HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.d. Master Parks Plan Process UpdateCITY OF ROSEMOUNT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FOR ACTION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: April 16, 1991
AGENDA ITEM: Master Plan Summary
AGENDA SECTION:
Department Head Report
PREPARED BY: David J. 'Bechtold,
AGENDA NO.
Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENTS: None
AP'
1.
Jeff Schoenbauer of Brauer and Associates will be presenting a summary of
approximately 20 - 30 minutes relating to the Parks Master Plan Project.
A meeting designed for receiving additional public input is scheduled for
this Thursday evening, April 18, 1991, at 7:30 p.m. in the Rosemount City
Hall. Special invitations will be sent to all commissions and committees
inviting them to join in the discussions that evening.
i
f
i
i
I
Section 4 - Park System Framework
0
City of Rosemount
ZI*
lc;
Section
4
Park System
Framework
components, including:
Population information and Park System
Acreage Standards:: Analysis of Rosemount's
• City Infrastructure: Defines the structural
most recent population information and defining
Overview
(physical) and developmental characteristics of
the standards for the number of acres of park
the City which have a direct impact on the
land per population base.
development of the park systema
• Park System Elements: Describes the physical
A park system framework is best described as the
. Natural Resource Areas: Defines areas of the
characteristics of each park site and the park
parameters and guidelines for establishing a park and
City which exhibit significant natural resources.
system as a whole.
recreation system" within a given community.
• Historical, Cultural, Social, and Commercial
• Park System Facilities Development Standards:
As previously stated, the term "park and recreation
Areas: Defines areas of the City which exhibit:
Defines the type and number of recreational
system" is intended to viewed in a broader
a) important historical and cultural features, b)
facilities necessary to accommodate a
context which includes not only parks and open
important social and commercial activity centers.
community's needs.
spaces .per se, but urban spaces,trails, greenways,
streetscapes, schools, wetlands, water bodies, nature
. Park System Classifications: Depicts the park
• Park System Facilities Desien Standards:
areas, historical preservation, etc. as well.
"types" and functional classifications to be
Establish recommended design standards and
utilized within the community's park system.
quality guidelines for specific facilities.
The forth -coming framework is based on established
park planning methodology, national park planning
„ Trail System Classifications: Depicts the trail
The following text describes the components of the
guidelines/standards and previous park system
types„ and classifications to be utilized within
Park System Framework in greater detail.
studies. -
the community's park system.
The framework consists of a number of essential
Section 4 - Park System Framework
park system.
• Other Important Structural Elements: The
Community Infrastructure location of heavy industries, refineries, etc. will
have an impact on the development of a park
system and therefore must be considered during
The process of establishing a park system the planning process.
framework in Rosemount begins initially by Figure 1- City Infrastructure Map illustrates these
developing an understanding of the "infrastructure" structural elements.
of the community. The infrastructure is based on a
set of structural elements which, in one way or
another, have a direct impact on the development of
the park system.
The key structural elements include: Natural Resource Areas
• Municipal Boundary. Establishes the outside
limits of the City and the park system.
• Thoroughfare Plan: Eidsting and proposed
thoroughfares play a significant role in the
development of the park system by providing
both necessary access (vehicular) as well as
physical barriers (pedestrian) to park sites.
• Metropolitan Urban Services Area (MUSA
Line): Dictates, through the Metro Council, the
approved limits of the urban services (such as
water, sanitary sewer, etc.) within a given
community. The MUSA line, by design, will
greatly influence the location and density of
residential development. However, it is
important to note that the actual location of the
MUSA line will likely change over time as
demand and policy dictates.
• E&ting and Guided Land Uses: Existing land
uses (i.e., residential, commercial, industrial,
etc.) give the City a certain developmental
structure which will naturally have a major
influence on the development of the park system.
Likewise, the Land Use Guide Plan (Year 2000),
which defines the type of development guided
(proposed) for all areas of the city, will also have
a major influence on the development of the
As stated in Section 2 - Assessment of Rosemount's
Parks and Recreational Needs, the preservation of
natural resources is important to City residents.
In this light, the intention of this plan is essentially
two -fold:
• to preserve a portion of the City's remaining
natural resource base to assure that a balance is
maintained between natural and built
environments.
• to provide additional recreational opportunities
for City residents to use and enjoy.
Significant natural resources would include natural
areas such as woodlots, lakes, wetlands, the river
corridor, open spaces, etc. which exhibit natural
qualities worthy of preservation.
Natural and man-made storm water holding ponds
and detention basins which exhibit park
opportunities are also classified under natural
resources.
City of Rosemount
Woodlots and Open Spaces
The City of Rosemount is blessed with a variety of
landforms and plant communities which influence
the overall character of the community.
Figure ///. Natural Resource Areas and Historical,
Cultural, Social, and Commercial Areas illustrates
woodlots and open space areas which offer
considerable preservation and parks and
recreational opportunities.
