the site of the current Phalen Shopping Center. The restored natural landscape would
become a neighboxhood amenity that "enhances suriounding pioperty values and helps attract quality
commercial and residential development, provides stormwater cleansing, provides wildlife habitat, and
becomes part of the Phalen Chain of Lakes bird flyway". A second example would be the
redevelopment of industrial lands within the Phalen Corridor. The City should find ways to
encouiage design and development that creates green spaces and coxridoxs within these new
developments that can be enjoyed by employees and neighborhood residents alike.
A new policy should be added under Objective 1: Encourage protection, preservation, and
regeneration of the city's open space and natural resources., as follows:
4. The City will take advantage of opportunities that arise from redevelopment activities to add to
or enhance the citv's open space and natural resources, without aclding develooed park land
that will reguire addirioruzl public main�enance or operatin�penses.
St. Paul Parks and Recreation Commission
June 9, 1995
Mississinpi River
��,� �
The Pazks Plan should give greater emphasis to the River and the opportunities it represents for the
city, recognizing the current interest in the riverfront and work that is underway by the Planning
Commission's Central River Valley Development Framework Task Force. The Planning Commission
suggests the following revisions to the plan that would reflect this new focus (wording from the plan
is in italics, and additions are underlined):
Page 2:
Add a Goal:
E�hasis on the Mississinni River Vallev and its Great River Park as one of the cilv's kev forrruitive
elements.
Several vears aeo, architect Ben Thomoson introduced Saint Paul to the concept o�the "Great River
Park. " encoura�in2 new developnzent alon2 the river to be sited in a heavilZ-forested settinn. More
recently, the Universitv of Minnesota's Desip,n Center for American Urban Lundscape has raised the
citv's awareness of the imvortance of the Mississappi River as a uni ine element for Saint Paul's
everr�oDVOrtunitv, be it directiv at the river's edze or throuzh Dublic and private investment in each of
our neiQhborhoods, we must inte¢rate the MississipDi River Valle�into our community and our
cammunitLinto the river vallev. In a mvriad of wctys, each of our neiQhborhoods is connected to the
river,- our challenze is to reveal and enhance those connections.
Page 4:
Strategy: Shaping City Character
This strategy recogniZes that parks, parkways and natural features lend form, character and identity
which enhance the City and its neighborhoods. Perhaps the greatest of these is the Mississippi River
and river vallev. It also recognizes that the existing systern of parks, parkways and natural resources,
each at somepoint connectinv to the MississipDi River, provides a strong framework to build on. 7he
policies in this strategy focus on preservation, maintenance and development of the park and
recreation system, and the City's natural resources and their connection to the MississapDi River
Vallev.
Page 5:
Add to Finding #8:
8. The Mississippi River contributes 29 miles of riverfront shoreline to Saint Paul. This
represents the longest stretch of riverfront of any municipality in the metropolitan area and is
St. Paul Parks and Recreation Commission
Jmme 9, 1995
°
one of the City's most signifzcant amenities and resources. Considerable amounts of shoreline
are of public parkZand providing opportunities for river access. There are also 57 miles of
bZ�Qes within the cztv, 30 of which are directl�nv the river. I,00kinQ at the Zarger
MississiDDi River Vallev, fullv one-third of the citv, or approximatelv I8 square miles. is
Zocated within the Mississ�pi River Valley. Obviouslv, the MississipDi River has a tremendous
impact on the toDOeraphy and phvsical Qeo ra hv of Saint Paul, and is a maior form-giving
element for the citv.
Page 8:
Objecrive 2: Expand physical and visual access to the River.
The Mississippi River is Saint PauPs foremost natural, cultural and recreational resource. People
enjoy its picturesque quality and the broad vistas it affords. People want to interact with it directly -
to touch it, to explore its banks and currents. While visual access to the river is generally good from
public parks and bluff top vantage points, physical access to the river is more limited, particularly in
the downtown area but also in several neiehborhoods where two- or three-block eaps keeD �eo�le
om ettinp to the river. Increasing downtown riverfrant access has been consistently identifzed as a
priority in the City's extensive planning efforts for riverfi redevelopment and should continue to be
pursued. Qpportunities for connecting each of the Citv's neighborhoods to the river vallev should also
be exalored.
Add to Policy #7:
7. The City will strengthen downtown and neighborhood connections to the River through:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Page 9:
Completion of riverfront projects which improve access to the River (see Obj. 4, policy
11);
Preservation and enhancement of signifzcant river and downtown skyline views
wherever possible;
Limitatfons on building heights and setback encroachmentin areas that would obstruct
public access and views ta the River;
Identification and reinforcement of "river valley boulevards " such as Wheelock
Parkwav and Fart Road/W. 7th Street as extensions of the Mississipvi River 1/allev
into neip,hborhoods; and
RebuildinQ of the river's tributnry vallevs. such as the Phalen Corridor economic
develooment and wetland restoration proiects.
Objective 3: Develap park and open space connections.
Park and open space connections provide the means for moving between parks, moving within parks,
and getting to parks, in a safe, convenient and enjoyable manner. While connections usually take the
St. Paul Pazks and Recreation Commission
June 9. 1995
���
form of trails, Zinear parks or parkways, sidewalks and streets providing access to parks through
neighborhoods are also imponant connections. As such, it is essential to coordinate and integrate our
trails and parkways with the City's network of sidewalks and streets to provide continuous, convenient
and safe access to, between and within parks. One of the most im�ortant connections vet to be made
is between our nei�hborhoods and the Mississippi River [�allev.
Add to Policy #8:
8. The Ciry will pursue opportunities to expand its recreational trail system and give priority to
development of trails which:
a. Provide connections between and within the City's parks, trails in adjacent
municipalities, and the Regional trail system;
b. Coordinate with and support the network of on-street bicycle paths and sidewalks;
c. Utilize existing parkways and/or public-owned property;
d. Reveal and enhance connections between the citv's nei¢hborhoods and the Mississippi
River T�allev (e.g Phalen Corridor. Shepard Road and Avd Mill Roadl
Page 11:
Objective 5: Enhance the City arut its neighborhoods.
Add a policy:
1 S. Maintain, enhance and inteQrate the Dhvsical characteristics that make Saint Paul a distinctive
city, foremost of which is the presence of the MississivDi River Vallev. by
a. usine the phvsical resources of the river valley to reinforce the citv's form and
structure
b. using the river's phvsical ¢eoQraphv to bridee barriers between nei¢hborhoods
c. improvin2 connections between the river vallev and our neighborhoods so that each
neinhborhood has a ip ece o�this wonderful natural, cultural and recreational resource
d. coordinarine public proiects that have both a river valley and neiQhborhood dimension
(e.e. the Wabashcz Bridee should be inte¢rated with all of the othe�arts and s stems
it enea2es, such as Wabasha Street rehabilitarion. the Wabasha 5tairs public art
project, the West Side Risingfrom the River Dublic art project. Concord Street
lizhtinz, the reforestation of the river valley. Naw Island landscapinQ, etc..
Page 13:
Strategy: Building Communiry
Add to the opening paragraph:
St. Paul Parks and Recreation Commission
June 9, 1995
0��.
Perhaps more than arcy other communitv resource the MississipDi River Vallev and its Great River
Park can become our communitv at� herin� olace It is where this citv beQan and increasinQZv where
peovle want to return to. The success of recent activities along the riverfi'ont (Chautauaua the river
ba�e concert, the reforestation project, etc.) illustrates how the river can be a place for the mer�g
of human and natural activities and habitats.
Page 15:
Objective 8: Provide recreation facilities and programming that contributes to stable neighborhoods.
Add two policies:
29. Provide orientation to and promote vublic awareness of the natural and cultural resources �
the Mississi�pi River Pallev. Alreadv-existing community_ athering places (a local coffee
shoD. bike trail head. etc. ) can be a dissemination �oint for this information.
30. Promote activities and events that strenethen Saint Paul's identitv as a river valle�citv with
imDOrtant tributar�neiQhborhoods.
Conclusion
The Planning Commission appreciates this opportuniry to comment on the Parks Commission's draft
plan. If you have any questions about these comments, please direct them to Donna Drummond of
the Planning Division staff at 266-6556.
Attachment.
cc: Ken Ford, Larry Soderholm, Lucy Thompson, Allan Torstenson, Planning Division
Bob Piram, Judy Bazr, Mike Hahm, Parks and Recxeation Division
Jill Danner, Chair, Parks and Recreation Comitiission
city of saint paul
planning commission resol�tion
file number 95-48
�te June 9, 1995
°l�-3 a5
DRAFT PA.RKS AND RECREATION PLAN: REV�W AND COMI��NT
VJHEREAS, the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Commission has released a draft Parks and
Recreation Plan for public review; and
WHEREAS, the new plan was undertaken at the request of the Parks Comnunission, to
update the existing plan that was adopted in 1985; and
WHEREAS, the plan was developed by a task force appointed by the Parks Commission, and
included two Plamiing Commission representatives; and
WHEREAS, according to the City's Administrative Code, the Parks Commission is charged
with recommending the proposed parks and recreauon element of the City's comprehensive
plan, and the Plamung Commission is charged with reviewing the proposed plan and making
recommendations with respect to the relationship of the plan to the overall comprehensive
plan and capital allocation policy of the Ciry, and making comments on any other planning
considerations; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has reviewed the draft plan, and has included its
comments in a memo to the Parks Commission dated 7une 9, 1995;
NOW, TAEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission approves the
comments included in the above referenced memo, and requests that the planning
administrator forward these comments to the Parks and Recreation Commission for its
consideration.
moved by Mac�dox
seconded by
in favor �na°Tm°us
against
� q�-3�5
Saint
�
. Pa�� _ Parks and Recreation Commission
300 C'iry Hall Annex, 25 W. 4th Sntet, Saint Paul, MN 55102 -- 612R66-6400
February 1, 1995
Mayor Norm Coleman
390 Ciry Hall
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102
Deaz Mayar Coleman:
The Parks and Recreation Commission has recommended the Saint Paul Parks and
Recreation Plan to you and the City Council far final adoption as a chapter of the City's
Comprehensive Plan. A memo from the Commission, detailing our recommendations, and a
copy of the plan are attached.
The Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan was developed by a task force that worked for
over two years, using focus groups, interviews, and workshops to ensure the plan
represented what St. Paul residents want for their parks and recreation system.
The new plan focuses on four goals: 1) xespons3ve park and recreation services; 2) safe,
attractive, and accessible park and recreation facilities; 3) parks which enhance neighborhood
stability and cohesiveness; and 4) balanced park development. In achieving these goals, the
plan also recognizes that we face several challenges. These include: 1) an increasingly
diverse populauon; 2) higher expectations of public service; 3) limited physical expansion of
the park and recreation system; and 4) budget lunitations and potential reductions.
In requesting this new plan, the Parks and Recreation Commission was interested in
addressing a broader range of issues than those covered in the 1985 plan, which focused on
delivery of recreauonal services. I feel that this plan will provide a comprehensive
framework for meeting the needs, challenges, and opportunities confronting our parks and
recreation system.
I join the Parks and Recreation Commission in urging you to transmit the Saint Paul Parks
and Recreation Plan to the City Council with your recommendation for its adoption.
Sincerely,
� �G��
7i11 Danner
Chair
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Commissioners:
Jill Danner, Chauperson; Terrence Huntrods, Vice-Chairperson
David Goodlow, Kenneth Mauer, Blia Moua, John O'Halloran, Carol Osip, Phil Ravitzky, Karen Skwira
�G•
Irtterdepartmerrtal Memorandum
CITY OF SAINT PAUL
DATE: February 2�, 1946
TO: Mayor Norm Coleman ��
FROM: Robert Piram, D'uector, Parks and Recreati�
Ken Ford, Planning Administrator �
RE: The Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan
The Saint Paul Administrative Code requires that whenever a Parks and Recreation Commission or
Planning Commission recommendation is transmitted to the Mayor, the Parks and Recrearion Division
and Planning Division staff also send along their recommendations.
Attached is the Parks and Recreation Commission's transmittal of a new Saint Pnul Parks and
�r Recreation Plan, and their request that you, in turn, transmit it to the CiTy Council with your
recommendation that it be adopted as a chapter of the Saint Paul Comprehensive Ptan. Part of the
transmittai packet is the recommendation of the Planning Commission, as required by the
Administrative Code.
Puks and Recreation Division and Planning Division staff worked closely with a community task
force cailed together by the Pazks and Recreation Commission to develop this new plan, which will
replace the existing 1985 plan chapter in the City's Comprehensive Plan. We are confident that this
new plan will provide a strong policy framework to meet the challenges and opportunities the pazks
and recreation system faces in the years ahead.
The plan's three major strategies also include elements that directly support some of your major
initiatives. These aze highlighted below:
Shaping City Character - emphasizes the importance of the city's open space and natural
resources, including the Mississippi River, in defining the ciTy's character and identity.
Building Community - recognizes the role of pazks and recreation facilities as neighborhood
focal points for community activity and life. These can be important building biocks in a
comprehensive communiTy development strategy.
Innovative Focusing of Resources - recognizes that budgets are limited and resources must be
carefully managed, supporting your interest in making sure government uses taxpayer dollars
efficienfly and wisely.
We }oin the Parks and Recreation Commission in recommending that you transmit the Saint Paul
Parks and Recreation Plan to the City Council with your endorsement. A transmittal letter is
included in this packet for your signature. We would be happy to meet with you to review the
particulars of the plan. To schedule a briefing, or if you have any questions or concerns, please don't
hesitate to call Bob Piram (266-6404), Ken Ford (266-6577), or ponna Drummond of the Planning
Division (266-6556).
� �','�`"Y` -
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Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan
Amendment
New Policy
Page 16.
:��-�._��-�
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Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan
Amendment
Policy #45
Page 24.
Add the underlined language
��-��.�.� -
�-i ! 3 I � �
�f � -� °�.5
45. Pursue opportunities to secure federal, state, and private
resources (e.q, grants, partnerships) when and where
possible to
a.
b.
c .
d.
Ensure free access to programs and facilities.
Provide the organizational capacity to change
service delivery, including the provision of new
services.
Build, operate and maintain facilities; and
Expand services beyond the general fund budget,
(e.g. specialist contracts, community education)
• - •-�' - - _- -�_- . -_ .. .�. . .- .
- - •
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�— ° I G -�aS
Proposed Amendment to Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan 4/3/96
The new policy suggested below (to foliow Policy 26 on p. 19) would encourage the City to
be open to new, emerging recreation trends, such as skateboarding, that will better meet the
recreation needs of St. Paul residents.
new 27. Consider �rovidinE facilities or oroerammina for alternative emerein�
recreation trends. �amcularlv those that meet the recreational needs of youth
(such as skateboardmel
�IG -��
Councilmember Mike Hazris
May 1, 1996
Proposed Amendments to Parks and Recreation Plan
Resolution 96-325
1. Objective 1 (p. �
--Add under Policy 2
c. Open a cleaner and more friendly river to swiinmers and other recreational users.
2. Objective 1 (p. �
under Policy 5
--Delete the last sentence.
Objective 2 (p. 8)
--Add under Policy 6
"river&ont character, including, but not limited to, opening the river&ont to more
personal recreation activities like swimming, fishing and canoeing."
4. Objective 4 (p. 12)
--Add under Policy 12
g. Review eacisting demographic and economic data for possible additions to identified
Neighborhood in Transition Centers.
Objective 8 (p. 19)
--Add under Policy 26
d. Maxinuzing our fixed assets to keep recreation centers open 7 days a week.
(Could also be under Objecrive 12)
6. Objective 10 (p. 21)
--Under policy 36 after the phrase "use of facilities," add "physical enhancement or
development of facilities and/or open spaces,"
--Add under policy 36 the following sentence
"Site plans for facility improvements will be submitted to the Platuring Commission and
City Council for review and approval."
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
7. Design and Development (p. 28)
Add statement "Modify city ordinances so that Parks and Recreation proposals for
physical enhancements of facilities and/or open spaces that require a site plan be
reviewed by the Plazining Commission and City Council.
8. Outreach, Awazeness, and Promotion (p. 29)
--amend number 19 to read: `Bxplore the possibility of moving Cafesjian's Cazousel to
Como Pazk."
�� ���
9. Outreach, Awareness, and Promotion (p.29)
--In response to Objective ? policy 28 (p. 19), Objective 12 policy 43 (p.23) and Finding
6(page 23) add item "Compile an inventory of all the joint use agreements that Pazks and
Recreafion has with various schools, universities and other institutions in order to
publicize the opportLwities for the pazks users. Furthermore, in light of recent facility
expansions by the St. Paul School District, Pazks and Recreation needs to clarify the
legal status of those agreements:'
10. Not sure of proper location:
--Include city participation in the Winter Carnival and a regulazly scheduled Ice Castle
(i.e. every five yeazs).
q�_3as
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan - Public Hearing Testimony
4/3/96 and 5/1/96
Packet includes comments/suggested changes from:
Council President Thune
Councilmember Rettman
District 2 Community Council
District 10 Community Council
°lG -sa.
; - ��/ ��
�
Proposed Ainendtnent to Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan 4/3/96
The new policy suggested below (to follow Policy 26 on p. 19) would encourage the City to
be open to ner,v, emerging recreation trends, such as skateboarding, that will better meet [he
recreation needs of St. Paul residents.
new 27. Consider orovidine facilities or oroQrammine for alternative emereinQ
recreatton trends particularlv those that meet the recreational needs o�outh
fsuch as sl.ateboardm2l
����� -
�13in�-
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan
Amendment
New Policy
Page 16.
Amendment•
�
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Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan
Amendment
Policy #45
Page 24.
Add the underlined language
45. Pursue opportunities to secure federal, state, and private
resources (e.g. grants, partnerships) when and where
possible to
a. Ensure free access to programs and facilities.
b. Provide the organizational capacity to change
service delivery, including the provision of new
services.
c. Build, operate and maintain facilities; and
d. Expand services beyond the general fund budget,
(e.g. specialist contracts, community education)
� • • - • � � • • . 11. • ' . � . ! • ' y ' • � •
• ' • ' � ' ' ' � . ' • - . • � � -
' ' 1 _ ' , • ' " '
a`-�asr
Specific lana age channes suggested - District 2
Parl� and Recreatiun Pl:ui
April 29, 1996
Qn Y. 5 nezd to add an item recoenizina nun-Dir•ision managed prop2r[ies as an�sset. Possible
languane - In lddition St Paul residen's benzfit from the use of recrea'ional and open space
manaaed bvQtt�e��tstie�._�.�_e�e i�LClude Ram�eX C�m��'at��. �Vate e artme�t o��pace.
Public R'orkG p�ndin� �id driinaee are�s wd prn�ate recreation lancLs.
