HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-28 PRC Packet
AGENDA
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
7:00p.m.
Council Chambers - Maplewood City Hall
1830 County Road BEast
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Open Meeting Law Presentation - City Attorney
4. Approval of Agenda
5. Approval of Minutes
6. Visitor Presentations
7. Comprehensive Plan Presentation
8. Commission Goals Discussion
9. Lion's Park Update - Resident Survey
10. Dog Park Committee Update
11. Commissioner Comments
12. Staff Presentation
a. 2008 Park Tours
13. Other
a. Proposed Joint Meeting ENRC and PRC
14. On Going
a. Mississippi
b. Legacy Park
c. Lake Links Trail
15. Adjourn - (9:30 p.m.) Next meeting - February 18, 2009
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
Park Commission
Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner
Open Meeting Law Discussion
January 21, 2009 for the January 28 Park Commission
Meeting
The Minnesota Open Meeting Law (Minnesota Statutes, section 130) requires
that meetings of governmental bodies generally be open to the public. The
Minnesota Supreme Court has articulated three purposes of the law:
1. Prohibit actions being taken at a secret meeting where it is impossible
for the interested public to become fully informed about a public
board's decision or to detect improper influences.
2. To assure the public's right to be informed.
3. To afford the public an opportunity to present its views to the public
body.
Alan Kantrud, city attorney, will be present at the January 28 Park Commission
meeting to summarize the Minnesota Open Meeting Law and how it impacts the
Park Commission.
Attachments:
1. Minnesota House of Representatives Open Meeting Law Information Brief
2. Minnesota Open Meeting Law
A-H-, l
'fI.~~6mffltlJUN"~~"
Research Department
J!I!~~.wu-(,~~"
600 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155
Deborah A. Dyson, Legislative Analyst
651-296-8291
Revised~~
Minnesota Open Meeting Law
~~~""equires that meetings of governmental
bodies generally be open to the public. The Minnesota Supreme Court has
articulated three purposes ofthe law:
· To prohibit actions being taken at a secret meeting where it is impossible
for the interested public to become fully informed about a public board's
decisions or to detect improper influences
. To assure the public's right to be informed
· To afford the public an opportunity to present its views to the public body'
This information brief discusses the groups and types of meetings covered by the
open meeting law, and then reviews the requirements of and exceptions to the law
and the penalties for its violation.
Contents
Groups and Meetings Governed by the Open Meeting Law ...................................2
Requirements ofthe Open Meeting Law.................................................................5
Exceptions to the Open Meeting Law......................................................................7
Penalties............ ....;~...... ......... .......... ............... ................... ............................ ...... ..11
Advice ....................................................................................................................12
1 Minn. Stat. ch. 13D (recoded from Minn. Stat. ~ 471.705 in 2000). The Minnesota Open Meeting Law was
originally enacted in Laws 1957, chapter 773, section I.
, Prior Lake American v. Mader, 642 N.W.2d 729, 735 (Minn. 2002) (citing St. Cloud Newspapers, Inc. v.
District 742 Community Schools, 332 N.W.2d 1,4 (Minn. 1983)). While the courts consistently say that the open
meeting law is to afford the public an opportunity to present its views to the public body, there is no general right for
members of the public to speak at a meeting. Some statutes, and perhaps some home rule charters, specifY that a
hearing on a particular matter must be held at which anyone who wishes to address the publici body may do so. See,
e.g., Minn. Stat. ~ 117.0412, subd. 2.
Copies of this publication may be obtained by calling 651-296-6753. This document can be made available in
alternative formats for people with disabilities by calling 651-296-6753 or the Minnesota State Relay Service at
711 or 1-800-627-3529 (TTY). Many House Research Department publications are also available on the
Internet at: www.house.mn/hrd/hrd.htm.
~
House Research Department
Minnesota Open Meeting Law
Revised: November 2008
Page 2
Groups and Meetings Governed by the Open Meeting Law
The law applies to all levels of state and local government.
The open meeting law applies to:
. a state agency, board, commission, or department when it is required or permitted by law
to transact public business in a meeting;
. the governing body of any school district, unorganized territory, county, city, town, or
other public body;
. a committee, subcommittee, board, department, or commission of a public body subject
to the law; and
. the governing body or a committee of a statewide or local public pension plan.'
"Public body" is not defined but the Minnesota Supreme Court has stated that "[i]n common
understanding, 'public body' is possibly the broadest expression for the category of
governmental entities that perform functions for the public benefit.'"
In determining whether the open meeting law applies to a particular entity, one should look at all
of the entity's characteristics. For example, in a 1998 case, the Minnesota Supreme Court held
that because the statute authorizing creation of a municipal power agency authorized an agency
to conduct its affairs as a private corporation, it could hold closed meetings.' The court held so
notwithstanding the statute that provides for municipal power agencies to be political
subdivisions of the state.'
The open meeting law and the Government Data Practices Act apply to the University of
Minnesota Board of Regents, and the application ofthese laws to the university does not violate
the university's constitutional autonomy.'
'Minn. Stat. ~ I3D.OI, subd. I.
'Star Tribune CO. V. University of Minnesota Board of Regents, 683 N.W.2d 274, 280 (Minn. 2004).
, Southern Minn. Mun. Power Agency V. Boyne, 578 N.W.2d 362, 364 (Minn. 1998) (citing Minn. Stat. ~
453.54, subd. 21, and discussing the factors that distinguish a public corporation from a private corporation).
'Minn. Stat. ~ 453.53, subd. 1, ~ (I) (The agency agreement shall state: "(I) That the municipal power agency
is created and incorporated. .. as a municipal corporation and a political subdivision of the s.tate, to exercise
thereunder a part of the sovereign powers ofthe state:").
'Star Tribune Co., 683 N.W.2d 274. In 2002, Mark Yudofresigned from the presidency of the University of
Minnesota When finalists for the position had been selected but not announced, the Board of Regents closed a
meeting to interview them, ensuring their privacy. The university asserted that its constitutional autonomy meant it
was not subject to these laws. A number of newspapers sued, claiming that the university is subject to the open
meeting law and data practices act, and that it violated both laws. The district court and court of appeals agreed with
the newspapers, and the state supreme court affirmed those decisions.
House Research Department
Minnesota Open Meeting Law
Revised: November 2008
Page 3
The law generally applies to nonprofit corporations created by governmental entities.
The list of groups covered by the open meeting law does not refer to nonprofit corporations
created by a governmental entity. However, the law creating a specific public nonprofit
corporation may specifY that it is subject to the open meeting law.' In addition, corporations
created by political subdivisions are clearly subject to the open meeting law.'
Gatherings of less than a quorum of a public body are not subject to the law; a "meeting"
is held when the group is capable of exercising decision-making powers.
The Minnesota Supreme Court has held that the open meeting law applies only to a quorum or
more of members of the governing body or a committee, subcommittee, board, department, or
commission of the governing body.1O Serial meetings in groups ofless than a quorum held in
order to avoid open meeting law requirements may also be found to be a violation, depending on
the facts ofthe case.11
A public body subject to the law should be cautious about using e-mail to communicate with
other members of the body. Although the statute does not specifically address the use of e-mail,
it is likely that the court would analyze us!l of e-mail in the same way as it has telephone
conversations and letters. l' That is, communication about official business through telephone
conversations or letters by a quorum of a public body subject to the law would violate the law.
Serial communication through telephone conversations or letters by less than a quorum with the
intent to avoid a public hearing or to come to an agreement on an issue relating to official
business could also violate the law.
In a 1993 case, the Minnesota Court of Appeals held that the open meeting law was not violated
when two of five city council members attended private mediation sessions related to city
, E.g., Minn. Stat. ~~ 62Q.03, snbd. 6 (Minnesota Risk Adjustment Association); 1160.03, subd. 5 (Minnesota
Technology, Inc.); 116V.01, subd. 10 (Agricultural Utilization Research Institute); I 16S.02, subds. 6 and 7
(Minnesota Bnsiness Finance, Inc.); 124D.385, subd. 4 (Minnesota Connnissionon National and Community
Service may create a nonprofit bVt it is snbject to the open meeting law); 128C.22 (State High School Leagne); and
Laws 1990, ch. 535, ~ 2, subd. 6 (Lake Superior Center Authority).
'Minn. Stat. ~ 465.719, subd. 9 (enacted by Laws 2000, ch. 455, art. 1, ~ 2, subd. 9). A 1986 attorney general
opinion stated that the open meeting law did not apply to nonprofit corporations created by political snbdivisions.
Op. Att'y Gen. 92a-30, Jan. 29, 1986. The 1999 Legislatute established a task force to reconnnend legislation in
2000, governing corporations created by political snbdivisions. Laws 1999, ch. 186. Among other things, the 2000
legislation addressed the issue of application ofthe open meeting law, stating that the law applied and a corporation
created by a political subdivision cannot be exempted from it.
10 Mobergv. Independent School Dist. No. 281, 336 N.W.2d 510 (Minn. 1983).
11 Id. at 518; see also Mankato Free Press CO. V. City of North Mankato, 563 N.W.2d 291, 295 (Minn. App.
1997). On remand to the district court for a factual finding on whether the city used serial interviews to avoid the
open meeting law, the trial court found, and the court of appeals affirmed, that the serial meetings were not held to
avoid the law. Mankato Free Press CO. V. City of North Mankato, 1998 WL 865714 (Minn. App. 1998)
(unpublished opinion).
I'Moberg, 336 N.W.2d at 518. The Connnissioner of Administration stated in a July 9, 2008, opinion that an
e-mail sent to all members of a city council was effectively "printed material" that should be available to members
of the public and also snggested that the legislature revise the statute to recognize the use of electronic and other
types of communications. Minn. Dept. of Admin. Advisory Op. 08-15.
House Research Department
Minnesota Open Meeting Law
Revised: November 2008
Page 4
business. The court determined that the two council members did not constitute a committee or
subcommittee ofthe council because the group was not capable of exercising decision-making
powers.13
The law applies to informational meetings.
The Minnesota Supreme Court has held that the open meeting law applies to all gatherings of
members ofa governing body, regardless of whether or not action is taken or contemplated.
Thus, a gathering of members ofa public body for an informational seminar on matters currently
facing the body or that might come before the body must be conducted openly. l' However, a
1975 attorney general opinion stated that city council attendance at a League of Minnesota Cities
training program for city officials did not violate the open meeting law if the members did not
discuss specific municipal business.Is Under a 2007 law, it appears that informational meetings
of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources may be closed.16
The law does not cover chance or social gatherings.
The open meeting law does not apply to chance or social gatherings of members of a public
body.17 However, a quorum of a public body may not, as a group, discuss or receive information
on official business in any setting under the guise of a private social gathering. l'
The law does not apply to certain types of advisory gronps.
The Minnesota Court of Appeals has held that the open meeting law does not apply to certain
types of advisory groupS.I9 In that case, a presidential search advisory committee to the
University of Minnesota Board of Regents was held not to be a committee ofthe governing body
for purposes ofthe open meeting law. In reaching its holding, the court pointed out that no
regents were on the search committee and that the committee had no power to set policy or make
a final decision. It is not clear if a court would reach the same result if members of the
governing body were also on the advisory committee. Depending on the number of members of
the governing body involved and on the form of the delegation of authority from the governing
13 Sovereign v. Dunn, 498 N.W.2d 62 (Minn. App. 1993).
I'St. Cloud Newspapers, Inc. v. District 742 Cmty. Schools, 332 N.W.2d I (Minn. 1983).
IS Gp. Att'y Gen. 63a-5, Feb. 5, 1975.
16 Minn. Stat. ~ 116P.08, subd. 5 ("(a) Meetings of the commission, committees or subcommittees ofthe
commission, technical advisory committees, and peer review panels must be open to the public. The commission
shall attempt to meet throughout various regions ofthe state during each biennium. For purposes of this subdivision,
a meeting occurs when a quorum is present and action is taken regarding a matter within the jurisdiction of the
commission, a committee or subcommittee of the commission, a technical advisory committe.e, or a peer review
panel. (b) For legislative members of the connnission, enforcement of this subdivision is governed by section 3.055,
subdivision 2. For nonlegislative members of the commission, enforcement of this subdivision is governed by
section I3D.06, subdivisions I and 2." (emphasis added)).
17 St. Cloud Newspapers, Inc., 332 N.W.2d at 7.
I' Moberg, 336 N.W.2d at 518.
19 The Minnesota Daily V. University of Minnesota, 432 N.W.2d i89 (Minn. App. 1988).
Honse Research Department
Minnesota Open Meeting Law
Revised: November 2008
Page 5
body to the members, a court might consider the advisory committee to be a committee of the
governing body.
A separate law applies to the legislature.
In 1990, the legislature passed a law separate from the open meeting law that requires all
legislative meetings be open to the public.20 The law applies to House and Senate floor sessions
and to meetings of committees, subcommittees, conference committees, and legislative
commissions. For purposes ofthis law, a meeting occurs when a quorum is present and action is
taken regarding a matter within the jurisdiction of the group. Each house of the legislature must
adopt rules to implement these requirements. Remedies provided under these rules are the
exclusive means of enforcing this law.
Requirements of the Open Meeting Law
The primary requirement of the open meeting law is that meetingS be open to the public.
The law also requires that votes in open meetings be recorded in a journal and that the journal be
open to the public. The vote of each member must be recorded on appropriations of money,
except for payments of judgments and claims and amounts fIxed by statute.'1 A straw ballot to
narrow the list of candidates for city administrator and not made public was held to be a secret
vote in violation of the open meeting law."
Open meetings must be held in a public place within the borders of the public body."
Meetings may be held by interactive television if specifIed conditions are met to ensure openness
and accessibility for those who wish to attend.24
SpecifIc agencies have broader authority to hold meetings by telephone conference call or other
electronic means as long as,specifIed conditions are met to ensure openness and accessibility for
those who wish to attend. In addition, a meeting of any public body may be conducted by
telephone or other electronic means if a health pandemic or other emergency makes meeting in
person impractical or imprudent and ail of the same conditions as for other meetings held by
telephone conference call or other electronic means are met, unless unfeasible due to the
pandemic or emergency. In general, those conditions include the following:
20 Minn. Stat. ~ 3.055 (added by Laws 1990, ch. 608, art. 6, ~ I).
'1 Minn. Stat. ~ 13D.01, subds. 4 and 5.
" Mankato Free Press Co., 563 N.W.2d at 295-96.
" Quast v. Knutson, 150 N.W.2d 199,200 (Minn. 1967) (school board meeting held 20 miles outside the
jurisdiction of the school board at a private office did not comply with open meeting law; consolidation proceedings
were fatally defective because the resolution by which the proceedings were initiated was not adopted at a public
meeting as required by law).
24 Minn. Stat. ~ I3D.02. See also Minn. Stat. ~ 471.59, subd. 2 Goint powers board for educational purposes).
House Research Department
Minnesota Open Meeting Law
Revised: November 2008
Page 6
. All members of the body can hear one another and can hear all discussion and testimony
· Members ofthe public at the regular meeting location can hear all discussion, testimony,
and votes
. At least one member of the body, chief legal counsel, or chief administrative officer is
present at the regular meeting location "
. All votes are conducted by roll call
. The public body must allow a person to monitor the meeting electronically from another
location. The body may require the person to pay for any documented additional costs
the body incurs as a result of the additional connection
. The public body must give notice of the regular meeting location, of the fact that some
members may participate by telephone or other electronic means, and ofthe right of the
public to monitor the meeting from another location"
The law requires public bodies to give notice oftheir meetings.
In 1974, the Minnesota Supreme Court held that failure to give notice of a meeting is a violation
ofthe open meeting law." The court has also held that it is a violation of the open meeting law
to conduct business before the time publicly announced for a meeting."
In 1987, the legislature spelled out the notice requirements in statute for regular, special,
emergency, and closed meetings. ~i!!ldt~m\i.'S1ii::~thW>f@1JJf~i'f~
''''''e'''''''''''-''''PII- CCffif~-""""'-"ffi~"'liro!Sl'~",.l'"","-*'''I:i'~'"6t~'!!
. liN '<""y~~HvU:U: ,est.O'l:,"pesl4:{;.qf![;W~~~!!~ti;,.,i'S!;~!~m~,,~iN~.~'~L,~_' ,~_'".':_;' ," ~-')
n ... ..c>=..,,".f!>1lmJ"",.m=?_...."';-m-....."'- -ro,'" "l-"--"'-"""""""""""''''''''''''''';;-_li'''
. W~~!!:f~A'!'\')';;J,~~~~,t!~f,q~-i1JiU.I!\?~-!i:ill5-S1.\\:i"m:~~Jl...f.I}!g'm~.!J!;lQC.If'i;:a!jW1-'.IJ!~l::-2~G\$~'ww.~!(v.HMl~~~~7
".-"~ "'--..- ~ -..., - -.. -
. . . . .
"Minn. Stat. ~~ 13D.021 (health pandemic, other emergency); 35.0661 (Board of Animal Health during
restricted travel for animal health reasons); 41A.0235 (Minnesota Agricultural and Economic Development Board);
41B.026 (Rural Finance Agency); I 16J.68, subd. 5 (Small Business Development Center Advisory Board); 116L.03,
subd. 8 (Minnesota Jobs Skills Partuership Board); 1 l6L.665, subd. 2a (Governor's Workforce Development
Council); 116M.l5, subd. 5 (Urban Initiative Board); 116U.25 (Explore Minnesota Tourism Council); 129C.105
(Perpich Center for Arts Education); 248.10 (Rehabilitation Council for the Blind); 256.482, subd. 5b (Minnesota
State Council on Disability); 256.975, subd. 2a. (Minnesota Board on Aging); 256C.28, subd. 7 (Commission of
Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans); 268A.02, subd. 3 (State Rehabilitation Council and
Statewide Independent Living Council); 326B.32, subd. 7 (Board of Electricity); 326B.435, subd. 7 (Board of
Plumbing); 341.26 (Combative Sports Commission); 462A.041 (Minnesota Housing Financ~ Agency).
"Sullivan V. Credit River Township, 217 N.W.2d 502 (1974).
27 Merz v. Leitch, 342 N.W.2d 141, 145 (Minn. 1984).
28 Minn. Stat. ~ I3D.04, subd. I (~ I3D.04, previously ~ 471.705, subd. Ie, was added by Laws 1987, ch. 313,
~ 1).
29 Minn. Stat. ~ I3D.04, subd. 2; Rupp v. Mayasich, 533 N.W.2d 893 (Minn. App. 1995) (bulletin board must
be reasonably accessible to the public). A February 3, 2004, advisory opinion by the Commissioner of
House Research Department
Minnesota Open Meeting Law
Revised: November 2008
Page 7
· Make good faith efforts to notify news media that have filed written requests (with
telephone numbers) for notice of emergency meetings (special meetings called because of
circumstances that require immediate consideration)lO
The same notice requirements apply to closed meetings.31
For state agencies, absent any other specific law governing notice, publication requirements can
be satisfied by publishing notice in the State Register."
The law requires relevant materials to be publicly available.
The open meeting law requires that for open meetings, at least one copy of any printed material
prepared by the public body and distributed or available to all members of the public body also
be available in the meeting room for inspection by the public. This requirement does not apply
to materials that are classified as other than public under the Government Data Practices Act."
Exceptions to the Open Meeting Law
,
A closed meeting, except one closed under the attorney-client privilege, must be electronically
recorded at the expense ofthe public body. Unless otherwise provided by law, the recordings
must be preserved for at least three years after the date of the meeting."
The law does not apply to state agency disciplinary hearings.
The open meeting law does not apply to any state agency, board, or commission when exercising
quasi-judicial functions involving disciplinary hearings."
Certain meetings involving employee evaluation or discipline mnst be closed.
A public body must close meetings for preliminary consideration of allegations or charges
against an individual subject to its authority." Ifthe members of the public body conclude that
discipline may be warranted as a result ofthose charges, further meetings or hearings relating to
Administration stated that a public body's actions at a special meeting are limited to those topics included in the
notice of special meeting. Minnesota Department of Administration Advisory Opinion 04-004.
lO Minn. Stat. ~ I3D.04, subd. 3.
31 Minn. Stat. ~ I3D.04, subd. 5.
" Minn. Stat. ~ I3D.04, subd. 6.
"Minn. Stat. ~ I3D.01, subd. 6.
"Minn. Stat. ~ 13D.05, subd. 1, cl. (d).
" Minn. Stat. ~ 13D.OI, subd. 2 (2); see also Zahavy v. University of Minnesota, 544 N.W.2d 32, 41-42 (Minn.
App. 1996).
"Minn. Stat. ~ I3D.05, subd. 2 (b).
House Research Department
Minnesota Open Meeting Law
Revised: November 2008
Page 8
the charges must be open. Meetings must also be open at the request of the individual who is the
subject of the meeting.
Statutes other than the open meeting law may permit or require closed meetings for certain local
governmental bodies to conduct specific kinds of disciplinary hearings. For example, school
board hearings held to discharge or demote a teacher are private unless the affected teacher
wants a public hearing.37
A public body may close a meeting to evaluate the performance of an individual who is subject
to its authority." Before closing a meeting, the public body must identify the individual to be
evaluated. The public body must summarize the conclusions of the evaluation at its next open
meeting. An evaluation meeting must be open at the request of the subject of the meeting.
A meeting must be closed if an individual's medical records governed by Minnesota Statutes,
section 144.291 to 144.298, are discussed."
A meeting may be closed to discuss labor negotiations.
The open meeting law permits a public body to hold a closed meeting to discuss strategy and
proposals for labor negotiations conducted under the Public Employment Labor Relations Act."
The statute specifies procedures for tape-recording of these meetings, and for the recordings to
become public when negotiations are completed." Another law permits the Commissioner ofthe
Bureau of Mediation Services to close negotiations and mediation sessions between public
employers and public employees. These negotiations are public meetings, unless the
commissioner closes them."
The law permits closed meetings based on a limited attorney-client privilege.
In 1976, the Minnesota Supreme Court held that there is a limited exception, based on the
attorney-client privilege, for meetings to discuss strategy for threatened or pending litigation."
In 1990, the legislature added the attorney-client exception to the open meeting law." Although
the statute is not limited, the court has since held that the scope of the exception remains limited
in relation to the open meeting law."
37 Minn. Stat. ~ 122A.41, subd. 9.
" Minn. Stat. ~ 13D.05, subd. 3(a).
"Minn. Stat. ~ 13D.05, subd. 2.
"Minn. Stat. ~ I3D.03, subd. I.
41 Minn. Stat. ~ 13D.03, subd. 2.
"Minn. Stat. ~ 179A.14, subd. 3.
" Minneapolis Star & Tribune Co. v. Housing & Redevelopment Auth., 251 N.W.2d 620, 626 (1976).
"Minn. Stat. ~ 13D.05, subd. 3(b) (added by Laws 1990, ch. 550 ~ 2).
" Star Tribune V. Board olEd, Special School Dist. No. 1,507 N.W.2d 869 (Minn. App. 1993) review denied
(Minn. Dec. 22, 1993). The court of appeals did not accept the argument that the statutory exception encompassed
the full attorney-client privilege because that would result in the exception swallowing the rule in favor of open
meetings. In 2002, the Minnesota Supreme Court restated that the attorney-client privilege exception only applies
Honse Research Department
Minnesota Open Meeting Law
Revised: November 2008
Page 9
The attorney-client privilege exception does not apply to a mere request for general legal advice.