Protected Waters and Wetlands
The importance of preserving water resources and
wetlands is one of the major environmental issues
facing our society as we approach the end of this
century. Only in recent years has it become clearly
understood the true value that these resources play
in maintaining a balance in our natural
environmental systems. The findings in Section 2 -
Assessment of Rosemount's Parks and Recreation
Needs reinforces this point of view.
Specifically, water resources and wetlands provide:
• flood and storm water control and storage.
• nutrient and pollutant entrapment (see also
Water Quality).
• water purification and groundwater recharge.
(note: groundwater is used by 70% of
Minnesotans as a source of drinking water).
• natural open space in an ever expanding urban
area.
• essential habitat for a variety of fish, wildlife,
and native plant species.
Section 4 - Park System Framework
•~ recreational and nature observation
opportunities.
The current City of Rosemount Zoning Ordinance
(Ordinance B, Section 9 - Special Overlay
Regulations) rely principally on the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) adopted
standards and permit requirements for controlling
any form of development which will impact
protected waters and wetlands. These adopted
standards and regulations are defined in great detail
in various DNR publications related to shoreland
and wetlands management.
The DNR, along with Dakota County, have
inventoried, listed, and mapped all protected waters
and wetlands within the Dakota County. The water
resources within Rosemount that are included in
this inventory, and thus subject to regulation, are
illustrated in Figure ///. Natural Resource Areas
and Historical, Cultural, Social, and Commercial
Areas.
Mississippi River Corridor
The Mississippi River Corridor offers an exceptional
parks and recreational opportunity for the City of
Rosemount.
Fortunately, the value of this resource has been
previously recognized and, in many respects, already
protected through a couple of actions.
First, the Mississippi River Critical Area Plan
(MRCAP) was established for regulating the land
and water uses within a designated area. The
MRCAP has been incorporated as part of the City's
Comprehensive Planning Document and Zoning
Ordinances.
Secondly, Spring Lake Regional Park has been
established within the Mississippi River Critical
River Area for the purpose of providing public open
space.
It is the intention of this planning document to take
advantage of these previous planning efforts by
incorporating them, as appropriate, into the parks
and recreation system.
Figure ///. Natural Resource Areas and Historical,
Cultural, Social, and Commercial Areas illustrates
the Mississippi River Critical Area and Spring Lake
Regional Park.
Historical, Cultural, Social,
and Commercial Areas
The historical, cultural, social, and commercial areas
of the community are important in that they define
many aspects of the City's overall image.
In this instance, we are not looking to define these
areas from a land use perspective. That task is
beyond the scope of this project. Instead, the
purpose here is to determine how these areas can
be preserved or visually enhanced to create a
unified and consistent 'community character and
appearance.
Figure ///. Natural Resource Areas and Historical,
Cultural, Social, and Commercial Areas defines
these areas of the community.
Park System Classifications
The nationally recognized park system classifications
will serve the purpose of providing a "benchmark"
for establishing the park system classifications for
Rosemount. Since the recreational needs of
City of Rosemount
Rosemount are unique unto themselves, these
classifications will require a certain degree of
modification and expansion to allow them to
function effectively within the specific circumstances
that are present in Rosemount.
Taken together as a whole, the various park types in
this classification system create a hierarchy of parks
and ultimately a total park system.
It is important to recognize that the framework,
even as modified and expanded, is not intended to
be inflexible. Instead, it should be considered as
only a guideline and adapted to accommodate the
specific requirements of individual park sites, given
each site's unique geographical, topographical, and
environmental characteristics, as well as the
recreational needs of the particular area it serves.
The following defines the park system classifications
which are appropriate and applicable to the City of
Rosemount.
Mini -Park
Use: Specialized facilities that serve a concentrated/
limited population or specific group such as tots or
senior citizens. This can also be applied to areas
where distances or geographical barriers prevent use
of a neighborhood park. Although typically focused
on active recreational activities, passive activities,
such as picnic and seating areas, should also be
considered. A mini -park can be either publicly or
privately owned and maintained. Joint ventures are
also a possibility with respect to mini -parks (if so,
appropriate agreements should be signed to assure
that the park site functions as intended).
Service area: Less than h mile radius.
Desirable size: 2,500 square feet to 2 acres.
Acres/1000 population 0.25 to 0.5.
12)
Seetidn 4 - Park System Framework
Desirable site characteristims: Within neighborhoods
and in close proximity to apartment complexes,
townhomes, or housing for the elderly. Ease and
safety of access is an important design
consideration. Typically located in high density
housing areas or areas which do not have easy
access to neighborhood parks.
Typical Facilities: See Figure ///, Park System
Facility Standards.
Application to Rosemount In general, the concept
of a mini -park should be limited to circumstances
whereby a recreational need cannot be effectively
met by a neighborhood park. The circumstances
which would dictate the need for a mini -park should
be largely avoidable in the future through proper
land use planning and park land acquisition.
Isolated instances such as areas with high density
housing or developed areas not effectively served by
neighborhood parks may be justification for a mini -
park site.
Neighborhood Park
Use: Neighborhood parks remain the basic unit of
the park system and often function as the social
focus of the neighborhood. Typically, they are
developed for both active and passive recreational
activities geared specifically for neighborhood use.