Un P. 12, add an itzm: Policy 12 g CoorcIinat2 witii PubIic R%orks DN�R and Ramser-
Washin�ton Waterched District in the Plralea/Ames Lake wedand re�t�ration project
(adii t� map, paae 14)
On P. 12, amend as follu�vs; 13. Pursua uypui'ttuiities and joint-use partnersfups to acquire or
provide access to land for parks. open space. or ane� recrearion development accord'uzg to the
fOIlOWIIla CriYeI73�
On P. 23, add an item: 17 Work with Public Works DI�'R Ramsev-Washineton R'atershed
District and the Universitv of Minnesota to develop plans for the PhaleniAmes Lake wetland
restoration. (12j
Unresolved issues:
Upd2tilla Nei�hUorhoods in Transition plan - in �eneral, but specifically as it relates to Hazel
Park and Sackett. Perhaps this shouid be done �u an ameucLnent to that plari rather than fit into
his one?
Incorporation of ihe concepts contained in Phalen Chain of Lakes Watershed Ylan. Includine:
--Use of native species in plantinns.
--Natural border grasses and plantings on Phalen lakeshore and other park ares.
--Runoff control.
--Role of Yarks Division in puUlic education.
--Use of more environmentally-friendly plantings in general, rather than "flat mow." g'ooming of
all park areas.
L
_�r���
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.. � District IO - Como Community Council
- ' Dear Councilmembers, ' �
Thank yo� for alIowinL District �10 to make a thoron�h review of the Pazks and Recreauon
Division Compreheusive Ptan and offer our su�gesdons for a stron�er plan. As you know, the residents of the
Como Pazk neighborhood fiave a strong inferest in issues that affect the future of Como Pazk: As well we
shaze the Iazger goal of maintaining a healthy parks. and recreauon system that meets the varied. needs of
our city. '
We were delighted to see in this ptan a recognition of the. pubtic's desire fot an added emphasis on
preservation of the natural resources of the park system. Rre also feel ihat the pvblic, and certainly our
community, desires reco�ition of tl�e value of azeas that have cultural or historicai value as well. The
actions of the Sain[ Paut Heritaoe Preservation Coaunission, the establishment of the Saint Paul Historic
Streets Task Force and indeed, the paasing of a resoluuon by the Pazks Comuussion backing a study of onr
iustoric resources a11 illustrate �ater concem for preservin� and renewing sites and azeas of culturat signifr-
cance.' •
District # 10 offers by w ay of tfiese chanaes to t6e lan�uage of the pIan an opportunity to make these
commitunents explicit ia a document tfiat mast not be vague if it is to be useful or effecflve. .The requests
that wa aze making fall into four azeas: '
i)
2}
3)
4)
ihat language conceming the preservation, protection, and regeneration of the city's open space
and natmaf resources be expanded to include resources of iristoricai or cuttural value; the w6ote
of the resonrce base bein� termed it's "environmental resources."
strengthening the Iangaage requiring the. Pazks and Recreatiori Division to include the
District Councils in settzng planning and dev'elopment priorities and requiring timely
notification and consultaGon with t(�e District Councils regarding acGons that we wou]d
reasoa ably be expected to have an interestin. ��
comple6on and maintenaqce of an inventory, using estabiished standazds, of the" environmen
fal resaucces" within the property ander Puks and RecreaHon Division's control. �
alter language referring to comp]eUOn of 3he Como Park Master Plari to pursaeing satis- ,
facrion of the Como Pazk Master Pian goais. _ T6e " goals" of the Master Plan aze expIic-
idy stated within the Master Plan documeni itself and accomplish the task of describing
what the Pazks and Recreation Division hopes to accomplish for the pazk. What the _
"goats" do not do is prescribe spec�c remedies for.these issues. Some of the specific
projects in the plan do not have the support of the_ community and as such sbould not be "
adopted as policy. We have not heazd similaz objections to the goals of the
plan and feel ihaY the door must be kept open for consideraiion of altetna6ve approaches.
Neazly fifteen yeazs have passed since the adoption of this plan and it is not surpris ing to see
prioriues.of the community and the Ciry shift as is evidenced by people's interest ia preservation
of the natural and culturai resou�es.
We tl�ank you for your thoughtful consideration of our suggestions. and look forward to providing �
whatever exptanation or ciarification you request.
SincereIy,
J
, �� ,� ,_
�
Tom Kelly, Chair �
r�,....., o.,.L r....,.,,:,.ee n
- � ` _� ° Z�
DISTRICT 10 COMO COMMUNITY COUNCI.L'S. �
SUGGESTED LANGUAGE FOIZ INCLUSION WITH THE
SAINT PAUL PARKS AND RECREA3'ION PLAN
A CHAPTER OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
. APRIL 25, 1996 �
DENNIS O'ROURKE ,
COUNCIL PRESIDENT
ToM_KELLY _ • . ' . ..
DISTRICT 10 COMO.PARK COMMITi'EE CHAIR ,_
. . " .
THiS DOCUMENT wAS PZiII�TED ON RECYCLED PAPER . ' � � �'
1 .: . ��-� ��"
. Sugges�ed I;anguage Ckanges for following areas. ;°:
� Parks Overview : : - .
Sha�ng Cif�Character , _ �
� Obj:1c Encourage protection; preservation, and� regeneration of the city's open
space and�nvironmental resources.
Obj. 4: Fulfill_ park_development priorities: . �
Obj: 5: Enhance the City and its neighborhoods.
• Buildin�Communitv � '
Obj. 10: Foster opporEunities for on-going community arid citizen involvemerit
and feedback. ' - . � .
Parks and Recreation Plan - � . .
Suggested L:anguage from District 10 Como Communiry Council • April 25,1996
' �. _1-'
Objective ?: Encourage protection, preservation, kizd regeneration of tke cify's opetz
sj�kce andx�ttrn�F envirotta�:ental resources �
Saint Paul's open space and� environmental resources pxovide many
benefits. Environmental resources consist of natural and cultural features and
� areas. Undeveloped "natural" areas help shape and soften the built environment,
provide habitat for plants and.wildlife, and improve the overall environmental
quality of the Ci.ty. However, the amount of open space in the City is limited� and
both it and environmental resources are uulnerable to increasing development
pressures and�ierrdegradation. While much of our remaining open_space is
. in public ownership, park designation does not necessarily protect e�ert-�s�aEeit nor
a-x�� environmenEal resources. The Division is continuously confronted
with demands to expand recreational opportuniEies and increase access fo develo�ed
and undeveloped parkland. Consequently, the City's open space and-rrattxa�
environmenEal resources may become vulnerable to unwarranted use and
degradation. A conscious effort must be Eaken to ensure Eheir protection and
preservation for enjoyment by future generations e�eciall� before future
development takes�lace, Becau"se neiEher ecological systems nor cultural features �
are -aet confined fo the City's boundaries, protection and .preservation efforts "must
be coordinated at a-regie�r�ia�r er ledel.
Policies: -
1, Manage the City's park and recreation system to ensure:
a: .. Preservation and resforation of environniental resources;
b. Management of all parkland and open space in an environmentally sound
and sustainable manner, .
c Opportunities for all citizens to enjoy, appreciate, and understand the.City's
� ��environmental areas. �
2. - Proeide leadership and coordinafion with federal, state, regional and local
auEhorities to:
�
�
Parks and Recreation Plan -
Suggested Language from Disirict 10 Como Community Council' • Apri125,1996. --_,_ -
-2-
designations. and coordinated with the Metro Region Forest Resource
ManagemenE Plan and the Ci ,'ty s Le�islative Code �erEainin�to heritage
preservation.
Develop management and protection strategies for endangeted species
3.
���
and/or sensiHve,habitats and cultural resources:
�-c: Provide and coordinate adequate and consisEent enforcement of '
: regulations to "profect cultural resources: water quality; wetlands, native '-
�- habitats; � the river corridor, and other surrounding envi'rons: .
d. ': Pursue the possibilitv of restoring or reconstructing wetlands within
_ oark and open s�ace areas. ._ .
Pursue opporEunities and partnerships to acquire land specifically for operi
space and�1•envirorimental resource protection according-to anTof the
following criteria:
a. Areas confaining species included on the State or Federal list of
endangered or threatened species;
b. Areas representing significant landforms, native plant communities,.er
sensitive habitat, or cuituxal resources:
c. Areas that connecE existing components of Ehe open space network; and
d. Areas.adjacent Eo existing parkland/open spaces. . ' .�
Support and strengtheri citywide tree preservation and reforesEation efforts.
a. Establish a Tree Advisbry Board to.help oversee fhe �lanning and
. �., , . .. � .
�
5. . Take advantage of opportunities that arise from redevelopment activities to
add to or enhance the City's open space and natural resources. Priority will be :
given to opportunities that do not add publicly=owned and developed .. .
parkland that will require addifional public maintenance or operating .
expenses,_ ' - .
a
Parks and Recreation Plan - .
Suggested Language from District 10 Como Commvnity Council • ApriT 25,1996
. _
�
�
- Objecfive 4: Fulfili park �ieveToysnent priorifies _ :
The park system is tontinuaIly being deveIoped� an� redeveloped, and -
rehabilitated. Many projects are necessary to ensure that eo le-��#ea�-' .
- _ •�__,..
�a� liave adequate access to qualif;��ark and recreational .opportunities.
� Others aie necessary to modemize park facilities and ensure that they meet current
codes: i'ark development priorities change tHrough. the years as environmental and
- recreational demands and needs change arid the Division musE continue to explore
oppbrfunities Eo meet these needs. However, there are some projecEs that currently .
' stand out because ot their magnitude and potenEial_impact on the entire Cify re ion.
To realize these projects, they must become the grimary focus of park_ development
efforts and resources iri the coming years. �
Polic'ies: .
11." Tn the Regional Parks and Open Space System, the City will give priority Eo ali
of the following (map) aftei environrriental resource inventories have been
com�leted (see Objective 1 Policy 2.a�
a. . Completion of the Como Park Ivtaster Plan goals --�; .-
b Completion of plans to improye_the river front_(see Obj. 2, policy_7);
, c. �.. Development of recreational trails (see Objectiye 3).
, _ .
Parks and Recreation Plan - . ' �
Sugges#ed Language from District 10 Como Communiry Council • Apri125,1996 -
: _4_ .
�1�-3 as
Ofijecfive 5: EnFsattce the City and its xeigFiborF:oods �,_ .
' Parks. and recreation facilities enhaace the quality of the Cify and its neighborhoods.
They function as the public s"backyard", giying re&idents places to play, sociaiize, _
and relax. Attractive, well=maintained park and recreation facilities become focal
painEs of neighborhood pride and identity. In some cases, parks can pose co.ncerns
for adjacent property ov�ners, thereby diminishing appreciation of a park as a.
neighborhood asset. In addition, the values of parks as neighboihood concezns
about perceived negatiye impacts, such as when a recreationai trail is proposed
� adjacent to private properfy, need to be balanced by the recreational needs of the
�. �1�, ____�,,._�.. _.. :-._,�_T_ - ion. The City must continue to work to foster
appropriate design, maintenance, and communi ,ty involvemerit to ensuie parks
enhance neighborhoods as well as serve e�-t�t the broader public. �
Polieies:
14. Provide site and facility�desig,n, rehabilitation, and retro-fitting that: .
a. : Meets or exceeds accepted standards £or safety, security, durability
maintenarice and accessibility; � .
b. - Meets user needs for support facilities such as trans ortati n
lighting, drinkirig water, zestroom, signage;
. c Respects and -- �zsbreserves the nat�ral and. histor'ic environment; �
- d. . Respects and enitances neighborhood identity; `. .
, e. Minimiies impacts on surroundirig neighborhoods.
� 25. Pxovide resources to supporE site and facility maintenance that:
�, a. - Is appropriate to the size and_u"se of the facility; �
b. Enhances visiliility anct attractiveness; �
c. . Maximizes safety and security: _ •
16. Provide resources to ensure timely repair, maintenance, and/or replacement
of park facilities to minimize accidents and safety hazards and improve
appearance.
17. Involve neighborhood residents, park users, and community groups in
plannin�, development, programirig, and maintenance of parks. (see Obj. IQ,
policy 36) " . .
Parks and Reueation Plan -
Suggesfed Language from District 10 Como Coinmuniry Council • Apri125,199b
_g_ � ..
36. Involve all constituents (residents, park users, interest groups) iri setting
baIanced priorities for �lanning� devela�ment, programing, maintenance, use
of faciIifies, and other park and recreation reiated matters. =
a.. Use of the Ci 's Earl� Notification S�stem Polic�and Procedure will be
used• _
b. AlI nearb� district councils ivill be invited iit the`site revieiv�rocess
- . : from its beginning . ,
Obpective 10: Foster opportunities for otz,-goiizg cornmunity and citizen �
�=irivolvernen# and eedback � � .
f...
Tnvolving citizens iri decisions regarding park development; operations, -
' and.maintenance gives them a sense of ownership, responsibility, and control.
Residents play an important role in helping staff identify park and recreatiori rieeds
specific to their neighborhood. In 1990 the Ciey took a signi£icant step in provid'uig a
forum for- citizen_involvement in the �lanning inanagement, operations, and
development �of the park and recreation system by establishing the Saint Paul Parks �
and Recreation Commission. -E��g x andin suppoit for citizen
participation must be provided to ensure�ei�that invoivement is meaningful and
effective and has a clear impact on the quality of park and recreation senrices..
Policies:
: r_. . Detailed minutes of all Parks and Reerearion Commis ion and .
commiftee meetings wiIl be available. ".
e
Parks and Recreation Plan -
Suggested Langctage from District 10 Como Community Council • AprIl 25,1996
. _6_ . .
q(�_ ��s
Councilmember Mike Harris
May i, 1996
Proposed Amendments to Parks and Recreation Plan
Resolufion 96-325
Objecfive 1 (p. 7}
--Add under Policy 2
c. Open a cIeaner and more &iendly river to swinuners and other recreational users.
2. Objective 1 (p.'�
under Policy 5
--Delete the last sentence.
3. Objective 2 (p. 8)
--Add under Policy 6
"riverfront chazacter, including, but not limited to, opening the river&ont to more
personal recreation activities like swimming, fishing and canoeing."
4. Objective 4 (p. 12)
--Add under Policy 12
g. Review existing demographic and economic data far possible additions to identified
Neighborhood in Transition Centers.
5. Objective 8 (p. 19)
--Add under Policy 26
d. Maeimizing our fixed assets to keep recreation centers open 7 days a week.
(Could also be under Objectiva 12)
6. Objective 10 (p. 21)
--Under policy 36 after the phrase "use of facilities," add "physical enhancement or
development of facilities and/or open spaces,"
--Add under policy 36 the foilowing sentence
"Site plans for facility improvements will be submitted to tke Plamiing Commission and
City Council for review and approval."
IMI'LEMENTATION PLAN
7. Design and Development (p. 28}
Add statement "Modify ciry ordinances so that Parks and Recreation proposals for
physical enhancements of facilities andlor open spaces that require a site plan be
reviewed by the Plamiing Commission and Ciry Council.
8. Outreach, Awareness, and Promotion (p. 24)
--amend number 19 to read: `Bxplore the possibility of moving Cafesjian's Carousel to
Como Pazk."
�'�_3aS
9. Oimeach, Awareness, aad Promotion (p29)
--In response to Objective 7 policy 28 (p. 19}, Objective 12 policy 43 (p.23} and Finding
6(gage 23) add item "Compile an inventory of all the joint use agreements that Pazks and
Recreation has with various schools, universities and other inscitutions in order to
publicize the opportwuties for the parks users. Furthermore, in iight of recent facility
eapansions by the St. Paul School District, Pazks and Recreation needs to clarify the
legai status of those agreements."
1Q. Not sure of proper location:
--Include city participafion in the Winter Canuval and a regulazly scheduIed Ice Casfle
(i.e, every five years).
��-3�S
0
�IT'Y OF SAINI' PAUL
Norm Coleman, Mayor
390 Ciry Hall
IS Y➢est KeRogg Boulevard
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Zelephone: 612-266-8510 �r °"'�'"
Facsimile: 6I2-228A513
February 28, 1996
Council President Dave Thune and
Members of the City Council
310.B City Hall
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102
Deaz President Thune and Members of the City Council:
Enclosed is the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan, a comprehensive plan for the ciry's pazks and
recreation system developed at the request of the Parks and Recreation Commission. I recommend it
to you for adoption as a chapter of the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan.
The plan was prepared at the request of the Parks and Recreation Commission to replace the existing
1985 plan. The communiry-based task force that developed this new plan included representatives of
the Pazks and Recreation Commission, Plamiing Commission, and citizens with various backgrounds
and interests related to parks and recreation. Workshops, focus groups, and interviews were used to
ensure that the plan represents what Saint Paul residents want for their parks and recreation system.
After holding a public heazing on the task force-recommended plan, the Parks and Recreation
Commission pcepazed its recommendations, which are included in the attached plan and memo. The
Commission's recommendations reflect testimony received at the public hearing, and written
testimony received from six boards or agencies, including the Saint Paul Planning Commission. As
required by the Administrative Code, the Planning Commission's recommendations are also attached
for your information.
The Pazks and Recreation Plan's three major strategies contain recommendations that directly support
my interest in fhe riverfront, community development, and carefui management of government
resources. I am also confidern that the plan will provide a strong policy framework to help us meet
the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing our parks and recreation system in the yeazs ahead. I
am pleased to transmit this pian for your consideration. I urge its adoption.
Sin ely,
O,Q� ICiL.�/�
orm Coleman
Mayor
cc: Jill Danner, Chair, Pazks and Recreafion Commission
Robert Piram, Director, Parks and Recreation Division
Donna Druimnond, Dept. of Planning and Economic Development
Sainf
�� �
�l � -3 �
C1��i_
300 Ciry Hall Annex, 25 W. 4th Strat, Saint Paul, MN 55102 •• 612R66-6400
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February i, 1996
TO: Mayor Norm Coleman
Ciry Council President Dave Thune and
Members of the Ciry Council
FROM:
'
Tntroduction
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Commission
Parks and Recreation Plan: Recommendation for Adoption
The Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Commission is forwarding to you for your review a new Saint
Paul Parks and Recreation Plan. This plan, which wiil be a chapter in the City's Comprehensive
Plan, was undertaken at the request of the Commission to replace the exisring plan that was adopted
in 1985. The new plan was developed by a task force that included representatives of the Pazks
Commission and Planning Commission, as well as cirizens with various intexests and backgtounds
retated to parks and recreation. The pian provides a decision framework of strategies and specific
policies to guide future development, operations, and maintenance of the Saint Paul parks and
recreation system.
Process
On May 17, 1995 the Pazks and Recreation Commission held a public hearing on the draft Pazks and
Recreation Plan developed by flie Park Planning Task Force. The Commission reviewed the verbal
and written comments received, and have recommended changes fo the plan based on this testimony.