Nor does it apply when a governing body seeks to discuss with its attorney the strengths and
weaknesses of a proposed legislative enactment (like a city ordinance) that may lead to future
lawsuits because that can be vi~wed as general legal advice. Furthermore, discussion of
proposed legislation is just the sort of discussion that should be public."
In order to close a meeting under the attorney-client privilege exception, the governing body
must give a particularized statement describing the subject to be discussed. A general statement
that the meeting is being closed to discuss pending or threatened litigation is not sufficient."
A meeting may be closed to address certain security issues.
If disclosure of the information discussed would pose a danger to public safety or compromise
security procedures or responses, a meeting may be closed to:
. receive security briefings and reports,
. discuss issues related to security systems,
. discuss emergency response procedures, and
· discuss security deficiencies in or recommendations regarding public services,
infrastructure, and facilities.
Before closing a meeting, the public body must refer to the facilities, systems, procedures,
services, or infrastructures to be considered during the closed meeting. A closed meeting must
be tape-recorded at the expense of the governing body, and the recording must be preserved for
at least four years.
Financial issues related to security matters must be discussed and all related fmancial decisions
must be made at an open meeting."
when the purposes for the exception outweigh the purposes ofthe open meeting law. In that case, the city council
was threatened with a lawsuit if it did not grant a request. The court found that the threat of a lawsuit did not
warrant closing the meeting. Prior Lake American v. Mader, 642 N.W.2d 729 (Minn. 2002) (en bane). Cf Brainerd
Daily Dispatch v. Dehen, 693 N.W.2d 435 (Minn. App. 2005) (applying anaiysis of StarTribune and Prior Lake
American, fmding threats were sufficiently specific and imminent that confidential consultation with legal counsel
appointed by city's insnrer to discnss defense strategy or reconciliation to address a threatened lawsuit justified
closing the meeting).
46 Northwest Publications, Inc. v. City of St. Paul, 435 N.W.2d 64, 68 (Minn. App. 1989); Star Tribune, 507
N.W.2d at 872.
"The Free Press v. County of Blue Earth, 677 N.W.2d 471 (Minn. App. 2004).
" Minn. Stat. ~ I3D.05, snbd. 3.
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A meeting may be closed to discuss certain issues relating to government property sales or
purchases.
A public body may close a meeting to:
. determine the asking price for real or personal property to be sold by the government
entity;
. review confidential or nonpublic appraisal data; and
. develop or consider offers or counteroffers for the purchase or sale of real or personal
property.
Before holding a closed meeting, the public body must identify on the record the particular
property that is the subject ofthe closed meeting. The proceedings must be tape-recorded at the
expense of the public body. The recording must be preserved for eight years after the date ofthe
meeting and made available to the public after all property discussed at the meeting has been
purchased or sold or the governing body has abandoned the purchase or sale. The property that
is the subject of the closed meeting must be specifically identified on the tape. A list of members
and all other persons present at the closed meeting must be made available to the public after the
closed meeting. If an action is brought claiming that public business other than discussions
allowed under this exception was transacted at a closed meeting held during the time when the
tape is not available to the public, the court would review the recording of the meeting in camera
and either dismiss the action ifthe court fmds no violation, or permit use ofthe recording at trial
(subject to protective orders) ifthe court finds there is a violation."
An agreement reached that is based on an offer considered at a closed meeting is contingent on
approval of the public body at an open meeting. The actual purchase or sale must be approved at
an open meeting after the notice period required by statute or the governing body's internal
procedures, and the purchase price or sale price is public data. 50
There is a narrow exception for certain meetings of public hospital boards.
Boards of public hospitals and certain health organizations may close meetings to discuss
competitive market activities and contracts.51
On-site inspections by town board members are not subject to the law.
The law does not apply to a gathering of town board members to perform on-site inspections, if
the town has no employees or other staff able to perform the inspections and the town board is
acting essentially in a staff capacity. The town board must make good faith efforts to provide
notice of the inspections to the media that have filed a written request, including a telephone
"Minn. Stat. ~ 13D.05, subd. 3, referring to ~ I3D.03, subd. 3.
50 Minn. Stat. ~ I3D.05, subd. 3. Property appraisal data covered by this law is described in Minnesota
Statutes, section 13.44, subdivision 3.
51 Minn. Stat. ~ 144.581, subds. 4 and 5.
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Page 11
number, for notice. Notice must be by telephone or by any other method used to notify the
members of the public body."
The law does not apply to meetings of the Commissioner of Corrections.53
The law specifies how it relates to the Government Data Practices Act.
Except as specifically provided, public meetings may not be closed to discuss data that are not
public data under the Government Data Practices Act.54 Data that are not public may be
discussed at an open meeting without liability, if the matter discussed is within the public body's
authority and if it is reasonably necessary to conduct the business before the public body."
A portion of a meeting rnust be closed if the following data are discussed:
. Data that would identify alleged victims or reporters of criminal sexual conduct, domestic
abuse, or maltreatment of minors or vulnerable adults"
. Active investigative data collected by a law enforcement agency, or internal affairs data
relating to alleged misconduct by law enforcement personnel"
· Certain types of educational, health, medical, welfare, or mental health data that are not
public data"
Penalties
The open meeting law provides a civil penalty of up to $300 for intentional violation." A person
who is found to have intentionally violated the law in three or more legal actions involving the
same governmental body forfeits the right to serve on that body for a time equal to the term the
person was serving. The Minnesota Supreme Court has held that this removal provision is
constitutional only if the conduct constitutes malfeasance or nonfeasance and provided that the
violations occurred after the person had a reasonable amount of time to learn the responsibilities
of office."
"Minn. Stat. ~ 366.01, subd. II.
53 Minn. Stat. ~ I3D.OI, subd. 2 (I). This exception does not make sense. Until 1982, the exception was for
meetings of the corrections board-a multimember body. A 1983 instruction directed the revisor of statutes to
change "corrections board" to "commissioner of corrections" throughout the statutes. Laws 1983, ch. 274, ~ 18.
54 Minn. Stat. ~ 13D.05, subd. 1.
" Minn. Stat. ~~ 13.03, subd. 11, 13.05, subd. 4, ~ (e), and I3D.05, subd. I.
"Minn. Stat. ~ I3D.05, subd. 2 (a)(I).
" Minn. Stat. ~ 13D.05, subd. 2 (a)(2).
"Minn. Stat. ~ 13D.05, subd. 2 (a)(3).
" Minn. Stat. ~ I3D.06.
60 Claude V. Collins, 518 N.W.2d 836, 843 (Minn. 1994) (discnssing the constitutionality of provision relating
to removal from office); see also Brown v. Cannon Falls Township, 723 N.W.2d 31, 41-44 (Minn. App. 2006)
(discnssing the statutory history and that since 1994 the statute has required three or more legal actions).
House Research Department
Minnesota Open Meeting Law
Revised: November 2008
Page 12
A public body may not pay a civil penalty on behalf of a person who violated the law. However,
a public body may pay any costs, disbursements, or attorney fees incurred by or awarded against
a member of the body in an action under the open meeting law if the member was found not
guilty of a violation."
A court may award reasonable costs, disbursements, and reasonable attorney fees of up to
$13,000 to any party in an action under the open meeting law. However, the following
conditions apply:
. A court may award costs and attorney fees to a defendant only if it finds that the action
was frivolous and without merit
. A court may award monetary penalties or attorney fees against a member of a public
body only if the court finds there was an intent to violate the open meeting law
The court must award reasonable attorney fees to a prevailing plaintiff if the public body was
also the subject of a prior written opinion issued by the Commissioner of Administration, and the
court finds that the opinion is directly related to the cause of action being litigated and that the
public body did not follow the opinion."
The appropriate mechanism to enforce the open meeting law is to bring an action in district court
seeking injunctive relief or damages. The statute does not provide for a declaratory judgment
action."
The Minnesota Supreme Court has held that actions taken at a meeting held in violation ofthe
open meeting law are not invalid or rescindable."
Advice
Public bodies subject to the open meeting law may seek advice on the application of the law and
how to comply with it from'.three sources:
. The governmental entity's attorney
. The attorney general"
. The Commissioner of Administration"
"Op. Att'y Gen. 471-a, Dec. 31, 1992; Minn. Stat. ~ 13D.06, subd. 4 (c).
" Minn. Stat. ~ 13D.06, subd. 4.
" Rupp V. Mayasich, 561 N.W.2d 555 (Minn. App. 1997).
"Sullivan V. Credit River Township, 299 Minn. 170, 176-177, 217N.W.2d 502, 507 (Minn. 1974).
65 Under Minnesota Statutes, section 8.06, the attorney general is the attorney for all state officers and boards
or commissions created by law. Under Minnesota Statutes; section 8.07, the attorney general, on request from an
attorney for a county, city, town, public pension fund, school board, or unorganized area, gives written opinions on
matters of public importance.
House Research Department
Minnesota Open Meeting Law
Revised: November 2008
Page 13
An individual may seek advice from two sources:
. The individual's attorney
. The Commissioner of Administration"
Since 2003, an individual who disagrees with the manner in which members of a governing body
perform their duties under the open meeting law may request the Commissioner of
Administration to give a written opinion on the governing body's compliance with the law.
A governing body or person requesting an opinion ofthe Commissioner of Administration must
pay a $200 fee ifthe commissioner issues an opinion.
The commissioner may decide not to issue an opinion. If the commissioner decides not to issue
an opinion, the commissioner must notify the requester within five days of receipt of the request.
If the commissioner decides to issue an opinion, it must be done within 20 days of the request
(with a 30-day extension possible for good cause and notice to the requester). The governing
body must be allowed to explain how it performs its duties under the law.
Opinions ofthe Commissioner of Administration are not binding, but a court must give the
opinions deference. However, a governing body that follows an opinion is not liable for fines,
attorney's fees or any other penalty, or forfeiture of office.
For more information about open meetings and other issues related to the government, visit the
government operations area of our web site, www.house.mn/hrd/issinfo/gv_state.htm.
66 Minn. Stat. ~ 13.072, subds. I and 2.
67 Id.; see www-ipad.state.mn.us/opinionslindex.html for access to prior opinions of the Commissioner of
Administration or to fmd out how to request an opinion.
A-tt 2-.
1
MINNESOTA STATUTES 2008
13D.Ol
13D.Ol MEETINGS MUST BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC; EXCEPTIONS.
Subdivision 1. In executive branch, local government. All meetings, including executive
sessions, must be open to the public
(a) of a state
(1) agency,
(2) board,
(3) commission, or
(4) department,
when required or permitted by law to transact public business in a meeting;
(b) ofthe governing body of a
(1) school district however organized,
(2) unorganized territory,
(3) county,
(4) statutory or home rule charter city,
(5) town, or
(6) other public body;
(c) of any
(1) committee,
(2) subcommittee,
(3) board,
(4) department, or
(5) commission,
of a public body; and
(d) of the governing body or a committee of:
(1) a statewide public pension plan defined in section 356A.Ol, subdivision 24; or
(2) a local public pension plan governed by section 69.77, sections 69.771 to 69.775,
or chapter 354A, 422A, or 423B.
Subd. 2. Exceptions. This chapter does not apply
Copyright (:)2008 by the Revisor of Statutes, State of Minnesota. All Rights Reserved.
2
MINNESOTA STATUTES 2008
13D.Ol
(1) to meetings of the commissioner of corrections;
(2) to a state agency, board, or commission when it is exercising quasi-judicial functions
involving disciplinary proceedings; or
(3) as otherwise expressly provided by statute.
Subd. 3. Subject of and grounds for closed meeting. Before closing a meeting, a public
body shall state on the record the specific grounds permitting the meeting to be closed and
describe the subject to be discussed.
Subd. 4. Votes to be kept in journal. (a) The votes ofthe members of the state agency,
board, commission, or department; or of the governing body, committee, subcommittee, board,
department, or commission on an action taken in a meeting required by this section to be open to
the public must be recorded in a journal kept for that purpose.
(b) The vote of each member must be recorded on each appropriation of money, except for
payments of judgments, claims, and amounts fixed by statute.
Subd. 5. Public access to journal. The journal must be open to the public during all normal
business hours where records ofthe public body are kept.
Subd. 6. Public copy of members1 materials. (a) In any meeting which under subdivisions
1, 2, 4, and 5, and section 13D.02ll)ust be open to the public, at least one copy of any printed
materials relating to the agenda items of the meeting prepared or distributed by or at the direction
ofthe governing body or its employees and:
(1) distributed at the meeting to all members ofthe governing body;
(2) distributed before the meeting to all members; or
(3) available in the meeting room to all members;
shall be available in the meeting room for inspection by the public while the governing body
considers their subject rnatter.
(b) This subdivision does not apply to materials classified by law as other than public as
defined in chapter 13, or to materials relating to the agenda items of a closed meeting held in
accordance with the procedures in section 13D.03 or other law permitting the closing of meetings.
History: 1957 c 773 s 1; 1967 c 462 s 1; 1973 c 123 art 5 s 7; 1973 c 654 s 15; 1973 c 680 s
1,3; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1981 c 174 s 1; 1983 c 137 s 1; 1983 c 274 s 18; 1984 c 462 s 27; 1987 c
313 s 1; 1990 c 550 s 2,3; 1991 c 292 art 8 s 12; 1991 c 319 s 22; 1994 c 618 art 1 s 39; 1997
c 154 s 2; ISp200I c 10 art 4 s 1
Copyright C 2008 by the Revisor of Statutes, State of Minnesota. All Rights Reserved
1
MINNESOTA STATUTES 2008
13D.02
13D.02 MEETINGS CONDUCTED BY INTERACTIVE TV; CONDITIONS.
Subdivision 1. Conditions. A meeting governed by section 13D.0 1, subdivisions 1, 2, 4, and
5, and this section may be conducted by interactive television so long as:
(1) all members of the body participating in the meeting, wherever their physical location,
can hear and see one another and can hear and see all discussion and testimony presented at any
location at which at least one member is present;
(2) members ofthe public present at the regular meeting location ofthe body can hear and
see all discussion and testimony and all votes of members ofthe body;
(3) at least one member of the body is physically present at the regular meeting location; and
(4) each location at which a member of the body is present is open and accessible to the
public.
Subd. 2. Members are present for quorum, participation. Each member of a body
participating in a meeting by electronic means is considered present at the meeting for purposes
of determining a quorum and participating in all proceedings.
Subd. 3. Monitoring from remote site; costs. If interactive television is used to conduct
a meeting, to the extent practical, a public body shall allow a person to monitor the meeting
electronically from a remote location. The body may require the person making such a connection
to pay for documented marginal costs that the public body incurs as a result of the additional
connection.
Subd. 4. Notice of regular and all member sites. If interactive television is used to conduct
a regular, special, or emergency meeting, the public body shall provide notice of the regular
meeting location and notice of any site where a member of the public body will be participating
in the meeting by interactive television. The timing and method of providing notice must be as
described in section 13D.04.
History: 1957 c 773 s 1; 1967 c 462 s 1; 1973 c 123 art 5 s 7; 1973 c 654 s 15; 1973 c 680 s
1,3; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1981 c 174 s 1; 1983 c 137 s 1; 1983 c 274 s 18; 1984 c 462 s 27; 1987 c 313
s 1; 1990 c550 s 2,3; 1991 c 292 art 8 s 12; 1991 c319 s 22; 1994 c 618 art 1 s 39; 1997 c 154 s 2
Copyright 4;>2008 by the Revisor of Statutes, State of Minnesota. All Rights Reserved.
1
MINNESOTA STATIJTES 2008
13D.021
13D.021 MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE OR OTHER ELECTRONIC MEANS;
CONDITIONS.
Subdivision 1. Conditions. A meeting governed by this section and section 13D.Ol,
subdivisions 1,2,4, and 5, may be conducted by telephone or other electronic means so long as
the following conditions are met:
(1) the presiding officer, chieflegal counsel, or chief administrative officer for the affected
governing body determines that an in-person meeting or a meeting conducted under section
13D.02 is not practical or prudent because of a health pandemic or an emergency declared under
chapter 12;
(2) all members of the body participating in the meeting, wherever their physical location,
can hear one another and can hear all discussion and testimony;
(3) members of the public present at the regular meeting location of the body can hear all
discussion and testimony and all votes of the members of the body, unless attendance at the
regular meeting location is not feasible due to the health pandemic or emergency declaration;
(4) at least one member of the body, chieflegal counsel, or chief administrative officer is
physically present at the regular meeting location, unless unfeasible due to the health pandemic or
emergency declaration; and
(5) all votes are conducted by roll call, so each member's vote on each issue can be identified
and recorded.
Subd. 2. Members are present for quorum, participation. Each member of the body
participating in a meeting by telephone or other electronic means is considered present at the
meeting for purposes of determining a quorum and participating in. all proceedings.
Subd, 3. Monitoring from remote site; costs. If telephone or another electronic means is
used to conduct a meeting, to the extent practical, the body shall allow a person to monitor
the meeting electronically from a remote location. The body may require the person making a
connection to pay for the documented additional cost that the body incurs as a result of the
additional connection.
Subd. 4. Notice of regular and all member sites. If telephone or another electronic means is
used to conduct a regular, special, or emergency meeting, the public body shall provide notice of
the regular meeting location, of the fact that some members may participate by telephone or other
electronic means, and of the provisions of subdivision 3. The timing and method of providing
notice is governed by section 13D.04 ofthe Open Meeting Law.
Copyright co 2008 by the Revisor of Statutes, State of Minnesota. All Rights Reserved
1
MINNESOTA STATUTES 2008
13D.03
13D.03 CLOSED MEETINGS FOR LABOR NEGOTIATIONS STRATEGY.
Subdivision 1. Procedure. (a) Section 13D.Ol, subdivisions 1,2,4,5, and section 13D.02 do
not apply to a meeting held pursuant to the procedure in this section.
(b) The governing body of a public employer may by a majority vote in a public meeting
decide to hold a closed meeting to consider strategy for labor negotiations, including negotiation
strategies or developments or discussion and review of labor negotiation proposals, conducted
pursuant to sections 179A.Ol to 179A.25.
( c) The time of commencement and place of the closed meeting shall be announced at
the public meeting.
(d) A written roll of members and all other persons present at the closed meeting shall be
made available to the public after the closed meeting.
Subd. 2. Meeting must be recorded. (a) The proceedings of a closed meeting to discuss
negotiation strategies shall be tape-recorded at the expense of the governing body.
(b) The recording shall be preserved for two years after the contract is signed and shall be
made available to the public after all labor contracts are signed by the governing body for the
current budget period.
Subd. 3. Uviolation claimed. (a) If an action is brought claiming that public business
other than discussions of labor negotiation strategies or developments or discussion and review
oflabor negotiation proposals was transacted at a closed meeting held pursuant to this section
during the time when the tape is not available to the public, the court shall review the recording
of the meeting in camera.
(b) If the court finds that this section was not violated, the action shall be dismissed and the
recording shall be sealed and preserved in the records of the court until otherwise made available
to the public pursuant to this section.
(c) If the court finds that this section was violated, the recording may be introduced at
trial in its entirety subject to any protective orders as requested by either party and deemed
appropriate by the court.
History: 1957 c 773 s 1; 1967 c 462 s 1; 1973 c 123 art 5 s 7; 1973 c 654 s 15; 1973 c 680 s
1,3; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1981 c 174 s 1; 1983 c 137 s 1; 1983 c 274 s 18; 1984 c 4,62 s 27; 1987 c313
s 1; 1990 c550 s 2,3; 1991 c292art8s 12; 1991 c3I9 s 22; I994c6I8art 1 s39; I997c I54s2
Copyright ~ 2008 by the Revisor of Statutes, State of Minnesota. All Rights Reserved.
MINNESOTA STATUTES 2008
13D.04
13D.04 NOTICE OF MEETINGS.
Subdivision 1. Regular meetings. A schedule of the regular meetings of a public body shall
be kept on file at its primary offices. If a public body decides to hold a regular meeting at a time or
place different from the time or place stated in its schedule of regular meetings, it shall give the
same notice of the meeting that is provided in this section for a special meeting.
Subd. 2. Special meetings. (a) For a special meeting, except an emergency meeting or a
special meeting for which a notice requirement is otherwise expressly established by statute, the
public body shall post written notice of the date, time, place, and purpose of the meeting on the
principal bulletin board of the public body, or if the public body has no principal bulletin board,
on the door of its usual meeting room.
(b) The notice shall also be mailed or otherwise delivered to each person who has filed a
written request for notice of special meetings with the public body. This notice shall be posted and
mailed or delivered at least three days before the date ofthe meeting.
( c) As an alternative to mailing or otherwise delivering notice to persons who have filed a
written request for notice of special meetings, the public body may publish the notice once, at
least three days before the meeting, in the official newspaper of the public body or, ifthere is
none, in a qualified newspaper of general circulation within the area of the public body's authority.
(d) A person filing a request for notice of special meetings may limit the request to
notification of meetings concerning particular subjects, in which case the public body is required
to send notice to that person only concerning special meetings involving those subjects.
( e) A public body may establish an expiration date for requests for notices of special
meetings pursuant to this subdivision and require refiling of the request once each year.
(f) Not more than 60 days before the expiration date of a request for notice, the public body
shall send notice of the refiling requirement to each person who filed during the preceding year.
Subd. 3. Emergency meetings. (a) For an emergency meeting, the public body shall make
good faith efforts to provide notice of the meeting to each news medium that has filed a written
request for notice ifthe request includes the news medium's telephone number.
(b) Notice ofthe emergency meeting shall be given by telephone or by any other method
used to notiJy the members of the public body.
(c) Notice shall be provided to each news medium which has filed a written request for notice
as soon as reasonably practicable after notice has been given to the members.
Copyright <<::> 2008 by the Revisor of Statutes, State of Minnesota All Rights Reserved.
2
MINNESOTA STATUTES 2008
13D.04
(d) Notice shall include the subject of the meeting. Posted or published notice of an
emergency meeting is not required.
( e) An "emergency" meeting is a special meeting called because of circumstances that, in the
judgment of the public body, require inunediate consideration by the public body.
(f) If matters not directly related to the emergency are discussed or acted upon at an
emergency meeting, the rninutes of the meeting shall include a specific description ofthe matters.
(g) The notice requirement of this subdivision supersedes any other statutory notice
requirement for a special meeting that is an emergency meeting.
Subd. 4. Recessed or continued meetings. (a) If a meeting is a recessed or continued
session of a previous meeting, and the time and place of the meeting was established during
the previous meeting and recorded in the minutes of that meeting, then no further published or
mailed notice is necessary.
(b) For purposes ofthis subdivision, the term "meeting" includes a public hearing conducted
pursuant to chapter 429 or any other law or charter provision requiring a public hearing by
a public body.
Subd. 5. Closed meetings. The notice requirements of this section apply to closed meetings.
Subd. 6. State agencies. For a,meeting of an agency, board, commission, or department of
the state:
(1) the notice requirements of this section apply only if a statute governing meetings of the
agency, board, or commission does not contain specific reference to the method of providing
notice; and
(2) all provisions of this section relating to publication are satisfied by publication in the
State Register.
Subd. 7. Actual notice. If a person receives actual notice of a meeting of a public body at
least 24 hours before the meeting, all notice requirements ofthis section are satisfied with respect
to that person, regardless of the method of receipt of notice.
History: 1957 c 77381; 1967 c 462 8 1; 1973 c 123 art 5 87; 1973 c 654815; 1973 c 6808
1,3; 1975 c 271 8 6; 1981 c 17481; 1983 c 13781; 1983 c 274 8 18; 1984 c 462827; 1987 c313
81; 1990c 5508 2,3; 1991 c 292 art 8 8 12; 1991 c3198 22; 1994 c 618 artl S39; 1997 c 154 8 2
Copyright co 2008 by the Revisor of Statutes, State of Minnesota. All Rights Reserved.