Although historically developed for those between
the ages of 5 and 17, recent trends in recreation
clearly illustrate the need to accommodate a much
wider variety of age and user groups, particularly
adults, the elderly, and special populations.
Additionally, consideration must also be given to the
sINcific recreational needs of the particular
neighborhood in which a park is being developed.
Active recreational activities, such as field games,
court games, crafts, playground apparatus, skating,
etc. should be developed for use by a wide variety of
user groups. Site lighting should be very limited
(i.e., tennis courts, hockey/skating rinks, and
perhaps walkways).
Given the trend toward passive recreational
activities, attention must also be given to facilities
such as internal trails, picnic/sitting areas, general
open space, and "people watching" areas.
An appealing park atmosphere and aesthetic quality
should also be considered an important design
element.
Service Area: h to k mile radius and uninterrupted
by principle, heavily used roads and other physical
constants/barriers.
Desirable Size: A minimum of 5 acres with an
optimal size of between 14 to 17 acres, of which 50
to 70% are developed.
Acres/1000 Population: 2.5 to 3.5 developed acres.
Desirable Site Characteristics: An area suited for
active and passive recreational uses. Easily
accessible to neighborhood population,
geographically centered with safe walking and bike
access and connection to the community -wide trail
system. May be developed as a school/park facility
(Typically an elementary school).
Parking facilities, if provided at all, should be very
limited (7 to 10 spaces) and intended for use by
those on the perimeter of the service area and
handicapped.
The site itself should have well -drained soils and
positive drainage, a variety of topography (suitable
for the desirable activity areas), wooded and pond
areas (when at all possible), and open site lines for
security purposes. Although a variety of topography
is desirable, sites exhibiting an excessively steep,
erodible slopes should be avoided. Likewise, sites
which exhibit poor soils which would impede
planned development should also be avoided.
Typical Facilities: See Figure ///, Park System
City of Rosemount
Facility Standards.
Application to Rosemount; The neighborhood park
remains the basic unit of the Rosemount Park
System.
As stated, facilities should be provided to meet the
needs of all age groups within a specific
neighborhood. Actual and anticipated demographic
profiles of specific service areas should be used, in
part, to determine what type of facilities are most
appropriate for a particular park site.
With respect to site selection, the key factor is that
the site must exhibit physical characteristics
appropriate for its intended use. "Left -over" parcels
of land which are unsuitable for development are
also most likely unsuitable for a park as well and
should be avoided.
Since neighborhood parks are for servicing the
recreational needs of the surrounding neighborhood
in an informal and unstructured manner,
programmed activities, such as organized/league
softball, etc., should be directed away from
neighborhood parks toward community athletic
fields.
However, the continued expansion of programmed
activities and the rather undefinable timeframe
associated with developing new facilities to handle
increasing demand may create a need to use
neighborhood parks as "backup" for community
playfields/athletic complexes. Although this is often
unavoidable and even acceptable, it should not be
intended to be a long term solution. The overall
vision of the park system should not be lost on
temporary measures to deal with problems who's
long-term solutions lie elsewhere.
Finally, with respect to rural residential areas, lower
overall population densities will tend to spread -out
the overall demand for spec recreational
facilities. As such, a neighborhood park located in
a rural residential setting will justifiably encompass
a larger service area than is typical for a
Section 4 - Park System Framework
neighborhood park in an urban residential setting.
In such an instance, providing site accessibility
through an established trail system will be an
important factor in how well neighborhood parks in
rural residential areas ultimately function.
Community Park
Use: An area of natural or ornamental quality
suitable for passive recreational activities such as
walking, viewing, sitting, biking, picnicking,
swimming, etc. Some limited (non -organized) active
recreational activities may also be appropriate.
Service Area: May vary depending on specific
circumstance and community needs. Typically,
several neighborhoods (3-5) within 2 to 2.5 mile
radius.
Acres/1000 Population: 5 to 8, but often varies
depending on resource availability.
Desirable Size: Minimum of 20 acres with 50 to 80
acres optimal. Actual size based on specific park site
circumstances.
Desirable Site Characteristics: An area which
affords a variety of natural features such as water
bodies, wooded areas, open prairie, rolling
topography, etc. The site itself should have well -
drained soils and positive drainage, offer a variety of
topography suitable for the desirable activities. The
site should also be easily accessible to both
pedestrians and vehicles and be tied into the
community trail system. Parking should be provided.
TT'ical Facilities: See Figure ///, Park System
Facility Standards.
Application to Rosemount: The variety and natural
quality of some of the undeveloped land within the
community is quite unique and provides for some
very nice park opportunities.
As the region grows and becomes more and more
of an urban environment, the community parks (as
well as the conservancy lands) will become more
essential to the preservation of open space and the
rural character of the community.
Development within community parks should
remain focused on passive recreational activities
such as hiking, biking, picnicking, viewing, etc., with
special consideration given to such amenities as an
amphitheater, community gardens, etc.