The testunony, and the Commission's response to that testimony, are described below. Resulting
changes to the pian recommended by the Commission are highlighted in the attached copy of the pian.
Deletions are crossed out, and additions aze underlined. Inciuded in the swcunary of the testimony
are comments from the Plarming Commission and the Parks Commission's response. As required by
Sec. 105.06(c) of the Acltsiinistrative Code, the Plamiiug Commission's cornments aze attached for
your information.
Six people spoke at the public hearing, and written comments were received from five boards or
agencies and five individuals. The Commission met with Parks and Recreation Division and Planning
Division staff to review the testimony and decide what changes to recommend based on this input.
The Commission concluded that the plan should remain concise and focused. The Commission also
feels strongly that the plan must resuit in careful management of the Ciry's increasingly linuted
resources, focusing on whaYs most important, and avoiding overcommiunent of Ciry resources.
Given these premises, the Commission carefuliy considered aii comments and has recommended only
Saint Panl Parks and Recreation Commissioners:
7i11 Danner, Chairpersoa; Terrence Huatrods, Vice-Chairperson
David Goodlow, Kenneth Mauer, Blia Moua, John O'Halloran, Carol Osip Phil Ravitzky, Karen Skwira
�l�
Mayor Coleman and Members of the Ciry Council
Re: Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan
February 1, 1996
those changes that measurably strengthen the plan as a policy document. In addition, a few minor
wording changes have been recommended in some places to correct typographical errors or insure
consistency in phrasing.
Public Testimonv
A brief summary of tlte public hearing testimony received, followed by the Commission's response
and recommended changes, if any, is given below. A copy of the plan, with the recommended
changes indicated, is attached.
Plauning Commission
These are the areas that the Planning Commission commented on:
Maps. There should be more of them in the text to illustrate plan policies, more inventory
maps in the appendix, and the trail map should be coordinated with the Transportation Plan
Bicycle Route map.
Recommendation: The following maps have been added: a) Major River Access Points and
Views; b) Regional Parks and Open Space Priorities; c) Local Parks and Recreation System
Priorities; d) Inventory maps showing puks and parkways, specialized recreation facilities,
and recreation centers. The trail map has been coordinated with the Transportation Plan
bicycle route map.
2. Action Plan. Some of the action steps need to be more specific.
Recommendation: The 1995-1996 Action Plan has been revised to make action steps as
specific as possible. Also, it has been updated to 1996-1997, since 1995 is nearly over.
3. Plan updating. The plan should be reviewed and updated if necessazy whenever a new two
year action plan is approved.
Recommendation: New policy 54, p. 21 on periodic updating has been added.
4. Integration of parks plauning with other initiatives. The City should take advantage of
opportunities that arise from redevelopment activities to add to or enhance the city's open
space and natural resources.
Recommendation: A new policy 5(p. 7) is recommended to address this.
5. Mississippi River. The Pazks Plan should give greater emphasis to the River and the
oppominities it represents for the city.
Recommendation: Many detailed changes were recommended by the Planning Commission.
The Parks Commission carefully reviewed these suggested changes, and recommends some
� �-3�5
Mayor Coleman and Members of the City Council
Re: Saint Paul Pazks and Recreation Plan
February 1, 1996
that increase the plan's emphasis on the River, yet keep the plan concise and focused. These
changes aze on: p. 5- Finding 8; and p. 8- Objective 2.
BicVCle Advisorv Board
The BAB's written wmments fall under four main azeas:
L T7•ail system map. Many changes to the trail map in the plan draft are needed to: make it
more accurate (including showing parkways); make it consistent with the Transportation Plan
map, including showing the three principal recreational routes (Saint Paul Grand Round Loop,
Mississippi River Trail, and Capitol Route); and show connections to trails outside St. Paul.
Recommendation: An unproved trail system map, developed with input from Bicycle
Advisory Board members, is included in the plan.
2. New policies. Add several new policies related to education regarding bicycle safety and
environmental protection. Add a policy giving top priority to the three principal recreational
trail systems.
Recommendarion: Revise an existing policy, giving priority to completion of the three
principal trail systems, and adding the Phalen Creek Trail. See revised policy 8(p.9).
3. Trail System Design Standards. Add an appendix to the plan with specific design standards.
Recommendation: Modify Policy 9.a to refer to AASHTO (Am. Assoc. of State Highway
and Transportation Officials) standards. Adding the actual design standards to the plan
appendix is unnecessary.
4. 1995-1996 Action Steps. Detailed recommendations for actions to add or improve bike lanes
and trails over the next two yeazs.
Recommendafion: Many of the BAB recommendations deal with providing on-street bike
lanes, many in conjunction with street reconstruction projects. The Dept. of Public Works is
responsible for any on-street striping for bike Ianes. Parks and Recreation staff generally feel
that on-street bicycle lanes primarily serve a transportation function, and as such should be
dealt with in the City's Transportation Policy Plan. This plan is currently being updated by
the Planning Commission, and the public hearmg draft has extensive policies dealing witfi
bikeway development. The Parks staff will continue to work with the BAB to coordinate the
recreational trail system, which serves pedestrians and other trail users as well as bicyclists,
with the on-street bicycle transporation system.
Public Hearine Verbal Testimonv
Five individuals spoke at the public hearing regazding: more riverfront facilities; more family-oriented
attractions; integrate pazk planning with other City redevelopment activities; emphasize winter
��-3�
Mayor Coleman and Members of the Ciry Council
Re: Saint Paul Pazks and Recreation Plan
February 1, 1996
activities; and pazk/open space needs in Snelling-Hamline.
Recommendation: These individuals raised important issues related to the pazk system. This input
wili be considered as Pazks staff and the Pazks Commission deal with specific issues and siruations
that arise. Two of the issues raised warrant changes to the plan: 1) Regazding integration of pazk
planning with redevelopment activities, a new policy has already been recommended above (new 5, p.
7); and 2) a new policy on family-oriented facilities and attractions is recommended on p. 12, new
23.
District 2 Communitv Council
The letter from this wmmunity council included 16 specific comments relating to a wide variety of
topics, addressing areas such as acquisition, referencing of other City pians in the Parks Plan,
recognizing open space owned by other governmental units or privately owned, trails, reevaluating
NIT centers, neighborhood parks, safety, and restoring the wetland at Phalen Shopping Center.
Recommendafion: These are important issues related to the park system. Again, this input will be
considered as Parks staff and the Parks Commission deal with specific issues and situations that arise.
Afrer careful consideration, no specific changes in wording are recommended. In many instances, the
Community Council's suggestions deal with actively expanding the city's parks system. The
Commission feels that Policy 13, which defines criteria for acquisition of or access to land for pazks
and recreation development, adequately deals with these issues. Specific situations wiil be looked at
on a case-by-case basis, following these criteria. In other instances, the Commission agreed with the
statements but felt they didn't need to be specifically addressed in the Parks Plan, or felt that the
issues were adequately dealt with by the existing plan policies. It should be noted that the District 2
Plan and the Phalen Village Small Area Plan, which the Communiry Council felt should be referenced
in the Parks Plan, are also considered adopted chapters of the Ciry's Comprehensive Plan. The plans
need to compiement one another, but do not need to repeat each other.
District 10 Communitv Council
This community council raised three main issues: 1) resource protection should be emphasized over
recreation needs; 2) an inventory of environmental resources (cultural and natural) is needed; and 3)
there should be more outreach by the Parks Commission to community groups.
RecommendaHon: The existing plan drafr promotes fmding a balance between protecting resources
and being responsive to recreational needs. Natural resource inventories and resouxce management
plans ue identifed as specific action steps for 1996-1997. Finally, the Parks Commission has
discussed and will continue to discuss and explore ways in which it can better communicate with the
broader communiry.
National Park Service
The letter from NPS was generally supportive and complimentary of the pian draft. The NPS feels
many of the policies related to the Mississippi River aze supportive of the Comprehensive
�� -3 �
Mayor Coleman and Members of the Ciry Council
Re: Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan
February 1, 1996
Management Plan for the Mississippi Nauonal River and Recreation Area (MNRRA). They
especially support increasing physical and visual access to the River, including developing trails along
the river and "neighborhood linkages" to the River. The NPS is interested in worldng with the City
on this, and also in pursuing education parinership opportunities. Finally, the letter points out a
correction needed in Finding 3, p. 5 related to increases in pazkland acreages.
Recommendation: The Parks staff wIll continue to work with NPS on the MNRRA when there aze
opportunities to do so. Also, correction made to acreage figure reference in Finding 3, p. 5.
Letters from Individuals
Five letters from individuals were received. The major issues raised aze listed on the attached public
hearing issue summary.
Recommendation: As stated above, this input raises unportant issues related to the park system.
Some of the issues have been addressed in the responses above. Other comments related to format
and graphics will be considered during final plan production following City Council approval. In
general, this input will be considered as Parks staff and the Parks Commission deal with specific
issues and situations that arise, but do not warrant additional changes to the plan draft, with one
exception. The plan does not directly reference the three-tier system for recreation centers approved
as part of the 1985 Parks Plan, nor does it discuss the service delivery team approach to staffing
recreation centers that is being explored and is referenced in the Action Plan. An additional finding
(new 4) on p. 14 is recommended.
Parks Couimission Recommended Chanee
The Parks Commission also recommends a change to Recommendation 12 dealing with local parks
and recreation system priorities, deleting e. "redevelopmern/replacement of obsolete neighborhood
recreation centers", and replacing it with e. "improvement of facilities that support oppominities for
coordination and partnership". The Commission feels the City's emphasis should be on looking for
opporiunities to provide recreational services in the most cost-effective manner while still meeting the
recreational needs of the ciry's residents. This may or may not involve redeveloping or replacing
obsolete recreation centers.
The Parks and Recreation Commission looks forward to your adoption of this new Saint Paul Parks
and Recreation Plan. If you have any questions about the plan or these recommendations, please call
Jill Danner, chair of the Pazks and Recreation Commission (224-7910); Robert Piram, Superintendent
of Parks and Recreation (266-6404); or ponna Drununond of the Planning Division staff (266-6556).
Attachments.
cc: Robert Piram, Parks and Recreation Division
Ken Ford and Donna Drummond, Planning Division
Parks and Recreation Division Managers
Parks and Recreation Commission public hearing testiFiers
distribution
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or your information p please see me
❑ necessary action ❑ prepare reply
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❑ note and return O sign q y� � r , �
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Saint
. Pa�
Parks and Recreation Commissi
300 Ciry Hall Armcx, 25 W. 4th S�cct, Saint Paui, MN 55102 -- 612R66-6400
mrEazoxnrmu�z � `'� d �y .�c s�_ � � i �' �
DATE:
� TO:
FROM:
June 12, 1996
'�uitc�l �ri �/a�9b o,t
City Council President bave Thune and R S' a �" i �''� �
Members of the Saint Paul City Council c��nSe S �n�f e c� �iP�"� �/t
( J
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Commission `��f� ��m+�ss�cv� rec�.nw+�^���,`�"�'b� s
acce exc�'r wHzre naxd-�
RE: Parks and Recreation Plan: Recommended Changes Based on City Council Public
Hearing Testimony
Introduction
On April 3 and May 1, 1996, the City Council conducted public hearings on the draft Saint Paul
Parks and Recreation Plan, as recornmended by the Parks and Recreation Corrunission. Five people
spoke at the public hearing (mostly in support of written comments), and writtzn testimony was
received from seven individuals or groups. The City Council asked the Pazks and Recreation
Commission to consider this testimony, and recommend appropriate changes to the plan. This memo
summarizes the oral testimony, and provides a point-by-point Parks Commission response and
recommendation to the written testunony.
Oral Testimonv
On April 3, three people spoke at the hearing. Chip Welling, Merriam Park resident, stated that
the City has a great parks system. He said bicycle lane striping on Summit Ave. has been a major
improvement, although downtown is still bad for bicyclists. He supports the current and future
improvemznts depicted on the Trail System map (p. 11). Paul Gilliland, District 2 resident, spoke
in support of written comments submitted by the District 2 Community Council (covered below).
Wiil Sorle'in, Arlington Youth Club, noted that Arlington Recreation Center, al[hough one of the
smallest recreation centers in the city at 2 acres, has the sixth highest level of participation and use.
He said the inventory of recreation centers on p. 38 should be corrected in that Arlington has no
tennis or basketball court, and only 1 sofrball field.
On May 1, two people spoke at the hearing. Tom Kelly, chair, Como Park Committee, Disfrict
10, spoke in support of written comments submitted by the District 10 Como Community Council
(covered below). Karen Swenson, District 2 resident, spoke in support of slightly revised written
comments submitted by the District 2 Community Council (covered below).
Written Tesfimonv
Written comments were submitted by 7 individuals or groups. These are presented in full as
submitted, with a staff response following each point. The written comments submitted are in regular
type, the Commission response is in italics. Suggested deletions to the text of the plan are crossed
out, additions are underlined. The Commission wouid like to emphasize that any additions to the plan
' Saint Paul Parks and RecreaGon Commissioners:
Jill Danner, Chairperson; Terrence Huntrods, Vice-Chairperson >r_ .
— • - — -. _. . .. .... . _ _ . ..... .. �. , ,. ..� . ,. _ . .— �' -- ��_. :_ . -
a�.-� as
Council President Thune and Members oi the City Council
June 12, 1996
that would require additional resources (staff, facilities, or both) should be qualified by the availability
of adequate resources.
Council President Dave Thune
" The new policy suggested belo�v (to follow Policy 26, under Objective 8 on p. 19) would encourage
the City to be open to new, emerging recrea[ion trends, such as stiateboardine, that will better meec
the recreation needs of St. Faul residents. y
Objective 8: Provide recreation facilities and pro�rzmming that contributes to s[able neighborhoods.
new 27. Consider nrovidine facilities or proerammine for alternative, emereina recreation
trends, particularlv those that meet the recreational needs of vouth (such as
skateboardin¢).
Commission response: Agree, hotivever, it would be best to avoid the reference to a specific activiry,
tivhich may become limiting.
Councilmember Janice Rettman
'` Add a new policy 24, p. 16, under Objective 6
City's park and recreation system.
Foster the economic developmenc poten[ial of the
24. Pursue oublic/orivate workine partnershiDS in reaional Darks onlv if additiona] financinQ
sources will promote the adeauate maintenance of current park facilities and proerammine as
we11 as ensure that the St. Paul Regional Parks remain free and accessible to all.
Cornmissiorz response: Slightly modified wording is recommended to clarify memiing. 24. Pursue
patbliclprivate partnerships in reeional parks that ,�inanciativ sup�ort the adequate maintenance of
� includin9i LJrnoZco Gnd
Add the underlined language to policy 45, p. 24, under Objective 13: Increase utilization of �� �
supplemental resources.
�
45. Pursue opportunities to secure federal, state, and private resources (e.g. grants, partnerships)
when and where possible to:
a. Ensure free access toprograms and facilities���clkd�'n�'� �rno �ce a.�d C�;�se��va"'�ar./)
b. Provide the or anizational ca acit to chan�e service delive �
g p y o ry, including the provision
of new services.
c. Build, operate, and maintain facilities; and
p,cS�� d. Expand services beyond the general fund budget (e.g. specialist contracts, community
education)- provided thatthe intent of the Parks Division is to expand access or
opportunities for citizens and not develop programs or expand services onlv to solely
generate revenues or establish a special revenue fund.
Commz ' • First, slight t e ing is rec n e ' mea ' " r
`�
��-�as
Council President Thune and Members of the City Council
June 12, 1996
affordable" afrer ee in a. tivord 'f'ree" could prohibit chargin en a modest fee for programs
and use of facilities for which the 's notiv a fee (e.g. skiing, . Second, the additional language
suggested for d. is probably not �:ecess if Iooked at ' e contzrt of the objective. The paragraph
exp(aining Obj. I3: "Increase uti(ization of s eniai resources. " under x�hicia policy 45 is found
(p. 24), exp?ains the intent of this policy b� atin ,"Supplemental resources s�ch as fzes, granu, and
partnerships, a[Ioiv the Division to vide services peo want which appropriated funds alone
cannot support. In some e , supplemental resources are essary to ens«re access to services for
a11 mernbers of our muniry ". 1he Parks Division should not p ide services solely to generate
revenues far er programs, unless the reverate generated is funneled � to support parks and
recre ' n activities.
Councilmember Mike Harris
Objective 1: Encourage protection, preservation, and regeneration of the city's open space and natural
resources.
* Add to Policy 2, p. 7.
2.
0.c ��� ��
Provide leadership and coordination wi[h federal, state, regional, and local authorities to:
a. Develop management and protection strategies for endangered species and/or sensitive
habitaCS;
b. Provide adequate and consistent enforcement of regulations to protect water quality,
wetlands, native habitats, and the river corridor.
c. Onen a cleaner and more friendlv river to swimmers and other recreational users.
�z po e: The Commission beli are safer
River. addition without e specific re ence to
than the
as
'` Delete the last sentence of Policy 5, p. 7.
Take advantage of opportunities that arise from redevelopment activities to add to or enhance
the City's open space and natural resources.
..AA ....�1: i.. .. ..vA �.,A Av..ei....vA ..n�7.7....A �hnh ., :11 .. ..AA:ti....nl .�..L.1:..
' b '
Commission response: The Ciry needs to be open to aI1 opportunities to add open space, but
particularly in those cases where there wi1L not be an additional maintenance or operating cost for the
Ciry. The sentence should remain in.
" Add to Policy 6, p. 8.
6. Encourage riverfront development that is environmentally compatible with its unique location
� J � and fos[ers a pazk-like riverfront character, includin¢ but not limited to. opening the riverfront
Q ,._ 1 _' to more personal recreation activities like swimminQ, fishing, and canoein2.
��-ePrrc{
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Council President Thune and Members of the City Council
June 12, 1996
to sp
rnay b
> in the
re: Agree, if t addition 's ended afrer
activities. eference to sn ifrc activitie
again, rhe
be too 1X�
ed about
" Add to Policy 12, p. 12, under Objective 4: Fulfill park development priorities.
12. In the Local Parks and Recreation System the City will give priority to all of the following
(map):
a.
b.
�
�
Completion of Community Reczeation Centers (North Dale and Battle Creek);
Focus on upgrading ideniified Neighborhoods in Transition centers:
Provision of facilities to accommodate emerging sports and other activities;
Redevelopmentof Highland Park;
Improvement of facilities that support opportunities for coordination and partnership;
Upgrading of Swede Hollow Park •, and
Review of existine demographic and economic data for �ossible additions to identified
Neighborhoods in Transition Centers.
Commissio�z response: Agree, but with the replacement of "additions" with "changes".