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
7:00 p.m.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS - MAPLEWOOD CITY HALL
1830 COUNTY ROAD BEAST
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL - Six commissioners are present to form a quorum.
Present
Chair Peter Fischer
Commissioner Carolyn Peterson
Commissioner Bruce Roman
Commissioner Kim Schmidt
Commissioner Therese Sonnek
Commissioner Donald Christianson
Commissioner Craig Brannon
Absent
Commissioner Julie Binko
Staff
DuWayne Konewko,
Doug Taubman, P
Steve Kummer,
. Commissioner Christia
Commissioner Sonnek. AI
elopment and Parks Director
anager
3.
de a motion to approve the agenda as modified, seconded by
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 19. 2008
. Chair Fischer stated that the roll call on November 19th inciuded Commissioner Josh Richter: he
stated that they do not have a Commissioner Josh Richter.
. Commissioner Sonnek said the spelling of her name "Teresa" should be "Therese".
. Commissioner Christianson thanked staff for having page numbers on the minutes. He said page
7, 2nd bullet point from bottom should be "2011, not "20011".
. Chair Fischer referred to page 11, 2nd bullet point from top; "Fischer" is misspelled.
. Commissioner Schmidt motioned to approve the minutes as amended, seconded by Commissioner
Roman. The motion carried by a vote of 5 to 0 with one commissioner abstaining.
1
'I
I
'!
5.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS - none
6.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: LINKS TRAIL PROPOSED ALIGNMENT DISCUSSION/MCKNIGHT TO
BELLAIRE
Director Konewko stated the staff felt it would be appropriate to be brought back to the Commission for a
recap, assuring everyone is heading in the right direction. Director Konewko introduced Luke Payne from
Kimley-Hom & Associates, who was back to discuss the alignment option that involves County Road D and
present a summary of some of the discussion points brought before the public hearing and address
questions.
A. Pick up existing trail at western side of McKnight Avenue, extend southward
follow Lydia Avenue eastward where it connects with the Joy Park Trail. This was t
B. Follow power line easement behind the resident's houses. This option provided ty of positive
benefits in a natural setting; however, there are cost and acquisition issues that eliminated .
C. Extend northward on McKnight Road following north right-of-way of County Road D and easterly down
to Bellaire Avenue connecting to the Pa 1
rail, specifically the segment
McKnight Road to Bellaire
Mr. Payne stated he will be presenting additional findings on the Lak
which would link the existing Lake Links Trail to the westem rig
Avenue. The initial meeting presented three alignment options:
Commissioners Peterson and Christianson asked
moved.
connecting to a point on Bellaire Avenue and
(Joy Park), negotiating on ridge top and
Trail; which will impact wetlands,
Mr. Payne stated one option that has not
Woodlyn Avenue and extend trail eastward
avoiding existing wetlands, and then connectin
grading, and tree removal. Mr. Payne would like
easements and if mailboxes would have to be
at mailboxes can be moved, and there are easements to deal with.
if there had been discussion of the cost of the route through Joy Park.
oximately $100,000 additional to add 22,500 feet of additional trail.
ifficult it would be to extend the trail through the wetlands.
oating boardwalks as an option.
Mr. Payne stated that
can be used.
are investigating where the wetlands are and how pedestrian bridges/culverts
Commissioner Roman asked if Bellaire Avenue could have a 10 foot wide trail.
Mr. Payne said it could be approximately 20 feet to the back of the trail; with 10 feet of ditch, trail, and right
of way.
Commissioner Roman asked if that was enough room to keep mail boxes. Mr. Payne stated that they would
be in the ditch area.
2
Commissioner Roman asked about an island median between the north/south bound traffic on McKnight
Road.
Mr. Payne said this was considered.
Commissioner Roman also asked about the possibility of 1 lane in each direction instead of 4 lanes of traffic
along McKnight Road.
Mr. Payne said he didn't see it as a feasible option.
Commissioner Sonnek asked about user-activated crosswalk signs on McKnight Road.
Mr. Payne said this was absolutely possible; actuators could be implemented as LED signs as a warning
surface that would activate the lights.
Commissioner Peterson asked about the possibility of gettin
state trail?
nt for crossings in Joy Park, since it is a
Chair Fischer stated that wakes from snowplows c
freeway; there will be loss of trees if the trail is along
homes on D would have a buffer, however there would be
ounty Road D runs close to the
h freeway noise. The first 3-5
way noise for others.
Commissioner Peterson stated you can add trees on the eastem
Commissioner Sonnek asked about wetlands in the Open Space; s
there.
oncerned about development
Chair Fischer said that the trail
Discussions with the neighbors are im
d cost of $100,000 going through Joy Park concerns him.
Commissioner Brannon
Commissioner Peterso
trail, and asked about
especially the disabled, seni
ects a preserve, because people are more likely to stay on the
or the surface. This is important for everyone, but
through the Preserve was dropped because of the wetlands.
to keep them in the loop.
Commissioner Peterson would like to run all this by the Advisory Task Force. She also said that the
neighbors weren't involved with the planning process.
Chair Fischer said there were 5-6 meetings with neighbors.
Commissioner Schmidt asked if traffic/crime was discussed with the neighbors, or did they prefer not to
have a trail there.
Commissioner Brannon said they preferred not having traffic through their backyards. .
Commissioner Schmidt asked if there was a study done about crime reduction because of increased traffic.
Commissioner Brannon stated they did not go into actual statistics.
Commissioner Schmidt asked if we knew how much crime was involved.
3
Commissioner Brannon stated they would have to talk to the neighbors regarding crime incidents; there was
some intimidation involved.
Commissioner Peterson said the path shown on the purposed plan through the north of Joy Park does not
go close to the residents backyards.
Chair Fischer stated that it is all in people's definition how they feel. It does not get very close to their
property lines, but it still has an impact.
Commissioner Sonnek asked if there was a schedule for notifying residents on the County Road D plan.
Staff stated that they do not at present. They are looking for further direction from the Commission.
Commissioner Brannon stated there are 3 different options, so before next hearing they should have a
meeting with the neighbors in the area. If they talk about County Road D and people get upset, the
neighbors will be angry and they will have to come back to th Avenue option.
Commissioner Brannon asked if t
neighbors before that hearing:
ing but read the minutes. It was
d the fact that they really are talking
Commissioner Peterson stated they should schedule a
Commissioner Christianson stated he was unable to
discussed keeping options A and C and eliminate B. Disc
about just A and C. Can we eliminate Option B.
Commissioner Christianson made a motion to take option B off the t
Commissioner Brannon secon
Commissioner Sonnek
e the options 1 and 2.
A motion was made to
All in favor: Aye. Opposed:
ould have another public hearing in February and meet with the
Commissioner Sonnek asked Staff if there was a utility right-of-way in the Park.
Mr. Payne responded that they would have to do a study about a right-of-way; there is no easement, but he
can research the viability.
Commissioner Sonnek said she would like to see a cost estimate for what is proposed and a plan that would
go through the north part of Joy Park.
Commissioner Roman brought up the number of options looked at. He thought there were still 3 options.
Commissioner Peterson asked if it would be possible to get plans on the variation of the County Road D
going through Joy Park.
4
Commissioner Brannon stated that too many options are dangerous if they're not viable. They will need
information from staff if they consider the option through Joy Park. He said later this evening they will look
at schedules and possibly have 2 meetings in January.
Director Konewko stated they would like to bring the Comprehensive Plan back in January, so it's
reasonable to assume that sometime in February they can come back to the Lake Links Trail options.
Regarding costs, they would have to go out and look at the area, and will not be able to do that until spring.
Commissioner Peterson said that she would like to know what the possibility of this option (wetlands, Joy
Park) is, because if it is impossible, why pursue it.
Commissioner Roman said they should have information about the cost fir
eting or hearing in February
Force. He said that they
ce, and depending on
eting.
Director Konewko suggested slowing down the process and push in
to allow time for some information to come together from the 0
have a flexible time frame. They will have a February meeting, con act the T
what the costs are, the Commission can make the decision to include them on a fu
Commissioner Peterson stated at the last meeting it was said that the time frame cou
because County Road D improvements won't be done until next year.
ushed back
Chair Fischer stated that they will slow
information and decide what the next step
At the February meeting they will have more
7. LEGACY PARK UPDATE - BACK
PARK PLANNING PROCESS/SELEC
Engineer Kummer stated that at the October 15TH rks and Recreation meeting there was discussion
conceming a considered development of a Legacy t lot, on the approximately 2.3 acres. They toured
the area, the playground equipment, and the trail, an considered development of the area. Staff was
directed to get further information regarding the dedicati f this parcel and developer funds. The parcel is
called Outl ce was found in a developer agreement and an amendment (which was attached)
from 20 elopment of a parcel on the southeast corner of Kennard Street and Legacy
Par utheast corner of the roundabout is part of the Legacy Village Master Plan
for s at parcel is not currently available for park development. According to the
develop ich is the Sculpture Garden, and Outlot I are considered for park space.
When they they found a fund established in 2004 with bonds for Legacy Village
development I 00. If there is any further discussion about development of this parcel,
staff is recommen ve forward with the parks planning process for this development.
ed if the $70,000 is specifically set aside for Outlot I.
Engineer Kummer stated the $70,000 was not specifically devoted to a particular outlot; it was for this
development in general.
Commissioner Brannon stated that looking at Outlot I on 11B, which is page 18 on the lower right corner;
construction and grading for playfields, equipment, and parking is noted by plans with the city. Outlet F,
right above it, entailed grading for ponding and trails. As he understood it, the $70,000 which is set aside for
playground equipment should be planned for Outlot I.
5
Commissioner Peterson said if they decide not to create a Sculpture Park; where would this tot lot be
placed.
Commissioner Brannon asked if there is a tot lot across the street on parcell.
Commissioner Peterson stated there is a climbing wall, it's more of a sculpture. It's always been called a tot
lot, which is a small playground.
Commissioner Schmidt stated they are referring to Outlot I as a play lot, not a tot lot; it appears to her that
Outlot I is the area that was intended for play, which is larger than a tot lot.
Chair Fischer asked if they were authorized to go ahead with the park planning process, would they
continue to call it a play lot.
Director Konewko commented this has been in their plans since 2004, and it should be settled because the
neighborhood is now developed.
MISSISSIP
are no provisions for parking
Commissioner Sonnek asked about parking.
Commissioner Peterson said it was stated there would
Commissioner Schmidt stated that it would be an improve
neighborhood use only.
Commissioner Peterson stated that in other area neighborhood parks
other than parking on the stre
Chair Fischer stated th
with this sometime this year.
8.
Y ROAD B/BACKGROUND REPORT AND DISCUSSION
Engineer Kummer reported
review the parcel of land at Mis
south of County Road B hadpetiti
the petition. The vacant lot was 9/1 acre, and was formerly used for drainage purposes through
Ramsey County. On July 9, 2007, the p . n was brought before the council, and staff brought it before
Parks and Recreation Commission. The Parks and Recreation Commission passed a motion recommending
the City Council to order grading/drainage improvements in preparation for a tot lot. On July 23, 2007, the
City Council considered the petition, and the Parks and Recreation Commission moved forward with placing
of a tot lot in the area. They negotiated the work to grade the parcel at the southeast comer of Mississippi
Street and County Road B. The work began around Thanksgiving, 2007, because the MN Dept of
Transportation had other work in the area at the time. Staff applied for a grant which was not approved.
They authorized a contractor to move forward with grading, and the City Council approved the change order
in December to pay for the work. On August 7, 2008, some of the work had backed up because of other
projects. They had staked an area for the park. Steve Dang, who represents the property owners, looked at
the site. There is no action needed at this time. The next steps regarding this park is working with property
owners as to what they would like, and possibly involve volunteers in the neighborhood.
Chair Fischer stated they have not done any park planning in this process, and would be cautious as to
terminology; when they look at the criteria for addressing parks, there are things that raise issues such as,
"here's a park, take it over for us".
6
Commissioner Brannon said they were very careful not to call it a park. It was graded to enable a possible
playground location. The City Council can certainly say they want to do it.
Chair Fischer stated that is correct; it was a potential play area.
Commissioner Peterson commented that it seems like the neighbors initiated this because they did not want
their children to play in the street. Would the grading of this area at least give them an area off-street.
Commissioner Schmidt said that homeowner Steve Dang had offered to maintain the site; would that create
liability or provide us with any obligation.
Director Konewko stated that they wanted to bring it back to the Commission to receive additionai guidance
from them on what the next steps should be.
Commissioner Christianson said these types of grants are
assistance for groups building playgrounds. Regardin
something should be done to prevent kids from going'
in the area to build the playground. The Commissio
Commission's budget does not allow them to put play
the City Council. If it meets expectations they can move
owners on the other side as well.
. es and resources for providing technicai
y, he would recommend if it was built
storm water pond. He questioned volunteers
ooperat d listen to residents, however the
. ere. They will bring this before
re is a need to engage the property
9. LEGACY PARK SCULPTURE GARDEN DISCUSSIONNA
Manager Taubman stated the
2004/2005. The original c
trail would be instalied
five permanent scul
forth. In a previous m
future of this concept.
Village Sculpture Garden, south of plewood Mall was developed in
be a path with sculptures permanently installed and leased. The
Id be placed in various locations along the trail. Other than the
there, the park has not met the vision that originally was set
resented challenges, and staff is looking for direction for the
's could be an exciting idea for the city; he would like to see it
trails and there is ten years before the assisted living is completed;
al possession of the property, possibly including small concerts
joint projects with parks and the library which would create nice
e to see more lighting on the trail.
Chair Fischer said they tried to organize a Fine Arts Committee to work on this. The sculptures would
be rock and stone, not just metal. They looked at working with artistic director John Holch, and as the
budget became tighter, some of this was lost. They could explore with Franconia Sculpture who may have
individuals that would want their sculptures there. Roseville is exploring a Sculpture Park; possibly staff
could check with the city of Roseville to see what they have done. .
Commissioner Schmidt stated that the sculptures are on the delicate side and easily broken. If they were
made to be more interactive they could come up with a modern design.
Commissioner Peterson stated that she liked Commissioner Sonnek's suggestion about music and small
concerts.
7
Commissioner Brannon stated his recollection regarding Franconia was that their cost was reasonable.
Manager Taubman stated this would be a good step for getting people interested in the park, and it could
overcome vandalism. He will talk to the programming staff and discuss.
Commissioner Brannon: The homeowner's association could work with residents to organize programs such
as picnics and concerts. Regarding the placing of play equipment there, it will be a Sculpture Park some
day. A committee should meet periodically on this and work with the city. The price of metals is going down
so the sculptures should be safe.
DOG PARK-REQUESTING COMMISSION TO FORM A
RESEARCH/PROVIDE RECOMMENDATION TO FULL COMMISSION
Iy involved with sculptures
Recreation Department.
Manager Taubman will speak to Pauline Staples about the park; she wa
and concerts. She will be moving back into the program aspect of the
Commissioner Sonnek suggested more rugged sculptures and/
mentioned White Bear Lake Library has a sculpture of a bench wi
encouraged to touch, resulting in art appreciation.
Iptures for children. She
on it that children are
10.
ITTEE TO
Director Konewko stated that the Parks C
for a dog park and report back to the Com
'ssion would like to form a subcommittee to look at locations
Chair Fischer said Dave Johnson agreed to
invite someone from the Environmental Com
connection may help. The commission shou
Commissioner Sonnek has access to mounds of re
dog parks.
mmittee, and it may be advantageous to
tough issues to deal with and that
to g ~ people for this subcommittee.
on this. Commissioner Sinko is passionate about
Director Konewko said that he will leave it up to the s mmittee to determine when they want to meet,
where, an pport. He suggested that after this meeting the group can get together to discuss
logistics
11.
NG IN JANUARY 2009; POSSIBLY EXPLORE TWO MEETING DATES IN
Manager Ko
goal setting mee
also invite the Enviro
an item that was carried over. The Commission would like to set up a
he Commission agreed to meet January 21sl, 2009. The Commission will
mmission to discuss their joint goals for the year.
12. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Chair Fischer thanked the Commissioner for moving the dates to January 71h and the joint goal setting
meeting to January 28fu.
Commissioner Roman wished everyone a good holiday.
Commissioner Sonnek stated this is the end of her first year; it's been enlightening and enriching. She is
new to this process, and has learned a lot. She thanked everyone for what they do, especially staff.
8
Chair Fischer stated they received DVD disks of the Capstone project students made at the Community
Center last week. It gave a very broad idea of.what is attempted to be accomplished across the city; he
suggested to view and read it; there are some natural tie ins with the other groups. He said the students did
an awesome job.
Commissioner Peterson stated the DVD shows the enthusiasm of the students who committed to getting out
in the community. They did a really good job.
Director Konewko stated that students did exceptionally well. They were very impressed with their reports
and presentations and their ability to touch on the questions.
13. DIVERSITY UPDATE
There was no discussion.
14. OTHER
Adjourned at 9:30 p.m. The next meetin
15. ADJOURN
9
Chapter 7: Natural Resources
Protect, Connect, Restore, and Manage Ecosystems, Plant Communities and Species
Why a Natural Resources Plan is Needed
Maplewood's quality of life depends on how it manages ils natural resources. Natural resources are the air, minerals,
land, water, and biota that form the foundation to life in Maplewood. For example, the oxygen we breathe comes
from plants. Wilhout plants, the atmosphere would be poisonous to people and animals. That is a free ecosystem
service that benefits people in Maplewood. There are many others.
The benefits of treating natural resources in a sustainable way include:
. High quality forests, savannas, prairies, wetlands, lakes, and streams will support a variely of life-trees,
shrubs, wildflowers, groundcover, fish, birds, and other wildlife.
. Lakes, streams, and wetlands will be clean enough to support aquatic life and provide recreational
opportunities.
. Undeveloped land will provide essential ecosystem services.
. Vegetation will help prevenl sedimenl, phosphorus, nitrogen, and contaminants from reaching lakes,
streams, and wetlands.
. Rainwater infiltrates, which reduces flooding and feeds groundwater.
. Groundwater is recharged and can be used for drinking, irrigation, and to feed cold, clean water to lakes,
streams, and wetlands.
. Water levels are more stable, which prevents erosion of shorelines and stream channels.
. Beautiful places exist for people to see and visit.
There is an economic value to treating natural resources in a sustainable way. Property values are higher near
natural areas and open space '. New developments that protect natural resources using conservation design and
low-impact development techniques can save an average of 24-27% in construction costs per developmenI'.
Damage to storm sewer outfalls, shorelines, and buildings due to flooding are reduced in such developments. In
addition to the economic and recreational benefits of natural resources, for many people nature and natural
resources merit protection and care due to their intrinsic value, regardless of their value to humans.
This nalural resources plan is a guide for how Maplewood can manage natural resources in a sustainable way. It will
help protect and enhance Maplewood's quality of life for current and future generations. It suggests strategies to
protect, connect, restore and manage ecosystems, plant communities, and species. This plan can guide zoning and
ordinances. It gives city staff and officials informalion to use when making annual and long-range budgets. This plan
will also provide citizens with an understanding of how they can playa role in achieving these goals through wise
land use and management of their property.
I Embrace Open Space study is at: htto://www.embraceooensnace.ondEOSReoort!EconomicValueofOnenSoace.odf.
2 EP A Low Impact Development study is at: htto://www.eoa.e:ov/owow/nns/lid/costs07/documents/reducinllstormwatercosts.ndf;
AES study is at: htto:/Iwww.aooliedeco.comlProiects/ConDevArtic1eLavout.odf.
Natural Resources
7-1
Wise use and management of naturai resources is not all that Maplewood needs to be a great place to live in the 21st
century: the city also needs good schools, a vital economy, and efficient public services. But healthy natural
resources will help ensure that Maplewood has a high quality of life that can be sustained far into the future.
Vision and Goals for Natural Resources in Maplewood
The City of Maplewood has led the way in urban natural resource conservalion in Minnesota. From a bonding
referendum in 1993 to protect forests and wetlands, to a rain garden program for recharging groundwater and
purifying runoff to its lakes and streams, Maplewood's citizens and elected leaders quickly adopt new ideas from
scientisls, businesses, and regulatory agencies. Maplewood has learned that supporting environmental laws and
besl praclices has benefils for city residents. The city also believes that property values and the city's overall
marketability will increase over time by improving natural resources and the environment
Maplewood's desire to become sustainable depends on stewardship of its ecosystems, plant communities, and
species. Good stewardship protects the functions of ecosystems and the free ecosystems services necessary for a
high quality of life.
Following its tradition, the Cily of Maplewood holds the following vision for natural resources:
The City of Maptewood, in order to preserve a beautiful, functional, and varied environment for current and
future residents, wiil protect, connect, restore and manage its ecosystems, plant communities, and species.
The cffy will do this by using the best science and striving for the highest ecological standard.
To realize lhis vision, the City of Maplewood has these goals for natural resources:
Natural Resources Goal 1. Protect and buffer ecosystems-forests, savannas, prairies, lakes, streams,
wetlands-and other natural resources.
Natural Resources Goal 2. Connect and enlarge natural areas and wildlife haMal.
Natural Resources Goal 3. Restore and manage natural areas, wildlife habitat, and other natural resources
for high ecological quality and for diversity of plant and animal species.
Natural Resources Goal 4. Restore the natural ecological functions involving water by betler managing
stormwater runoff. This means vegetation fiftering, infiltration, groundwater recharge, and maintaining
stable water levels.
Natural Resources Goal 5. Fund natural resource programs to achieve the vision and goals.
Natural Resources Goal 6. Integrate the city's natural areas, open space, and active parks and trails.
Natural Resources Goal 7. Incorporate the vision and goals for natural resources in the city's
comprehensive plan, ordinances, policies, development standards, and zoning.
Natural Resources Goal 8. Enhance public understanding of nature, natural systems, and environmental
issues by providing programs, information, and interpretive facilities.
Natural Resources
7-2
Natural Resources Goal 9. Promote a culture of stewardshIp on public and prIvate land through access to
natural areas and education and volunteer opportunities in natural areas restoration and management.
Naturai Resources Goa/10. Seek cost savings by using natural systems to provide services such as
heating, cooling, stormwater management and water conservatIon.
The Natural Environment of Maplewood
Prior to settlement in 1851, most of Maplewood was covered by oak savanna, a plant community with scattered oak
trees or oak groves and a groundcover of grasses, sedges, and wildflowers. Hazelnut, chokecherry, juneberry,
nannyberry, and wild plum grew in the savanna and at wetland edges. Low, wet areas contained wet prairies, sedge
meadows, and marshes. Forests grew on the Mississippi River bluffs in south Maplewood and in valleys where fires
were not severe. Some forests were mainly oak and in others sugar maple and basswood mingled with oaks. Lakes
were smaller at the time, and were later enlarged by excavating wetland vegetation from the shorelines.
Nearly every year the Mdewakanton Dakota Indians ignited fires in the region; the fires had burned the savannas and
wetlands for thousands of years. As a result, mosl of the plants and animals living in the natural areas of Maplewood
were residents of savannas, marshes, wet prairies, and sedge meadows. Plants and animals of forest settings lived
in the small forest areas of the Mississippi bluffs and in ravines with flowing streams.
After settlement, many changes took place in Maplewood:
. Natural lands were developed with farms, houses, and businesses.
. Large savannas and forests were broken inlo small separated parcels.