Although the location of these parks should take
into consideration a specific service area as
previously stated, the natural and unique
characteristics of spec parcels of land will
ultimately determine their locations. Additionally,
the size of each park as well as the acres/1000
population ratio will have to be reviewed on an
individual park site basis and based on what seems
justifiable to accomplish the specific objective of a
given park site. Naturally, the overall acreage totals
must remain within the community's ability to
maintain both financially and physically.
Changing recreational attitudes and desires clearly
illustrate an increasing demand for passive,
individual, and/or family orientated recreational
activities such as walking/hiking, biking, picnicking,
etc. As such, the need for this type of park site will
become more pronounced as the community grows.
Conservancy Lands
Use: An area of natural quality such as woodlots,
watercourses, and wetlands which are preserved for
environmental, open space, and/or aesthetic
purposes.
Facilities should be generally limited to those that
are compatible with the preservation of the
resource. Appropriate site facilities may include
passive/nature trails, interpretive kiosks/signage,
City of Rosemount
and controlled and/or limited access. Educational
uses are not only appropriate but should be
encouraged.
Service Area: Community wide.
Acres/1000 Population: Varies.
Desirable Size: Varies depending on extent of
resources.
Desirable Site Characteristics: An area which
affords natural features which merit preservation
and which would be negatively affected by
development.
Typical Facilities: See Figure ///, Park System
Facility Standards.
Application to Rosemount: The natural quality of
some of the woodlots, wetlands, and open spaces in
the undeveloped areas within the community
provide significant opportunities for conservation
and preservation of limited natural resources.
As with community parks, conservancy lands will
become more essential to the preservation of
natural areas, open space, and the rural character of
the community in the future.
Development within conservancy land should be
limited to passive activities which allow for
observation and appreciation of the natural
environment without jeopardizing the resource base.
Passive recreational activities such as hiking, nature
study/observation/education, viewing, canoeing, etc.
are the type of activities appropriate for these areas.
The actual size of each conservancy area should be
based on the conservancy potential and natural
qualities of the specific area rather than on a strict
acres/1000 population ratio. Naturally, there is
undoubtedly a limit to the total number of acres
that the community can realistically afford to set
aside for conservancy lands. However, given the
results of Section 2, Assessment of Rosemount's
A
Section 4 - Park System Framework
Parks and Recreation Needs, it seems as though
there is a strong demand for the preservation of
natural resource areas.
Community Playfield/Athletic Complex
Use: An area for intense programmed recreational
facilities such as athletic fields, swimming pools,
hockey rinks, etc. Support facilities would include a
multi-purpose building, parking, and full utilities.
Service Area: Community -wide, with specific park
sites located with respect to populations served.
Desirable Size: Minimum of 20 acres developed and
with an average of 40 developed acres being optimal
(65 developed acres maximum).
Area/1000 Population: As appropriate to meet
specific City needs. Generally 2.5 developed acres.
Desirable Site Characteristics: An area suited for
intense development which is easily accessible to the
population it is intended to serve. Location may be
adjacent to junior and senior high schools if
appropriate. Location near major thoroughfares
(arterial/collectors) is desirable, if not a necessity,
and preferably in a non-residential area. The site
itself should have well -drained soils and positive
drainage, topography suitable for the desirable
activity areas, wooded buffer zones when at all
possible, open site lines for security purposes, and
easy access for both pedestrians and vehicles.
Application To Rosemount: Consolidation of active
recreational activities through the use of community
athletic complexes will reduce the stress on
neighborhood parks and reduce negative impacts to
surrounding neighborhoods (such as noise,
congestion, domination of facilities by those outside
of the neighborhood, etc.)
Additionally, amenities such as parking, lighted
fields, concessions, etc., are more appropriate in
athletic parks rather than neighborhood parks for
obvious reasons.
It is also important to recognize that it is usually
more cost effective to develop and maintain several
larger athletic complexes as opposed to many
smaller, spread -out athletic park sites.
The athletic complexes should be viewed as
strategically located community -wide facilities as
opposed to servicing well-defined neighborhood
boundaries. Programmed league and tournament
play as well as corporate teams, etc. will draw
individuals from outside immediate service areas
and therefore must be considered when determining
site location, specifically as it relates to major
thoroughfares and site access.
Community playfields/athletic complexes provide
the greatest opportunity for cooperative efforts
between the City and the School District and/or the
City and adjacent communities.
Linear Parks
Use: An area developed for one or more varying
modes of recreational travel such as walking, hiking,
biking, snowmobiling, horseback riding, cross
country skiing, canoeing and pleasure driving.
Service Area: Site specific and community -wide.
Desirable Size: Sufficient width to protect the
resource and provide maximum use.
Acres/1000 Population: Variable.
Desirable Site Characteristicx: Built or natural
corridors, such as utility right-of-ways, bluff lines,
vegetation patterns and roads, which are often used
to link other components of the park system or
community facilities, such as schools, libraries,
commercial areas and other park areas.