% Add to Policy 26, p. 19, under Objective 8: Provide recreation facilities and prograznming that
contributes to stable neighborhoods.
26. Provide recreation programming that helps build a sense of community through:
a. Responsiveness to the diverse needs and desires of residents;
b. Enhancement and celebration of neighborhood identity;
c. Improved outreach to all residents, including those not currently using recreation
services- and
d. Maximizin� our fixed assets to keep recreation centers open 7 davs a week.
Commission response: Agree, with slightly mod�ed wording to ciarify meaning and better match the
phrasing of the rest of the recommendation, as foZlows: d. Keepine recreation centers o�n 7 days a
week as need and available resources pernzit.
�` Add to Policy 36, p. 21, under Objective 10: Foster opportunities for on-going community and
citizen involvement and feedback.
36. Involve all constituents (residents, park users, interest groups) in setting balanced priorities
for programming, maintenance, use of facilities, physical enhancement or development of
facilities and/or open s�aces, and other park-related matters. Site plans for facility
improvements will be submitted to the Plannine Commission and Citv Council for review and
aoproval.
Commission response: Agree with the addition of the first phrase. Regarding the last sentence,
requiring Planning Commissian and City Council review and approval for atl parks facitities site plans
�
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Council President Thune and Members of the City Council
June 12, 1996
would make government less respo�zsive, rather than more responsive. All sitep(ans for construction
irt the city are notiv reviewed by a team of City staff from various departme�:ts. (Site plan revietiv is
detailed in Sec. 62.I08 of the Zoning Code.) District councils receive notifzcation of aU site plan
revietivs. Individuals or graups may rec�uest Planning Commission review of a particular sire pinn.
Planning Cornrnission decisions mcry be appealed to Ciry Coa�ncil. This system provides adeqatate
safegz�ards, ividiout unduly slo:ving dotivn the timetine for making planned improvements. There are
approxirnately 20-30 parks-related building projects every year. To require Plamting Commissiora and
Ciry Council review on al1 would add tremendously to the time and lvorkload of all concerned without
adding measc�rable benefits.
" Add an action step in the Implementation Plan under "Design and Development" on p. 28.
Site olans for faci]itv imorovemznts will be submitted to the Plannine Commission and Citv
Council for review and ao ro ovat.
Comntission response: As stated above, the Commission befieves that adding steps to the formal
revielv process wi11 tnake government less responsive rather than more.In addition, steps add costs to
the process as well at all Zevels. The current appeals process has worked well in cases where there are
policy and communiry concerns.
" Replace action step 19 on p. 29.
19.
�:o�,°.' ���°m.:�°an . ExDlore the oossibilitv of movine Cafesjian's Carousel to
q�� � Como Park.
Commission response: Como Park already has a large number of attractions that draw people. Y7ze
Commission cannot recommend adding more attractions without a review process that includes the
Carousel Board and the community. A[so, a move to Como would require construction of a building
to accommodate th�rousel. The fol[owi�� o � nQ wording, which doesn'� i`t a Como Park location,
is suggested, "C�tnu�to explore th ssibiliti�r ke�in$ es tan's usel in St �t"1�
" Add a new action step on p. 29 under "Outreach, Awareness, and Promotion".
Comoile an inventorv of all the joint use aereements that Parks and Recreation has with various
q4 schools, universities, and other institutions in order to publicize the opoortunities for parks users.
�� Furthermore, in liaht of recent facility expansions bv the St. Paul School District. Parks and
Recreation needs to clarify the leaal status of those documents.
Commission
under action
Staff
s�21 under �1
community use a
aware of any pr�
; with the school
with the first senrence, but wo
treach, Awareness, and P motio;
�recreation facilities. e second
or ambigui wzth any af the
affwill review these
ug stthis be added as a neiv d.
on . 29, which addresses s of
ente ce is probably not n ded.
lega documents that d ne joint use
agree nts as they mpile the
5
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Council President Thune and Members of the City Council
June 12, 1996
" Add a policy_to require City participation in the Winter Carnival, including a regularly scheduled
Ice Casile (i.e. every five years).
Cornmission resporzse: The Ciry has a long history of participating in rhe Winter Carnival, This
includes offering joint activities mtd sharirag facilities each year tivith the St. Paul Festival and
Heritage Foundation, the private group that operates the Winter Carnivai. The foundation determines
tivhen an ice castle shauld be built (a�td does the major fundraising);Parks and Recreation has assisted
by providing a public space for it. This is just one example of the many communiry partners the Parks
and Recreation Aivision works with each year.
Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsev Countv
* p. 7, Objec[ive 1: Encourage protection, preservation, and regeneration of thz city's open space
and natural resources.
nelv policy b. Work with Ramsev Countv to ensure the hiehest water qualitv in our lakes and
streams that is nossible.
Commission response: Agree, with some slight mada,fications, as follows: Work with Ramsey Counri
and others to ensure rhe hiQhest oossible water qualitv in the cttv's lakes and streams.
" new policy 7. Sup�ort institutine new zonine code for park lands
Commission response: Zoning is generally implemented to ensure appropriate development and use
of [and. The idea of adding a zoning category for park land was studied in some detail several years
ago tivith the Parks Commission and Planning staff. It was determined that a separate zoning category
was a timeconsuming process and could create more problems than it wautd solve. The city charter
amendment approved several years ago nutkes it very difficult for the City to sell or give up parkland,•
and if this is determined to be necessary, land must be found to replace it in the park system. This
serves the purpose of designating and protecting parklands in Saini Paul.
* new policy 8. Blufflands throuehout the city should be protected bv easements or
acquisition.
Commission response: Most of the city's blufflands are already protected in one way or another,
either through pubZic ownership or through buiZding restrictions. This policy is probably not
necessary.
* p. 10, Objective 3: Develop park and open space connections.
Policy 8. Pursue opportunities to expand the City's recreational trail system and give priority
to development of trails which:
�� �new e. Provide north-south bicycle-pedestrian connection. (Ail parkwavs and boulevards and
A potential main corridors such as Ayd Mill Road should accommodate bicy,cle and
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Council President Thune and Membe;s of the City Council
June 12, 1996
�_pedestrian traffic. i.e. Lexinoton Parkwav and Avd Mill Roadwav
Viewin� the Trail System map, p. 11, the lack of a north-south connection is evidznt. I[ is important
to provide bicycle/pedestrian trails in thz heart of the city. The map highli�hts the difficulty in
getting to Como Park from 2nywhere in the southwest portion of the city.
Co�nrnission r
trail ntap z p. II
Mill, P ca1, and.
The north-south
to Como
ccre nor there n ut � are planned.
and on-st et bike lanes
e sozuhwest.
new f. Separate bike and vedestrian facilities should be orovided �vhen �Vheelock Parkwav is
redevzlooed.
Commission response: As iridicated on the trait map, p. II, and in Policy IOd. (p. IO}, this is what
is planned for Wheelock.
" p. 16 Objective 6: �.,�� � a,, e�., ........:... ..c...� r:. .,_,, .,a
s}sEe�t3- Foster parks and recreation as a valuable asset of the citv.
Commission response: The onginal wording of this objectiue should remain. The recommendations
under this objective have whar could be termed economic development benefits for the ciry, so rhe
original rovording is more descriptive.
'�` p. 19, Objective 8: Provide recreation facilities and programming that contributes to stable
neighborhoads.
The recreation centers are called upon to do more and more activities that could be labeled "Human
Services". The St. Paul Parks and Recreation Division should focus on recreational activities and the
the Parks Division becomes more involved in human services. thev will not have the resources to
fulfill their mission of nrovidine recreational services. Manv recreation centers are lar�e buiidinas
which should not be considered the domain of only the Parks Division. The centers should be a piace
for the neiehborhood to eather where they can join in recreational activities or receive a varietv of
services.
Commission response: This recommendation is not necessary, as Parks and Recreation programming
does focus on recreational activities. Most people would probably agree that these activities have
some associated sociai benefits. And zhe staff do feet thar recreation centers are cammunity gathering
places where residents can take advantage of programming or services provided by others. The
location of a number of district council offices and meeting rooms in recreation centers is probably the
best example.
* Add detailed Table of Contents itemizing policies and objectives - to make it easier to read.
7
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Council President Thune and Members of the City Council
June 12, 1996
Commisszon response: This wi[[ be done in the,fnal priraing.
" Some policies are in conflict - such as Policy 1. "Pursuz opportunities and partnerships to acquire
land specificaily for open space and natural resources protection according to thz foilowing criteria,
ete. and Policy 5. "Take advantage of opportunities that arise from redevelopment activities to add to
or enhance the City's open space and natural resources. Priority wi11 be given to opportunities that
do not add publicly-owned and devzloped parkland that will require additiona( public maintenance or
operating expense.
Commission response: The Cornrnissiorr does not believe that rhese policies are irt conflict. It is
probably possible to come up lvith circumstances where po[icies could be in conflict, bcu generally [he
poZicies are tivritten to cover a ivide variery of circumstances and issues. Judgment must be used to
deter»:ine which policy is the most relevant to a pctrticular situation.
" There is no mention of enterprise facilities such as golf, Midway Stadium, large picnic shelters,
etc. There should be a policy stating that it a facility is revenue generating, a cer[ain percent of the
revenue should be reinvested in the facility in order to maintain it.
Cornrnission response: This is a very complicated issue that the Parks Commission has been looking
at for some time. The Parks Commission will continue to work on revenue iss�tes. A general policy
intended to cover specifzc budget issues and circumstances that change frorn year to year probably
�� daesn't belong in a Zong-range comprehensive plan. Qde( q n� rJcl�_by 1� o(tcy s kak�d b�
Q s� de��clo0<d - �v dr,i�eree'ne -Fi�x use e� e,k+trp''se a.d rev�t,v�+�e i'��ds• .�
* In the 1996-1997 Action Plan, dollars are listed under certain steps. What is the source of this n� y
revenue? As outiined in the document itself, state and federal dollars are being reduced and the city
budget is flat. If new larger [ecreation centers are built, how will the city be able to staff them?
Commission response: The identification of dollar resources needed to accomplish various action
steps tia�as an attempt to inform the reader of the potential budget impact of that action step. Largely,
these costs have not been specificatty budgeted for. They witl be accomplished within the zristing
budget as much as possible.
Heritage Preservation Commission
�` Major Strategies (p. 4)
Shaping City Character
This strategy recognizes that parks, parkways, and natural and historic features lend form, character,
and identity which enhance the City and its neighborhoods. It also recognizes that the existing system
of parks, parkways, and natural and historic resources provides a strong framework to build on. The
policies in this strategy focus on preservation, maintenance, and development of the park and
reczeation system and the City's nacural and historic resources.
Commission response: Agree.
0
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Cauncil President Thune and 141embers of the City Council
7une 12, 1996
" Strategy: Shaping City Character (p. 5)
... The Parks and Recreation Division must continue to explore ways to enhance and preserve the
City's natural and historic environment and provide opportunities for pzople to become more aware of
the natural and historic environment ...
Commission respotzse: Agree.
'` Fiudings: (p. 5)
new 10. Saint Paul's oark svstem includes s[ructures and landsca�e features that are historicallv
valuable. 7'heir oreservation is important to the continued vitalitv of the citv.
Commission response: Agree.
�` p. 7, Objective 1: Encoura�e protection, preservation, and regeneration of the city's open space,
na[ural, and historic resources.
Saint Paul's open space, natural, and historic resources provide many bene£its ... The Division is
continuously confronted with demands to expand recreational opportunities and increase access to
develoDed and undeveloped parl:land. Consequently, the City's open space and historic resources
may become vu]nerable to unwarranted use and degradation ...
Commzssion response: Agree.
" p. 7, Policy 2. Provide leadership and coordination with federal, state, zegional, and local
authorities to:
a. Complete and maintain an inven[orv of his[oric resources, includine site analvsis and
evaluation of inteeritv and significance.
b. a: Develop management and protection strateg4es for endangered spzcies and/or sensitive
habitats and historically important structures and features.
Commission response: Agree, ivith the addition of "naturat and" before historic resources in a.
�` p. 8, Objective 2: Expand physical and visual access to the River.
Policy 6. Encourage riverfront development that is environmentally compatiblz v,�ith its historv and
unique location, and fosters a park-like riverfront character.
Commission response: Agree.
" p. 15, Objective 5: Enhance the Ciry and its neighboihoods.
Policy 14. Provide site and facility design, rehabilitation, and retrofitting that:
0
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Council President Thune and Members of the City Council
June 12, 1996
Respec[s and enhances historicaliv important structures and features and the natural and
historic environment;
Co�nrnission response: This addition seems unnecessary, since the clause alread} refers to enhancing
the historic environment.
" Strategy: Building Community
p. 21, Objective 11: Promote cultural a�vareness.
Sc. Paul possesses a rich cultural heritaae and broad spectrum of arts, hisTOrical, and ethnic resources.
Thzse resources include the oark system itself. and its historic stcuctures and feacures
Commission response: Agree.
" p. 21, Policy 40. Encoura�e the ureservation of historical3y im�ortant vark structures and features
and the use of park facilities to host public cultural and historic events.
Commission response: The recommendations under Objective 11, where policy 40 is found, deat with
programming. This addition realty doesn't fzt here. It is adequately covered by Policy 2.b, as
amended, (protection of historic resources) and 14.c. (site and facility design that respects the historic
emironment).
District 2 Communitv Council
Objective 4: Fulfill park development priorities.
'•` Add an item to Policy ]2, p. 12.
12. In the Local Parks and Recreation System the City will give priority to a11 of the following
(map):
a. Completion of Community Recreation Centers (North Dale and Battle Creek);
b. Focus on upgrading identified Neighborhoods in Transition centers:
c. Provision of facilities to accommodate emerging sports and other activities;
d. Redevelopment of Highland Park;
e. Improvement of facilities tha[ support oppor[unities for coordination and partnership;
f. I3pgrading of Swede Hallow Park ;
g. Review of existing demographic and economic data for possible additions to identified
Neighborhoods in Transition Centers (g. was added above); and
h. Coordinate with Public Works. DNR, and I2amsev-Washineton Watershed District in
the Phalen/Ames Lake wetland restoration proiect. '
Commission response: Agree. The map illustrating these items also needs to be modifzed.
" Amend Policy 13, p. 12.
10
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Council President Thune znd Members of the City Council
June 12, 1996
13. Pursue opportunities and joint use partnerships to acquire or provide access to land for parks_
open space, or axc recreation development according to the foltowing cri[eria: ...
Commission response: Agree.
" Add an action item under "DzsiQn and Development" on p. 28.
Work with Public Works. DD3R. Ramsev-Washineton `Vatershed District and the University of
Minnesota to develop pians for the Phalen/Ames Lake wetland restoration. (12)
Comrnission response: Agree, tie•irh slightly revised ivording: Participate with Public Works. DNR.
Rantsev-Washin2ton tiYatershed District and the UniversiN of Minnesota in the oreDaration of olans �
the Phalen/Ames Lake wetland restoration. (12)
� In general, the plan does no[ place enough emphasis on the role of open space as an amenity and an
enhancement to the livability of thz urban landscape. Add a new findin� on p. 5 for [he Shaping City
Character Strategy.
new 10. In addition. S[. Paul residents henefi[ from the use of recreational and ooen space manaQed
bv other entities. These include Ramsev Countv Parks, Water Department open space. Public Works
and Metropolitan Councilpondine and drainaee areas, and.private recreation lands. If possib]e,
numbers of parcels, acreage, etc. should be indicated as they have been in other categories in this
section.
Commission response: Agree, but wou[d delete references to Metropolitan Council ponding and
drainage areas (staff doesn't believe there are any in St. Paud). Also, figures on number of sites and
acreage of these other types of open space is not readily available and would be costly to collect.
" Include a map of all open space.
Commission response: Agatn, this would be nice to fiave, but the information is not readlly available
and would be costty to cotlect.
�` Involve Parks Division and neighborhood in design, modification and use decisions for sewer
easements, ponding areas, and other open space related to sewerage and watershed management.
Commission response: Parks (Forestry section) is involved with the Public Works Department in
pZanning the planting done for sewer and street projects. Involving neighborhoads more in these
decisions is a good idea.
" Incorporate concepts contained in the Phalen Chain of I.akes Watershed Plan,including:
- Use of native sgecies in plantings.
- Natural border grasses and plantings on Phalen lakeshore and (apply to) other park areas.
- Runoff control.
11
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Council President Thune and Members of the Ciry Council
June 12, 1996
- Use o� more environmentally-friendly plantings in general, rather than "flat mow" grooming
of all park areas.
Commission response: Add a neiv polic}• 6. under Objective 1, �vhich addresses naturnl resot�rce
protection, as follolvs:
6. E.zDlore use of the followin� technicta�es where nrczctica! to preserve the Cirv's natural
resources:
n. Use of native species in plantines:
b. Use ofnatirral border zrasses and Dlantings a1on2 shorelines•
c. Control of chernical runoff into ponds lakes, streanu and rivers� and
d. Avoidance af "fiat mow" ¢roomtn2 in park arens �vhere a more nan�ral look is
approAriate.
Aistrict 10 Communitv Councii
Since District 10's cornments are fairly lengthy and detailed, the Parks Commission response will
follow each point in italics and parentheses. In most cases, the Commission agrees with the spirit of
the comments but has suggested alternate wording that is more commoniy understood.
1'arks Plan Overview
Shanin� Citv Character
* p. 7, Objective 1: Encourage protection, preservation, and regeneration of the city's open space and
�} environmental resources. Environmental resources consist of natural and culmral features and
areas. (The Commission prefers ihe term "natural resources"be left, cu is, in att cases. The term
"natural resources" is better understood by more people. 'Bnvironment" is a broad term, implying
inclusion of all things natural and built. The term "cultural" is also somewhat broad and difficult ro
define. The defenition of "natural resources ", according ro the State of Minnesota's Environmenial
Rights Laiv, II6B.02, includes historic, scenic, and aesthetic resources as well as those resources of
land, water, air, plants, anima(s, etc. This seems like a more appropriate defznition given the focus
of the polieies under this objec[ive.)
Saint Paul's open space and natural resources provide many benefits. Undeveloped "natural" areas
help shape and soften the built environment, provide habitat for plan[s and wildlife, and improve the
overall environmental quality of the city. However, the amount of open space in the city is limited,
and both it and environtnentai resources are wlnerable to increasing development pressure and
�e�Eie� deeradation. (Don't use "environmental resources ", but "degradation" is better than
'pollution".) While much of our remaining open space is in public ownership, park designation does
not necessarily protect egex-s�e it nor axd-�aE�a� environmental resources. (Simpl� sentence;
stop after "does not necessarilyprotect it".) The Division is continuously confronted with demands to
expand recreational opportunities and increase access to developed and undeveloped parkland.