. Remaining savannas became overgrown with trees and shrubs.
. Many wetlands were drained, excavated, and filled.
. Planllife was allered by grazing and the introduction of non-native plants.
. Trees from river floodplains seeded into uplands and wetlands.
. Erosion occurred in streams, at shorelines, and on steep slopes.
. More sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen reached lakes, streams, and wetlands than historically.
. Some wildlife was eliminated by hunling.
. Some wildlife left or died out because there was not enough habitat to successfully breed.
. More water flowed directly into lakes, streams, and wetlands after rainstorms.
. Water levels in groundwater fell, and water levels in lakes, streams, and wetlands rose and fell more often
and more quickly than historically.
One example of whallhese changes mean is wildlife that has disappeared or is declining. Generalist species, such
as raccoon and deer, are species lhat can adapt to different types of habitat, Including urban habitats. Many
generalisl species thrive in Maplewood. But specialist species, such as the ovenbird and Blanding's turtle, are more
particular about habital and often need large, connecled habitat to persist. These species have declined, or are in
danger of declining locally. Many of the species in Table 7.1 are specialists.
Natural Resources
7-3
Table 7.1. Status of Selected Historical and Current Species in Maplewood. These species are on the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' list of species in greatest conservation need and are found in lhe
east Twin Cities region. The list is for illustration only and was not checked by field surveys.
Once Present, Now Gone
American Woodcock
Black-crowned Night-heron
Eastern Meadowlark
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-shouldered Hawk
Sedge Wren
Trumpeter Swan
Upland Sandpiper
Wood Thrush
Persius Duskywing
Regal Fritillary
American Badger
Franklin's Ground Squirrel
Prairie Vole
Blanding's Turtle
Gopher Snake
Western Hognose Snake
Possibly Present, In Decline?
Common Mudpuppy
Brown Thrasher
Common Nighthawk
Eastern Wood-pewee
Field Sparrow
Least Flycatcher
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Ovenbird
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Swamp Sparrow
Virginia Rail
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
American Brook Lamprey
Least Weasel
Common Snapping Turtle
Smooth Green Snake
Eastern Fox Snake
Eastern Hognose Snake
Species Restored
Bald Eagle
Peregrine Falcon
Today, Maplewood is a patchwork of developed land and undeveloped natural areas (Figure 7.1). Maplewood has
several lakes and ponds in the north, fringed by small amounts of wetland vegetation. The urban watershed that
feeds the lakes provides poor water quality. There are many wetlands, but aggressive cattails and reed canary-grass
cover most.
Soulh Maplewood has large forests. The once large expanses of savanna and prairie no longer exist-remaining
grasslands are small and support only a few species. Three streams-Battle Creek, Fish Creek, and Snake Creek-
flow from Woodbury through Maplewood and then to the Mississippi. In places their banks are eroding and water
quality is poor because the headwaters are in developed areas. Despite the problems they support a variety of
aqualic insect and fish life.
There are few natural areas of high quality in Maplewood. Most have lost plant and animal species because lhey are
small and suffer serious edge effects-invasion by non-native species, for example. However, in several places in
the city there are large, continuous habilats well suited to preserving a wide variety of wildlife and plants if restored
and managed. In many local habitals native plants and animals persist despile the small size of the habitat.
Maplewood faces the following challenges in managing its natural resources:
1. How to integrate a developed cily and dense population with natural resource conservation.
2. How to protect and restore ecosystems in the cily so that ecosystem services will conlinue.
3. How to retain and attract animal species that need high quality or large habitats (e.g., specialist species).
4. How to protect and restore the quality of upland and lowland plant communities, wildlife habitats, lakes, and
streams.
5. How to generate funding for natural resources and associated infrastructure.
6. How to prioritize projects.
Natural Resources
7-4
7. How to involve cily residents and businesses with city staff and officials in carrying out the vision and goals
for natural resources.
Natural Resources in Maplewood
The City of Maplewood intends to achieve its vision and goals for natural resources using a comprehensive
approach. Maplewood's framework for protecting and managing natural resources focuses on four levels.
. Natural Area Greenways. Natural Area Greenways are large conliguous areas of habitat that cross
ownership boundaries. They protect and expand ecosyslem services and habitat. Because they are large
they have the potential to provide habitat for both generalist and specialist species. Maplewood has
identified four greenways.
. Local Habitats. Local Habitats are individual nalural areas and backyard habitat conneclions. They serve
the needs of people wanting to enjoy and learn about wild habitat near their homes and also provide
ecosystem services and wildlife habitat locally. Because they are relatively small, they are typically not able
to provide habitat for specialist species. Local habitats may be public or privale lands.
. Active Parks and Trails. Aclive Parks and Trails connect Natural Area Greenways and Local Habitals and
give people places to play sports, picnic, and bike.
. Natural Resource Issues. Some natural resource issues are addressed city-wide through individual
programs, such as stormwater management.
Natural Area Greenways
Maplewood defines Natural Area Greenways as large contiguous areas of habitat thai cross ownership boundaries.
The purpose of Natural Area Greenways is to prolecl, connect, and restore large scale ecosystems and ecosystem
services and provide habitat for species thai need large natural areas. Greenways contain large natural areas, high
quality planl communities and wildlife habitat, and provide a wide, continuous corridor for animal movement. In
general, a corridor in a greenway 'should not be narrower than the habitat size for a species that needs the corridor.
Scientific studies vary tremendously in their recommendations for corridor widlh. For Maplewood a reasonable
minimum corridor width in a greenway is 660 feet (200 meters). This width tries to balance the limitations on natural
resources in cities with lhe needs of animals that use corridors to survive. It is unlikely Maplewood will be able to
achieve this minimum width throughout a whole greenway due to existing roads and development, however it is a
goal to reach for where feasible.
Four Natural Area Greenways exist in Maplewood (Figure 7.2). They were selected by mapping and connecting
large, better quality natural areas and avoiding major roads and watershed divides that are barriers to many species
(Appendix 7.1). The two northern greenways are mostly lowland ecosystems (lakes and wetlands) north of 1-94. The
lwo southern greenways consist mostly of upland ecosystems (forests, grasslands) with small wetlands and streams
south of 1-94.
Greenways provide stopovers for the hundreds of bird species that migrate through Maplewood each spring and fall.
But birds also use Local Habitats and backyards i!food and shelter are present. Bird and insect migrants (e.g.,
monarch butterfly) move through Maplewood along a broad front. They may concentrate in some places due to local
Natural Resources
7-5
geography and vegetation. The Mississippi Flyway, for example, is wider than the Mississippi River. Waterfowl,
waterbirds, and shorebirds generally orient to it and use its open water in the spring while waiting for ice to melt on
lakes and wetlands in the surrounding area. Once in Maplewood, these birds choose migratory stopover habitat
based on size, quality, and isolation, not geographic location. Migrating songbirds from the tropics and subtropics
also move on a broad front, but descend from flight elevations and move through vegetation eating insects as they
journey north. As they move through Maplewood, these birds concentrate in woodlots, dense tree patches in
developments, grasslands and brush land, and in the vegelated edges of wetlands and lakes. The more patches of
permanent vegetation there are, the more opportunities these birds have to feed as they migrate.
1. Phalen-Casey Chain-of-Lakes
Greenway composition and regional barriers
This large, lowland greenway consists of a chain of lakes in formerly extensive wetlands. Slretching from Phalen
Lake to Casey Lake, it includes Round, Keller, Gervais, Kohlman Lakes and Kohlman Creek. Mosl of the greenway
is open water with a narrow wetland fringe. More wetlands are east of Kohlman Lake. This greenway extends into
North St. Paul, Little Canada, and St. Paul.
Regional barriers to the movement of fish, freshwater mussels, crayfish, and some other aquatic life are the urban
development soulh and west of the greenway, and the major watershed divides to the north and east. Water leaves
this greenway from Phalen Lake and travels in a large storm sewer until it discharges to the Mississippi River at
Mounds Park, St. Paul.
Eleven constrictions (pinch points) with greenway width of <660 feet (Figure 7.2) restrict wildlife movement in the
greenway. Pinch points are mainly at road crossings (Frost Avenue at Round Lake, Highway 61 at Keller Lake,
Highway 36 at Keller Lake, Highway 61 east of Kohlman Lake, west side of Hazelwood Park, and While Bear
Avenue). Other pinch points are lhe outlet of Lake Gervais, the outlet of Kohlman Lake, a narrow wetland west of
Hazelwood Park, and a drop structure at the outlet of Casey Lake.
Greenway challenges
. Reduced infiltration due to high percentage of impervious surface in the watershed causes a lower water
table and reduces groundwaler inflow 10 lakes and wetlands.
. Poor water quality in lakes and wetlands due to large amount of surface runoff from impervious surfaces
and turf grass brings sediment, nutrients, and pollutants to waters.
. Narrow lake and wetland buffers reduce the filtering and cleansing effect of vegetation at lhe water-upland
edge.
. The small size of upland habitats next to lakes and wetlands prevenls some wetland animals from
completing a life cycle that includes using uplands (e.g., Blanding's Turtle).
. Over-abundance of reed-canary grass and cattail degrades wetland habitat.
. Minnesota Pollulion Control Agency has designated several lakes in lhis greenway as impaired: Kohlman,
Gervais, Spoon, Keller, Round, and Phalen.
2. Holloway-Beaver Lake Wetlands
Greenway composition and regional barriers
This large, lowland greenway is more or less continuous wetland habitat from the marsh lands north of Holloway
Avenue, southwesl to wetlands and uplands at Priory Neighborhood Preserve, and continuing southwesl along
wetlands and Beaver Creek to Beaver Lake. This greenway extends into North St. Paul, Oakdale, and St. Paul.
Natural Resources
7-6
Beaver Lake has a narrow wetland fringe. This is a historical wetland area, containing wet prairie, wet meadow, and
marsh. The iowland foresls with ash, elm, collonwood, and silver maple that exist in this greenway were not here
historically.
Regional barriers include a major watershed at the east edge, dense urban development in St. Paul, and minor
watershed divides to the north and south. The greenway drains out of Beaver Lake and the water flows in a large
storm sewer west to Phalen Creek. The movement offish, freshwater mussels, crayfish, and some other aquatic
species are restricted by these barriers.
Seven pinch points with greenway width of <660 feet (Figure 7.2) restrict wildlife movement in the greenway. Pinch
points are where roads (Century Avenue, Maryland Avenue, and Lakewood Drive) and a railroad cross the
greenway. The narrow wetland between Maryland Avenue and Lakewood Drive is also a pinch point.
Greenway challenges
The challenges are the same as for Phalen-Casey Chain of Lakes above.
3. Battle Creek Forests
Greenway composition and regional barriers
This large, mostly forested greenway includes Ballle Creek Regional Park and connects to lhe Mississippi River
bluffs in St. Paul. This greenway includes the Ponds at Battle Creek Golf Course, the forested portion of Highwood
neighborhood, and Applewood Neighborhood Preserve. The largest, best quality forests are in Ballle Creek
Regional Park. Ballle Creek is part of this corridor and begins in Tanner's Lake in Landfall, then flows to Batlle Creek
Lake in Woodbury, and then through a narrow stream valley to Ballle Creek Park. This is a historical forest area of
oak forest, oak-maple-basswood forest, and aspen-oak woodland.
Regional barriers around this upland greenway are the major divided highways: US61, 1-494, and 1-94. These
highways prevent the movement of small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and ground-dwelling insects that are an
important part of the forest's food chain. They also pose a significant risk to other mammals, birds, and flying insects
(e.g., bullerflies, dragonflies) allempting to cross lhem.
Two pinch points in the continuous forest are on Ballle Creek and Lower Afton Road west of McKnight Road. A
pinch point in the greenway exists at Lower Afton Road between Ballle Creek Regional Park and the golf course.
Ballle Creek is pinched where it crosses under 1-94 between Tanner's and Battle Creek Lake, at the outlet of Ballle
Creek Lake, and at Century Avenue. Only two pinch points are within the City.
Greenway challenges
. The large forests are far from each other and connecled by poor quality corridors.
. Development at the edges of the large forests affects habitat qualily inside the forests. Edge effects shrink
the actual size of interior forest habitat, reducing breeding area for foresl songbirds (e.g., warblers, vireos)
and other forest animals.
. Low quality forest habitat is due to over-abundance of European buckthorn and invasion by other non-native
plants (e.g., garlic mustard).
. Groundcover plants, trees, and shrubs were affected by callie grazing in the past, and are today affected by
abundant while-tailed deer. Grazing and browsing affects some plant species but not others, reducing
forest plant diversity.
. The forests were protecled from severe fires historically, but not from all fire.
. Feral and free-roaming cats affect small mammal populations and shrub nesting birds.
Nalural Resources
7-7
. Two- and four-lane roads inside the greenway prevent movement of some species.
. The challenges described for the lowland greenways affecl Battle Creek, a mosliy developed 11.4 square
mile watershed. Ballle Creek is a typical urban stream, with very low flows at times and with very high flows
after rainstorms', but water quality and aquatic life are fair to good.
4. Fish Creek Forests
Greenway composition and regionai barriers
This large, mostly forested greenway includes four units of Ramsey County's Fish Creek Open Space. It is at the
north end of a large, mostly forested greenway that includes forests in Newport, SI. Paul, and Collage Grove. Fish
Creek is part of lhis corridor and begins at Carver Lake in Woodbury, then flows through lhe Fish Creek Open Space
and beneath 1-494 and US61 to the Mississippi River. A smaller creek, Snake Creek, begins in the Bailey Nursery
grounds and also flows to the Mississippi. This is a historical foresl area of oak forest, oak-maple-basswood forest,
and aspen-oak woodland,
A portion of this greenway is in the Mississippi River Critical Area and the Mississippi National River and Recrealion
Area. The Critical Area was designated and established by two governors and the Metropolitan Council between
1976 and 1979. Executive Order 79-19 requires that municipalities and agencies coordinate planning and
management in the Critical Area using common guidelines'. In 1991 the legislalure made lhe National River and
Recreation Area (part of the National Park Service) a critical area under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 116G. The
legislation also made the boundaries of the Critical Area and the National River and Recreation Area lhe same.
Regional barriers to this upland greenway are the major divided highway 1-494 and development 10 the east in
Woodbury. These barriers prevent the movement of small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and ground-dwelling
insects thai are an important part of the forest's food chain. The highway poses a significant risk to other mammals,
birds, and flying insects (e,g" bullerflies, dragonflies) atlempting to cross it
The main pinch points in the continuous forest are near Sterling Street at 1-494 and on the Bailey property.
Greenway challenges
. The challenges are the same as the challenges for Battle Creek Forests above,
. Loss of private land 10 development will decrease the amount of natural land in this greenway.
. Unwise development may degrade habilal.
. Developers and landowners are often not knowledgeable aboul or are nol receptive to conservation design
strategies.
. Fish Creek and Snake Creek are reported to have eroding banks and beds.
Local Habitats
Local Habitats are individual natural areas and backyard habitat conneclions (Figure 7-3). The purpose of Local
Habitats is to protect, buffer, and manage small, isolated wild habitats and protect local ecosystem services oulside
the Greenways. Local Habitats will be difficult to enlarge and connect and will usually benefil generalist species but
3 See Met Council monitoring reports for 2001 and 2003 at:
htto:/lwww.metrocounci1.orl!!environmentIRiverslakes/Streams/ReoortslBattle.odf.
http://www.metrocouncil.orglenvironmentlRiversLakes/Streams/Reports/2003 _ ReportJ03Battle.pdf
4 For guidelines see: http://files.dnr .state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt~ section/critical_ areaJexecord.pdf.
Natural Resources
7-8
not specialist species. These lands may be private or public. Private lands are inciuded to show the natural
resources that exist in the city. These private lands are not open for public use and lhese siles may be developed
someday. Many of the public siles provide access and opportunities for people to enjoy and learn about wild
habitats.
Local Habilats include:
. Some Maplewood Neighborhood Preserves;
. Natural areas within active parks;
. Neighborhoods that have contiguous backyard habitat;
. Natural areas that are used for stormwater management;
. County and city open space sites lhat have natural vegetalion;
. Private siles that have natural vegetation.
Two Local Habitats are significant because of their size and arrangement.
3M Lake Wetlands
This is the largest concentralion of Local Habitat in Maplewood. It contains 3M Lake and wetlands identified by the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as regionally significant. It is at the top of a watershed and runoff
comes from nearby. This improves chances 10 manage runoff and protect or restore waler quality in the lake and
wetlands.
Highwood-Vista Hills Wetlands
The Highwood and Vista Hills neighborhoods are unique in Maplewood due to lhe dozens of small, kettlehole
wetlands formed by the glaciers melting in place here (i.e., an ice-stagnalion moraine). It is at the top of a watershed
and runoff comes from nearby lawns, driveways, and streets. This improves the chances to manage runoff and
protecl or restore water quality In the wetlands. The Highwood-Vista Hills Wetlands overlap with the Battle Creek
Forest Greenway. Small foresled wetlands provide excellent habitat for frogs and other aquatic life.
Local Habitat Challenges
. Small habitals are affected more than large habitats by edge effects. Edge effects Include invasion by non-
native plants (e.g., European buckthorn, garlic mustard) and animals (e.g., European Starling, House
Sparrow) and predation on wildlife by feral and free-roaming cats.
. Many native species do not survive in small habilals for very long because they have small populations, and
small popUlations can easily go extinct.
. Small habitats can be over-used by people because the impacts are concenlraled in a small area. In small
habitats vegetation is easily trampled and lost, erosion is quick 10 start, and dumping of lrash, lawn
clippings, leaves, and debris often happens.
. Small lakes and wetlands are easily polluted because the runoff from impervious surfaces and turf grass is
large and overwhelms the ecosystem's ability to absorb and treat it. When they are at the lop of a
watershed, small lakes and wetlands tend to have better water quality because less runoff reaches lhem.
Active Parks and Trails
The purpose of active parks and lrails is to provide easy access for people's recreational enjoyment. These places
provide fewer ecosystem services than greenways and Local Habilats because they usually have turf grass,
compacted soils, and impervious surfaces, and are poor wildlife habitat. However, some parts of active parks, trails,
and golf courses could be used to expand habitat and reduce edge effects in greenways and Local Habitats. In
Natural Resources
7-9
addition, areas within active parks that are not needed for active recreation may be restored to native plant
communities. The Parks Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan covers parks in detaiL
Challenges in Active Parks and Trails
. It is necessary to undersland which parts of active parks and trails have an effect on greenways and Local
Habitats, positive and negalive.
. Some specialist wildlife is disturbed by human activity. This is more important in greenways than in Local
Habitats.
. Wheels, shoes, and dogs spread seeds of non-native plants to natural areas (e.g., garlic mustard).
. Mainlenance activities in parks and along trails can affecl greenways and Local Habitats. Herbicide drift is
one example.
Special Natural Resource Issues
Some natural resources issues are widespread in the city and are addressed by topic through city-wide programs.
Existing programs include:
. Stormwaler Management Program;
. Maplewood Tree Program;
. Buckthorn Management Program.
Additional programs should be established to address natural resources issues such as:
. Invasive plants and animals (olher lhan buckthorn);
. Wetland buffer improvements;
. Sustainable landscaping and yard care;
. Toxic waste sites;
. Impaired waters. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has designated the following Maplewood Lakes as
impaired: Kohlman, Gervais, Spoon, Keller, Round, Phalen, Wakefield, and Beaver;
. Slream restoration.
This natural resources plan provides a new framework for prolecting natural resources in Maplewood. II addresses
regional, city-wide, neighborhood: and site levels. It encompasses both public and private lands. This
comprehensive approach will enable Maplewood to protect and manage natural resources. Implemenlalion
strategies are discussed in the following section.
Natural Resources
7-10
Implementation Strategies for Natural Resources
The city's present and future residents will benefit by using Maplewood's natural resources in a sustainable
way. The city's reputation and its qualily of life will be enhanced, residents and visitors will see beauty and
variety in the environment, and healthy ecosystems will provide services and benefits that keep the city's
lakes and streams clean and its wildlife populations diverse.
This is a large viSion with many ambilious goals for protecting, restoring and managing natural resources in
the city. It will take many years of discussion, planning, budgeting, and other work to make it a reality.
The implementation plan for natural resources has the following strategies. The city will need to review and
update the plan as priorities and resources change, as new strategies and opportunities arise, and as staff
and officials learn about new approaches to sustainability.
Education
. Educate residents about nature, natural resources, and protection and management of resources.
. Adopt both city-wide and neighborhood-based educational programming.
. Give annual progress report to city council and the community.
. Organize public tours of the greenways and Local Habitats.
. Develop educational materials and create a natural resources page on the city's website. Post
natural resources plan, maps of greenways and Local Habitats, brochures, technical information for
stewardship work by residents, etc.
. Present workshops to explain lhe natural resources plan. Answer questions: What are greenways
and Local Habitats, why are they needed, where are lhey, and how do they affect residents?
. Develop programs and events 10 involve citizens in inventorying and monitoring species.
Maplewood currently has citizen-monitoring programs for bluebirds, frogs, and for the
Neighborhood Preserves. Develop additional citizen-based inventory and monitoring programs to
gather information throughoul the year. In addition, consider hosting events such as "BioBlitz Day"
to involve citizens in inventorying species on a single day.
. Provide training on natural resources management for staff.
City Planning and Zoning
. Integrate natural resources (e.g., greenways and Local Habitats) inlo the city's comprehensive
plan, zoning, ordinances, development review, daily operalions, capilal budgeting, and bonding
initiatives.
. Invesligate options to encourage preservation and management of Natural Area Greenways such
as educalional programs, zoning overlays, or incentive programs for private landowners to adopt
certain approaches to construction and land treatment that improve natural resources in the
greenway.
. Modify the city's operaling procedures and annual budgets to implement feasible strategies
identified above.
. Hold brain-storming sessions with city leadership to identify stralegies for implementing the natural
resources plan. Discussion should focus on lhree things: 1) integraling all public lands, across all
uses and owners; 2) integrating the public and private use of land and waters, where feasible; and
3) integrating the existing stormwater infrastructure and management approach with the vision for
natural resources. Ideas for slormwater may include:
Natural Resources
7-11
. Wetland and Floodplain Buffers. Set water quality buffer width using best available science
and incorporate in city ordinances and slandards.
. Stormwater Utility. Incorporate in the city's stormwater utility the iocations for stormwaler
management that benefit greenways and Local Habitats. Implementation is ongoing, but focus
should include regional view and the integration of greenways and Local Habitals.
. Update lhe city's zoning and ordinances to implement win-win strategies such as:
. Conservation Design Ordinance. Create an ordinance or zoning overlays that encourage low
impact development and conservation design praclices. Examples include City of Lino Lakes,
rural residential cluster development ordinance of Chisago City and Marine on St. Croix, and
St. Croix County, WI. Examples of conservation development designs and approaches are
widely available.5 This type of ordinance preserves large natural areas, manages stormwater
ecologically, minimizes land clearing and grading, reduces infrastructure cosls (sewers, curb
and gutter, irrigated turf grass, pavemenl extent, utility run lengths), and promoles stewardship
of natural resources. Incentives to landowners might include accelerated permitting,
exemptions, and increased housing density.
. Alternative Stormwater Standards. This tool is part of a conservation design ordinance or can
stand alone. Its focus is to promole low impact development practices for stormwater
management, and integrate those practices with existing stormwater management
infrastructure operations and maintenance. Many examples of low impact practices exist,
such as rain gardens, bioswales, porous pavement, and narrow streets. 6
Protection and Restoration
Inventory and Evaluate Natural Resources
. Conduct land cover inventory for city using Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS).