City of Rosemount
Application to Rosemount: The development of
linear parks provides a significant opportunity to
"expand" the park system by tying together various
park sites and/or development areas. In some
respects, linear parks can be viewed as trail
corridors which are located in a manner which takes
advantage of the natural features of the land.
Linear parks not only emphasize safe travel between
park sites, but also place a great deal of emphasis
on providing an outdoor recreational experience as
well. Under the right conditions, linear parks can
provide an opportunity to tie the park system
together to form a continuous park environment.
Special Use
Use: An area of specialized or single purpose
recreational facilities such as golf courses, marinas,
zoos, conservatories, preserves, arboreta, display
gardens, arenas, community centers, outdoor
theater, gun ranges, downhill ski areas, etc. as well
as sites and objects of archeological significance.
Also plazas or squares in or near commercial
centers.
Service Area: Community -wide.
Desirable Size: Variable depending on specific use
requirements.
AcresJ1000 Population: Variable.
Desirable Site Characteristics: Within community's.
Application to Rosemount: This classification is
applicable as stated for Rosemount.
Historic Sites
Use: An area set aside for the purpose of preserving
Sectio?i 4 - Park System Framework
historical features within the community, such as
historical churches, buildings, and landscapes.
Service Area: Community -wide.
Desirable Size: Variable depending on specific site.
Acres/1000 Povulat o_n: Variable.
Desirable Site Characteristics: Adequate size to
provide support facilities such as parking, picnic
areas, etc.
Application to Rosemount: This classification is
applicable as stated for Rosemount.
Trail System Classifications
Trails classification denotes "an area developed for
one or more varying modes of recreational travel
such as walking, biking, cross-country skiing,
snowmobiling, horseback riding, etc.
With respect to trails, the intention of this plan is
to:
• define the classifications and standards for the
various trails types.
• define the location of the various trails which,
taken together as a whole, make-up the trail
system within the City of Rosemount.
An important distinction that should be clearly
understood at this point is that the trail system as
defined in this plan is intended to provide the "core"
element of a larger pedestrian/bicycle
transportation system.
For our purposes here, the pedestrian/bicycle
transportation system is defined to include two
important components:
• the designated trails stem as defined in this
plan.
• safe pedestrian/bicycle linkages from all
development areas to the designated trail system.
The later of these two components will be
accomplished through City ordinance which requires
developers to provide safe pedestrian linkages (via
- sidewalks, etc.) through development areas and sub-
divisions which tie into the designated trail system.
As an example, a developer would be required
(through ordinance) to provide a pedestrian
sidewalk along a residential street which can safely
accommodate bicycle traffic but would be hazardous
to pedestrians. Naturally, the sidewalk would
ultimately tie (directly or indirectly) into the
designated trail system.
Although defining specific sidewalk locations and
location requirements is a sub -division planning
issue which goes beyond the scope of this planning
exercise, it is important to recognize the importance
of sidewalks within the overall trail (and park)
system. Providing pedestrians (and bicyclists) with
safe linkage from development areas to the City's
designated trails and parks can only add to the
overall success of the park system.
Additionally, as 'defined in Section 3 - Governing
Policies, the designated trail system (as well as the
overall park system) is intended to play a significant
role in shaping the design of future development in
Rosemount. Given this objective, the design of
future developments and sub -divisions should be
based, in part, on providing functional pedestrian
and bicycle linkages to the designated trail system
and, quite naturally, the overall park system as well.
City of Rosemount
General Trail System Standards
General Trail System Standards which apply to all
designated trail classifications include:
• Trails (of various classifications) should be
constructed in conjunction with future
development projects (residential and non-
residential) and/or roadway construction/
upgrading to assure that trail development keeps
pace with overall community development.
• Trail support facilities should be provided as
warranted (including trail signage and striping,
benches, picnic tables, bridges, restrooms,
parking, shelters, etc.)
• Trail design must be sensitive to the natural
environment and character of the area it
traverses.
• Trails should be integrated into the design of
sub -divisions in a manner which is mutually
beneficial to both the overall trail (and park)
system and the sub -division it traverses.
• Trails should be designed to be accessible to
special populations (i.e., handicapped, elderly,
etc.)
• Trails should be designed and constructed to
require minimal maintenance and in a manner
which limits vandalism opportunities.
• Adequate screening and berming should be
provided as necessary along trail corridors to
provide a physical and psychological separation
between the trail and adjacent land uses.
• With the exception of designated snowmobile
trails, motorized vehicles should be prohibited
on all trails throughout the trail system.
Section 4 - Park System Framework
It' is important to note that the trail standards
defined within this text are intended to serve as a
general guide to trail design and not a substitute for
technical design and engineering (based on accepted
design/engineering principles). Specific site
circumstances affecting the development of a
particular trail segment must be taken into
consideration during actual design and engineering
to assure that the trail will be safe and functional.
Park Trails
Park trails are perhaps the most desirable type of
trail within the park system because they meet most
of the established criteria for recreational travel,
including:
• Emphasize harmony with the natural
environment and are often associated with
nature areas, lakes, wetlands, creek and river
bottoms, etc.