(Change agreed to earlier under HPC comments.) Consequently, the City's open space and �a�
environmental resources {�eep "natural ") may become wlnerable to unwarranted use and degradation.
A conscious effort must be taken to ensure their protection and preservation for enjoyment by futuze
12
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Council President Thune and Members of the City Council
Junz 12, 1996
generations. esoeciallv before fumre development takes place. (Disagree, unnecessary qualifzer.)
Because neither ecological systems nor cultural features are �s? confined to the eity's boundaries,
procection and preservation efforts must be coordinated at a..���} ]areer level. (Disagree, leave
sertrence as is.)
Policies: (p. 7)
i. Mana;e the City's park and recreation system to ensure:
a. Preservation and restoration of environmental resources; {replace "environmental"
�viih "natural")
b. Management of ali parkland and open space in an environmzntally sound and
sustainable manner;
c. Opportunities for all citizens to enjoy, appreciate, and understand the City's �a�.�}
environmenta] areas. (Leave "natttra!".)
2. Provide leadzrship and coordination with federal, state, regional and local authorities to:
a. Comolete and maintain an inventorv of environmental resources. includina sike
analvsis and evaluation of inteeritv and sienificznce. Data will be integrated with
state and federalinventories. evaluations and desienations and coordinated with the
Metro Region Forest Resource ManaQement Plan and the CitV's Leeislative Code
pertainine [o heritase preservation. (A slightly different version of the ftrst sentence,
To do an invenrory of natival and historic resources, was agreed to as part of ihe HPC
comments. Delete the Zast senience because it is too detailed,• coordination is impZied
in the policy as tivritten.)
a- b. Develop mana;ement and protection strategies for endangered species and or sensitive
habitats and cultural resources;(no longer needed; "and historical(v imponant
structures and features" was added in the FIPC comments above)
� c. Provide and coordinate adequace and consistent enforcement of regulations to protect
cultural resources, water quality, wetlands, native habitats, aad the river corridor and
other surroundine environs. (changes no longer needed, for reasons cited above.)
d. Pursue thepossibiiitv of restorin¢ or reconstructin� wetlands within park and ooen
soaee areas. (Agree with the addition of d.)
3. Pursue opportunities and partnerships to acquire ]and specifically for open space and �a#�a}
environmental (disagree) resource protection accozding to any of (agree) the foliowing
criteria:
a. Areas containing species included on the State or Federal list of endangered or
threatened species;
b. Areas representing significant landforms, native plant communities, e� sensitive
habitat, or culmral resources;
c....
(As stated above, the Commission believes "natural " resources is a better understood term
than "environmental" or "cultura! resources ".)
13
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Council President Thune and Members of the City Council
June 12. 1996
Support and strengthen citywide tree preservation and reforestation effons.
a. Establish a Tree Advisorv Board to help oversee the olannins and manaeement of the
local communitv forest. (The Ciry Counci( is curreruZy the Ciry's ojficially designated
"Tree Advisory Board ". Action step 6 on p. 27, ta review and revise the tree
protection ordinarace, should be ezpanded to add "and identify methods of irnprovin;
citizen participation in tree management issues ".)
" p. 12, Objective 4: Fulfill park development priorities.
The park system is continually being developed, a� redeveloped, preserved and
rehabilitated. ('preserved" is out of context with what's covered here, "rehabilitated" is fzne)
Many projects are necessary to ensure that ep oole ��d'��'-,�R^,Q-=re���;Q�,�; (agree) have
adequate access to c�ualitvpark and jagree) recreational opportunities. Others are necessary to
modernize park facilities and ensure that they meet current codes. Park development
priorities change through the years as environmental and (agree} recreational demands and
needs change and the Division must continue to explore opportunicies to meet these needs.
However, there are some projects that currently stand out because of their magnitude and
potential impact on the entire City reQion. (make it "citv and re2ion") To realize these
projects, they mus[ become the primary focus of park development efforts and resources in
the coming years.
Policies:
11. In the Itegional Parks and Open Space System, the City will give priority to a11 of the
foliowing (map) afrer envixonmenial resource inventories have been comoleted (see Obsective
i. Polic,y_2a.). (Disagree, unnecessary quali,fier.)
a. Completion of the Como Park Master Pian goals and renovation; (Here the
Commission suggests "Completion of renovation and tmprovement of Como Park.
Como Zoo. and Como conservatorv. " This gets away frorn a spec�c reference to the
master plan, which has been a source of disagreement.)
b. Completion of plans to improve the riverfront (see Obj. 2, policy 7);
c. Development of recreational trails (see Obj. 3).
�` p. 15, Objective 5: Enhance the City and its neighborhoods.
Parks and recreation facilities enhance the qual'aty of the Clty and its neighborhoods. ...In
addition, the value of parks as neighborhood amenities is directiy related to how safe they are
perceived to be and how attractive they appear. However, neighborhood concerns about
pezceived negative impacts, such as when a recreational traii is proposed adjacent to private
property, need to be balanced by the recreational needs of the eCity �°��a°��.�-�-a-m,e}�
region. (Suggest "the citv and re¢ion".) The City must continue to work co foster appropriate
design, maintenance, and community anvoivement to ensure parks enhance neighborhoods as
well as serve ^�'°•°��°� the broader gublic. (Suggest making it, "serve the broader
pubtic's recreafional needs".)
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Council President Thune and Members of the City Council
June 12, 1996
Policies:
14. Provide site and facility design, rehabilitation, and retro-fitting that:
a. Meets or exceeds accepted standards for safety, security, durabiliry, maintenance and
accessibility;
b. Meets user needs for support facilities such as parking, transoona!ion. (Suggest
°circulation and parking".) lighting, drinking water, restrooms, si�nage;
c. Respects and e�a�.�s preserves the natural and historic envirorunznt;
d. Respects and enhances (Suggest deleting "and enhances" from both c. and d.)
neighborhood identity;
e. Minimizes impact on surzoundino neighborhoods.
17. Involve neighborhood residents, park usecs, and communiry groups in plannin�, (agree)
development, prooramming, and maintenance of parks. (see Obj. 10, policy 36)
" p. 21, Objective 10: Foster opportunities for on-going community and citizen involvement and
feedback.
Involving citizens in decisions regarding park lanninQ, (agreeJ development, operations, and
maintenance gives them a sense of ownership, responsibility, and control. Residents play an
important role in helpin� staff identify park aad recreation needs specific to their neighborhood. In
1990 the City took a significani step in providing a forum for citizen involvement in the lannin ,
(agree) management, operations, and development of the park and recreation sys(em by establishing
the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Commission. �^�� � Expandin� support for citizen
participation (Continuing is a better word than expanding here; horovever, techniques for better
supporting citizen participation need to be explored.) must be provided to ensure t�tei� that (agree)
involvement is meaningful and effective and has a clear impact on the quality of park and recreation
services.
Policies:
36. Involve all constituents (residents, park users, interest groups) in setting balanced priorities
for plannine, development, programming, maintenance, use of facilities, and other park and
recreation matters. (agree)
a. Use of the Citv's Early Notification S�tem Policv and Procedure will be used.
b. All nearb�district councils will be invited in the site review nrocess from its
beeinnin�
c. Detailed minutes of all Parks and Recreation Commission and committee meetines
~ will be available.
(Proposed a., b., and e.are too detailed for inclusion in the policies. To accomplish the
intent, suggest adding an action step under "Communications and Coordinadon" on p. 31
stating, "Review and improve stratezies for noti in and involvin¢ consatuents in settinz
balancedpriorities for olanninz, development, prozramminz maintenance. use of facilities.
and other Dark and recreation-related matiers. (36))
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Council President Thune and Members of the City Council
June 12, 1996
Conclusion _
The Parks and Recreation Commission approved these recommendations at its 7une 12, 1996 meetin�
by a unanimous vote. The public testimony and the Commission's responses �cilf appear oa the City
Council's July 10 agenda for consideration. The City Council is requested to zdopt the Saint Paui
Parks and Recreation Plmi, as amended, replacin� the existing 198� plan as a chapter of the City's
Comprehensive Plan.
If you have any questions about these materials before the 7uly lOth meeting, please feel free to cali
12oberC Piram, Director, Parks and Recreation Division (266-6404), or ponna Drummond of the
Plannin� Division staff (266-6556).
cc: Mayor Norm Coleman
Robert Piram, Superintendent, Parks and Recreation Division
Ken Ford, Planning Administrator
Donna Drummond, Planning Division
Public Hearing Testifiers
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This draR of the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Plan was developed by the Park Planning '
Task Force, appointed by the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Parks and Recreation �
Commission, based on public hearing testimony, recommended some revisions to the draft
plan. The Commission's recommended additions are underlined; deletions are crossed ouT.
This draft of the plan will now be considered by the Mayor and City Council for final �
adoption as part of the City's Comprehensive Plan.
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The Ciry of Saint Paul does not discriminate on the basis of disabiliry, �ace, sex, sexual oc affectional orientation,
age, color, creed, national origin or ancestry, marital stams, religion, veteran status, or status with regard to public
assistance in admission to, or treatment or employment in, its programs oL acuvities.
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Contents
Introduction
Goals
Assumptions
Major Strategies
Shaping City Character
Building Community
Innovative Focusing of Resources
Implementation
1996-1997 Action Plan
Inventory Maps of the Parks and Recreation System
Credits
Maps
Major Open Space and Natural Areas
Major River Access Points and Views
Recreational Trail System
Regional Parks and Open Space Priorities
Local Parks and Recreation System Priorities
City Parks and Parkways
Specialized Recreation Facilities
City Recreation Centers
Parks and Recreation Plan
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36
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Parks Plan �verview
Goals: Responsive Park and Recreation Services
Safe, Attractive, and Accessible Park and Recreation Facilities
Pazks Which EiIl�ance Neighborhood Stability and Cohesiveness
Balanced Pazk Development
Assumptions: Tncreasingly Diverse Population, Needs, and Demands
Higher Expectations of Public Service
L'united Physicai Expansion of the Pazk and Recreation System
Budget Limitations and Potential Reductions
Major Strategies: Shaping City Character - 9 findings, 6 obj., 24 policies
Building Community - 7 findings, 5 obj., 18 policies
Innovative Focusing of Resources - 9 findings, 4 ob}., 14 policies
Shapiug Citv Character
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Obj. 1: Encourage protection, preservation, and regeneration of the ciry's open space and
natura] resources.
Obj. 2: Expand physical and visual access to the River.
Obj. 3: Develop pazk and open space connections.
Obj. 4: Fulfill pazk development priorities.
Obj. 5: Enhance the City and its neighborhoods.
Obj. 6: Foster the economic development potential of the City's park and recreation system.
BirildinE Commtmitv
Obj. �: Encourage enforcement and operationai efforts which promote safe and secure access
to and use of pazks.
Obj. 8: Provide recreation facilities and prograznming that contributes to stable
neighborhoods.
Obj. 9: Ideniify and remove bazriers to participation.
Obj. 10: Foster opportunities for on-going community and citizen 3nvolvement and feedback.
Obj. I1: Promote cultural awareness.
Innovative Focusin¢ of Resources
Obj. 12: Estabiish prioriues for use and distribution of city resources.
Obj. 13: Increase utilization of supplemental resources.
Obj. 14: Improve utilization of human resources.
Obj. 15: Improve management of resources.
Implementation
Pazks and Recreation Plan
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INTRODUCTION
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The Pazks and Recreation Plan, a chapter oF the Ciry's Comprehensive Plan, is a statement of official city policy w guide
park and recrea6on development, operaaons, and maintenance acdviaes. The plan pmvides a comprehensive framework for
meering the needs, challenges, and opportunities confron6ng the Ciry's parks and iecreation system. This is one of several
elements that comprise Saint Paul's Comprehensive Pian. While most of the policies in this p]an relate specifically to the
pazk and recreaffon system, they may influence - or be influenced by - policies contained in other comprehensive plan
elemerns.
The new plan was undertaken at the request of the Saint Paul Pazks and Recreation Commission, to update ihe e�cisting plan
thaz was adopted in 1985. In requesting the new plan, the Parks Commission was interested in addressing a broader range of
issues than those covered in the 1985 plan which focused on delivery of rec�eational services in response to significant
budget reAucdons.
I In March 1992, the Parks Commission appointed the Park Planning Task Force to work witfi Pazk and Recreafion Division
and Planning Division staff to update the plan. The task force was comprised of representaflves from both the Pazks
Commission and the Planning Commission, as well as ciazens with various interesis and backgrounds related to parks and
' recreadon. The task force held monthly public meetings to gamer public input on issues to be addressed in the new plan.
Indian Mounds Park
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Parks arid Recreatim Plan
GOALS
Through a process of community input, several goals were defined to help guide new pazk and recreation policy and shape a
broad vision of what Saint Paul's puk and recreation system can and should strive to be:
RESPONSIVE PARK AND RECRF.ATION SERVICES.
The recreational needs and expectations of Saint Paul residents are widely varied and subject to change. This is due in part to
Saint PauI's population becoming more racialIy and cu[turally diverse and the increased rate at which recreauon trends
change. The Pazks and Recreafion Division must strive to deliver services in a fle�ble mauner which allows timely
response to unforeseen needs, trends, and opportunities. The Division must also position itself to effecfively anucipate
needs, trends and opportctnities.
Sn�, A�r�rxnc�, nrm AccESS�LE Pn� arm REC�nTCOx Fncu.rr�s.
The Ciry must ensure that park and recreakon facilifies remain safe, attracflve, and accessible through effecdve design,
maintenance, and staffing. It is also important to recon ;�e that safety issues extend beyond pazk boundaries; access to and
from pazk and recreation facilities must also be safe. The Pazks Division, the Police Depaztment and communiry groups
must closely coordinate efforts to keep pazks and neighborhoods, safe and attractive, and to ensure all members of our
community have access to recrealion oppormniues.
PARKS WIIICH ENHANCE NEIGHBORHOOD STABILITY AND COHESIVENES5.
Stable and cohesive neighborhoods, long a trademazk of Saint Paul, are being threatened by increased poverty, social
isolation, racial tensions, and feaz for personal safety. 'I`6e Pazks Commission, in their report, Neighborhoods In Transition,
concluded that recreation centers, and pazks in general, can play a vital role in neighborhood stabilization and community
building efforts. The City must strive to sirengthen wmmuniry involvement and build social networks to reinforce pazks
and recreation centers as focal points of neighborhood interaction, security, and pride.
BALANCED PARK DEVELOPMENI:
Protecting open space and natural resources and accommodating recrearion demands aze two of the Division's lughest
responsibiliues. Both ue essenfial to our high quality parks and recreation system. However, as demand for recreauon
opportunities increases, so does the potenGal to impact the Ciry's natural environment. To protect and preserve significant
natucal resources in our efforts to meet recreaaonal demands, we must understand how recreational uses and park
development affect the natural environment and determine how human activity and access should be managed to achieve
and maiatain a balanced system.
Mississippi
River Boulevard
Pazks and Recreation Plan
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ASSUMPTIONS
This plan is based on several assumptions about our future challenges:
INCREASINGLY DIVERSE POPULATION� NEEDS� AND DEMANDS.
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� The City's changing and increasingly diverse population presenu significant challenges reguding demand and delivery of
recreation oppommiries. There is growing demand for recreauon oppommities to accommodate all ages and genders. Our
increasing ethnicity provides ogportuniries to expand cuLtural awazeness, but also presents a challenge to overcome language
and recial banieis. The population generally has become mare health conscious and environmemally awaze which has led to
� an increased interest in recreation for exercise and recreation opportunities that allow interaction with the natural
environment This diversity of interests and demands reflecu a significant broadening of the traditional scope of recreation
provided in past decades which concenhated on boys athlefics. The City's population is expected to become increasingly
� diverse. Likewise, demand for recreation will likely increase and diversify. To respond, the Pazks and Etecreation Division
will need to become more inclusive and continually assess who they aze serving, what their needs aze, and how best to meet
theu needs.
� Como
Pool
� Rain
Tree
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HIGHER EXPECTATIONS OF PUBLIC SERVICE.
Senior
Aerobics
Recreation
Center
Many adults today grew up with programmed recreation and continue to expect services for themselves, and their children.
With more discretionary time and resources to spend on leisure activiues and an expanded spectrum of reczeation
opportunities, demand for recreation has grown. At the same time, hectic schedules, family obligations, and travel costs
have resulted in demand for more flexible and convenient recreation opportuniaes. Faced with limited resources, our
response to demands must be based on a careful assessment and prioritization of the broader needs of all City residents. We
must continue to seek opportunities to become more flexible through coordination and partnerships within the Division, with
other City departments and with other recreation praviders.
LIMITED PHYSICAL EXPANSION OF THE PARK AND RECREATION SYSTEM.
HistoricaL development pattems have resulted in the existing--somewhat uneven--distribution of park and recreafion
facilities. However, limited city funds and limited available land restrict our abiliry to develop new park and recreation
facilities. Faced with limited resources, the City may not be able to meet all demands for additional facilities and(or services.
To that extent, it will become increasingly important for the Division to explore non-traditional approaches and engage in
partnerships with other organizations to ensure that all recreational resources within the Ciry, whether public or private, aze
efficiently and effectively utilized and park and recreation opportunities are readily accessible to all Saint Paul residents.
BUDGET LIMITATIQNS AND PQTENTIAL REDUCTIONS.
Funding for parks and recreadon hu decreased at regional, state, and federal levels over the past decade. While local
funding has remained relaUvely constant, increased public demand for new facilides, services, and replacement or
rehabilitalion of aging facilities have contributed to increased funding demands. Maintenance and operating costs have also
increased due to construction of larger buildings, deteriaration of aging buildings, use of outdated vehicles and equipment,
and acquisition of more pazkland. While the Ciry has been consistently responsive to demands for new facilities, funding to
ensure that facilities aze fully utilized and properly maintained has often fallen short. The City has a substantial investment
in its pazk and recreation system and must recognize its responsibiliry to maintain and enhance the system for present and
firture use. The availability of resources to operate and mainiain the pazk and recreation system will confinue to be subject to
economic fluctuations and budget cutbacks To ensure the ltigh quality of our park and recreation facilifies and services we
must acknowledge their value and make a commitment to sustain them.
Parks and Recreation Plan
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MAJOR STRATEGIES
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The Plan proposes three strategies to guide future development, operauons and maintenance of the Saint Paul pazks and �
recreation system:
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SHAPING CITY CHARACTER
This strategy recognizes that parks, parkways, and natural features lend form, chazacter, and idenGry which enhance the City �
and its neighborhoods. It aiso recognizes that the e�sting system of pazks, parkways, and naturai resoarces provides a
strong framework to build on. The policies in this strategy fceus on preservafion, maintenance and development of the pazk �
and recreation system and the City's natunl resources.