At a minimum, MLCCS should be done for the greenways and for all city-owned Local Habitats.
. Identify parcels with high ecological quality that need protection.
. Identify areas in active parks that could be restored to natural habilat.
. Identify localions in active parks, golf courses, and recreational trails that are part of greenways
and Local Habitats and their buffers.
. Identify locations in aclive parks, golf courses, and recreational trails useable for alternative,
ecological stormwater management. These areas can manage runoff from the parks, golf courses,
and trails, or can intercept and manage runoff from other land.
. Identify other locations on public land (e.g., school property, county land, City Hall) that benefit
greenways and Local Habitats.
. Assess nalural resources city-wide, identify opportunities, and prioritize conservation and
management initiatives.
Protect Natural Areas
. Develop and adopt a land protection plan for Fish Creek Forests Greenway using strategies
outlined in this seclion and the section below on Protect Natural Areas on Private Land.
5 Applied Ecological Services: httn://www.aooliedeco.com/ConservationDev.cfm;Urban Land Institute:
htto://minnesotauli.ondContent/Navie:ationMenu18/ConservationDesi!::m/ConservationDeveloomentFramework.ndf
6 Low Impact Development Center, Inc.: htto://www.lowimoactdevelooment.oflz; National Stormwater Center:
htto://www.stormwatercenter.ore:; USEP A NPDES Stormwater Program:
htto://cfoub.ena.e:ov/nodes/stonnwatermontb.cfm; Minnesota Erosion Control Association: httn:/Iwww.mnerosion.onr;
Applied Ecological Services: httn://www.aooliedeco.com/StonnWaterMl!t.cfm.
Natural Resources
7-12
. Pursue protection options Initiated in 2007-2008 for city-owned parks and natural areas, including:
ordinances, no-net loss policy, zoning, conservalion easements, and Comprehensive Plan. The
Comprehensive Plan should define special land use condilions for the Maplewood Neighborhood
Preserves, active parks, and olher city open spaces. The Comprehensive Plan should also define
condlllons and policies such as no-net loss in Neighborhood Preserve acreage.
. Convene a budgeting session with city leadership to Idenlify the strategies to fund protection and
restoration of greenways, Local Habitats, and their buffers. Budget for the 5-year and longer term
planning horizons. Strategies include:
. Park Dedication. Transfer dedicallons from other parts of city to greenways and Local
Habitats. Increase amount of park dedication required.
. Grants. Seek grants for greenways. (E.g., Minnesota Department of Natural Resource's
(MNDNR) Regional Park or Nalural and Scenic Areas grant with 40% match for Regional Park
or 50% for Natural and Scenic Areas'. MNDNR Environmental & Conservation Partnerships
Grant program for up to $20,000, with 50% municipal In-kind/cash match.)
. Private Easements. Encourage private landowners to enter into conservation easements with
a group such as Minnesota Land Trust.
. Donation of Land or Easement. Seek donation of land or donation of conservation easement.
Trust for Public Land can be intermediary. Donations can reduce federal and state taxes.
Identify key messages and incentives to landowners on lax benefits of donation.
. Acquisition. Consider a bonding initiative for greenway and Local Habitat acquislllon8.
. Collaboration. Collaborate wllh adjacent communities, county, and agencies in development
and implementation of plans for Natural Area Greenways.
Protect Naturai Areas on Private Land
Protecting natural areas on private land is complicated and requires a willing landowner. Each property
needs a different approach. Implementing the natural resources plan will lay lhe groundwork for
approaching landowners with ideas for protecting natural areas in greenways and Local Habitats. There are
several tools for approaching landowners:
. Educate landowners about the resources on lheir particular site and in their neighborhood.
. Provide stewardship training to residents.
. Encourage landowners to enter Inlo conservation easements with a group such as Minnesota Land
Trust.
. Develop incentives for landowners to donate conservation land to city.
. Adopl zoning and development ordinances with incentives to protect open space.
Natural Resources Management Plans
. Develop and implement management plans for Natural Area Greenways and city-owned Local
Habitats.
. Develop and implement site-specific management plans for each Maplewood Neighborhood
Preserve.
. Develop and implement management plans addressing clly-wide management issues such as
invasive species.
. Develop and Implement a Maplewood Tree Plan to cover boulevard trees, park trees, woodlots and
forests.
. Modify park and trail operations 10 adopt environmentally friendly maintenance pracllces and to
, See httn:/lwww.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/land/natural scenic.html
8 See http://conservationcampaign.org
Natural Resources
7-13
minimize edge effects to nearby greenways and Local Habitats.
City-wide Natural Resources Issues
Stormwater Management
. Alternative Stormwater Standards. Discussed above,
. Identify Target Locations. Complele a study 10 idenlify and priorilize areas with existing conditions
that create problems for downstream lakes, streams, and wetlands in the city.
. Blue Stormwater Program for Existing Developments. Create a program to deliver lechnical advice
and assistance about low impact retrofit practices to improve ecosystem services involving
stormwater (vegetation filtration, infiitration, recharge, and water level stability). These include rain
gardens, bioswales, infiltration plantings (e.g., butterfly and botanical gardens, prairies), tree boxes,
crealed wetlands, cisterns, and many more practices.
. Inspection of structures. Continue city's inspection program, which inspects all stormwater
poliution control devices annually.
Street and Boulevard Design and Maintenance
. invesligale alternative road de-icing oplions, Options range from new formulations of calcium
chloride to a solution containing sugar beet juice.
. Sweep streets on annual schedule. Currently the city sweeps most streets two times per year;
slreets in sensitive areas are swept more often.
. Identify erosion-prone street shoulders al iakeshores, streams, and wetland edges and take
corrective action. This is being implemented, and will include a focus on Natural Area Greenways
and Local Habitats.
. Develop guidelines for environmentaliy friendly street design such as plantings in cul-de-sac center
islands, tree boxes in boulevards, and innovalions such as Portland's Green Street program'.
Urban Tree Management
. Develop and implement an Urban Tree Managemenl Plan for the city that addresses boulevard
trees, park trees, and woodlands.
. Monitor tree disease and pest outbreaks and implement control program (Dutch elm, oak wilt,
emerald ash borer, etc,). Expand to include olher diseases and pests as they occur.
. Consider adapting the Minnesola Forest Stewardship whole-site planning model for the city'0,
Non-native invasive Species Management
. Educate city staff and residents on threat of invasive species and management options.
. Develop a volunteer program to help monitor city-owned land for new invasions.
. Partner with adjacenl cities and agencies in controliing invasive species regionaliy.
. Monitor developments in conlrol methods for buckthorn, garlic mustard, reed canary-grass,
Siberian elm, and other target species and revise outreach materials as needed.
Urban Wildlife Management
9 See http://www.portlandonline.com/BES/index.cfrn?c~44407&
10 http://na.fs.fed.us/stewardship/index.shtm
Natural Resources
7-14
. Educate residents about the value and stewardship of urban wildlife.
. Participate in Ramsey County's deer managemenl program.
. Explore options to reduce populalions of bird and mammal species that compete with or prey on
native songbird popuiations (feral and free-roaming cats, raccoons, starlings, house sparrows,
crows and grackles, etc.).
Mississippi River Critical Area Corridor and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
. Update city's planning, development review, zoning and ordinances to be consistent with
guidelines for these areas.
. Identify parcels of land in these areas that have high ecological qualily and need protection.
. Educate landowners in these areas about the designations and what lhey mean.
Natural Resources
7-15
Implementation Schedule for Natural Resources Plan
The Natural Resources Plan proposes a new approach to managing Maplewood's natural resources. One
of the first steps in achieving the goals is to gain a better understanding of Maplewood's resources. To do
this, the implementation plan recommends that Maplewood conducls a land cover classification survey of
the whole city. This work will lay the foundation for planning and management. It should be completed
before the city attempts to prioritize protection and restoration projects. Therefore, the implementation
schedule focuses on planning, not on specific restoration and management projects.
Category Date Ke Activities Cost Estimate
Planning 2008- 1. Develop policies, zoning, and ordinances to Staff
2009 implement natural resources plan
2. Develop land proteclion strategies for soulh Staff
Maplewood
3. Determine staffing needs for implementation of Staff
natural resources plan
4. Determine role of Environmenlal and Natural Staff, ENR
Resources Commission (ENR) in implementation of
Natural Resources Plan
5. Conduct MLCCS invenlory for entire city ($10,000 $25,000
grant received)
6. Assess and prioritize protection and management Staff
projects
7. Develop funding strategies Staff
8. Develop Maplewood Tree Plan Staff
2010 1. Develop management plan for each greenway $40,000
2. Develop general management plan for Local $10,000
Habilats
2010+ 1. Develop individual management plans for individual $30,000 total
Neighborhood Preserves when funding is available
to begin restoration at site
2. Develop programs that address natural resources staff
city-wide (ex: wetland buffers, sustainable
landsca in
Educalion, 2008- 1. Develop natural resources workshop focusing on $5,000 grant
Outreach, 2009 protection and slewardship of neighborhood
Community resources
Engagement 2. Present natural resources workshop in four Staff
neighborhoods (two in 2008, two in 2009)
3. Enhance natural resources section of website Staff
4. Present community-wide programs on sustainable Staff
landscaping and natural resources
5. Conduct "BioBlitz" for one site Staff
6. Develop strategies for citizen-based inventory and Staff
monitorin pro rams
2010 1. Present natural resources workshop for four Staff
neighborhoods
2. Present communit -wide ro rams on sustainable
Nalural Resources
7-16
Land
Protection
and
Acquisition
2008-
2009
2009-
2013
1. Develop policies, zoning, and ordinances lhal help
rotect natural lands
1. Acquire non-buildable land for preservation
2. Acquire buildable land for preservation
(Cost-share grants available for land in Mississippi
Critical Area)
Ac uire land throu h donalion
$25,000-
$100,000/acre
$100,000-
$300,000/acre
Natural Resources
General costs for restoration and mana ement:
Buckthorn removal
Prairie restoration includin
Woodland restoration
Wetland restoration
Yearl maintenance of restored areas
Per acre
$1000-$10,000
$4000-$8000
$2000-$20,000
$2000-$8000
$100-$250
7-17
6. Figures
Figure 7.1. Natural and Semi-Natural Land in Maplewood
Figure 7.2. Natural Area Greenways
Figure 7.3. Local Habitats
Figure 7.4. Maplewood's Natural Resources, Parks, Trails, and Open Space
7. Tables
Table 7.1. Status of Selected Historical and Currenl Species in Maplewood
Natural Resources
7-18
CCilY of Maplewood Boundary
@I Forested Upland Habitat
IE Non-Forested Upland Habitat
.m. Forested Lowland Habitat
.. Non-Forested Lowland or Aquatic Habitat
- Stream or VVater Flow Path
Figure 1
Natural and Semi-Natural Land Cover
City of Maplewood Comprehensive Plan
This map shows areas of Maplewood that have natural/semi-natural habitat
circa 2008. These areas include both public and private land.
Date: 06-06-08
Source: MNDNR Twin Cities Metro Hybrid Land Cover (2000) modified using
2006 and 2003 digital orthopholography; StreetMap USA
Drawn by: DMM
Reviewed by: KAC
AES Job No.: 08-0036
File Name: maplewood--9reenway_plan_1 0_figure1 priorilizalion_02.mxd
Ceity of Map!ewood Boundary
~ Natural Area Greenway
. Upland System Constriction
. Lowland/Aquatic System Constriction
[iliillLake
-Stream or IJ\/ater Flow Path
Figure 2
Natural Area Greenways
City of Maplewood Comprehensive Plan
Natural Area Greenways include both public and private land.
Date: 06-06-08
Source: 2006 and 2003 digital orthophotography; City of Maplewood base data;
StreetMap USA
Drawn by: DMM
Reviewed by: KAC
AES Job No.: 08-0036
File Name: maplewood_9reenwaLplan_1 0_figure2natlareagreenways_02.mxd
DCity of Maplewood Boundary
III Local Habitat
Local Habitat Concentration
Neighborhood Preserve
[3JLake
- Stream or \rVater Flow Path
Figure 3
Local Habitats
City of Maplewood Comprehensive Plan
Local Habitats include both public and private land.
Date; 06-09-08
Source: 2006 and 2003 digital orthophotography; City of Maplewood base data;
StreetMap USA
Drawn by: DMM
Reviewed by: KAC
AES Job No.: 08-0036
File Name: maplewood_greenway_plan_1 D_figure3Iocathabitats_02.mxd
- Existing_Regional Trail
-Existing Road Trail
=~Existing Walking Path
n. Mississippi River Critical Area
lliffi Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
[ITillLake
-Stream or Water Flow Path
Figure 4
Natural Resources Plan Map
City of Maplewood Comprehensive Plan
Natural Area Greenways and Local Habitats include both public and private land.
Date:04-2B-OB
Source: MNDNR Twin Cities Metro Hybrid Land Cover (2000); 2006 and 2003
digital orthophotography; City of MapJewood base data; StreetMap USA
Drawn by: DMM
Reviewed by: KAC
AES Job No.: 08-0036
File Name: maplewood _greenway_plan_1 0 _figure4nallresourcesplan _ 02.rnxd
MEMO
TO:
DuWayne Konewko, Community and Park Director
Parks Commission
FROM:
Jennifer Haskamp, Pulse Land Group
DATE:
RE:
January 20, 2008
Comprehensive Plan Update
INTRODUCTION
On December 8, 2008 the City Council recommended the Draft Comprehensive Plan Update. This action was the first step in
moving the document forward to ultimate adoption and therefore the policy direction of the City over the next ten years.
Although the Draft was adopted, there remains a bit of time in which the Council and other Commissions can review the
document to ensure that the information in the document accurately reflects the goals and objectives of the community moving
forward. As a courtesy, and in light of the timeline, the Council has directed Staff to bring the draft document to each
commission to solicit any feedback on the document in its entirety.
BACKGROUND AND TIMELlNE
The Comprehensive Plan is a large document that includes eleven chapters each addressing a different issue related to land
use, development, infrastructure or the environment. The Comprehensive Plan Update process was structured to allow each
commission to comment and develop the chapter that most directly related to the responsibilities of that commission. The
Parks Commission drafted, reviewed and commented on the Parks, Trails and Open Space Chapter (Chapter 6) in the fall and
winter of 2008. Since the Parks Commission reviewed the chapter, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to review
the entire Comprehensive Plan Update draft and recommended the document to the City Council. The document has been
publicly reviewed at numerous meetings, and there were not any significant comments or changes made to the Parks, Trails,
and Open Space chapter.
CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS
The city of Maplewood has a large system of parks, trails and open spaces which makes the chapter more detailed and
complex than some of the other chapters of the document because the chapter accounts and plans for the future of the entire
system. The heart of the chapter is the goals and objectives section that describes the vision for parks, trails and open space
for the next several years. The major changes of the chapter from the current comprehensive plan includes: an emphasis on
creating a well connected, multi-purpose trail system that accommodates recreation and transportation functions; a focus on
open spaces and how they are integrated within the community; and the overall sustainability of the parks, trails and open
space system.
REQUESTED ACTION
Staff is requesting the Parks Commission review Chapter 6 once again to ensure that the chapter addresses the issues,
concems, or goals for the next planning period. Staff has also provided you with a copy of the Comprehensive Plan Update in
its entirety if you are interested in seeing how Chapter 6 fits into the larger document. Please come to the meeting prepared
to discuss the Parks, Trails and Open Space Chapter and bring any other comments you might have about the document. It
is our intent to pass along all comments/concerns to the City Council for their consideration and potential action.
Chapter 6: Parks, Trails and Open Space Chapter
Introduction
The city of Maplewood has an extensive park, open space and trail system that requires extensive management,
mainlenance and planning. The City's park system provides a high quality of Hfe for all residents and contributes to
the overail appeal of the City as a desirable place for people to live and recreate. The system includes approximately
860 acres of City owned and managed parks and open space land, and residents also have access 10 an addilional
1,175 acres of county, slate, and agency owned park land. The recent Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor
Recreation Plan (SCORP) prepared by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) stated that, "About
two-thirds of all recreation use in the state occurs within a half hour of home." Maplewood provides recreational
opportunities throughout the entire City, thereby providing residents wilh opportunities well within a half an hour of
their homes, and in most cases within a half-mile of their homes.
The following plan provides an update to the existing Parks, Open Space and Trail System component of the
Comprehensive Plan that waS adopted in December 1999. The previous plan provided an extensive inventory of the
enlire parks system, and while some changes or additions have been made to the system, the overall plan remains
valid for purposes of this plan.
The summary includes a set of new goals, objectives and future plans for the parks, trails and open space systems.
A change from the previous plan is the separation of the natural resources section into an independent chapter. This
change was made due to lhe rising significance of the natural resources system in the community. Maplewood also
wanted natural resources to be a building block for all other sections of the 2010 Comprehensive Plan Update.
Background
The Parks, Trails and Open Space chapter is an important component of the City's overall comprehensive Plan. This
chapter is included in the City's Comprehensive Plan to ensure good planning of Maplewood's parks system, as weil
as to meet the requirements of the Metropolitan Council. The City used the existing Parks, Trails and Open Space
plan as a baseline for updating this plan component.
Since the last comprehensive plan' update some significant changes have been made and are reflected in this plan.
From a document structural perspective, the City placed increased significance and focus on the City's natural
resources. As a result, that component has been placed in its own chapter to ensure the appropriate attention and
significance is placed on that component of the plan. The Plan also includes additional focus on clear and concise
aclion oriented goals to help gUide future planning efforts. Finally, a shift in focus from active parks to trail
development and connections is presented in this plan. Because the City is almost fully developed, further park
acquisition in most neighborhoods is not necessary, but the trail system will require acquisition and developmenl to
adequately support the parks system already in place.
Parks, Trails, and Open Space Advisory Panel
The Parks, Trails and Open Space updale included the participation of an Advisory Panel that was assembled with
participants from the City's various commissions and a few members of the public at large. The purpose of the
Advisory Panel was to review the parks, trails and open space syslem considering ail of the other components of the
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Comprehensive Plan. The Advisory Panel reviewed the system and made recommendations on this plan, and
subsequently passed the recommendations along to the responsible commissions.
The meetings held by the Advisory Panel included the following topic areas:
. Goals and objective setting, development, and refinement
. Natural Resources and Natural Area Greenways
. Trails
. Land Use
. South Maplewood - Special Area Discussion
The meetings covered general topic areas of the Comprehensive Plan to give the Panel context for making
recommendations. At the lime of this document, the South Maplewood Area (described as area south of Carver
Avenue) was one of the few relatively undeveloped areas in the community. Additionally, in the previous plan a
parks, trails and open space plan had not been prepared for this area. As a resull the Advisory Panel spent a great
deal of time discussing this area and understanding its unique attribules,
The Advisory Panel concluded their efforts by reviewing this document and making recommendations to the Parks
Commission and Planning Commission,
Community Demographics
As mentioned in previous chapters, the demographics in lhe community are changing, (See Chapter X for more
detailed information). Understanding who lives in the community, and how many people are projected to live in the
community helps the City understand potential park and trail needs. According to the Metropolilan Council, the Twin
Cilies Metropolitan Area is projected to grow by over a million people by 2030, and the vast majority of those people
will move into the 7-county metropolitan area. Although the area will grow because Maplewood is largely developed,
only an additional 2,500 people are projected to move to Maplewood. Even with a small growth rate, the demands
on the system are likely to increase, particularly for parks or trails that serve the region. Special altention to
commuting trails and regional parks should be considered and monitored as growth occurs.
Another consideration is the changing demographics in the community, The baby-boomer generation is the fastest
and largest growing population lhroughout the region. This demographic is an active population that enjoys walking,
nalure hiking, fishing and other passive recreational activities.
New residents are also changing and different cultures can be seen throughout the community. Although a full
survey was not completed for this plan document, understanding the populalion in the community will continue to be
important to ensure that residents' needs are being met.
Regional Studies
Over the past 15 years several studies have been completed with respect 10 regional planning for parks, trails, and
open space. The following discussion highlights some of those studies to provide additional perspective on planning
for the City's system.
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Universitv of Minnesota - Leisure Trends in the Twin Cities
In 1996, the University of Minnesota's Survey Research Center published a study of leisure trends entitled, "Leisure
Trends in the Twin Cilies". The study looked al resident's desires for a variety of recreational opportunities and their
perceptions on current facilities and future needs. In the previous Parks Comprehensive Plan dated December 1999
a thorough study was completed for the City. Although an extensive survey was not completed for this update, many
of the trends highlighted in the survey will carry over into lhe current planning effort. In many respects, study findings
parallel those of the Maplewood survey, with natural area preservation and walking areas being high on the list of
priorities. This plan builds on those principles to help create a strong park, trails and open space system. The
Regional study identified the following lrends and generalizations:
. Walking around the neighborhood and in large, natural parks.
. Individual sports over organized sports, at leasl at the adulllevel.
. People valuing parks even if they didn't use lhem.
. Especially strong desire to set aside land for nature areas/open space, bike paths, and general use trails.
Slalewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources prepares the Statewide Comprehensive Plan every five years to
keep apprised of recreation trends across the state. Because the City of Maplewood does not have the resources to
prepare a survey every time it prepares a comprehensive plan update, the SCORP plan and associated surveys can
serve as a good interim survey of needs in the community. The DNR administered a survey in 2004 entitled; Outdoor
Recreation Survey 2004 which revealed similar trends to those idenlified in Maplewood's 1998 survey. Respondents
identified walking, boating, swimming, picnicking and biking as their top outdoor recreation activities. Addilionally, the
survey identified changes in demographics; an increasing metro area population (additional one million residents in
the area by 2030), and rising obesity rates as contribulors to the slate's mission of increasing overall activity in the
outdoor recreation system.
Ramsev Countv - Active Livinq Ramsev Countv (ALRC)
The Active Living program is administered at a county level through lhe Active Living Ramsey County program. The
program has aclively solicited participation by local governments to introduce Active Living and Healthy Living
infrastructure into their city and subsequent planning efforts.
Studies have been performed at a slale and nationai level 10 help support the need for Active Living characteristics
throughout a communily. Such principles include well connecled walking paths and bike trails, clearly delineated and
signed trails, and pedestrian friendly environments, to name a few. Several programs and grants are available
throughout the County and State. These studies were used directly to help support the parks and trails plan
identified in this plan.
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Parks, Trails, and Open Space Goals and Objectives
General Parks, Open Space, and Trail System Plan Goals
The following goal and objective statements apply to the parks, trails, and open space plan holistically. These topics
cover many issues that are imporlant to the community including the function of the system, the protection of natural
resources, and city staff. More detailed goals are identified by topic in subsequent sections.
General Goal 1: To prepare and implement a comprehensive park, open space, and trail syslem plan.
Objectives:
. Inventory and evaluate the existing park and trail system, recreational needs of lhe community, park and
trail classifications and standards, and acquisitionidevelopmenl guidelines 10 ensure adequate parks and
trails are provided in the City.
. Priorilize and preserve high quality natural resources thai support a diverse system plan.
. Prioritize and preserve areas of hisloric value.
. Implement the plan for the purpose of guiding parks, trails, open space and recreational facility developmenl
in the forthcoming years.
. Develop a means for ongoing and systematic evaluation of park and trail syslem componenls, lhus allowing
for actual and perceived changes in community needs to be reflected in the system plan.
. Enhance the community's and public agencies' understanding of lhe park, trail and natural resources
system and development objectives.