• Safely protect the users from urban
developmental encroachment and associated
vehicular traffic.
• Allows for relatively uninterrupted pleasure
hiking and biking to and through the City's park
system.
• Effectively ties the various park sites together
into a comprehensive park system in a manner
which enhances the recreational experience of
the user.
Naturally, it would be ideal to use park trails
throughout the park system, both within individual
park sites as well as trail corridors between park
sites or development areas. Unfortunately, both
physical and economic constraints preclude this
from being entirely practical or even possible in
developed or developing communities.
However, given the City of Rosemount's relative
abundance of undeveloped land and often
outstanding natural resources, a rather unique
opportunity exists to establish park trail corridors
prior to eventual development.
Figure ///. Park Trails - Classifications and
Standards illustrates the various classes of park
trails and defines their recommended development
standards.
Transportation Trails
The significant difference between transportation
trails and park trails is largely based on their
locations. Whereas park trails emphasize a strong
relationship to the natural environment,
development of a park -like atmosphere, and
separation from vehicular traffic, transportation
trails emphasis is on safe travel for pedestrians and
bicyclists to and from the various parks, as well as
in and around the City.
Transportation Trails are typically an asphalt trail
(8' wide) for pedestrian/bicycle use.
Concrete sidewalks (typically 5' wide) can be used
where a transportation trail corridor traverses an
area in which bicycles can safely use the road.
However, the use of concrete sidewalks as a
designated transportation trail should be limited in
order to maintain a consistent level of user
expectation throughout the trail system. (Note: the
use of concrete sidewalks as a designated
transportation trail should not be confused with
their use as linkages to the trail system from
development areas as previously defined).
Also, in heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic areas,
both an asphalt trail and concrete sidewalk may be
appropriate, most likely on opposite sides of the
road.
City of Rosemount
Additionally, designated bikeways (typically
consisting of a widened road shoulder with
appropriate signage and striping) are also
considered transportation trails.
With respect to all levels of transportation trails,
safe separation from vehicular traffic is the most
important design consideration.
Transportation trails are usually, but not exclusively,
constructed along collector, minor arterial, and
major arterial roads (typically taking advantage of
existing R.O.W.'s, property lines, and easements as
long as some form of separation from vehicular
traffic can be achieved).
Figure ///. Transportation Trails - Classifications
and Standards illustrates the various classes of
transportation trails and defines their recommended
development standards.
Cross -Country Ski Trails,
Horse, and Snowmobile Trails
Well-maintained trails featuring a variety of scenery,
topography, and distances are the keys to
establishing cross-country skiing as a viable
recreational pursuit within the community. With this
in mind, development of ski trails should be limited
to one or perhaps two locations which meet the
stated objectives and can be maintained on a regular
basis.
Currently, there is a demand for horse and
snowmobile trails within the City. As such, trails
should be established in an area where they are
accessible to the user groups while limiting their
impact to other park system components or park
users.
Trailheads should be established for both the horse
and snowmobile trails to serve as staging areas. A
parking area and corral should be provided near the
horse trail trailhead and a parking area should be
el
Section 4 - Park System Framework
provided near the snowmobile trail trallhead.
The snowmobile trail should tie into the regional
snowmobile trail system.
Figure ///. Cross -Country, Horse, Snowmobile
Trails - Classifications and Standards illustrates
these classes of trails and defines their
recommended development standards.
Population Information
Park System Acreage Standards
Based on National Recreation and Park Association
Standards and other metropolitan park systems, the
typically accepted standard for overall park system
acreage ranges from a very minimum of 10
acres/1000 population up to 20 acres/1000
population. These figures typically pertain to the
"core" system of parks, exclusive of trail corridors,
special -use facilities (such as golf courses), regional
parks, and cooperative efforts where the land is not
owned by the City.
It is important to recognize that of all the
"standards" that are applied to any given park
system, the overall acres/1000 population is perhaps
the most difficult to uniformly apply simply because
the developmental circumstances and park needs
within each community are often vastly different.
Since this is the case, servicing the needs of the
community and protecting important natural
resource areas within the City should be the primary
factor in determining overall park system acreage.
The overall acreage/1000 population should then be
used as a general "barometer" to verify whether or
not the overall park system acreage totals are within
justifiable parameters.
In determining the overall acres/1000 population,
the population figure itself should be based on the
projected ultimate or saturation population of the
City. This figure represents the maximum
population that the community could support under
full development, given certain parameters and
expectations related to the total developable land
area, anticipated population densities, and
residential housing patterns.
With respect to the City of Rosemount, the current
and projected population figures are as follows:
Year Population
1990 8,622 (Actual)
2010 18,400 (Met Council Projection)
Ultimate 20,000 to 25,000 (City Staff Estimate)
An important note about these population figures is
that they do not take into account 1990 Census
figures and population forecasts. As such, they are
subject to some revision once the new forecasts
become available. Since major revisions are not
expected, these figures should provide a reasonably
accurate forecast for the purposes of this planning
exercise.