Irvine Park
BUII,DING COMMUNITY
The strategy recognizes that pazks and recreation Eacilides funcdon as neighborhood focal points, not jnst physically and
aesthetically, but also as the center of communiry activity and life. Policies in this strategy focus on suengthening the role
of parks and recreatio� faciliaes by making sure they aze safe, accessible, and responsive to communiry needs, and by
providing opportwnties to bring people together, foster communiry involvement, and build a community support system.
INNOVATIVE FOCUSING OF RESOURCES
This snategy recognizes that budgets aze limited and resources must be carefully managed to improve efficiency and
effecriveness. It also recognizes the need to explore ways to stretch e�cisting resources, idenrify new resources, and build
parmerships. Policies in this strategy focus on setting priorities, and improving uffiization and management of resources.
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Parks and Rxreation Plan
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� Strategy: Shaping City Character
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� The Mississtppi River. Steep wooded bZuffs and ravines. Tree lined streets and parkways. Como. Phalen. Highland. Indian
Mounds. Cherokee. Battle Creek. Alt conjure images of Saint Paul and its neighborhoods. We identify with these images -
people, places, events, experiences. These images re}lect positively on the qualiry of life we enjoy--and eapect--in Saint Paul.
� The existing nenvork of parks and parkways in Saint Pauf provides a strong foundntion to build an, and opportunities ta
enhance the system must be continually pursued. The Parks and Recreation Division must continue to explore ways to
enhanre and preserve the Ciry's natural environment and provide opportunities for people to berome more aware of the
� natural environment. The Division must seek out opportunities to make connections and fi(1 gaps in aur park and open spare
system—o ensure park facilities are readily accessib(e throughout the Ciry. And the Division must ensure rhat parks fulfill
their potential to enhance their surroundings, and the entire Ciry.
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Findings:
1. The existing park system contains appmxunately
4000 acres of parkland, 37 miles of pazkways, and 134
buildings. A breakdown of pukland by pazk type reveals
that 65 percent of our parkland is devoted to regional pazks,
17 percen[ community gazks, t4 percent neighbarhood
pazks, and 4 percent miscellaneous small parks and
omamental spaces. Overall, Saint Paul contributes 26
percent to the total acreage of pazkland in Ramsey County.
etc.) have been replaced or rehabilitated tluough the yeazs,
several remain in need of rehabilitation or zeplacement.
The City has a considerable investmeni in existing park
facilities and timely maintenance is essen6al to ensure that
they aze uplized to their full potenual.
5. The distribution of existing parkland is somewhat
uneven due to historical development patterns. Likewise,
exisung development limits opportunities to acqaire vacant
pazcels of sufficient size to create new pazks and open
space, particulazly in dense, older sections of the City where
the need for more open space is gteatest.
6. Saint Paul's network of pazks and pazkways aze the
outcome of efforts through the yeazs to develop a system of
cormected pazks within the City, including links to the
Minneapolis park system. This system provides a suong
foundation for further development of our recreational trail
system.
7. I,ocal, regional, and state surveys indicate that tl�e
popularity of ffails and envuonmentally-oriented activities
such as nature hikes and environmental educaflon, have
steadily increased over the past deca¢e.
S. The Mississippi River contributes 29 miles of
riverfront shoreline to Saini Pau1. This represents the
longest stretch of riverfront of any municipality in the
metropolit� azea and is one of the Ciry's most significant
amenities and resources. Considerable amounts of
shoreline ate of public pazkland providing opportunities
for river access. There aze also 57 miles of bluff edees
within the citv. 30 of which are directiv along the river.
Lookine at the lareer Mississipni River Vallev, fullv one-
tturd of the cirv. or approximatelv 18 squaze miles. is
located within the Mississivni River Valle�
9. Saint Paut's gazk system contains many resources
thaz strengthen our env'uonmental education and
interpretive potential. Most notably, the close prozimiry
of Como Zoo and Conservatory offers a unique
opportunity to provide a combined botany and zoology
program. Other ueas containing significant environmental
education resources include: Lilydale, Crosby Farm,
Swede Hollow, and Indian Mounds pazk.
� Parkland
by type
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2. Approximately 11 percent of the total land area of
Saint Paul is designated parkland. With the City becoming
more fully developed, pazkland and open space have
become more valuable resources.
3. Between 1970 and 1987 the amount of public
parkland increased by aimost 24 perceni, te an addition of
746.9 acres. Much of this land cansists of patcels that
remained undeveloped because they were difficult or
unprofitable to develop. Given ]imited resources, it is
unlikely that the City will acquire lazge amounts of
parkland in the foreseeable future. However,
opportunities for acquisition such as abandoned railroad
lines and tax-forfeirure propetties will continue to be
explored.
4. Saint Paul's park system is over 100 years old.
While many pazk facilities (buildings, playgrounds, fields,
Pazks azW Recreation Plan
Suaiegy: Shapmg
Gry Character
MA70R OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL AREAS
POLICY 1
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Objective l: Encourage protection, preservation, and regeneration of the city's open space and
natzcral resources
Saint Paul's open space and natural resources provide many benefits. Undeveloped "natural" azeas help shape and sofren the
built environmenz, provide habitat for planu and wIldlife, and improve the overall envuonmental quality of the CiTy.
Aowever, the amount of open space in the Ciry is limited and wlnerable to increasing development pressures and pollution.
While much of our remaining open space is in public ownership, park deslgnation does not necessarily protect open space
and namral resources. The Division is continuously confron[ed with demands to expand recreational opportunides and
increase access to undeveloped pazkland. Consequenfly, the Ciry's open space and narural resources may become vulnerable
to unwarranted use and degradation. A conscious and concerted effort must be taken to ensure their protecfion and
preservation for enjoyment by fuhue generations. Because ecological systems aze not confined to the City's boundaries,
protecrion and preservarion efforts must be coordinated on a regional level.
Policies:
1. "'`�� ^�'-� •°�" ^""ana e�ES the Ciri's azk and
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recreation system to ensure:
a. Preservation and restoration of
environmen[al resources;
� b. Management of ail parkland and open
space in an env'uonmentally sound and
sustainable manner;
� c. Opporiunides for all citizens to enjoy,
appreciate, and understand the City's natural
azeas.
t 2. Provide leadership and coordinarion with federal,
�' state, regional and local authorities to:
a. Develop management and protection
� strategies for endangered species andlor
sensitive habitats;
b. Provide adequate and consistent enforcement of
� regulations to protect water quality, wetlands,
narive habitats, and the river corridor.
3. Pursue opportunities and partnerships to acquire land
specifically for open space and natural resource
protection according tn the following criteria:
a. Areas containing species included on the State or
Federal list of endangered or threatened species;
b. Areas represendng significant landforms, native
plant communities, or sensitive habltat;
c. Areas that connect existing components of the
open space network; and
d. Areas adjacent to existing pazkland/open space.
4. ''''--��uppon and strengthen citywide tree
preseroation and ieforestation efforts.
5. Take advantage of opnortunities that arise from
redevelopment activities to add to or enhance the Cirv's
onen space and natural resources. Prioritv will be �iven
to on�ortunities that do not add uubliclv-owned and
develo»ed_pazkland that will reauire additional vublic
maintenance or o4eratine expenses.
Parks and Recrea[ion Plan
Crosby Park
Srcategy. Shapmg
Gry Charncter
Objective 2: Expand physical and visual access to the River
The Mississippi River is Saint Paul's foremost naturai. Iustoricai. and reczeational resource. People enjoy its
picturesque qualiry and the broad vistas it affords. People want to interact with it directly—to touch it, to
e�cp2ore its banks and currenzs. R'hile visual access to the river is generally good from public parks and bluff
top vantage poinu, physical access to the river is more limited, paniculazly in the downtown azea-. but also in
several neiehborhoods where rivo or tluce-block gaps keep peonle from eettine to the river. Increasing
downtown riverfront access has been consistently identified as a priority in the City's eactensive planning efforts
for riverfinnt redevelopment and should continue to be pursued. Opuomwiries for connectine the Cit �}�'s
neighborhoods to the river valley should atsa be exalored.
Policies:
5. ''''-°=��pPursue opportunities to
provide public access to the riverfront in a
manner tfiat is aestheticaily compatihle with
the riverfront and protects environmentally
sensitive areas.
6. ''''•°z-�-�:"s'-o°Encourage riverfronT
development that is environmentally
compatible with its unigue locaYion and
fosters a pazk-like riverfront character.
neighborhood connections to the River through:
a. Completion of riverhont projects which
improve access to the River (see Obj. 4,
policy Il);
b. Preservarion and enhancement of significant
river and downtown skyline views for the
up blic wherever possible.(Map)
c. Limitadons on building heights and setback
encroachment in areas that would obstruct public
access and views ro[he River.
'''"°�Strengthen downmwn and
Mississippi River Blvd. scenic overlook
Parks and Reaea4on Plan
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POLICY 7
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Parks and Recreanon Plan 9
Strffiegy:Shaping
G�y Chaacter
Objective 3: Develop park and open space connections
Park and open space connecfions provide the means for moving between pazks, moving within pazks, and geffing to pazks, in
a safe, convenient, and enjoyable manner. While wnnections usually take the form of trails, linear parks or pazkways,
sidewalks and streets providing access to pazks through neighborhoods, aze also impor[ant connections. As such, it is
essenrial to coordinate and integrate our trails and pazkways with the City's network of sidewalks and streets to provide
continuous, convenient, and safe access to, between, and within, pazks.
Policies:
8. �Si�ik�-gPursue opportuniUes to
expand �s the Ci 's recreational trail system
and give priority to development of uails
which:
a. Provide commections between and within
the City's pazks, trails in adjacent
municipalities, and the Regional trail
system;
b. Coordinate with aa�-sugget� the nerivork
of on-street bicycle �s lanes and
up blic sidewalks;
c. Utilize existing pazkways and/or publicly
owned ProP�Y ���d
d. Comnlete the arincival recreational ffail
systems in Saint Paul, includinQ the Saint
Paul Grrand Round Loop. Mississinpi
River Trails. Canitol Route. and the
Phalen Creek Trail (see mavl.
9.
10.
' recreational traiis that:
a. Meet or exceed accepted standazds for safety,
security, durabiliry, maintenance and accessibility.-
as defined bv AASHTO (Am. Assoc. of State
Highwav and Transaortation Officiais);
b. Meet user needs for support facitities such as
Iighting, druilcing water, restrooms, bike racks,
signage;
c. Respect and enhance the natural envimnment;
d. Min;m;�e �pacts on surrounding neighborhoods.
''''-°���ontinue to enLance ffie Ci 's its
pazkway system through:
a. Appropriate design and landscaping;
b. Liwitations on uses within and adjacent to
pazkways to ensure compatibiliry and preserve
aesfhetic character;
c, Limitations on vafFc speed and vehicle access;
d. Provision of sepazate paths foz pedestrians and
bicyclisu;
e. Provision of on-street bike lanes.
Pazks and Recreanon Plan Ip Sva[ery: Shapmg
City Charac[er
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� The park system is continually being developed and redeveloped. Many projecrs are necessary to ensure that neighborhood residents
have adequate access to recreationai oppommiaes. Others aze necessary to modernize pazk facilities and ensure that they meet current
codes. Pazk developmem prioriries change through the years as recreational demands and needs change and the Division must
continue to explore opportuniries to meet these needs. However, there aze some projects that cuzrenfly stand out because of their
, magnitude and potenrial unpact on the entire City. To realize these projects, they must become the primary focus of park
development efforts and resources in the coming yeazs.
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Policies:
1L In the Regional Pazks and Open Space System, the
City will give prioriry Co all of the following (map) 13.
a. Completion of Como Pazk Master Plan
and renovation;
b. Completion of plans to improve the
� river&ont (see Obj. 2, policy 7);
c. Development of recreadonal trails
(see Objective 3).
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12. In the L.ocal Pazks and Recreation System the City
will give ptioriry To all of Yae following (map):
a. Comple6on of Community Recreation Centets
(North Dale and Battle Creek);
b. Focus on upgrading identified Neighborhoods in
Transition centers;
c. Provision of �ear�eea& facilides to accommodate
emerging sports and other activities.
d. Redevelopment of Highland Pazk;
e.
' ; Imnrovement of
facIlities that snnnort opoortuniues fox
coordination and narmersh'��,,
Como Park
Conservatory
Pazks and Aecreation Plan
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£ Upgrading of Swede Hollow Pazk.
Pursue opportunities and joint use pazmerships to
acquire or provide access to land for pazks and
recreation development according to the following
criteria:
a. Priority will be given to azeas that are
under-served d�e to distance to existing
pazks, population density, or inadequate
size and condition of existing neazby
park(s);
b. Land pazcels must be of adequate size to
accommodate proposed development;
c. Availability and commitment of resources,
public and/or private, to develop
operate,and maintain new park facilities;
d. Gifrs of suitable land will be accepted
when resources, public and/or private, are
idenrified [o maintain the ptoperty;
e. Conformity with other applicable public
policy.
Strategy: Shapmg
City Chazacrer
REGIONAL PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PRIORTTIES
POLICY 11
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p Completion of r'NeArom
improvemer� plar�s
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Parks and Recreauon Plan 13
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LOCAL PARKS AND RECREATTON SYSTEM PRIORITIES
PoLICY 12
Parks and Reaeation Plan
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Develop year round sports recreation facility
(location to be determined)
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Objective 5: Enhance the City and its neighborhoods
Parks and recreation facilities enhance the qvality of the City and its neighborhoods. They function as the public's
"backyazd", giving residems places to play, socialize, and relax. Attractive, well-maintained pazk and recreation facilides
become focal points of neighborhood pride and identity. In some cases, pazks can pose co�ems for adjacent property
owners. Some activiries that occur in pazks can create noise, uafFic, and other problems for adjacent property owners,
thereby diminishing apgreciation of a pazk as a neighborhood asset, Tn addition, the value of parks as neighborhood
ameni6es is d'uectly related to how safe they aze perceived to be and how amactive they appeaz. However, neighborhood
concems about perceived negarive impacts, such as when a recreational trail is proposed adjacent to private property, need to
be balanced by the recreational needs of ciry residents as a whole. The Ciry must continue to work to foster appropriate
design, maintenance, and communiry involvement to ensure pazks enhance neighborhoods as well as serve cirywide needs.
Policies:
14. ''''-°��'m'�Provide site and facility design,
rehabilitation, and retro-fitting thaz:
a Meezs or exceeds accepted standazds for
safety, security, durability, mainrenance
and accessibility;
b. Meets user needs for support facilities
such as pazking, lighting, drinking water,
reshooms, signage;
c. Respects and enhances the nanual and
historic environment;
d. Respects and enhances neighborhood
idenrity;
e. Minimizes impacts on surrounding
neighborhoods.
Harriet Bishop
tot lot at
Harriet Islrznd
Pazks and Recceation Plan
15. Provide resources to support site and facffity
maintenance that:
a. Is appropriate to the size and use of the
EacIliry;
b. Enhances visibiliry and attracriveness;
c. Maximizes safery and securiry.
16. Provide resources to ensure timely repair,
maintenance, and/or replacement of pazk facIliries
to *�+�n;mi�e acciderns and safety hazazds and
improve appearance.
17. Involve neighborhood residents, park users, and
community groups in development, programming,
and maintenance of parks. (see Obj. 10, policy 36)
15 Sicategg:Shaping
CiTy Chacac[er
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Objeclive 6: Foster the economic development potential of the City's park and recreation system
The Saint Paul pazk and recreation system plays a key role in making the City a great place to live, work, and visit. Parks
enhance the physical appearance of the Ciry and contribute to increased property values. Parks provide unique facilities and
host a variety of recreauonal and cultural evenu that attract people to Saint Paul—to visit, to do business, and to live. In
addidon, recreation programs and acriviries help build life-long sldlls and behavior that foster work readiness and general
human developmen[.
Poiicies:
18. Pursue opportunities to work in pazmership with
other public and private organizations to program
and host public special events.
19. Provide adequate resources for programming and
staffing of faciliaes and events that draw visitors
and promote tourism. "Sparky" show
Camo Park
Outdoor Corscert
Haraiet Island
Parks and Recreation Plan
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21.
Pursue publiclprivate partnerships to develop
mumally beneficiai service packages and joint
promotional programs.
22. Ptovide structured recreation activities and
community education opportunities that build
life-long and work readiness skills.
23. Pursue onQortunities toprovide familv-oriented
facilities and attractions thaC encoura¢e families to
snend their leisure time in Saint Paul.
Sttategy: 5haping
City CharadeF
Music Under Glass
Como Conservatory
20. Encourage progranuning of downtown and
riverfront pazks for cultural festivals and other
public events.
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Strategy: Building Community
Our neighborhoods have experienced changes over the past few decades which affect our sense of belonging and �
cannection. People aeed places where they can go to interact with other members of their communiry. Places where they
feel familiar, comfortable, and safe. Parks, and particularly recreation centers, play a vital role in bringing neighborhoods �
together. To ensure that parks continue to contribute positively to our communiry, their role must be expanded and
strengthened and barriers to p¢rticipation must be overcome. Parks and recreaaon centers must be safe, and equally
important, people must be able to get to parks safely. Increased effons are needed to expand outreach. awareness, and
understanding of people with different cultural backgrounds, and peop[e of all age groups. Building on ¢ strong tradition of �
citizen participaaon, continuing opportunities must be provided to foster effecrive citizen involvement in park operarions,
development and maintenance.
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Findings:
1. Several trends chazacterize Saint PauI's
population, which in tum, have an impact on the de]ivery of
pazk and recreation services. These include:
a. Saint Paul's population is becoming more
diverse - racially aztd ethnically. $etween 1980
and 1990 the Ciry's minority population
increased by 80 percent; increasing from 10
percent in I980 ro 18 percent in 1990. The
lazgest increase occurred in the Asian
population whose shaze increased by 6.1
percent. In addirion, 50 percent of school aged
children currently in the City aze non-white.
(frndings coniinued)
Parks and Recreation Plan j'] Stra[egy: Building
Communiry
EI Rio Vista building addition ground breaking
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b. 4Vhile the senior population has remained fairly
constant for the past several decades, ihe
number of 30-39 year olds is at the highest level
since 1940. As a result, our senior population
will likely increase over the next 30 to 40 years.
c. VJhile the current adolescent population (10-19)
is at a 90 year low, the number of children under
10 has increased and will likely lead to a lazger
teenage population in the next decade.
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� Pe�cent ot
age group
� by popuiation
Pazks and Recreacion Plan
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d. The avera�e household size in Saint Paul
continues to decrease. The number of non-
faznily households (single individuals or non-
related persons living together) make up 43
percent of all households. In adffirion, 29
percent of all households with children aze
headed by a single woman.
t9so Source U.S. Census Z, Changing demographics and other social and
economic factors have resulted in an increase in demand for
social service oriented progranis at recreation centers.