. Create and establish a strong vision and marketing plan that encourages residents to use the parks system
and participate in associated programming.
. Develop and create clear, concise information aboul that parks and nalural areas system within the
communily that is accessible to all residents, policy makers and staff.
General Goal 2: To maintain and support the natural resources system as an integral part of the parks system.
Objectives:
. Enhance the community's understanding of biodiversity and nalural systems as a part of the overall parks
system.
. Prioritize nalural areas within the communily that should be preserved and maintained as a part of the parks
system.
. Support the Natural Area Greenways as a part of the parks and natural resource system.
. Explore opportunities to support the natural resource system as a part of the parks system.
General Goal 3: To maintain and support a professionally trained, highly molivated, staff to carry out the City of
Maplewood's mission of developing a quality park, natural resource and recreation system.
Objectives:
. Support and provide professional staffing to manage and direct the park system and programs in a
professional, effective, and efficient manner.
. Promote and support a parks department staff that through successful communication and coordination can
maintain and manage the diverse parks, open space and trails system.
. Support staff and policy makers through effective long-range planning initiatives.
. Effectively and efficiently coordinate efforts between staff, City and adjacent jurisdictions.
. Create and establish a strong vision and marketing plan lhat atlracts high quality staff and commission
members.
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Community and Partnerships
Relationship building and commitment to working with our neighbors and residents will help ensure successful
implementation of this plan. The following goals and objectives identify ways in which we should conduct business
internally and how we should work with other regulatory agencies.
Community Goal 1: To establish effective communication and interactions with residents about parks, open space
and trails.
Objectives:
. Update and distribute park system map and information.
. Create signage to educate park users.
. Promole active and ongoing interaction between the City and residenls.
. Actively engage with under-represented members of the community.
. Promole ongoing communication between the Park and Recreation Commission and city residents.
. Develop and support volunteer programs and other organizations that encourage residents and community
organizations 10 assist in park and natural resources improvements, maintenance, recreation programs, and
educationai programs.
. Explore and develop new methods and technologies that promote more effective communication and
accessible information.
Community Goal 2: To maximize the recreational opportunities available to city residents through lhe developmenl
of fair and equitable working partnerships between the City and the local school dislricl, adjacent cities, county,
churches and civic organizations.
Objectives:
. Communicate and promote the City of Maplewood facilities inlernally and externally to polential users.
. Fairly and equitably integrate the City of Maplewood programs with those of the other members of the
partnership.
. Effectively communicate programming and facilities available to residents and the region through these
partnerships.
. Work wilh adjacent jurisdictions and regulatory agencies to provide an efficient and accessible parks and
recreational system that encourages activity throughout the community;
Ecological Resources, Restoration and Management
A key component of the parks, trails and open space plan are the preservation, acquisition and management of
important natural areas in the community. These goals and objectives support the creation of environmental
corridors and providing natural areas for the enjoyment of city residents. More detailed natural resource goals can be
found in the Natural Resources Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan.
Ecological Goal 1: To preserve and protect ecological systems and natural resources within the City.
Objectives:
. Preserve and protect significant natural resources within the City.
. Identify, prioritize, and protect sites of high ecological value or sites wilhin Nalural Area Greenways lhat
increase habitat value of the greenway.
. Engage in a comprehensive approach to natural resources planning that includes parks, neighborhood
preserves, Natural Area Greenways, city open space, and other public and private lands.
. Enhance the character and appeal of the community by connecting natural resource areas.
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. Increase the value of public natural areas by encouraging adjacenllandowners and others in the
neighborhood to maintain natural vegetation on private lands.
. Idenlify and protect natural areas within active parks.
. Identify opportunities to convert turf grass in active parks to natural vegetation.
. Identify, prioritize and restore elemenls of the natural systems of Maplewood that have been degraded or
lost through development.
Ecological Goal 2: To maintain and enhance ecological systems and natural resources within the City.
Objectives:
. Inventory and evaluate natural areas.
. Prioritize, manage and restore natural areas including neighborhood preserves, natural areas at active
parks, wetland syslems, and other city open space sites.
. Develop restoration and management plans for city natural areas including neighborhood preserves, natural
areas at aclive parks, wetland systems, and other city open space sites.
. Ensure restoration and management plans are economically and ecologically feasible, are sustainable long-
term, and are based on science and up-to-date restoration methods.
. Adjusl natural resource plans as new information on global warming becomes available.
. Increase diversity of plant communities and diversity of species in Maplewood.
. Enhance enjoyment of the natural worid and understanding of biodiversity and natural systems within the
community.
. Promote environmental stewardship of public and private lands.
. Educate and engage residents in restoration and management activities on public and private lands.
. Promote environmentally sensitive stewardship of active parklands and other city land that reduces amount
of turf grass and minimizes use of pesticide, fertilizer, and irrigation.
Park Land Management, Acquisition and Development
The Cfty has a strong parks system that includes various types and sizes serving neighborhoods throughout the
community. The City is largely developed, with some exceptions, and therefore the following goals and objectives
are focused on maintenance, management and development or redevelopment activities for the future of the system.
Park Land Goal 1 : To maintain and enhance existing active parks and passive parks to provide a high qualily of iife
for all residents.
Objectives:
. Promole the parks system (including open space, and natural areas) as the foundation of the character,
ambience, appearance, and history of the community.
. Create and follow an implementation program that provides for the adequate maintenance and
enhancemenl of the park and natural system throughout the community.
. Enhance and improve the quality of life within the city by providing adequate parkland and natural resource
areas to fulfill the present and future physical and psychological needs of residents.
Park Land Goal 2: To adequately provide and maintain open spaces and nalural areas to ensure each resident has
access to green spaces and nature.
Objectives
. Use the parks and natural resource areas and interconnecting trail corridors as significanl factors in shaping
the future of Maplewood.
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. Maintain and connect active and passive parks with neighborhoods, community facilities and schools to
ensure accessibility.
. Enhance and maintain environmental corridors, natural areas and open spaces to provide access and
educational opportunilies to all residents.
. Create and implement plans for lhe neighborhood preserves.
Park Land Goal 3: To acquire land for parks, natural areas and open spaces, thai can be maintained and used by
the community and the City.
Objectives
. Mainlain and enhance the character and aesthetic appeal of the community through the provision of parks.
. Provide access and space 10 all residents to escape the hard surfacing of the urban environmenl and to
provide the opportunity to enjoy nature and the Cily's park system.
. Mainlain and enhance areas in the community that support the character, ambience, appearance, and
archaeological history of the community.
. Plan for the system holislically and in conjunction with adjacent jurisdictions to provide opportunities to
complete a regional open space and natural resources network.
. Prioritize acquisilion of land that supports the overall natural greenway corridors, natural resources,
recrealion, park, education and trail objectives.
. Promote and support design standards for the development of the parks system focusing on green design.
Trail Corridors/Right-of-Way Acquisition and Development
The City is committed to providing traif connections that encourage residents to bike, walk and stay active. The
following goal and objectives supporl the development of a traif system for recreational and transporlation purposes
and are intended to supporl the overall system.
Trails Goal 1 : Acquire, develop and mainlain an interconnecled trail system for transportation, recreation and
educational purposes.
Objectives:
. Provide a lrail syslem that emphasizes harmony with the built and natural environment.
. Create a network of relatively uninterrupted hiking, walking and biking trails.
. Effectively tie parks together into a comprehensive park and trail system - with an emphasis on enhancing
the recreational experience of lhe user.
. Create trails with an awareness of safety.
. Work with other local, state and federal entities to effectively tie the City trail system with those of adjacent
cities and the county.
. Work wilh private landowners to identify potential easements where land acquisition is not possibie.
. Delineate trail use categories to improve accessibility and efficiency of the system. (For example clearly
identify bikeways, hiking trails, walkways, etc.)
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Trails Goal 2: Promote and encourage residents to be aclive through the development of an efficient and accessible
trail system.
Objectives:
. Create signage to provide directions and educate users.
. Encourage residents 10 commule and access natural, commerciai and cultural resources using non-
motorized modes of transportation.
. Create user-friendiy trail and transit connections to promote transit and trail use in Maplewood and adjoining
communities.
. Promote use of the trail system through creative and innovative tools such as GPS or other technologies
that improve efficiency of the system.
Recreation and Education Programs
A critical component of the parks system is the ability to provide recreational, educational, and fine arts programs to
the residents. These facilities and programs help improve the quality of life for all residents and provide opportunities
to residents to participate in a more active lifestyle.
Goal Statement: Provide the opportunity for all community residents 10 participate in recreation, education, and arts
activities through the implementation of well-designed, cost effective and interesting programs.
Objectives:
. Develop and provide recreational programs that adequately address the recrealional desires of all segments
of the community including children, teens, adulls, elderly, and the disabled.
. Develop and provide recreation and outdoor education programs that teach people about nature and
environmental issues and empower citizens to be good stewards of the environment.
. Promote and encourage programs that take place out of doors in nature.
. Provide opportunities for artistic and cultural activities lhroughout the City.
. Find and execute programming and facilities to support a broad diversity of cultures.
. Administer programs on a fair and equitable basis to ensure all individuals and groups receive adequate
representation and opportunity.
. Create and provide programming for up and coming activities and opportunities.
. Continue to support and'provide options for all residents 10 participate in organized programming though
efforts such as the cily's Scholarship Program.
Funding
The Clly acknowledges that a robust parks, trails, and open space system requires significant funding and planning
to be sustainable. The following goal and objectives identifies broadly how the City intends to continue managing,
enhancing and supporting the system.
Goal Statement: To secure the funding necessary to carry out the mission of the Maplewood Parks, Open Space
and Trail System.
Objectives:
. Identify and define the funding options that are available for parks land acquisition and development.
. Identify and establish a sustainable funding source to adequately support the parks, trails and open space
system.
. Research and evaluate available grants that could support the goals and objectives identified for parks,
lrails and open space.
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. Maintain and improve the existing parks, traiis and naturai systems.
. Prepare a parkland acquisition and development implementation plan for South Maplewood that depicts the
relative timing and extent of future parkland acquisition and development.
. Create and refine a parks and trails programming plan thai responds to current recreation trends and the
changing community demographic.
. Creale and prioritize parks, trails and open space initiatives to ensure adequate and available funding.
. Develop and mainlain a systematic, proactive approach to management of the park system to ensure a
balanced and cost-effective system.
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Existing Conditions
A critical component of the Parks, Trails, and Open Space planning effort is to understand the existing system and to
eslablish a baseline. Understanding the system as il exisls today helps to identify areas where we have improved
since the last comprehensive plan update, areas thai continue 10 need improvements and emerging issues and
opportunities. The following table provides some definitions of Park Classificalions to aide in the future plan and
analysis:
Table 6.1
Park and Open Space Classifications
Classification Function General Description Size Criteria
Mini Park Active Used to address limited, isolaled or unique Less than an acre
recreational needs, typically at the
neighborhood level.
Neighborhood Park Active with Passive Neighborhood park remains the basic unit of Typically 5 acres or
Areas the park system and serves as the more, with 3 acres as a
recreational social focus of the minimum size
neighborhood. Focus is on informal active
and passive recreation.
Community Park Aclive Serves broader purpose than neighborhood Varies, depending on
parks. Focus is on meeting community- function
based recreational needs, as well as
preserving unique landscapes and open
spaces.
Youth Athletic Park Aclive Consolidates programmed youth alhletic Varies, with 20 acres or
fields and associated facilities to fewer more most desirable
strategically located sites within the
community. Also provides neighborhood-use
funclions.
Communily Athletic Active Consolidates programmed adult and youth Varies, with 20 acres or
Complex athletic fields and associated facilities to one more most desirable
or a limited number of sites. Tournament
level facilities, also provides neighborhood-
use funclions.
Park-School Aclive Combines parks with school sites to be used Varies
in conjunction with or in lieu of other classes
of parks, such as neighborhood, community,
alhletic complex and special use
Special Use Active/Passive Covers a broad range of parks and Varies
recreation facilities. The facilities may be
oriented toward single-purpose use, such as
a nature center, historic sites, plazas or may
have a portion of a park or open space area
dedicated to a special use.
Neighborhood Passive Lands set aside for preservation of natural . Varies, depends on
Preserve resources, remnant landscapes, open space, resource opportunities
and visual aesthetics/buffering. Also and q ualilies
provides passive use opportunities (i.e.,
nature type trails, overlooks, interprelive
program, etc.)
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Natural Area Passive A full description and analysis of the Natural Large patches of
Greenway Area Greenway system can be found in the habitat over 200 acres
Nalural Resources Chapter
City Open Space Passive Natural areas owned by the City that are not Varies
part of the Neighborhood Preserve system.
These may be lowlands or uplands. Some
are appropriate for park uses such as hiking.
Some are used for storm ponding or other
funclions.
County Open Passive Natural areas owned and managed by Varies
Space Ramsey County. Some are appropriate for
park uses such as hiking. Some are used for
storm pondina or other functions.
Agency Open Passive Natural areas or open space owned by Varies
Space aaencies.
County/Regional Passive Parks and recreational facililies owned by Varies
Park Ramsev Countv.
Table 6.2 Trail Classification
Classification General Description Descriotion of Each Tvpe
Park Trail Mullipurpose trails or sidewalks localed within Separate/single-purpose hard surfaced trails
parks and natural resource areas. Focus is on for pedestrians and bicyclists/in-line skaters.
recreational value and harmony with the Multipurpose hard surfaced trails for
natural environment pedestrians and bicyclists/in-line skaters.
Nature trails for pedestrians. May be hard
surfaced or soft surfaced.
Connector Trail/ Multipurpose trails thai emphasize safe lravel Type: Separate/ single-purpose hard
Independent for pedestrians to and from parks and around surfaced trails for pedestrians and
Bikeways the community. Focus is as much on bicyclist/in-line skaters. Typically located
transportation as it is on recrealion. within road ROW
On-Streel Bikeway Paved segments of roadways that serve as a Bike Lane: Designated portions of lhe
means to safely separale bicyclisls from roadway for the preferential or exclusive use
vehicular traffic. of bicyclists.
Bike Roule: Shared portions of the roadway
thai provide separation between motor
vehicles and bicyclisls, such as paved
shoulders.
The existing parks, open space, and trails were evaluated to determine their existing condition and establish a
baseline for system planning. Parks and trails area classified based on their dominant use, unless otherwise notated.
While it was found that some parks function very well, olhers clearly showed the wear of time and no longer
effectively served the intended purpose. In a number of cases, existing park features were simply worn out and
needed replacement. As with many park systems within a maturing city, it was evident that the design for individual
parks needs to be reevaluated in light of current community and regional needs. Table 6.3 describes a summary
assessment for the overall system.
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Table 6.3 Summary Assessment of Park System
Issue Summary Assessment
Overall Park Land Area The general land area set aside for parks, and open space is adequate and well
positioned to serve the present and future needs of the City. The neighborhood
preserve sites coupled with the City's active park areas greatly strengthens the
City's capacity to meet emerging recreational trends. With the park land largely in
place, most of the future development initiatives will be focused on redevelopment
of existing properties to service community needs.
Overall Design Design quality varies widely throughout the system. In general, parks developed or
redeveloped in recent years are often well designed and go beyond simple function
to create a pleasant park setling. Pleasantview is a good example of a
neighborhood-level park that serves the neighborhood needs very well. On the
other hand, many of the older parks lack a strong design lheme and often only offer
a collection of amenities that mayor may not serve neighborhood or community
needs. Many of these parks followed the same general blueprint and offer little in
lhe way of an individual sense of place or overall park-like appeal.
Aesthetic Quality A visually appealing setting is lacking in may parks, resulting in a feel thai is
functional rather than inviting. This lack of design character does not entice people
to use the park nor develop a level of comfort when they do visit. Since the last
Comprehensive Plan update lhe City has begun to identify parks in need of
upgrades and is slowly improving parks for aesthetic quality. These initiatives will
continue into the future.
Outdoor Recrealion Facility Current facilities need 10 be evaluated against definable community needs. The
Mix extensive use of neighborhood parks for programmed activities in an example of
where short-lerm solutions for servicing burgeoning demand for alhletic fields has
turned into a long-term proposition that is hard to adjust, bul may be affecting lhe
overall quality and accessibilily of the neighborhood facilities.
Natural Resource Quality Signs of degradation can be found within the natural resource areas spread
lhroughout the City. Examples include: invasive non-native plants (European
Buckthorn) out-competing native plan species (oaks, maples, etc.); surface erosion
in areas lacking native ground cover, and siltation of wetlands and pond/lake edges
resulting in changes in water qualily and vegetation diversity. Restoration and
management of these resources is critical to the overall success of the system. In
response to growing demand for protection, and management the City should
initiate a full study of the natural areas in the community. A full analysis and
discussion can be found in the newly created Natural Resources Chapter of this
Comprehensive Plan.
Trail System Developmenl The State and Regional trails are highlights of the trail system and are vital to the
system plan when considering demand and regional conneclions. At the local level,
the trail system is slowly being developed and better improvements and connections
are being made as development and redevelopment occurs.in the community. The
system continues to be limited to predominantly a sidewalk plan as well as
connections to the existing park system. A primary initiative of this Plan will be to
improve the existing trail system for increased accessibility, interconnected ness,
and efficiency.
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The general assessment in Table 6.3 describes lhe overall existing condition of facilities in the City. While
performing the plan update, an assessment and review of the parks system was completed based on the city's
neighborhood structure to determine existing conditions as well as identify deficiencies or excess areas in the
system. The neighborhood structure became an important structure for evaluation because the overall system was
originally developed on principles related to the neighborhood boundaries. To evaluate park needs, both passive and
active, lhe following goals were followed:
. All residenls should be within a Y, mile of a park, which could be active or passive and is independent of
ownership (city, county, stale, etc.)
. For every 1,000 people approximately 5 acres of park land should be provided to serve the residents.
These parameters were the standards used to evaluate the existing park system, and were the standards applied to
future planning efforts. Table 6.4 Existing and Future Parks/Open Space (table found in Proposed Plan section)
identifies the existing parks and open spaces by neighborhood, a more detailed inventory of equipment can be found
in Section V of the overall park system plan.
Changes and Improvements Since the Last Plan
Several changes and improvements to the system have occurred over the past ten years. The following information
highlights some of the major improvements and projects that have been completed. These improvements directly
support the goals and objectives that were identified in the previous comprehensive plan.
Development and redevelopment has occurred in the past ten years, and ensuring thai the appropriate amount of
park land was available and functional was essential to the overall success of the neighborhoods. Legacy Park was
developed as a part of lhe Legacy Village master planned development. Applewood Park, Alton Heights Park,
Sterling Oaks Park and Edgerton Park were all updated to more adequately serve residents of each neighborhood.
Finally planning efforts for the Joy Park Master Plan were completed and the redevelopment of the park is scheduled
10 begin in the summer of 2008.
Several trail improvements have been completed including several segments of the Lake Links Trail, a full sidewalk
and trail along Century Avenue as well as trail along Lower Alton Trail. In addition to the trails along major road
corridors and the regional system; nalure trails in the Priory Neighborhood Preserve have been developed to offer
another trail option to residents.
Significant progress in lhe Neighborhood Preserves has also occurred. Site analyses has been completed for 12
preserves in the community and Master Plans have been completed for four or the preserves. Restoration and
replanting has also begun in the Preserves including a 20-acre prairie planting project al the Prairie Farm Preserve.
Management and restoration efforts of invasive species are underway at several preserves throughout the
community.
Natural Resources
A significant change from the last comprehensive plan is the inclusion of a Natural Resources Plan independent of
the Parks, Trails and Open Space chapter. The City took a proactive and innovative approach to natural resources in
lhis plan update and felt that providing an independent chapter with a specific nalural resources plan gave it more
significance and focus for this planning effort.
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The natural resources plan becomes an important building block for all components of the comprehensive plan
including this chapter. Throughout this document references to the chapter are made, particularly reference to the
Natural Area Greenways. It is the inlent of lhis plan to support and conlribule to building the greenway system, and
to plan the parks, lrails and open spaces In a way that is ecologically sensilive and supports the natural resources
plan directly.
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Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan
This section of the report describes the various components of the Maplewood parks, open space, and trail system.
The plan is based on the findings of previous sections and the framework presented in the existing conditions,
background and goals sections. In line wilh the goals and objective statements provided, the system plan seeks
balance between servicing the social, individual, environmental, and economic needs of the community. The plan
provides a guide to parks, open space and trail developmenl based on the currenl needs of the community and the
opportunities and constraints facing the city. It builds upon a solid park and open space infrastructure already in
place in the city. The guiding themes throughout this plan include:
. Continue to develop a comprehensive and interconnected parks, open space, and trail system.
. Manage and maintain only the amount of park and open space land that the city can mainlain for its highest
and best use.
. Recognize the limitation of resources (fiscal and physical).
. Organize and prioritize the system based on the neighborhood structure but also on a city wide scale to
ensure the needs of all residents are met.
. Develop a plan that allows for incremental and orderly improvements - be visionary but realistic.
Based on the detailed goals and objectives, the following generalizations can be made:
. Create and maintain an accessible and high quality system that serves all residents
. Prioritize the development of a comprehensive trail plan to help connect residents 10 parks, schools,
community facilities and the region;
. Support an extensive network of open spaces that contribute to the natural resource system and natural
area greenways;
. Evaluate the park syslem to ensure that parks and open spaces are high-qualily, safe, and well-maintained
and a benefit community;
. Service neighborhood and community park and recreation needs;
. Service youth and adult athletics by providing high quality facilities strategically located throughout the city.
Neighborhood Service Areas
As a maturing community, Maplewood has thirteen well-established neighborhoods that are identifiable to residenls
and public officials. The park syslem plan developed in the 1970s was largely built upon this neighborhood structure,
with land selection for parks based on reasonable local service areas, especially as it related to neighborhood park
units. As stated in the Existing Conditions Analysis, the following goals were used to develop Maplewood's park
system:
. All residents should be within a Y, mile of a park, which could be active or passive and is independent of
ownership (city, county, state, etc.)
. For every 1,000 people approximately 5 acres of park land should be provided to serve the residents.
Since most of the land area for parks has already been acquired, the neighborhood service area struclure best
serves as a means to:
. Identify the park and recreation needs and desires unique to a given geographic area of the community.
. Understand the potential demands in a developing or redevelopment area of a neighborhood.
6-15
. Organize the park syslem geographically.
. Ensure that the neighborhood park needs of all residents can be met within a reasonable distance from their
home.
. Determine where efficiencies could be implemented to make lhe system of higher quality and affordable.
Of these points, the most important theme is the assessment of needs, demands, and services that can be provided
in a high-quality and effective manner. As stated in the existing conditions section, lhe parks and open space system
was evaluated by neighborhood based on proximity of residents to recreation type, and acreage per population.
Table 6.4 inventories the existing system and outlines proposed parks. Further discussion on specific neighborhoods
with potentially significanl changes follows the table.
Table 6.4
Existing and Future Parks/Open Space
Neighborhood/Park Classification Ownership Acreage Other - Notes
~' . I' ~ li;:(;' "..............
.....:..,..
Western Hills Mini/Neighborhood Park City 5.7
Trout Brook Neighborhood Preserve School District 7.0 Located on map as a part of
Trout Brook - school site
Sandy Lake Area Open Space SI. Paul Board of 59.1 No public park/open space
Water opportunities at lhis time
Trout Brook School Site School District 20.3
Open Space @ Open Space Cily 3.6
Adolphus ~ .........~
...,....;.(i) ............ ,.... ....."