Park System Elements
In addition to establishing a classification for each
park, specific system elements must also be
considered. These elements describe the
characteristics of a park site in a descriptive
manner.
The elements under consideration include the
cultural, ornamental, conservation, reserve, and
recreation characteristics of individual park sites and
the park system as a whole.
City of Rosemount
A relative balance of these elements is important in
developing a park system which meets the
recreational needs of the community.
The park system elements are defined as follows:
Cultural Element. Artistically oriented, such as
museums, statues, fountains, amphitheaters, etc.
which are found in, or are themselves, parks.
Ornamentation Element: The "decorative" or "park
beautiful" aspect of a park system. This would
include developing and maintaining elements such
as trees, hillsides, grassy areas, water features,
flower gardens, shrubs, etc.
Conservation Element: Protection of significant
natural amenities such as lakes, streams, waterfalls,
bogs, forests, meadows, etc. through long-term
preservation. Also included are areas developed for
passive recreational pursuits such as hiking trails,
nature areas, and "quiet space."
Reserve Element: The capacity to expand is an
essential element of any park system. Without the
flexibility to respond to changes, increased demand,
new needs, new opportunities, and simple breathing
space, the overall park system would break down
and soon lose its capacity to serve even normal
needs.
Recreation Element: This included areas and
facilities for active sports, simple exercise, family
outings, children's play areas, golf, boating, and
every other activity which involves participation.
Park System Elements Balance (Percentage Basis)
The following breakdown represents the relative
balance between the various park system elements
within a park system. It should be noted that this is
subject to revision depending on the specific needs
of the community. For example, the need to have a
21
Section 4 - Park System Framework
proportionally larger amount of reserve land
available within a specific park or park system may
be necessary if future development and population
densities are not clearly definable.
Park System Elements Balance (as a percentage of
the overall park system):
Cultural:
2-3%
Ornamentation:
10-13%
Conservation:
25-30%
Reserve:
20-25%
Recreation:
30-40%
Park System Facilities
Development Standards
'Facility Development Standards" define the type
and number of recreational facilities necessary to
accommodate community needs for various kinds of
recreational activities.
Figure //// - Park System Facility Standards
illustrates the facility standards derived from
national standards and previous park system studies.
These standards have proven to be an affective
"barometer" in determining if adequate facilities are
being provided to meet the typical recreational
demands of a community.
However, it is important to note that these
standards should be viewed only as 'benchmarks"
for establishing facility standards appropriate for the
City of Rosemount.
Community needs assessments, program
requirements, and anticipated participation
rates/user demographics specific to Rosemount will
affect the demand for specific recreational facilities.
These circumstances are important considerations
when determining facility needs and as such should
be monitored on an ongoing basis to assure that
recreational facility supply meets demand.
Park System Facilities
Design Standards
"Facility Design Standards" establish recommended
design standards and quality guidelines for specific
facilities. These standards are intended to set the
basic parameters for the design and development of
future park facilities, thus allowing for a consistent
level of quality and user expectation to emerge
throughout the park system. They are not intended
to impede creative and imaginative design solutions.
Design Standard Plates ////////// Through
//////// define the recommended design standards
for the most common recreational facilities. It
should be noted that these standards are for
reference only. As with trail standards, these
standards are not intended to be a substitute for
technical design and engineering. Their application
to specific park developments must take into
consideration specific site conditions and safety
concerns which cannot be determined at this time.
City of Rosemount
I e1
t
SectiSn 4 - Park System Framework
City of Rosemount
Figure HI (Part 1 of 2). Facility Development Standards
Activity/Facility
Mini Park
Neighbor.
Park
Community
Park
Community Playfield/
Athletic Complex
Conservancy
Land
Linear Park
Special Use
Historic Site
School
Facility
Facility/Pop.
Service Radius
Informal Playfield
0
1 Per Site
1/4 to 1/2 Mile
Softball
1/2000
1 to 23 Miles
Baseball (Official)
1/5000
1 to 23 miles
Baseball (Little League)
0
0
1/5000
1 to 2.5 Miles
Soccer/Football
0
0
1/5000
1 to 2.5 Miles
Feld Hockey
0
0
1/20,000
2 to 4 Miles
Ice Hockey
0
00
1 1/4000
1 to 2 Miles
Ice Skating
0
0
0
0
N/A
1/2 to 1 Mile
Tennis Court
0
0
0
0
0
1/2000
1/4 to 1/2 Mile
Basketball Court
0
0
0
0
0
1/2000
1/4 to 1/2 Mile
Hardsurface Games
0
0
0
0
0
1/2000
1/4 to 1/2 Mite
Sliding Hill
0
0
0
0
N/A
N/A
Play Structures
0
0
0
0
0
1 Per Site
1/4 to 1/2 Mile
Horseshoes
0
0
0
0
1/2000
1 to 2 Miles
Volleyball Court
0
0
0
0
0
1/2000
1/4 to 1/2 Mile
Disc Golf
0
0
N/A
N/A
Archery Range
0
0
1/50,000
2 to 4 Miles
1/4 Mile Track
0
1/20,000
N/A
Golf Course (9 hole)
0
1/25,000
N/A
Golf Course (18 hole)
0
1/50,000
N/A
Beach Area
0
N/A
N/A
Amphitheater
0
0
1 Per City
N/A
Nature Center
N/A
N/A
Aquatics/Swimming
0
0
1/20,000
Central Location
Section 4 - Park System Framework
City of Rosemount
Figure /// (Part 2 of 2). Facility Development Standards
Activity/Facility
Mini Park
Neighbor.