3. The Saint Pau1 Pazks and Recreation Commission's
1992 report A Strategy for Neighborhoods in Transition
concludes that recreation centers should play a vital role in
neighborhood stabilization and community buiiding efforts.
4. The Citv continues to classifv its 42 recreafion centers
accordine to the three-tier svstem of: cowmunity recreation
centers, neighborhood recreation centers. and nart-6me
recreation centers. However, altemative staffine models aze
beinQ explored, such as the "nei�hborhood service deliverv
team." which would better match available recteauon center
staff and communitv education staff to differing community
needs and nrogram size.
5.4. Awazeness and concern ahout crime in the ciry has
increased. Particulazly troubling is ffie increased
involvement of youth and the increasing randomness of
crime. While these trends presem a challenge to the entire
city, they present a specific need for secure and safe pazks
and access to park facilities.
6.� Perceptions of crime and feaz of crime affect
decisions people make about whether to use pazk facilities
and how to get to pazks safely.
7.� The majoriry of problems in Saim Paul pazks involve
drinking, vandalism, vehicle break-ins, and loitering. The
number of reported crime incidents in pazks has increased
over the past few yeazs, in part due to improved reporting
and record keepin�.
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Svatea : Building
Corzm�umry
Objective 7: Encourage enforcement and oper¢lional efforts which promote safe and secure access
to and use of parks
Increasing crime rates present a challenge to the entire city, including its parks. While Saim Paul pazks remain relarively
safe, the number of reported crime incidents has increased over the past few years. These trends impact users perceived
degee of safery and therefore the use of park facilities. It is also unportant to recognize that safery concems extend beyond
pazk bovndaries and need to be addressed within the context of the sunounding neighborhood.
Policies:
23. Provide adequate staffmg of park facilities to 25. Foster effecrive communicauon and coordination
maximize safery and security. between Division staff, pazk securiry, police officers,
and neighborhood groups to improve awareness and
24. Provide continuing support for pazk securiry responsiveness ro pazk and neighborhood safety and
programs and safety responsiveness and awareness security issues.
progams.
Objective 8: Provide recreation facilities and programming that contributes to stable
neighborhoods
Concem abou[ accelerated change and instability within Saint Paul's neighborhoods inspired ffie Pazk and Recreadon
Commission's study A Strategy for Neighborhoods in Transipon. One canclusion of that study was that recreation centers
aze the only public, neighborhood-based service providers readily accessible, and belonging to all members of the
commaniry. By strengtherring and expanding the traditional role of recreation centers, particularly at the identified
Neig}tborhoods in Transition centers, they will become neighborhood focal poims and key componems of the neighborhood
network.
Policies:
26. Provide recrearion programming that helps buIld a
sense of community through:
a. Responsiveness to the diverse needs and desires
of residems;
b. Enhancement and celebradon of neighhorhood
identity;
c. Improved ouneach to all residents, including
those not currentiy using recreation services.
27. Support use of recreation centers to host funcaons
and events sponsored by community organizauons,
service providers and neighborhaod residenis.
28. Enwurage cooperative facility arrangements and
joint use agreements with other service providers
that contribute to improved service and access for
the public.
Night Moves at Humboldt
Pazks and Recrearion Ylan I9 Smmegy: Building
CommuniTy
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Objective 9: Identify and remove barriers to participation
There are many rypes of baniers that discourage residents from using pazk services and faciliries. Physical barriers such as
busy sueets, the river, rail road tracks, and stairs can hinder access to pazk facilities. Social barriers such as racial or age
prejudice, language differences, and insensitiviry towazd people with disabilities may result in cer[ain groups of people beSnL
excluded from use of some pazk services, or beina unawaze of services offered. Economic batriers such as fees or equipment
chazges may result in participauon costs that are too high for some members of our community. Program limitations and
rime constraints may also Qtesent harriers to participarion. Overcoming these barriers is necessary to ensure park and
recreation opportunities aze available to all segments of our population.
Policies:
24. Provide for timely implementation of the Americans 32. Ensure development adjacent to pazks does not in
with Disabilities Act (ADA). any way cxeate a barriei to public access, use, or
enjoyment of a park faciliry.
30. Maintain public access to parks and recteation
facilities, services, a�d programs thraugh:
a. Establishment of a fee policy and review
process that ensures fees and equipment
charges do not create barriers to
participation;
b. E�courage the MTC and other nansit
providers to improve coordinadon,
convenience, and affordability of transit
access to puks and recreation programs and
faciliries;
c. Work with Public Works, the Police,
district councils, schools and others to
identify and promote "safe routes° to park
facilities (see Obj. 3, policy 8).
d. Provide directional signage for pazks.
31. Provide for safe accommodation of pedestrians, and
bicyc]isCS and other trail users on all bridges.
Soccer at
McDonough Recreation
Center
33. Ensure staff aze prepazed to work with a diverse
public through:
a. Recruitment and training of staff and
volunteers who aze sensiuve to the City's
park users, including ethnic and language
barriers;
b. Recmitment and retention of people of
color for staff and volunteer positions.
34. Impiove outreach efforts by fos[ering:
a. Strategic targefing of promotional efforts;
b. Continuous, on-going public information
progzams;
c. Effective joint promotional efforts; and
d. Effective distribution of public information
materials.
35. Provide recreadon programs and services at times
convenient to the community.
2�
Pazks and Recreation Plan
Stra[egy Building
Commumty
Objective I0: Foster opportunities for on-going community and citizen involvement and feedback
Involving citizens in decisions regazding pazk development, operafions, and maintenance gives them a sense of ownership,
responsibiliry, and control. Residents play an important mle in helping staff identify park and recreation needs specific to
their neighborhood. In 1990 the Ciry took a significant step in providing a forum for citizen involvement in the
management, operaGons, and development of the pazk and recreation system by establishing the Saint Paul Pazks and
Recreation Commission. Continuing support for citizen participation must be provided to ensure their involvement is
meaningful and effective and has a clear impact on the qualiry of park and recreaEion services.
PO11C1CS:
36. '""��I;,volve all constiruents {residents, pazk
users, interest groups) in seiting balanced priorities
for pro�m*�++ng, maintenance, use of faciliaes, and
other pazk related matters.
Objective Il: Promote cultural ¢wareness
St. Paul possesses a rich cultural heritage and broad spectrum of arts, historical, and ethnic resources. Pazks can enhance
awazeness and access to these resources through cultural events and interpretive progruns. It is also important to recognize
that white increased ethnic and racial diversiry has added to the richness of Saint Paul it also presents new challenges.
Language barriers, culhual ignorance and insensidviry can lead to misundersiandings, conflicts, and--in the worst case--
exclusion and alienadon. Increasing cuItural sensifiviry can help eliminate cuIhual barriers while allowing us to draw upon
the benefits and rewards of our diverse wlture.
Policies:
37. Expand cross-cultural programming and interpretive
opportunities.
38. Provide prograrns ihat are familiaz and attracrive to
under-served populations.
39. Proactively recnrit and retain people of color and
bilingual people for staff and volunteer posiUons.
(see Obj. 9, policy 33).
40. Encourage use of pazk facilities to host public
cultural and historic events.
Pazks and Recrearion Plai 2 j
Svategy: Bwlding
Communiry
Japanese Dancers at Town Square Park
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� Strategy: Innovative Focusing of Resources
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� Shrinking budgets and increased demarzds frame our future challenge. The Parks and Recreation Division can begin to
address this cha[Zenge by setting clear prioriries--but it must also maintain f(exibiliry to respond to unforeseen opportunities
and needs. It is essential to work "smaner"--to gain a better undersmnding of who we serve and what their needs and
� desires are. 71ze Division must tap the potential of its existing resaurces and be willing ta ezplore new and altemative ways
of doing things. The abi[iry to continue to deliver high qualiry park and recreation servires depends on the abiliry to use City
resources in a an efficient, effective, and innovaRve manner.
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Findings:
l. The Division's level of responsibility has increased
over Ihe past few decades due to a more diverse
service population, a 24 percent increase in total pazkland,
and demand for new, larger, and more sophisticated
recreauon centers. However, the budget (including staff
levels) has remained relatively flat. As a result, the
Division's actual "buying power" has decreased.
� 2. Over the past decade ihere has been an increase in
the number of federal, state, and local govemment
regulations to ensure that facilities and equipment aze
� stmcturally sound, accessible, and environmentally safe.
Compliance with these requirements has contributed to
significantly increased maintenance costs.
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� Parks 8� Recreation �H��
MTCE.
General Fund Budget '�
� PARK 8
BUIIDING
� MSCE.
6%
FORESIRY 7 , '
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4. Over the past decade the amount of general revenue
funds available for pazks and recreation has varied
significantly, with funds generally declining since the mid-
1980s. To counteract this downtum, the Division has
attempted to increase the amou�t of the overall budget
covered by special funds derived from fees, leases, and
rentals. Other supplemental revenue sources currently used
include: grants, donations, and cost sharing tluough
partnerships.
5. The lazgest portion of the Division's general fund
budget (36 percent) supports programming and
maintenance at recreation centers. This is followed by 25
percent for general park, vehicle, and buiiding maintenance;
12 peicent for forestry; 12 percent for Como Zoo and
Conservatory; 8 percent for specialized programs and
facilities; 5 percent for administrauve{support; 1 percent for
pazk security/rangers; and 1 percent for environment and
natura] resources. This distribntion of general funds has
remained relatively constant over the past several yeazs.
(Souice: 1995 budget)
c�oz� . rv� ��i
Cano COMOZOO( .
�=^x^'��' CONSERVATORY "�
�� ^rv � ry COMPLE% � MMINIS1RAlIVE/
s ENYIRONMEM ❑ SUavOxr
& NA7URAL SECURf1Y ���
RESOURCES RANGERS '�
1% 1%
3. It is not possible to meet all recreational demands
within the exisling budget. Exisling budget ri�ends maintain
the status quo dollar level but do not provide for expansion or
creation of addiuonal programs. It will be nuessary to say
"no° to sotne requests for additional services or to eliarinate
some existing services to accommodate new demands.
Pazks and Recreat�ou Plan
PARKS
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1995 General Fund Request
$14,765,329
36%
Rxreotia+Centers
, Progmms-25%
MTCE - 11 b
sr�cuwzen
Svategy: Ivnovative
Focusng of Resources
Strategy: Innovative Focusing of Resources (Fandings continued)
6. The Division is curtenfly involved in parinerships
with over 200 organizafions represenring private, public,
and non-profit sectors as well as most public and private
schools and colleges. Partnerslups serve a variety of
functions: preventing duplicadon, sharing facilities,
providing services the Ciry cannot, and offering specialized
expertise.
7. There is an increasing number of organizations
offering recreauonal services. While public agencies have
traditionally provided the bulk of general recreaUon
services, the private sector is playing a lazger role in
responding to increased demand for recreation. Private,
non-profit orgaaizations provide services similaz to those
provided by the public sector, which may ]ead to the
impression that services aze being duplicated. However,
while there may be some competition for resources, there is
razely competition for participants. In addifion, the
populariry of private, fux-pay Tecreafional services (e.a.
health clubs) has contributed to increased demand on the
public sector to provide similaz services at a lower cost.
8. The Division utilizes the help of numerous
volunteers each yeaz, including over 8000 in 1994.
Volunteers aze used in a variety of capacities from coaches
and maintenance heip to advisory roles. In addition to adult
volunteers, the City's pool of volunteers also includes youth
and student intems.
9. Infoimation on recreation participation and demand
is not currenfly compiled or analyzed in a coordinated and
systemabc manner which makes it difficult to idenrify or
justify priorities.
Objective IZ: Establish priorities for use and distribution of city resources
General fund dollazs allocated to parks and recreation cover basic services and basic faciliry maintenance. To accommodate
additional services, funding is ofren drawn away from basic services and maintenance. Consequemly, the leve] of basic
services and maintenance declines. Given limited resources and an expanding range of needs and demands, clear prioriries
must be established to ensure an adequate level of maintenance and service is sustained and resources aze utilized to the
fullest extent possible.
Policies:
41. Develop a process to periodicaiiy evaluate and
review el;isring faciliaes and services to deternune
the'u efficiency and effectiveness and measure use
and demand.
42. New acquisiflons, facilities, or services should only
be made after thorough review to determine need
and identifcation of resourczs to provide con6nuat
opezation aod maintenance. (see Obj. 4, policy 13)
43. Encourage mutually beneficial joint use
arraogements and other altemative means of
delivering recreaUOn services, both formal and
informat, before provision of new facili[ies ot
pmgrattis.
44. Give prioriry ro recreation centers located in
Neighborhoods in Transifion areas whan dishibufing
resources for prograzns, services and facilides.
Phalen tot lot
Aarks and Rec`eation Plan 23
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� Objective 13: Increase utilizalion of supplemental resources.
Policies:
� The availability of city resources to operate and maintain the pazk and recreation system is subjut to economic fluctuauons.
Therefore, identifying a truly stable revenue source may not be feasible. Supplemental resources such as fees, �'ants, and
pazmerships, allow the Division to pzovide services people want which appropriated funds alone cannot support. In some
cases, supplemental resources aze necessary to ensure access to services for all members of our communiry. With restricted
� city resources, supplemental resources and non-traditional approaches will become increasingly important, particulazly in
providing neighborhood open space and recreation facilities.
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45. Pursue opportuniaes to secwe federal, state, and
private resources (e.g. grants, partnerships) when and
where possible to:
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budget (e.g. specialist contracts, community
education).
a. Ensure access to programs or facilities; 46. Pursue mumally beneficial opportunities to involve
b. Provide the organizarional capacity to the corporatelbusiness community and neighborhood
change service delivery, including the organizations in parmerships providing supplementa]
provision of new services; resources (e.g. leases, sponsorships, maintenance
c. Build, operate and maintain facilities; and agreements).
d. Expand services beyond the general fund
Objective 14: Improve utilization of human resources
RecruiGng and maintaining a highly skilled and competent work force is essential ro the operations of the Division.
Likewise, volunteers provide vital support to staff operations and allow the Ciry to engage in activifles it might not do
otherwise. Effecdve utilizafion of staff and volunteers requires condnual reinvestment and coaunitment to recruitment,
training, coordinaaon, and recognition.
PO�1cIQS:
47. Provide on-going sldlls training and development
programs to improve and expand staff skills and
capabilities.
48. Establish models to build staff capacity to work
independently, as teams, or in partnerships to deliver
services.
49. Improve the use and effectiveness of volunteers in
the pazk system by maintaining:
a A diverse pool of skilled volunteers;
b. An effective system foi matcMng
volunteers with specific tasks based on
sldlls reqaired, time wmmitment and othei
factors;
c. Adequate training and supervision.
50. Consistently reward and recognize staff and
volunteers for their contributions to the park and
recreation system.
Parks and Recreation Pl�
Zd
$trategy:lnnovahve
Focusing of Resources
Park Clean up riverfront
Objective Z5: Improve management of resources
Changes in our service population, changing ]ifestyles, and rapidly changing recreation trends all contribu[e to the increased
and growing diversity of demands, and comperiuon for use of pazk resources. Providing more services and facifi6es has
been the usual response. However, there is a lunit to how much we can add to the system to accommodate new and
changing needs. Rather, we need to effectively manage our resources to ensure that we provide a balance of high qualiry
recreadon opportunides. This requires a thorough understanding of needs and flexibiliry to respond to change. It atso means
unproving the efficiency and effectiveness of Faciliries, operauons, and maintenance.
Policies:
51. Improve data collection, coordination and analysis
capabilities to strengthen capacity to provide
adequate information for ptanning, evaluation and
management.
52. Encourage flexibility in faciliTy use, programming,
and staffmg (including volunteers).
53. Ensure facilities accommodate a balance of uses
which reflect the diversity of community needs and
demands.
54, Review and revise if necessarv, plan obiecrives and
policies on a biannual basis when a new two veaz
action plan is develoved.
Pazks and Reaeation Pian 2,5 Straze Innovarive
SY=
Focusing of Resou�ces
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SAINT PAUL
PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Tlris secrion includes implementarion acrion steps for achieving some of the policies outlined 'm the S�ategy section. The
two yeaz acuon plan identifies the acuon steps the Parks and Recrearion Division plans to undertake in 1995 and 1996. Each
acfion step includes the policy number in pazentheses (-) Following the step.
The intent of the acuon plan is to provide a realistic work plan that will help focus the work of the Pazks and Recreazion
Divislon over the next two years. The acqon plan will be updated by the staff biannually, presented to the Pazks and
Rureation Commission for review and approval, and adopted by ihe City Council.
BUDGET LIMITATIONS
As stated in the assumpfions on which this plan is based, funding for pazks and recreation has decreased at regional, state and
federal levels over the past decade. The Ciry budget for parks and recreation services will not increase, and will likely
decrease given the administrauon's commitment to a 0% increase in the City budget for the four yeazs of Mayor Coleman's
[emt. The current budget will need to absorb rising costs for utilities, maintenance and scheduled salary increases for staff,
while still maintaining and operaring the cutrent system of pazkland and facilities. Given these budget realities, the action
plan focuses an what realistically can be donz in the next two yeazs.
MAINTENANCE
While the City has consistently been responsive to the demands Por new facIlities, the resources allocated to adequately
maintain and staff rhis system Las not kept pace. Maintenance and operating costs continue to increase due to the
construction of larger buildings, deterioration of aging buildings, an inadequate replacement schedule for vehicles and
equipment, and acquisiuon of more pazkland. The Ciry has a substantial investment in its pazk and recreation system, and
needs to budget sufficien[ resources fox maintenance to protect that investment and avoid even highez repair and replacement
costs in the futiue.
OVERALL GOAL
Provide resources to ensure all facili[ies, programs, and services aze accessible, safe, well-maintained and adequately staffed
to meet public demand.
Como O�dway Memorial Japanese Garden Crosby Park cross country skling
Aazks and Recreauon Plan 2(
"Playdays"Como Conservatory
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1996-1997 ACTION PLAN
ACTION STEPS FOR 1996
RESOURCE PROTECTLON
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Complete and maintain an invenmry of natural resources within ten key city pazks, identifying endangered
and threatened species and sensiTive habitais. (1)
RESPONSIBII,ITY: Support Services Section
BUDGET IMPACT: $5,000 For duplicating costs
Develop resource management plans for two pazk areas as pilot projects. (1}
RESPONSIBILIT'Y: Support Services Section
BUDGET IMPACT: $5,000 per management plan for staff and supply costs
Conduct annual review of chemical use on pazkland. (1)
RESPONSIBILIT'Y: Support Services Section, City Council
BUDGET IMPACT; Current staff time
Work with City adminisuazors to determine if establishing a service chazge for tree mzintenance is
possible. (4)
RESPONSIBILITY; Forestry, Pazks Administration, Mayor
BUDGET IMPACT: $100,000+ in siart-up costs wLich wouid eventualIy be repaid
Expand environmental awareness, education and interpretive programs in Como and Crosby Farm Pazks. (1)
RESPONSIBILITY: Environmental Services Section
BUDGET IMPACT: $100,000 per year
Review aud, if needed, revise the tree protection ordinance. (4)
RESPONSIBILITY: Foresxry Unit, Mayor, City Council
BUDGET IMPACT: G�rreat staff time
Continue to develop mutually beneficial partnerships with Northern Stazes Power, District Energy and Public
Works to improve customer service, increase ptoductevity, and reduce duplicadon. (4)
RESPONSIBILITY: Environmental Services Section, Forestry Unit
BUDGET IMPACT: Reliable equipment and sufficient staff will be needed. Specifics depand on
partnerships developed.
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8. Complete inventory of vehicles and equipment in the Pazks and Recrearion Division in prepazation for
improved fleet management. (Obj. 1S�
RESPONSIBILIT'I': Vehicle Maintenance Unit
BUDGET IMPACT: C�urent stafF time
9/6/95 �
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Parks aral Recraarion Plan 27
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Complete strategy for joint purchasing of vehicles, equipmeni, and vehicle rental. (Obj. 1S�
RESPONSIBILITY: Pazks Administration, Vehicle Maintenance Unit
BUDGET IMPACT: $600,000 per year
Develop and implement minimwn srandazds for recreation center maintenance citywide for each level of
building• (1� -
RESPONSIBII,I1'I': Recreation Center Maintenance Section
BUDGET IIvIPACT: Clurent staff time
Deveiop an ongoing pmgram for scenic overlook cleazance to maintain important vistas wiihin the city on a
regular cycle. (16)
RESPONSIBAdTY: Pazk Maintenance and Forestry Sections
BUDGET IMPACT: Current staff time
Refurbish Showmobiles and bring up to desirable standards. (16)
RESPONSIBILITY: Recreation Center Maintenance and Vehicle Maintenance Sections
BUDGET IMPACT: $15,000
� DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
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Provide on-street bike lanes on Mississippi River Boulevazd, a designated pazkway, from Minneapolis to
Prior Avenue. (7/8/9/10)
RESPONSISILITY: Public Works, Pazks and Recreation, Mayor, Ciry Council
BUDGET IMPACT: Un�own
Complete Phalen Creek Trail and pursue connection to Riverfront trails. (8)
RESPONSIBILITY: Pazks and Recreauon, Public Works, Pazks and Recreation Commission, BAB,
Mayor, City Council
BUDGET IMPACT: Unknown
Pursue trail development as Ayd Mill Road design altematives aze considered. (8)
RESPONSIBILITY: Parks and Recreation, Public Works
BUDGET IMPACT: Unlmown
Work with the Wabasha Bridge Task Force and Design Team to ensute inclusion of bicyclelgedestrian paths
on new bridge. (S)
RESPONSIBILITY: Pazks and Recreation, Public Works, Pazks and Recreation Commission, BAB,
Mayor, City Council
BUDGET IMPACT: Unlmown
Parks and Recrearion Plan 2$
OUTREACH. AWARENESS AND PROMOTION
17
18.
Work closely with the St. Paul School District to develop partneiships between Como Pazk Environmental
Education and science teachers to develop a biology curriculum that pmvides oppommities for St. Pavl
students to utilize Como Zoo and Conservatory effectively. (4�
RESPONSIBII.ITY: Pazks and Recreation, St. Paul School District
BUDGET IMPACT: May require start-up funding
Seek out corporations to sponsor e�cpanded noon-time concerts, artist-in-residence programs, mmd
environmental education oppommities at Como Zoo and Conservatory. (18)
RESPONSIDII,ITY: Pazks and Recreation
BUDGET IMPACT: May require start-up Tunding
19. Continue to explore with the downtown community the possibiliiy of keeping Ca£esjian's Carousel in Town
Square Pazk. (20)
RESPONSIBII.ITY: Special Services Section
BUDGET IMPACT: $30,000 for progr�.!�*�+?ng the park
20. Design and implement programs that respond to the needs of residents of varying backgrounds by:
a. Improving outreach;
b. Improving community assessment;
c. Iaviting zesidents of varying backgrounds to provide input on services; and
d. Identifying and contacting residents not using services to determine their interests �
and needs. (26)
RESPONSIBILTTY: Recreation Programming Section
BUDGET IMPACT: Unknown (spending priorities wIll change)
21. Encourage communiry use of recreazion facili[ies by:
a. Promoting the availability of recreation centers for community evenu;
b. Establishing space use charge gaidelines that enoourage community use at a
reasonable cost; and
c. Working with neighborhood organizatioas in planning functions and events. (2�
RESPONSIBILITY: Recreation Prograneming Section
BUDGET IMPACT: Unlmow¢, increased revenues are expected
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
22. Develop and implement Division securiry/emergency plans for key Division facilities. {23)
RESPONSIBILITY: Pazks Security, Pazks and Recreation facIlity managers
BUDGET IMPACT: Cunent staff time
Pazks and Recreauon Plan 29
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Involve the community in a systematic way in setting program and service-related priorities for selected
programs. (3S�
RESPONSIBII,ITY: Recreation Prograznming Section
BUDGET IMPACT: Requires $4100 start-up funding
Schedule programs and services az times thaz respond to priorities identified by the community. (35)
RESPONSIBIi,ITY: Recreation Programming Section
BUDGET IMPACT: Unknown (spending priorities will change)
Use neighborhood service delivery tezms to improve programs and services. (4�
RESPONSIBILITY: Reereation Ptogramming Section
BUDGET IMPACT: L3nlmown (spending priorities will change)
Sponsor additional downtown and riverfront special events as oppommities arise. (40)
RESPONSIBILITY: Special Services Section
SUDGET IMPACT: Potential new revenue
Develop a strategy to provide funding for speciai events produced by the Pazks and Recreation
Division. (46}
RESPONSIBILITY: Special Services SectiQn
BUDGET IMPACT: $20,000 in sponsorship revenue
Develop and adopt a standazdized rate structuxe for pazk permits. (30)
RESPONSIDILITY: Pazks Adminisuaiion, Operations and Support Services Sections
BUDGET IMPACT: Current staff time
Refine the pazk permit system and determine ihe feasibiliry of a Division-wide a[l-type permit system with
"one stop shopping". (4S)
RESPONSIBILITY: Pazks Administration, Pazk Maintenance Section
BUDGET IMPACT: $4�,000
INFORMATION AND DATA MANAGEMENT
30.
31.
Develop mechanisms for routine feedback for selected programs. (41)
RESPONSIBILITY: Support Services Section and Activiry Managers
BUDGET IMPACT: $5,000 for postage and printing
Secure funds for citywide survey (10 year anniversary, last done in 1986). (41)
RESPONSIBILITY: Pazks and Recreation
BUDGET IMPACT: $40,000
Parks and Recreaaon Plan 30
32. Secure space, equipment and money for salazies to expand use of interns. (49)
RFSPONSIBII,ITY: Pazks and Recreation
BUDGET IMPACT: $25,000
STAFFING
33. Develop customer service team az Como Zoo and Conservatory. (51)
RESPONSIBILITY: Environmental Services Section
BUDGET IMPACT: May require start-up funding
34.
35.
36.
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38.
Create staff development team and plan for Como Zoo and Consetvatory to ensure staff effectiveness and
efficiency. (51)
RFSPONSIBILITY: Environmental Services Section
BUDGET IMPACT: $1�,000 for specific uaining sessions
Implement elements of an a�rmarive action strategy for reccuitment, uaining and xetenrion of staff. (39)
RESPONSIBILITY: Support Setvices Secaon
BUDGET IMPACT: May require start-up funding for outreach and training
Establish models that build staff capaciry to work independendy. Complete the neighborhood service
delivery team staffing modei. (48)
Responsibiliry: Recreation Prograwming Section
Budget Impact: $20,000 for staff development
DeveIop grant proposals for funding the environmental education program. (4�
RESPONSIBILITI': Environmental Services Section
BUDGET IMPAC'f: Requires funding for staff and progiamming
Develop graut proposals for funding the Como Conservatory's Artist-in-Residence program. (4�
RESPONSIBILTTY: Enduonmental Services Secuon
BUDGET IMPACT: Requires funding for artist, progcamming, and facilities
39. Work closely with the Police Department to evaluate Pazk Ranger seroices provided since transfer
in I995. (24/2�
a. Develop brochure with Police explaining how Pazk Ranger services aze provided.
b. Document and evaluate effectiveness of Puk Wazch Ptogram between Parks and Police for one season
(1995).
c. Work closely with Police teams to identify problem ueas and develop a response process.
RESPONSTBILITY: Pazk and Recreation Managers, Support Services Seetion, Police Department
BUDGET IMPACT: C�rrent staff time and printing costs
Pazks and Recmation Plan 31
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Wark with neighborhood goups (surveys, meetings, focus groups) to identify security concems vrithin the
Pazk system. (24/2S7
RFSPONSIBILITY: Pazks and Recreazion Managers, Support Services Section, Police Department
BUDGET IMPACT: G�rrent staff time
Develop and distribute Puk Watch flyers to Division facilities and community groups. (2�
Responsibility:
Budget Impact:
S�pport Services Section
$5,000 for information development and printing
Parks and Recrealion Plan 32
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ACTION STEPS FOR 1997
RESOURCE PROTECTION
1. Determine need for computeriaed tree inventory. (1/4/51)
RESPONSIBII,ITY: Forestry Section
BUDGET IMPACT: $7,500 for intem, $12,000 computer start-up costs
2. Develop resource management plans for four pazks. (1)
RESPONSIBIIdTY: Environmental Services Section
BUDGET IMPACT: $5,000 per management plan for staff and supply cosu
3, Conduct annual review of chemical use on pazkland. (1)
RESPONSIBII.TTY: Environmental Services Section, City Council
BUDGET IMPACT: Cturent staff time
4. Contact DNR to compare DNR's bioric inventory program/county biological survey and the City's natural
resources inventories, and revise inventories if needed. (2}
RESPONSIBILIT'Y: Environmental Services Section
BUDGET IMPACT: Clurent staff rime and $10,000 for possible interns
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
5. In the Regional Pazks and Open Space System, the City will: (11)
a. Seek funding for completion of plans and development projects (CIB, Metro Pazks, LCMR, ISTEA,
otfier);
b. Identify/prioritize vail segments, conneaions, etc.
RESPONSIBILITY: Puks and Recrearion, Public Works, Pazks and Recreation Commission, BAB,
Mayor, City Council
BUDGET IMPACT: Current staff time
6. Implement local parks and recreation priorities: (12)
a, Seek funding to complete construction of community recteation centers at North Dale and Battle Creek.
b. Develop plan and seek funding for a multi-use sports/recreation faciliiy.
RESPONSIBII,ITY: Pazks and Recreatioa, Mayor, City Council
BUDGET IMPACT: As availabte
Work wiih neighboring municipalities, counties, MnDOT, NSP and Metropolitan Council to coord'mate trail
planning. (S)
RESPONSISILITY: Pazks and Recreation, Public Works, Pazks and Recreation Commission, BAB,
Mayor, City CouncIl
BUDGET IMPACT: CYurent staff time
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Packs and Recreaaon Plan 33
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8. Secure resources to wordinate public information and marketing for Division programs. (25/26/34)
Responsibility: Support Services Sution
Budget Imgact: $SQ,000
SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
9.
10.
Evaluate progiams and services at Neighborhoods in Transition facilities to determine the effectiveness in
helping stabilize the wmmuniry. (51)
RESPONSIBII,ITY: Recreation Programming Section
BUDGET IMPACT: $2000 for the evaluation
Develop a volunteer base at selected recreation centers so that programs, services, and faciliry hours can be
augmented. (49/52)
RESPONSIBILITY: Recreation Programming Section _
BUDGET IMPACT: $2000 for volunteer training
INFORMATION AND DATA MANAGEMENT
ll. Train key staff in marketing facilities and programs. (34)
RESPONSIBILITY: Support Services Section and Managers
BUDGET IMPACT: $5,000
12. Develop an accurate inventory of all Saint Paul Pazks and RecreaGon land with location, legal description,
acreage, and date of acquisition. i51)
RE5PONSIBILITY: Pazks Administration, Pazk Maintenance Section, Intem
BUDGET IMPACT: $5,000
STAFFiNG
13. Provide improved uaining for ail levels of Operations staff - both mandated and elective training. (47)
RESPONSIBILITY: Operations Sution
BUDGET IMPACT: $10,000
MAINTENANCE
14.
15.
Review feasibility of converting the Smail Engine Repair Unit to an enterprise fund.
(Obj. 12)
RESPONSIBILITY: Pazks Administration, Vehicle Maintenance and Pazk Maimenance Sections
BUDGET 1MPACT: Curtent staff time and costs to be detetmined
Identify azeas and implement reduced mowing azeas throughout the Pazks system. (Obj. 12)
RESPONSIBILITY: Pazks Admiuistrauon, Operations Section
BUDGET IMPACT: Current staff time
Patks and Recreation Plan
34
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CIT'Y PARKS AND PARKWAYS
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Pazks and Aecreanon Plan 3$
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SPECIALIZED RECREATION FACII,ITIES
Pazks and Recrea[ion Plan
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Como a� Blarc Avenua
Paluce
fasriiew
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HighMnd (40� 18aale)
0 Como/Pholen
O Camo Im and Canservatury
0 Downhill Skimg/Como
Gms tounhySkiing
Hidden falk/Gosby Farm
Highknd/Pfiokn/tomo
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Cano lakesde (remak)
� Marin�
Hamef I�and
Wate�qate
p coMerts
Como lnkeside Pwilan
Hnmet {�and
Mears Park
Phalen Ampitheotre
Raspberry i�and
Rite Park
Town Square
Irvine Park
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CTI'Y RECREATION CENTER LOCATIONS
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• PARLTIME RECREATION CENTERS
Parks and Recreation Plan 37
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INDOOR FACILRIES
CENTER ADDRESS PHONE Q g� ci G` � c�'' s� �
Arlington 665 E. Rose 298-5707 7 1 S 7
Baker 209 W. Page 292-72A4 2 2 1 1 1 L 1
Battle Creek 2076 Upper Afton 29&5737 1 1 S 1
Conway 2090 Conway 298-5742 1 1 1 1 1 L 1 i
Dayton's Bluff 790 Conway 298-5703 1 1 S 1
Desnoyer * 525 Pelham 298-5753 1 1 1
Duluth & Case 1020 Duluth 298-5709 1 M 7
Dunning 1221 Marshall 298-5754 1
EasNiew 608 Kennard 295-5710 1 7 1 M 1
Edgcumbe 320 S. Griggs 298-5772 1 1 1 1 L 1 1
EI Rio Vista 179 E. Robie 298-5659 7 7 L 1 1
Front * 485 Stinson 288•5809 1 1 S 1
Frost Lake 1518 E. Idaho 298-5712 1 1 1 M 1
Griggs * 1188 Hubbard 298-5755 1
Groveland 2045 St. Clair 298•5T/5 1 1 L 7
Hancock 1610 Hubbard 298-4393 1 1 1 1 1 L 1 1
Hayden Heights 1965 E. Hoyt 298-5716 1 1 1 L 2
Hazel Park 919 N. Hazel 298-5738 1 1 S 1
Highwood Hills * 2188 Londin Ln. 298-5749 1 1 1 1 L 1
Hillcrest 1978 Ford Pkwy. 298-5778 3 1 1 1 L 1 1
Homecroft 1845 Sheridan 298-5794 1 1 1 L 1
Jimmy Lee 10631glehart 298-5760 1 1 1 L 1
Langford 30 Langford Park 298-5765 1 1 1 M 1
Linwood 860 St. Clair 298-5660 1 3 1 1 1 L 1 1
Margaret 1109 Margaret 298-5719 1 1 1 L 1 1
Martin Luther King 270 N, Kent 298-5661 1 L 1 1
McDonough 1544 Timberlake 298-5810 2 1 1 L 1
Merriam Park 2000 St. Anthony 298-5766 1 1 L 1
North Dale 1414 N. St. Albans 298-5812 1 M 1
Northwest Como 1557 Huron 298-5813 1 1 L 1
Orchard 875 Orchard 298-5816 1 1 M 1 7
Palace 781 Palace 298-5677 1 1 1 1 1 L 1 i
Phalen 7000 E. Wheelock 298-5721 1 7 S 7
j Prospenty 1371 Kennard 298-5722 1 1 1 1 M 1
! Rice & Lawson 1021 Marion 298-5819 1 1 1 L 7
� St. Clair * 265 Oneida 298-5730 S 1
' Scheffer 237 Thomas 298-5820 1 1 S 1
So. St. Anthony :k 890 Cromwell 298-5770 1 1 L 1
Sylvan 77 W. Rose 298-5821 1 1 S 1
Valley 690 Jackson 298-5657 1 1 1 1 M 1
Wesi Minnehaha 685 W. Minnehaha 298-5823 1 7 1 1 L 7 1
Wilder 958 Jessie 298-5727 2 1 1 1 M 1 1
* Part-Time Recreation Center S- Small
M - Medium
L - large
Pazks and Recreazion Plan 3S
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OUTDOOR FACILITIES
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Park Planning Task Force
Kiki Sonnen, Co-Chair
David McDoneII, Co-Chair
Karin DuPaul
Steve Garvey
Bonnie Lawrence
Staff
Administration
Credits
Peggy Lexau
Debbie Montgomery
Bazb Rose
Imogene Treichel
Jill Danner, Ex-Officio (Parks Commission Chair)
Robert Piram, Pazks and Recreation Division
Dan Cornejo, Planning Division
Ken Ford, Plazuiing Division
Parks and Recreation Division
Judy Barr, Parks and Recreation Division
Vince Gillespie, Parks and Recreafion Division
John Poor, Pazks and Recreation Division
John Wirka, Parks and Recreation Division
Victor Wittgenstein, Parks and Recreation Division
Lynn Wolfe, Pazks and Recreation Division
Sandra Gariepy, Parks and RecreaUOn Division
Planning Division
Donna Drummond, Planning Division
Julie Farnham, Planning Division
Parks Commission
7ill Danner Chairperson
Teirence Hunuods, First �ce-Chairperson
Gail Gisi
David Goodiow
Babara Johnson
Bfia Moua
John O`Halioran
Caroi Osip
Phil Rivitzky
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Aarks and Reaeation Plan 39