Maplecrest Mini/Neighborhood Park City 2.0
Edgerton Youth Athletic City 18.3
Roselawn Mini/Neighborhood Park City 5.2 Consider reclassification -
Opportunity to belter serve area
Kenwood Park Mini/Neighborhood Park City 0.2
Keller Lake County Open Space County 121.6 Within multiple neighborhoods
Open Space @ Miss Open Space City 0.9
(':'/'"11; II ....i.... "u/1j',.111'11
.........."...:.,.,
Sunset Ridge Mini/Neighborhood Park City 6.1
Lower Sunset Ridge Mini/Neighborhood Park City 0.6
Kohlman Mini/Neighborhood Park City 4.8
Hidden Marsh Neighborhood Preserve City 6.3
Fisher's Corner Neighborhood Preserve City 17.4
Spoon Lake Neighborhood Preserve City 27.6
6-16
Kohlman Marsh Open Space County 24.5
Open Space
Keller Lake County Open Space County - Within multiple neighborhoods
il;:;;; <":;"!lliill.ill]"""';C'" "'<';C;;;';
I,.,,"'" ,<, , <."<x,,
Four Seasons Mini/Neighborhood Park City 9.5
Hazlewood Youth Athletic City 48.1
Harvest Community Athletic City 30.1
Complex
Legacy Village Mini/Neighborhood Park City 10,0
Kohlman Creek Neighborhood Preserve City 10.9
Open Spaces - East Open Space City/County 70,9
of Hazlewood
Open Space - West Open Space City 37,7
of Harvest
Open Space East of Open Space City/County 27.9
61 @ City border
"Mapl&w()()dJ.t~i!lht$ '"","<x" , < ,,,,,'i'i',
".','"
Maplewood Heights Mini/Neighborhood Park City 25.3
Joy Park Community Park City 14.6
Joy Park Neighborhood Preserve City 35,9
Playcrest Mini/Neighborhood Park City 13.7
Prairie Farm Neighborhood City 23.0 2.0 Acres leased to Maplewood
Preserve/ Special Use Historical Society
Park
,';!i,j,!lm! " ii,s i,m" ,ii <";n);!;';!; ~
I<,~ ',!';;~ .!!
Timber Mini/Neighborhood Park City 0.5
Gladstone Mini/Neighborhood Park City 3.0
Sherwood Mini/Neighborhood Park City 12.0 Beller Development
opportunities
Robinhood Mini/Neighborhood Park City 4.1
John Glen School Sile School District 15.7 Public school with access to
recreational facilities
Weaver School Site School District 11.3 Public school with access to
recreational facilities
Keller Golf Course County Park County 150,0
"'"'''<''2''''' !lliill.ill] ~""ii.. :-:;"";"~';'<"""
",'..".,,,,, '""''''',,,,
Gloster Mini/Neighborhood Park City 3.3 Gladstone Master Planning
6-17
Gladstone Savanna Neighborhood Preserve City 23.4 Effort
Wakefield Community Park City 34.5
Flicek Youth Athletic City 6.3
Look Out Park Mini Park City 0.3
Park South of School Site School District 1.7
Robinhood
County Park North of County Wilhin multiple neighborhoods
Phalen*
Historical Marker Mini/Neighborhood Park City 0.5-2.0 Opportunity for Historical
Marker/Context
~ :U::". "~ I '82':;> ~ '-
Nebraska Mini/Neighborhood Park City 4.4
Hillside Mini/Neighborhood Park City 9.8
Goodrich Community Athletic City 20.5
Complex
Priory Neighborhood Preserve City 45.8
Sterling Oaks Mini/Neighborhood Park City 11.5 Mostly Open Space and
Wetlands with a tot lot
Goodrich Golf County Park County 92.7
Course
Wetlands Complex Open Space State of 19.1
@RR Minnesota Trust
Wetlands Complex Open Space City 7.0
@RR
Holloway Marsh Open Space County 37.8 .
Maplewood Middle School Park School District 17.3
School
~ ~ .. " ~
:,:,
Geranium Mini/Neighborhood Park Cily 9.0
Gethsemane Mini/Neighborhood Park City 9.4 Will be replaced
Lions Mini/Neighborhood Park Cily 3.4
Jim's Prairie Neighborhood Preserve Cily 11.5 Total site area is 11.5 acres, or
(4.6) which 4.6 is the neighborhood
preserve'. Remaining area is cily
dump and open space.
Beaver Creek Neighborhood Preserve City 9.1
Nature Center Special Use Park! City 37.2
Neighborhood Preserve
6-18
Beaver Lake School School Site School District 10.2
Beaver Lake County Open Space County 23.5
Park
Wetland Area Open Space City 344
@Maryland
Search Area Mini/Neighborhood Park City 4.0-6.0 To Replace Gethsemane if
(Pipeline Properties) necessary
~~i!i;<i;;l .- I iII.;"",;,;,<;;;;;;:;
Alton Heights Youth Athletic City 17.9
Carver Schoo/ School Site School District 9.6
Battle Creek Regional Park County 292.2
.."{.",ii,,E;,;;;;;,; - '.;; ><,
'<'<<,,",;"" ;,';;5'<",,',,'; >,;
Creslview Mini/Neiohborhood Park Citv 3.8
Mailand Mini/Neighborhood Park City 2.2
Vista Hills Mini/Neighborhood Park City 13.2
The Ponds Goff Course Active Park County 181.5 Within multiple
neighborhoods, includes
~ county work house
."""';,",,.' ;;'>',;l;'",';"';";" -
"," "',5"" <;
Applewood Mini/Neighborhood Park City 4.0
Pleasant View Mini/Neighborhood Park City 144
Applewood Neighborhood Preserve City 25.3
Carver Neighborhood Preserve City 224
Fish Creek Open Space County Open Space Ramsey 24.7
County
Open Space at Open Space Cily 10.5
Lakewood
Open Space at Timber Open Space Cily 24
ii;':mii! ~ il);; . ",,"",i;!':;; i ."",
~~"
Fish Creek Open Space County Open Space Ramsey 52.2
County
Active Park Search Area Mini/Neighborhood Park City 4.0-6.0 New Active Park to be
located in Mixed-Use Area
and determined as part of a
master plan.
6-19
The following table summarizes lhe information in Table 6.4. The table demonstrates that each neighborhood has
several acres of open space and parks that are accessible to the residents.
Table 6.5
Parks and Open Space Summary Table
Neighborhood Acreage
1. Western Hills 95.7
2. Parkslde 148.2
3. Kohlman Lake 87.9
4. Hazlewood 245.1
5. Maplewood Heights 112.5
6. Sherwood Glen 196.6
7. Gladstone 70.5'
8. Hillside 265.9
9. Beaver Lake 152.7*
10. Battle Creek 319.7
11. Visla Hills 200.7
12. Highwood 103.7
13. Carver Ridge 57.7*
TOTAL 2,056.9
* Includes proposed acreage, not currently existing in the system.
Communitv Centers, School Sites. and Reaional Park Facilities
In addition to the facilities identified in Table 6.4, the city's park system is augmenled by the Community Centers
(indoor facilities), school sites, and regional park facilities (of which several are included in the previous table).
Community Centers include:
. The Maplewood Community Center - offers extensive indoor facilities including !WO pools, large
gymnasium, racquetball courts, aerobics room, exercise room, walking/jogging track, massage room, child
care, banquet room, performing arts theater, and other features.
. Edgerton school Community Center - offers gym space for open play.
. Carver School Communily Center - offers gym space for open play,
At the school district level, the city has joint use of outdoor athletic facilities at the following schools:
. Weaver School
. John Glen School
. Maplewood Middie School
. Beaver lake School
. Carver School
6-20
. Edgerton School
The city and local school districts have long-lerm relationships for jointly using these school sites within Maplewood.
In each case, the school district uses lhe outdoor facilities for their programs during the school day and for alter-
school programs. The cily then uses the sites in the evenings for city programs and programs offered by local
athletic associations. The system plan calls for the continued joint use of these facilities to maximize the efficient use
of limiled land resources within the city. This partnership will be of considerable importance to the city as il focuses
on reducing the extent to which its neighborhood parks are used for programmed athletic uses. The conlinued use of
the athletic fields provided at the various school sites is vital to lhe overall success of the system.
Regional parks also play an important role in the local park syslem. The regional and county-based park areas and
facilities lhat directly affect Maplewood are administered by the Ramsey County Parks and Recrealion Department.
Key regional and county-based park areas include:
. Battle Creek Regional park
. Keller Regional park - 248 acres which is contiguous with Phalen Regional Park
. Beaver Lake Counly Park - offering picnic sites and trails
. County Ditch 7 Pond Protection Open Space Site
. County Ditch 18 Protection Open Space Site
. Fish Creek Protection Open Spaces
. Marsh 212 Protection Open Space Sile
. Aldrich Arena Special-Use Facility
. Goodrich Golf Course Special Use Facility
. Golf Course South of Lower Alton Road
6-21
Parks and Open Space Plan Analysis
With the assistance of the Parks Commission and Advisory Panel a Park and Open Space Plan was updated and
established for lhe City of Maplewood. Each neighborhood was evaluated for general park and open space needs.
where parks refers to active park areas and open spaces that included neighborhood preserves and any formally
protected and accessible open spaces. The preceding table identified all of the park and open space land by
neighborhood with general notes referring to the future plans and development. The following information
categorizes the future park and open space plan according to park classification and key development or use
consideralions identified through this planning process. Following this section, a short discussion and list of specific
parks and open space topics identified throughout this planning process are identified to ensure lhe thoughts and
recommendations of the Advisory Panel and Parks Commission are documented for future planning efforts. The city
understands that a thorough evalualion of each park and open space property will be necessary to develop detailed
future plans, and this effort will be identified as an implementation step in subsequent sections.
Parks (Active)
Mini and Neighborhood Park
Description:
Neighborhood parks continue 10 serve as lhe backbone of the park system in Maplewood. The park system plan
includes a lolal of 25 existing mini and neighborhood parks to serve the thirteen neighborhoods. Individually and
collectively, the primary focus of these park units is:
. Providing neighborhood recreational facilities focused on non-structured individual and family activities.
. Creating a social center for the neighborhood.
. Providing open space for informal group play and Iimiled use for organized/programmed activities.
In general, the mini and neighborhood parks in one neighborhood function together to service the localized needs of
that neighborhood. As such. the development of one park in a neighborhood should take inlo consideration the
facilities and amenities provided in other parks within the same neighborhood to ensure a full palette of recreational
opportunities is available 10 residents.
Kev Developmental/Use Considerations
In general, there are a number of key developmental and use considerations that can be applied to all of lhe mini and
neighborhood parks, including:
. General reduction in the extent to which neighborhood parks are used for organized and programmed uses.
The focus of these parks should be on servicing neighborhood needs for recreation and providing informal
open play areas. Programmed activities shouid be secondary.
. General upgrading of facilities in response to neighborhood inpul on the type of facil,ities most desired.
Particular attention needs to be given to ornamentation and beautification, which Is lacking in many of the
parks.
. More attenlion needs to be given to providing a broader spectrum of active and passive recreational
opportunities. Given current trends, much more attention needs to be given to passive park uses and the
concept of having "nature in the back yard."
6-22
. The use of both manicured turf and naturalized vegetation should be considered within mini and
neighborhood parks to add interest and aesthetic appeal and to reduce the cosl of maintenance. The
balance between turf and natural vegetation should be determined on a site by site basis.
Community Parks
Description
With a strong neighborhood park focus, along with the contribution of neighborhood preserves and the regional
parks, the use of community parks within the park system is limited to the special opportunities provided by Joy and
Wakefield parks because they offer:
. Unique feature that have cily-wide appeal.
. Opportunities to accommodate group facilities, such as larger picnic shelters.
. A setting appropriale for facilities that is too costly to duplicate in more than one or two parks throughout the
city. Examples include group picnicking at Joy Park and winter facilities al Wakefield.
Kev Deveiopmental/Use Considerations
There are a number of key developmental and use considerations thai can be applied to lhe community parks,
including:
. General upgrading of faciiilies in response to communily input on the type of facilities most desired.
Particular attention needs to be given to beautification in Wakefield Park. Natural resource restoration and
management is a key issue at Joy Park.
. Developing trail linkages to these two parks should be a key priority.
. A mix of manicured turf and naturalized vegetation should be considered wilhin community parks to add
interest and aeslhelic appeal and to reduce the cost of maintenance. The balance belween turf and naturai
vegetation should be determined on a site by site basis.
Youth Athletic Park
Description
The concept of the youth athletic park was spawned from the desire of the user groups to consolidate athletic
facililies 10 fewer and more strategically iocated sites to:
. Gain program efficiency.
. Create closer associations between players, parents, and coaches.
. Provide greater conveniences, like parking, restrooms, and concessions.
This concept also works well from an operations and maintenance perspective. The fact is, having fewer and larger
facilities is the most efficient and effeclive way to meet community needs. This approach also ensures neighborhood
parks are not dominated by athletic associalions and noise and congestion in neighborhoods is reduced.
Since youth are usually less mobile than adults, youth athletic parks are strategically localed throughoul the city. The
park system pian defines four sites specifically for servicing youth sports, although some adult cross-over can occur
to service the broader needs of the cily. (Nole lhat the community athletic complexes will also serve youth athletic
6-23
programs. Additionally, nole that each of the youlh athletic parks aiso function as neighborhood parks to varying
degrees.)
Kev Developmental/Use Considerations
There are a number of key developmentai and use considerations lhat can be applied to the youth athletic parks,
including:
. Generai upgrading of facilities to better service the needs of the user groups and to increase general facility
safety. Many of the existing facilities are old and in need of repiacement.
. Developing trail iinkages to lhese parks should be a key priority to encourage alternative forms of
transportation.
. Continuing the involvement of the user groups in the design of these facilities to ensure that what is
developed is in line with actual needs.
. Giving more attention to beautification, this is lacking in many of the parks.
. Consideralion of neighborhood park needs as defined under Mini and Neighborhood Parks previously lisled
in the table.
Community Athletic Complex
Description
The concept of the community athietic complex was again spawned from the desire of lhe user groups to consolidate
athletic facilities to fewer and more strategically located sites to:
. Gain program efficiency.
. Create closer associations between players, parents, and coaches.
. Provide greater conveniences, like parking, restrooms, and concessions.
As with Youth Alhletic Parks, this concept also works well from an operations and maintenance perspeclive, whereby
fewer and larger facilities are the most efficient and effective way 10 meel community needs. And again, this
approach ensures neighborhood parks are not dominated by athletic associations and noise and congestion in
neighborhoods is reduced.
The primary difference in community athletic complexes and youth athletic parks is that the former services adult
athletic needs in addition to youth. The park system plan defines two slles for community alhletic complexes. Note
here too that the communily athletic complexes also function as neighborhood parks 10 varying degrees.
Kev Developmental/Use Considerations
There are a number of key developmental and use considerations that can be appiied to lhe community athletic
complexes, Including:
. General upgrading of facilities 10 better service the needs of the user groups and to increase general facility
safety. Many of the existing facilities are old and in need of replacement. Some are poorly designed and do
not function very well.
6-24
. Developing trail linkages 10 these parks should be a key priority to encourage alternative forms of
transportation.
. Continuing the involvement of the user groups in the design of these facilities to ensure that what is
developed is in line with actuai needs.
. Giving more atlention to and beautification, which is iacking in many of the parks.
. Consideration of neighborhood park needs as defined under Mini and Neighborhood Parks previously listed
in the lable.
Park.School Site
Description
Park-School Sites are joint-use sites between the cily and school district for shared use of facilities. There are a total
of six school sites that fall under this c1assificalion. Of those, Edgerton and Carver are also community center sites,
whereby the City aiso uses lhe indoor facilities.
Kev Developmenlal/Use Considerations
Clearly defining deveiopment, use, and maintenance of these facilities is important to ensure that all parties
understand their role and responsibility.
Special Use Park
Description
The Speciai Use Park classification refers to parks that are unique and do nol readily fall under any other
classificallon. The existing system idenlifies two such parks:
. Maplewood Nature Center offers protection of a unique natural resource, has a visitor center, and provides
extensive programming.
. Bruentrup Historical Farm at Prairie Farm Neighborhood Preserve is a special use park. The city leases
approximately 2 acres to the Maplewood Historical Society which maintains the farmstead buildings and
yard. The city has a lease agreement that identifies specific activities and opportunities available through
the joinl agreement and should be referenced to ensure lhe city recognizes lhe benefit of the relationship.
Kev Developmental/Use Considerations
. The Maplewood Nature Center is a well established community hallmark lhat continues to serve an
important function. Continuing its educational programs and maintaining its natural resource qualities and
infrastructure are key priorities in forthcoming years.
. Parks Commission members have identified an interest in developing a city-owned dog park.
. Maplewood would like to have a permanent site for a Community Garden.
6-25
Open Space (Passive Parks)
Neighborhood Preserve
Description
The Neighborhood Preserve park classification was created to integrate the open space parcels into the larger park
system, thereby more clearly defining their role in servicing community needs and protecting open space. The
neighborhood preserves have to important functions:
. Preserve and prolect natural areas and open space wilhin lhe city.
. Create additional opportunities for human use and appreciation of the community's natural areas.
The preserve siles are defined in a neighborhood context 10:
. Address trends toward greater demand for natural areas and passive recreational opportunities close to
home.
. Foster a local sense of stewardship in the protection, restoration and management, and human use of these
parcels.
In the neighborhood context, the preserve sites coupled with neighborhood parks will provide a full palette of both
active and passive recrealional opportunities for local residents.
Kev Developmental/Use Consideralions
There are a number of key developmental and use considerations that can be applied to the neighborhood preserve
sites, including:
. Completing ecological plans for all sites, including analysis of existing conditions, refinement of ecological
prototypes, and ecological restoration and management plans.
. Integrating human use of the sites within the context of their ecological underpinnings. (The community
should be involved in this process.)
. Developing trail linkages to these parks.
. Looking for opportunities to support, build, and complete the Natural Area Greenways proposed in the
Natural Resources chapter.
There are currently 14 Neighborhood Preserve sites in the syslem totaling 308 acres. The City shall retain a
minimum of 308 acres in the system, resulting in a no-net loss policy. The following statements and implementation
tools support this policy and shall be further developed to ensure the Neighborhood Preserve acreages are upheld:
. Maintain a minimum of 308 acres of Neighborhood Preserve lands. If a parcel is to be sold, another parcel
of equal or higher ecological quality shall be added to the Neighborhood Preserve system.
. If new property is brought into the system, it should enhance or maintain contiguous lands and shall not
contribute 10 fragmenlation of the system.
. Maintain city or public ownership of all/any neighborhood preserves in the system.
. Further develop and enhance ordinances that support the preservation, maintenance and management of
the Neighborhood Preserves. This shall include the creation of a zoning designation lhal specifically relates
to the activities allowed in Neighborhood Preserves.
6-26
. All neighborhood preserves are designated as Open Space on the Land Use Plan. As required by state
stalute, any and all changes to the land use shall require a 4/5th vote at the Council ievel and will result in a
Comprehensive Plan Amendment.
. The use of conservation easements and other conservalion tools shall be evaluated on a case-by-case
basis, and shall be evaluated for how the easements would contribute to and support the neighborhood
preserve system.
Regional Park/County Open Space
Description
Regional parks and open spaces serve a regional population. However, the location of several regional parks in the
city makes them important factors in the overall park system.
Kev Developmental/Use Considerations
The most important consideralion here is maintaining a strong working partnership with the County to fosler
development in these parks that serve lhe needs of Maplewood Residents.
Specific Neiohborhood Plans
During this planning period, the South Maplewood neighborhood including Highwood and Carver Ridge were
discussed heavily due to the relatively undeveloped nature of the area. Currently both neighborhoods have several
parcels that are a part of the Counly's Fish Creek Open Space syslem. It is imperative that these open spaces be
monitored by the City because the proposed park plan is based on the assumption that the county open spaces
remain undeveloped natural areas. If these parcels are ever up for sale, or a use change is proposed, the City
should reevaluate lhe park needs in these two neighborhoods to ensure the Cily's park standards are upheld.
6-27
Advisory Panel and Parks Commission Specific Discussion Items
The Advisory Panel and Parks Commission reviewed the existing parks plan in conjunctions with the future land use
plan that has been developed as a part of this planning process. During those discussions recommendations and
ideas were generated with respect 10 how the exisling park system functions and how the system couid better serve
specific neighborhoods. The following items were identified as suggestions to the parks commission for
consideration during implemenlation of this summary document. This list is not meant to be all inclusive in terms of
all needs affecting the system, but inclusion of this information provides documentation of key data and discussions
taking place in the city. The following discussion items are categorized by classification type and neighborhoods
where applicable.
Neiahborhood/Mini Parks
During the Comprehensive Plan update process the following neighborhoods were specifically identified as having
additional neighborhood/mini park demands in this planning period:
. In the Sherwood Glen Neighborhood, Sherwood Park could be better developed to meet the aclive park
needs of the neighborhood. During this planning period a feasibilily and use study should be completed to
fully evaluate the needs of the neighborhood.
. In the Gladstone Neighborhood, as the Gladstone master plan progresses the Gloster Park and Gladstone
Savanna area will need to be evaluated to ensure the active park needs of the neighborhood, including
future residents is met.
. The Hillside Neighborhood is light on active park facilities. Hillside Park is currently predominantly used for
passive uses and could be transitioned to provide some active park facilities for the neighborhood. In
addition, there may be opportunities with Hill Murray School and the Marshlands project.
. In the Beaver Lake Neighborhood, discussions regarding the future of Gethsemane Park were underway at
the time of developing this document. If agreement is not met for preservation of this park, an active park
replacement should be identified to adequately provide active park facilities to this neighborhood. If
Gethsemane is reduced or eliminated in the future, a suggested search for a replacement park is identified
on the future parks and open space planning map (Figure 6.2).
. In lhe Carver Ridge Neighborhood a minimum of a 4.0-6.0 acre active park should be located within the
Bailey Farm property to serve the aclive park needs of future residents. The search area is identified on
Figure 6.2, and the exact size and location should be identified at the time of development in this area.
Development of this park will be a priorily at the time of residential development in the Carver Ridge and
Highwood neighborhoods soulh of Carver Avenue.
School Sites
The school sites are unique because they are predominantly controlled by the school district, but coordination and
further collaboration could be explored. An overall assessment of uses and facilities should be made to determine
the extent to which school sites are integrated into the recreational programming of the city. For example, the ball
fields at Beaver Lake School were being used in current recreation programming but the current status and
availability of the facilities is not known. The availability and use of these facilities should be verified to determine if
there are any deficiencies in the system.
6-28
Special Use Parks
During lhis planning period, the Parks Commission and Advisory Panel identified some opportunity areas for special
uses throughout the community, the areas specifically discussed include:
. In the Highwood Neighborhood, the ski jump site may have opportunities for special programming and uses
in the community. This site should remain on the city's radar as an opportunity site.
. In the Shetwood Glen Neighborhood, al the John Glen site there may be opportunities to collaborate with
the school on special programming needs related 10 archery and similar aclivilies.
Passive Park Areas
The following neighborhoods were identified as having opportunities for additional neighborhood preserves based on
the quantity of active park land or open space that might be better used for a neighborhood preserve:
. Maplewood Heights Neighborhood may have some opportunilies to revert some active park land for a more
natural or passive use that could serve as a neighborhood preserve, further study of lhis would be required
prior to any recommendations or plans should be made.