Park
Community
Park
Community Playfield/
Athletic Complex
Conservancy
Land
Linear Park
Special Use
Historic Site
School
Facility
Facility/Pop.
Service Radius
Fishing Area
0
N/A
N/A
Picnic Tables
0
0
N/A
N/A
Benches
0
0
N/A
N/A
Grills
00
0
0
0
N/A
N/A
Park Trail
0
0
0
0
N/A
N/A
Transportation Trail
0
N/A
N/A
Cross -Country Ski
0
0
0
N/A
N/A
Horse Trail
0
0
N/A
N/A
Snowmobile Trail
N/A
N/A
Restrooms (Portable)
0
0
0
0
0
N/A
N/A
Picnic Shelter (Small)
0
0
0
N/A
N/``>,
Picnic Shelter (Group)
0
N/A
N/A
Summer Activities,
Warming Bldg.
0
0
•
N/A
NIA
Warming House (Port.)
0
N/A
N/A
Multi -Purpose Bldg.
0
0
N/A
N/A —
Park Signage
0
0
0
N/A
N/A
Bleacher;
0
N/A
N/A
Boat Access
0
0
N/A
N/A
On-site Parking
0
0
0
10
1 0
0
0
N/A
N/A
Key -
0 Appropriate Use
0 Limited Use (Depends on specific site circumstances and recreational needs)
Sources: 1) NRPA National Standards, 2) Dept. of the Army, 3) Handbook for Recreational Planning and Design 4) Brauer & Associates, Ltd.
• Section 4 - Park System Framework City of Rosemount
Design Standards Plate 1 Official Baseball Field
Appropriate Location: Community Playfield/
Athletic Complex and School Site.
Overall Space Requirements: 3 to 3.85 acres per
field minimum (very dependent on site drainage
characteristics and safety zone requirements)
Actual Size/Dimensions: Baseline: 90'// Pitching
Distance: 60'-6" // Pitcher's plate is 10" above home
plate // Foul Line Distance: 320' minimum, 350'
preferred // Center Field Distance: 400'+•
strip. An irrigation system should be considered a
high priority (including skinned infield/baseline).
Parkin m 35 - 40 cars per field minimum, with 50 -
60 being optimal. Additional parking should be
provided for spectators.
General Remarks: Site specific circumstances and
intended level of play are important considerations
which will impact the actual design. Safety concerns
(i.e., fence heights and locations, backstop size, etc.)
should carefully considered on a per site basis.
Preferred Orientation: East -North-East
Recommended (Home plate to center field).
Optimal orientation is to locate home plate so that
the pitcher is throwing across the sun and the batter
is not facing it.
Recommended Surface Gradient (°Lo): Skinned
infield baseline:1 to 1.25 (base lines and home plate
should be level) // Infield Turf. 1 to 1.25
Outfield Turf. 1.25 to iS
General Construction Standards) SafetjIssues: The
baselines and outfield warning track (10' wide)
should be skinned using 6" min. depth of crushed
red limestone specified for "ball diamond" use (add -
mixtures should be considered to promote long term
stability and drainability). The infield and outfield
shall be seeded or sodded using an athletic field
seed mix approved for this region. Backstop should
be at minimum of 40' behind home plate (60'
preferred) and adequate in size to control past and
foul balls. An overhang or overhead net attached to
backstop should be considered in high pedestrian
traffic areas. Foul line and outfield fencing shall
enclose entire field whenever possible. Fence
heights shall be minimum of 6' (8' preferred).
Players benches shall be fence enclosed to protect
f, players from foul balls. All fencing/backstop shall
be centered on 12"-18" wide concrete maintenance
SKINNED CIRCLE n
,B- 24" lfr•
r—
t
—�--i t ,._R
I
.NOTE: PITCHER'S PLATE
The degree of slope from a Point 6" h
front of the pitcher's Plate to a point
6' toward home Plate shall be 1" to
1• and such degree of slope shad
be uniform. Rear Nope gradual
to edge of skinned circle.
LAYOUT AT. PITCHER'S PLATE
so -
4'4)" $7
17 "1
tl
BATTER'S
Box
i
CATCHEI
I Box
NOTES:
Foul fines• catchers, batter's and coach's
boxes, next batter's circles and 3' fine shall
be 2" to 3" wide and marked with chalk
or other white material. Caustic lime
must not be used.
J Infield may be skinned.
\— For grading and drainage details see figure 69.
HOME For surfacing details see figure 70.
PLATE .
LAYOUT AT HOME PLATE
For backstop details see figure 71.
DIAMOND. LAYOUT