. In the Highwood and Carver Ridge neighborhoods a large amount of land is in the County's open space
syslem. If any of this land were ever to be sold, lhe City should evaluate and review the feasibility of
acquiring that land for a neighborhood preserve or open space use to help maintain lhe more rural quality in
these neighborhoods.
6-29
Trails Plan
In this Comprehensive Plan Update more emphasis was pi aced on the need for a comprehensive trail system
throughoul the community. The Cily has always been blessed with the State and Regional trails that pass through
the City, but connecting to those trails as weli as creating a network that is not only for recreational purposes but as a
transportation alternative has never been realized.
This plan identifies an integrated, easy to use and friendly trail system as a key priority and component of this plan.
Since the last planning effort, the city has been dedicated to integrating trail and sidewalk development as part of
redevelopment and road reconstruction projects. Those efforts are recognized, and this plan seeks to build on the
existing system to make a more comprehensive and accessible syslem.
In spite of the obstacles and difficulties, the idea of creating a city trail system is well worth while when considered in
context of current demands for recreational and utilitarian demands. As fuel costs rise residents will look for
alternative transportation options and the city can provide an accessible trail system to help provide additional
oplions. Addilionally, as the aging baby-boomers reach retirement demands for recreational opportunities and weli
connected facilities wili be critical 10 keeping this population in the community. The trail system will provide those
opportunilies and add to the overall quality of life for residents.
The trail system plan presented here is more comprehensive and plans for a significant amount of trail development
throughoul the community to create emphasis on interconnected trails that provide essential linkages throughout the
system so that residents can move through the syslem safely regardless of their purpose for using the trails. The
plan is based on the following principles:
. Focus and priority is placed on primary north-south and east-west corridors that will provide the grealesl
access and accessibility to all residents;
. Connections between schools, community facilities, parks, and lhe region are emphasized to help support
alternative transportation options for all residents;
. Trail construction and specific location (for example north or south side of a street, concrete or bituminous)
is not emphasized in this plan because the City will create a plan for detail al time of development or
redevelopment to ensure the appropriate needs are being met for the area;
. The proposed system is ambitious, and is focused on creating the ideal plan for the future of Maplewood.
As demonstrated in Figure 6.2 Proposed Parks, Trails, and Open Space, the City has priorilized the creation of an
interconnecled trail system as a part of this comprehensive plan update. The table that foliows, Table 6.5 Existing
and Future Trails, provides an inventory of the existing and fulure lrails, the c1assificalion and general developmenlal
or use considerations. Following the table, a short analysis and key poinls identified by the Advisory Panel and
Parks Commission are provided for consideration as the plan is implemented.
6-30
Table 6.5
Existing and Future Trails
Trail Classification Length (mil Key Developmental/Use Consideration
Gateway Trail State Trail 3.5 The trail is a state trail corridor with extensive connections to
Segment of the the metro area and greater Minnesota. Connecling residents
Wiliard Munger 10 this system is a priorily of the overall trail pian.
State Trail
Burlington Regional Trail 3.0 Regional trail corridor of over 13 miles in length wilh exlensive
Northern Regional conneclions to other systems, including state trail systems
Trail Corridor
Highline Trail Park Trail 2.7 Follows existing power line easement easl to west through
northern end of the cily. Provides important linkages between
key park sites and linkage to the regional and state lrail
system.
Developmental Challenges:
. Obtaining trail easement rights
. Varying topography, wilh some areas exhibiting
steep slopes
. Traversina throuah developed areas
County Road C Connector Trail 2.5 The County Road C Trail is partially completed, and the
Trail proposed plan connects this corridor through the northern half
of the city to create an east-wesl connection. This trail will
connect to other maior trail corridors to provide efficiency.
County Road D Connector Trail 3.5
County Road B Connector Trail 3.5 The intent of the County Road B Trail is to provide an
Trail additional east-west linakaae in the City.
Roselawn Connector Trail 2.0
Gervais Trail Connector Trail 1.0
Beam Ave Trail Connector Trail 2.8
Frost Trail Connector Trail 1.5 The Frost Avenue Trail is proposed 10 create a connection
belween the reaionallrails and lhe White Bear Avenue Trail.
Century Avenue Connector Trail 5.6 The Century Avenue Trail is projected to be completed as a
Trail part of an overall slreetimprovement project. This corridor
wili be a primary north-south corridor through the city and wili
be constructed to connect to other key trail corridors in the
Cily.
Arcade Trail Connector Trail 1.0
While Bear Trail Connector Trail 3.2 The White Bear Avenue Trail is completed and provides a key
north-south corridor through the northern part of the city
connectina residents to the reaion.
Larpenteur Trail Connector Trail 5.2 The Larpenleur Avenue Trail is undeveloped and is proposed
as an east-west corridor through the City. This trail will be the
primary corridor to link residents between the east and west
sections of the city. The corridor also links residents to key
natural resources and the existing regional trails that run
throuah the city.
McKnight Trail Connector Trail 7.0 The McKnight Trail is completed and connects the south leg
of the city with the northern area of Maplewood. This trail
connecls residents to the high quality natural resource areas
in the south lea.
6-31
Stillwater Trail Connector Trail 1.2
Minnehaha Trail Connector Trail 1.0
Upper Afton Road Connector Trail 1.0 The Upper Afton.Road Trail is completed and provides
Trail connections to adiacent communities in the south leQ.
Lower Afton Road Connector Trail 1.1 The Lower Afton Road Trail is completed and provides
Trail connections to adiacent communities in the south leQ.
Carver Trail Connector Trail 1.0 This trail connection would be made when Carver Road is
reconstructed.
Sterling Trail Connector Trail 3.0 Sterling Trail in south Maplewood would connect residents
with adiacent communities.
Henry Lane Trial Connector Trail 0.35 The Henry Lane Trail would connecl residents in the
HiQhwood neiQhborhood to County Open Spaces.
Linwood Avenue Connector Trail 1.0
Jov Trail Park Trail 1.0(+)
South Maplewood Park Trail 1.0 (+) This trail is proposed as a soft-surface, sustainably-designed,
(Area South of hiking trail to provide residents access to the natural areas in
Carver Ave.) South Maplewood and is focused on preservation of lhe creek
and other hiah aualitv natural areas.
Analvsis
The City has prioritized development of a comprehensive trail system in this plan update. With a priority toward
improving the overall extent of the trail system within the city, providing on-street bikeways was extensively
discussed, and although not formally proposed as a part of lhis plan, lhe bikeabilily of the system was prioritized in
discussions. On-street bike lanes should be considered in neighborhoods without trails or sidewalks, and should be
considered along major corridors to help encourage and support biking as a means of transportalion.
The overall success of the system will rely on the prioritization of creating and maintaining the system. Historically
the parks have been prioritized above the trail system because new development and neighborhoods were
developing. However, now that the City is largely developed acquisition for park land is no longer the priority it was in
previous planning periods. As a result a shift towards trail righl of way acquisition can occur to help complete the
park and open space syslem in the city. The focus on trails does not eliminate the need to maintain and manage the
parks to ensure a high quality syslem, but it shifts acquisilion to help complete a comprehensive trail system.
The following lable identifies the amount of existing and proposed trails and sidewalks identified on Figure 6.2. All
trails in table 6.5 are not identified, and therefore the following table reflects the comprehensive trail system.
Table 6.6
Trails Lengths
Trails Road Trails Sidewalks Total
Existing 49.5 3.6 28.0 81.1
Proposed 3.8 32.4 7.7 43.9
Total 53.3 36.0 35.7 125.0
6-32
Advisory Panel and Parks Commission Specific Trails Discussion Items
The future Trail Plan in the City was discussed at length with the Advisory Panel and Parks Commission. The focus
of the discussions was on development of a more comprehensive approach to the trail system in the City. That
discussion included reference to some specific trail types as well as trail locations. The following items were
discussed specifically by the Advisory Panel and Parks Commission. The following topics are not exhaustive, but
should be considered as the Cily moves towards creating a detailed implementation plan.
General Trail Discussion Recommendations
The Advisory Panel and Parks Commission reviewed the existing trails plan as a starting point for making their
recommendations about future trail planning in the city. Specific attenlion was paid 10 the desire to enhance and
create strong east-west and north-south connections that would provide an inlerconnected network throughout the
region. The following specific items were discussed; this list is purposely general and highlights some of the most
discussed topics:
. The trails should provide opportunities for biking as an alternative mode of transportation, and major road
trails should consider a dedicated bike lane for commuters. Based on Figure 6.2, nearly 35 miles of Road
Trails is proposed as a part of this plan. Strong consideralion of lhese trails should be paid for commuting
purposes rather than solely recreational uses.
. The trail system should be developed in a manner that considers making connections between parkland,
open space, community facilities, and schools. Roadways or other areas that may be easily retrofitted and
provide key connections should be prioritized during planning and development of the system.
. Signage of the overall trail system, both exisling and future, should be a priority to make navigating through
the system easier and more accessible to residents.
. At time of any major road construction project the trail plan should be referenced and the Parks Commission
should review opportunities to complete or enhance the trail system.
. Nature trails, particularly. in natural areas, should be carefully planned for and review and consideration by
the Parks Commission required ensuring the development of a trail system that protects lhe environment
but considers access to high qualily nalural areas without being a detriment to the area.
Specific Trail Corridors
The following specific trail corridors were identified during the trail discussions:
Frost Trail
This trail is proposed for development at the time of redevelopmenl in the Gladstone Master Plan and when/if road
improvements are made in the area. The Gladstone Master Plan area continues to evolve and was heavily
discussed during the land use and parks discussions. Trail opportunities should be capitalized at time of
redevelopment in the area.
6-33
Carver Trail
This connection would be critical at time of development in Highwood and Carver Ridge neighborhoods. This plan is
the first parks, trail and open space plan for the areas south of Carver Avenue and it is therefore critical to look at
opportunities to serve new residents in these neighborhoods. At the lime of this plan, Carver Trail is proposed as the
only connection under 494 in the south leg of the community.
Sterling Trail
This trail will require a feasibility study as there are significant topographic challenges in the area. The opportunity to
connecl residents wllh existing and future parks in this area, as well as to lhe regional system exists but should be
explored further at time of developmenl in the south Maplewood area.
Henry Lane Trail
The trail would provide connections between existing neighborhoods and residents with County Open Spaces. This
connection would help complete the exisling systems and provide greater access to residents.
South Maplewood (Nature Trails)
This trail is proposed as a sustainably-designed traii to provide residents access to the natural areas in Soulh
Maplewood and is focused on preservalion of the creek and olher high quality nalural areas.
6-34
Implementation
This section of the report focuses on establishing a framework and priorities for implementing the park, open space
and trail system plan. This includes:
. Partnership approach to implementation
. Cost analysis
. Evaluation criteria for prioritizing park and trail development
. Prioritization of park and trail initiatives
. Implementation strategies by goal topic area
Partnership Approach to Implementation
Success in implementing the park and trail system plan will be based on the strenglh of the relationships that
includes the Park and Recreation Commission and Environmental and Natural Resources Commission, city slaff,
residents, user groups, and adjacent cities, school districts, the county, churches and other civic or business
organizations. These relationships, and partnerships where appropriate, will help ensure the needs and demands of
the system are met, as well as ensure that efforts are not duplicated within the system.
Cost Analysis
The Cost Analysis Table in the report defines the potential costs associaled with each major component of the
system plan, The cost figures are intended to be used for budgeting purposes, implementation planning, comparing
the relative cost of one item to that of another, and developing funding scenarios.
The City understands thai the CIP budgeted amount for the parks, open space and lrail system is not adequate to
support the projected cost to implement the, entire system outlined in this document. Identification of the shortfall
allows the Cily to look for additional funding sources and opportunities to partner with other agencies to accomplish
lhe goals and objectives identified in this plan. For example, this plan identifies a more comprehensive trail system in
lhe community. The plan idenlifies the largest quantity of those trails to be road trails where there may be
opportunities to develop the system at time of road reconstruction or through the help of other agencies, A summary
of the cost analysis table is as follows:
Table 6.6
Cost Summary for Park and Trail Development/Redevelopment (2008-2013)
Item Cost Summarv !Dollars) Continaencv 115%) Total
Parks Mini/Neighborhood
Community
Youlh Athletic Complexes
Community Athletic
Community Centers
Neighborhood Preserves
Total $1,460,000*
Trails Regional
Connector
Nature $1,300,000*
Neighborhood Preserves Management and
Restoration $2,250,000*
Total $5,010,000
*Figures were rounded up to reftecl an estimated projected fee.
6-35
The range of development and redevelopment scenarios is broad with respect to implementing the system plan
which has the polential to significantly impact the costs associated with the project. These figures provide a general
budget framework from which to plan, and makes lhe following assumptions:
. The park estimate assumes management and maintenance for lhe next ten years and does not plan for
large-scale master planned changes for any individual park. An area study and feasibility study would be
required to determine the cost associated with such a project.
. The parks figure assumes only the acquisition of one additional park into the system, to be located in the
Carver Ridge neighborhood.
. The figures are based on a no-net loss policy. This means that parks and open space could change uses,
but could never be taken out of the system entirely, unless comprehensive plan amendment was adopted.
This policy would suggest that acquisition, as well as gain from sales would not affect the system.
. The trails figure was estimated based on a single shoulder off-road, bituminous, multi-use trail. If alternative
materials, or trails along both sides of a road, or shoulders, etc., are proposed that will change the overall
cost of the system.
The following figure illustrates how changes in the system will affecllhe preliminary budget estimale:
Maximum Level of Plan
Implementation
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Evaluation Criteria for Prioritizing Park and Trail Development Projects
With limited resources, ranking the development of one park, trail, or development initiative againsl that of another
will be necessary. Certainly, all development issues identified in the plan are pressing concerns needing allention.
Realistically, the City is going to have to pick and choose those that are the most pressing and lhose that improve the
services to the residents and user groups most in need. Making this as objective as possible is a key concern.
Through the use of ranking criteria, reasonable objectivity can be infused into the decision making process. This
criteria is based on and evaluated against factors that influence the demand for parks and trails. It must be broad
based enough to consider the importanl and predominant factors, yellimited enough to be manageable and practical
for decision makers to gain consensus and take action. Evaluation criteria included:
. Developmenl pallern and population density
. Communily demand
6-36
. Recreation program demand
. Redevelopment/upgrading of facility or adjacent uses
. Funding availability/partnership opportunity
. Preservation of significant natural resource
Prioritization of Parks, Open Space, and Trail Development Initiatives
As an implemenlalion step of this plan, the City will inventory and evaluate the parks, trails and open space system in
detail. During that process, priorities will be set to ensure that the City's park needs are met. Additionally, the City
acknowledges that the priorities may change depending on circumstances. For example a road reconstruction
project may yield opportunities to construct a trail, and the efficiencies of completing the trail as a part of lhat process
may increase its priority. Fulure prioritization should support and reference the goals and objective statements
identified in this Plan.
Implementation Strategies in Goal Topics (New Section as Recommended by Parks Commission)
The following information identifies preliminary implementation stralegies for each of the goal topic areas. The
seclion is not all inclusive but highlights specific areas of discussion by the Parks Commission and Advisory Panel.
The following implementation sleps will help support the goals and objectives identified through this planning
process.
General Parks, Open Space, and Trail System Plan Goals
The general parks, open space and lrail system plan goals highlighted three topic areas including implementation of
the comprehensive plan, focus on the nalural resource system and internal staffing. The following implementation
strategies support these areas:
. Update, modify and create appropriate ordinances to support the goals and objectives identified in this plan.
The first step will be to ensure that the zoning ordinance is updated to reflect the appropriate land use and
classifications in this plan.
. Create policy and ordinances to support the creation of the natural area greenways plan that also ensures
review by the Parks Commission for any development within the greenways. This will help ensure the
appropriate altention is paid to identifying park land or open space opportunities.
. Evaluate the needs, benefit and advantages to reinstating a parks director level position 10 help lead the
parks, open space and trail planning and development efforts within the City.
. Review the by-laws established for the Parks Commission to ensure the roles and responsibilities of lhe
commission support the goals and objectives identified in this document.
6-37
Community and Partnerships
The community and partnerships goals and objeclives focus on maintaining open communication and collaboration
wilh other agencies and communities to ensure the most efficient services and system are available. The following
implementation strategies are identified to support this goal:
. Staff and Commissioners should explore opportunities 10 work with adjacent cities, agencies, school districts
and olher community groups. This will help identify potential opportunities for collaboration and efficiencies.
. Work with regional organizations to help monitor regional systems and their potential affect on the City's
parks, trails and open space system.
Ecological Resources, Restoration and Management
The ecological resources, restoration and management goals and objectives are focused on the relationship between
the nalural resource system and the park system. The following implementation strategies will help reinforce the
relationship between lhe systems and future planning efforts.
. Develop a review process for the Parks Commission for any property located within the nalural area
greenway corridors identified in the nalural resource chapter.
. Inventory and analyze the existing active and passive park syslem to identify opportunities for restoration,
storm water management or olher environmental benefits to the overall syslem.
Park Land Management, Acquisition and Development
The park land management, acquisilion and development goals and objectives focus on the management or
improvement of the existing system as well as the need for future active and passive parks. The following
implementation slralegies support the goals and objeclives.
. Perform a full analysis and invenlory of the existing parks system to better assess future park needs with
respect 10 acquisition, redevelopment or improvements.
. Perform a full feasibility analysis for developing areas in the community, specifically in south Maplewood
where development has-not yet occurred. Accurate determination of size and type of park land in this area
should be assessed when unit type and number of residents are identified for lhis area.
Trail Corridors/Right.of.Way Acquisition and Development
The trail goals and objectives relale to a much more diverse and comprehensive trail system. The following
implementation strategies support the identified goals and objectives.
. Create a review process that supports the Parks Commission review of all road improvement projects to
identify potential trail connections and opportunities to complete the system.
. Prioritize all trail corridors and focus planning efforts and studies on key corridors.
. Identify key areas where opportunities exist to add lining for bike and non-motorized traffic on roadways to
complete the system in a most efficienl and cost-effective way.
6-38
Recreation and Education Programs
The recreation and education program goals are focused on maintaining the existing programs and supporting lhe
diversification and availability of programming in lhe Cily. The following implementation steps support the identified
goals and objectives.
. Discuss and inventory the programming offered through the City to determine areas for improvement within
the City.
. Work with program and education directors 10 identify areas for improvement wilhin the system and create a
plan to improve programming availability and diversity wilhin the City.
. Encourage and provide education to support best practices and stewardship along park and open space
(neighborhood preserves) borders.
Funding
The funding goals and objectives identify ways to support the system financially. The following implemenlation
strategies are identified for support.
. Perrorm a detailed inventory to prioritize projecls that will require immediate funding.
. Monitor the parks, trails and open space plan on a yearly basis to identify upcoming financial gap areas, and
to determine additional prioritization and planning needs.
. Identify grant money available to support lhe development of the trail system. The trail budget is
significantly higher than the allocated CIP money, and identification of potential grant money will help fund
the gap.
6-39
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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REPORT
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
Parks and Recreation Commission
Doug Taubman, Parks Manager
2009 Goal Setting
January 21,2009
INTRODUCTION
At the January 7,2009 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting the Commission created a
goals brainstorming list. The listed included CIP projects, top goals and other projects and
topics. The direction was to review and revise the list at a future meeting.
DISCUSSION
Attached, for further discussion, review and possible revisions, is the list prepared by the Parks
and Recreation Commission at the January 17, 2009 meeting.
RECOMMENDTION
Staff is recommending the Parks and Recreation Commission review attached material and be
prepared to discuss and establish their goals for 2009.
2009 Park Commission Goals Brainstorming List
This list was compiled by park commissioners at the January 7, 2009 meeting. There will be an
opportunity at a future meeting to review and revise these.
CIP Projects staff and commissioners have already committed to:
. Joy Park Phase I Implementation
. Lion's Park Plan
. Gladstone Savanna Plan
. Legacy tot lot plan
. Beaver Creek Trail
. Lake Links Trail Plans (2 sections)
Top goals after each member voted for three goals:
. Community gardens (3 votes)
. Work with other commissions (3 votes)
. Receive more feedback from staff and other groups (Open Space Panel, Friends of
Maplewood Nature, MAA, NISA) (3 votes)
. Long-term funding and grants (3 votes)
. MCC (3 votes)
. Dog Park (2 votes)
Other projects and topics:
. Encourage involvement by diverse groups
. Turf policy
. Trail policy
. Tree policy
. Trail signage
. Park signage
. Programming (beyond youth sports)
. Fitness (health and well-being) programs
. Review budget information
. Park hours
. Park survey
. Bulletin boards and other forms of communications
. Prioritizing long and short-term goals (and following up on them)
. Park security and public safety
. Basketball hoops
. Green corridors
. Water in parks (buffers, water quality, aquatic invasives)
. Sustainability of athletic fields
. Sherwood Park
. Hillside neighborhood (is light on active parks)
. School sites (are we using them well?)
. Volunteers
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REPORT
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
Parks and Recreation Commission
Doug Taubman, Parks Manager
Lions Park Improvements Survey
January 21,2009
INTRODUCTION
At the Novernber 19, 2008 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting staff presented two
concept plans for Lions Park. At this meeting staff was directed to move forward with the park
planning process for Lions Park.
DISCUSSION
At staffs direction Veronica Anderson of SEH, Inc prepared a draft survey of potential amenities
for Lions Park. The survey questions and format are based on survey examples that were sent to
SEH by the City along with sorne survey questions that SEH has used in the past. The goal was
to get the survey down to five questions that would basically tell us who was responding to the
survey, where they lived, frequency of use and what they would like to see in the park.
RECOMMENDTION
Staff is recommending the Parks and Recreation Commission approve this survey, or a revised
version ofthis survey, for distribution to the appropriate Lions Park neighbors.
Resident Survey
Lions Park
City of Maplewood, Minnesota
Date
Dear Resident
The City of Maplewood is currently in the process of preparing a master plan for Lions Park. The
neighborhood park is approximately 3 acres and is located in east-central Maplewood between
Century Avenue and Farrell Street and south of Margaret Avenue. Currently the park provides
residents with a lee ball field, court area, open play area and play equipment. The site, however,
has a history of drainage problems that make it difficult to use in addition to the out-dated play
equipment. The master plan will serve as a tool to guide the improvement project.
We invite you to participate in the renovation of Lions Park by answering the following questions
andretuming it to City Hall at1830 County Road BE or by fax at (651) 249-2319 by
day/month/year. The questionnaire is also available online at the city's website at:
www.ci.maplewood.mn.us. If you have any questions, please contact Doug Taubman, Park
Manager at (651) 249-2120.
1. Please describe yourself: Male:
Age;
a. Under 8
b. 8-12
c. 13-18
d. 19-22
Female:
e. 23-34
f. 35-45
g. _ 46-64
h. Over 64
2. How close to Lions Park do you live?
a. I block or less
b. 2-4 blocks
c. 5-8 blocks
d.
5-8 blocks
More than 9 blocks
e.
How often do you or your family use the park?
a. _ Daily
b. _ Weekly
c. _ Monthly
d. Never
3. What do you like most about the park?
4. What do you like least about the park?
5. Please prioritize the following items that you would like to see added or improved at
Lions Park (1 being your top choice)
a. _ Children's play equipment
b. _ Improved landscaping (more shade trees, shrubs, flowers, rain gardens)
c. _ Park walking trail .
d. Picnic shelter
e. _ Little league ball field
f. Tee ball field
g. Basketball
h. _ 4-square, hopscotch, hard court area
i. Horseshoes
J. _ Open play area
k. _ Sand volleyball court
I. Other
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATIONII