Parks & Open Space Chapter of City's Comprehensive PlanCity of Chanhassen • 2030 Comprehensive Plan PARKS & oPen SPAce | 6 - 1
6 Parks & open Space
6.1 ~ IntRoductIon
Chanhassen’s Park and Recreation System is a source of community identity and pride and greatly
contributes to residents’ quality of life. The City has historically and will continue to place a strong
emphasis on parks and recreation. In the 2007 Citizen Survey, recreational opportunities were one
of the three highest rated characteristics of Chanhassen.
The Park and Recreation Section of the 2030 Comprehensive provides an overview and analysis
of the City’s existing system, identifies objectives and policies that will guide park and recreation
decision making through the year 2030, as well as identifying key initiatives that will complete and
enhance the current system.
6.1.1 Why Plan?
The City’s strong history of planning for parks and recreation has resulted in a balanced system of
active parks, passive natural areas, trails, and recreation programs that today is treasured by residents.
Planning over the next 25 years will be essential to completing and enhancing the existing system as
well as adapting it to changing recreation trends.
Park and recreation planning:
Serves as a formal way to express the community’s long-term values, vision of the future, and set 1.
clear objectives & policies.
Establishes the community’s priorities for the park and recreation system.2.
Accommodates change pro-actively vs. re-actively.3.
Ensures limited resources are applied toward a common purpose.4.
Maximizes the potential for partnerships with other organizations.5.
6.1.2 SyStem hiStory
The City’s park and recreation system is the result of almost 40 years of planning and City and
citizen commitment. In addition to adding parks and trails to the system in conjunction with
development, the community has supported major initiatives for park improvements throughout the
years.
6 - 2 | PARKS & oPen SPAce City of Chanhassen • 2030 Comprehensive Plan
Key Dates:
1969:1. The voters pass the City’s first bond referendum for parks resulting in the acquisition of
Lake Ann Park; the beginning of the neighborhood park system of tot lots and ball fields; and
preserving much of the community character that residents today still enjoy.
1988: 2. The voters pass a bond referendum for phase two of Lake Ann Park and the purchase of
park lands in the southern half of the City.
1996:3. The voters pass a bond referendum for the acquisition and improvement of the park
system resulting in: improvements in 18 parks system-wide; the construction of Bandimere
Community Park; the reconstruction of City Center Park; preservation of over 40 acres of open
space; and 7 miles of new community trails.
6.2 ~ exIStIng PARK And RecReAtIon SyStem
Today, Chanhassen’s park and recreation needs are met by a combination of: city parks; city trails and
sidewalks; school district facilities; private facilities; recreation programs; as well as regional parks,
trails, and recreation amenities. Figure 6-1 depicts the existing system and Figure 6-2 lists all park
and recreation facilities within Chanhassen.
6.2.1 exiSting City ParkS
Existing parks fall into four classifications: neighborhood parks, community parks, special use parks,
and preserves. Figure 6-2 lists each park by classification and Table 6-7 provides a description of
each park classification and standards for new parks.
Community Parks: 1. Chanhassen currently has 5 community parks. Bandimere Park in the
southern part of the City, City Center Park adjacent to City Hall, and Chanhassen Recreation
Center/Bluff Creek Elementary School in the northwest part of the City all have an emphasis on
active recreation with soccer and ball fields, play areas, and picnicking. Lake Susan Park and Lake
Ann Park also have an emphasis on active recreation and have public lake access.
Neighborhood Parks:2. There are currently 23 neighborhood parks throughout the City and 22
of these are City owned and operated. Cathcart Park is located within Chanhassen and acts as a
neighborhood park for residents north of Lake Minnewashta, but is owned and operated by the
City of Shorewood.
Special Use Parks:3. Olson Community Garden is the City’s sole special use park. The garden is
at the corner of Kerber Boulevard and Santa Vera Drive and is a ½ acre with 10’x10’ garden plots
that are rented to residents annually. The garden is extremely popular and is filled to capacity
each year.
Preserves: 4. The City currently owns 440 acres of open space protected in 12 preserve parks.
These areas encompass much of the Bluff Creek Corridor as well as other treasured wetland and
wooded areas.
City of Chanhassen • 2030 Comprehensive Plan PARKS & oPen SPAce | 6 - 3
Figure 6-1 Existing Parks and Recreation System
6 - 4 | PARKS & oPen SPAce City of Chanhassen • 2030 Comprehensive Plan
Figure 6-2: Existing Park Facilities
City of Chanhassen Park Land Acres OF
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Community Parks
Bandimere Community Park 35.7 �������
Chanhassen Recreation Center/ Bluff Creek Elementary School 20 �������������
City Center Park 2.74 ������������Skate park
Lake Ann Park 87.08 ������������������
Canoe rack,
horseshoes,
reservations picnic sites, charcoal grills
Lake Susan Park 47.52 ������������������
Archery, canoe rack, reservations picnic sites, charcoal grills
Neighborhood Parks
Bandimere Heights Park 3.8 ���������
Carver Beach Park 6.3 ���������grills
Carver Beach Playground 1.74 �������
Chanhassen Estates Park 0.97 �����
Chanhassen Hills Park 7.62 �����������
Curray Farms Park 6.82 ���������Sliding hill
Greenwood Shores Park 3.26 ������Charcoal grills
Herman Field Park 11.65 �������
Kerber Pond Park 27.21 ����
Meadow Green Park 21.6 �����������Charcoal grills
Minnewashta Heights Park 1.62 �����
North Lotus Lake Park 19.78 ��������������Charcoal grills
Pheasant Hill Park 10.87 ����������
Power Hill Park 21.57 ����������
Prairie Knoll Park 3.88 ������
Rice Marsh Lake Park 3.51 ������������Charcoal grills
Roundhouse Park 8.29 �����������Roundhouse
South Lotus Lake Park 7.42 ���������
Stone Creek Park 9.31 �����
Sugarbush Park 4.92 ��������
Sunset Ridge Park 9.46 ��������
Preserves
Chanhassen Nature Preserve 105.62
Bluff Creek Headwaters Preserve 48.9 ���
Bluff Creek Preserve 42.28 ���
Bluff Creek Preserve, North 10.85 ���
Hesse Farm Park Preserve 17.11 ��
Hidden Creek Meadows 7.02 ��
Lake Riley Preserve 1.46 Undeveloped future lake access
Lake Susan Preserve 55.29 ���
Pinehurst 5.94 �
Pinehurst at Lake Harrison 34.68 �
Site of future
neighborhood park
Pleasant View Preserve 6.84 ��
Rice Marsh Lake Preserve 68.43 ��
Unnamed Park Preserve 37.12 ��
Special Use Parks
Olson Community Garden 0.41 Garden plots
Non-City Facilities
Cathcart Park 4.55 ���������
City of Shorewood
owned
DNR Land �
Minnewashta Regional Park 329.68 ���������
Concessions, future
off leash dog area
MN Landscape Arboretum 674.12
University of
Minnesota
MN Valley National Wildlife Re 62.03
Raguet Wildlife Management Are 187.96
Private Golf Courses
Bluff Creek Golf Course 227.19
Golf Zone 98.14
Halla Greens 45.28
City of Chanhassen • 2030 Comprehensive Plan PARKS & oPen SPAce | 6 - 5
6.2.2 non-City reCreation FaCilitieS
Lake Minnewashta Regional Park:1. This 330 acre park, on the east side of Lake Minnewashta,
is part of the Regional Park system and is owned and operated by Carver County with funding
from the Metropolitan Council. Facilities include: lake access, a fishing pier, picnicking, sand
volleyball, a swimming beach and trails. Future plans include a new off-leash dog area.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: 2. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a 1,000 acre facility
675 acres of which are located in Chanhassen near the City’s western boundary. The Arboretum
is a unit of the University of Minnesota and is a public botanical garden and an education and
research institution. It features display gardens and exhibits, model landscapes, restored native
landscapes, plant research plots as well as extensive plant collections, hiking and cross country
skiing trails. Educational offerings include children’s programs, family activities, adult education,
therapeutic horticulture, and the Anderson Horticultural Library. The Arboretum hosts several
public festivals every year as well.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge:3. There are approximately 60 acres of the
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge within the City. The refuge was established in 1976
to provide habitat for migratory waterfowl, fish and other wildlife species. Today the Refuge
comprises of 14,000 acres stretching 45 Miles from Fort Snelling State Park to Bell Plain,
Minnesota. While some areas of the refuge have trails and interpretive signs, there are no public
recreation facilities in Chanhassen.
Raguet Wildlife Management Area (WMA):4. The Raguet Wildlife Management Area
encompasses 270 acres, 190 of which are located in Chanhassen. The WMA is entirely within
the floodplain of the Minnesota River. Natural communities include floodplain forest, wetland
areas and grassland. The management emphasis is maintaining and improving habitat for
wetland species and providing public hunting opportunities.
DNR Land: 5. The DNR owns an 8 acre
parcel of land on the east side of Lotus Lake.
At this time, this land is preserved as open
space and there are no recreational facilities.
Golf Courses: 6. There are three privately
owned Golf Courses within Chanhassen, all
located south of Pioneer Trail. Bluff Creek
Golf Course is a 228 acre 18 hole course,
Hall Greens is a 45 acre 9 hole course and
the Golf Zone is approximately 100 acres
just north of the Raguet WMA and includes
an all-weather driving range, putting and
chipping greens, a 9 hole course, and a 18
hole putting course.
Camp Tanadoona:7. Camp Tanadoona was
started by the Minneapolis Camp Fire Girls Lake Susan Park Trail
6 - 6 | PARKS & oPen SPAce City of Chanhassen • 2030 Comprehensive Plan
in 1924 and consists of 63 acres of land on Lake Minnewashta, south of Lake Minnewashta
Regional Park. Today the camp serves both boys and girls and offers overnight and day camps.
6.2.3 trailS and SideWalkS
City Trails and Sidewalks: 1. The City has put significant effort into establishing trails and
sidewalks over the last 10 years resulting in an 80 mile city-wide system that connects
neighborhoods to parks, schools, commercial and civic destinations, and connects to the trail
systems in adjacent communities. The City is also committed to providing pedestrians and
cyclists safe crossings of major roads and today there is a pedestrian bridge over Highway 5 and
are several underpasses city-wide (Figure 6-1). There are some unpaved nature trails in preserve
parks as well.
Regional Trails:2. The Southwest Hennepin LRT Regional Trail consists of two trail corridors,
both of which travel through Chanhassen. The north corridor is known as Lake Minnetonka
LRT Regional Trail and travels from Hopkins to Victoria along the northwest city boundary.
The south corridor is known as Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail and travels from
Hopkins to Chanhassen through the southern part of the City with a parking area and trail head
off of Bluff Creek Drive. Both trails are crushed limestone. The trail corridors were acquired by
the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA) for future light rail transit use. A
cooperative agreement between HCRRA and Three Rivers Park District allows the corridors to
be used for interim recreational purposes.
Much of Highway 101 Regional Trail is complete within Chanhassen. Today, the trail travels
about 5 miles from Pleasant View Road south to County Highway 14.
6.2.4 reCreation ProgramS
The City of Chanhassen offers a range of recreation programs for all
ages. These currently include: crafts, dance, and sports for preschool
aged children; crafts, sports, self defense, ski and snowboard and dance
programs for youth; programs serving individuals with developmental
disabilities and their families; fitness and sports programs for adults;
and educational programs, swimming, clubs, field trips, meal and
driving programs for seniors.
The Chanhassen Recreation Center provides the community with
year round indoor and outdoor recreational facilities. The Recreation
Center is a focal point for many of the City’s community events and
recreational activities and programs. The staff at the Recreation Center
takes pride in providing a fun and friendly atmosphere for people of all
ages at an affordable price. Facilities at the Recreation Center include
a gymnasium, fitness room, aerobics/dance studio, five meeting rooms,
and outdoor ball fields, tennis courts, and hockey rinks.
Tennis Lessons
City of Chanhassen • 2030 Comprehensive Plan PARKS & oPen SPAce | 6 - 7
Figure 6-3: Metropolitan Council Population Forecasts
Year Population Households
1990 11,732 4,016
2000 20,321 6,194
Growth Forecasts
2010 27,500 10,200
2020 34,500 12,800
2030 38,000 14,800
6.3 ~ ASSeSSIng FutuRe needS
6.3.1 PoPulation
Demand for parks and recreation is closely linked to population. The Metropolitan Council
forecasts that the City will add 7,886 households and increase in population by 17,679 between
the years 2000 and 2030 (Figure 6-3). This increase in population will certainly result in an overall
increase in park and trail needs.
Figure 6-4: Park Needs Based on Population
Population standards act as a general guideline for the minimum number of park acres per 1,000
people. These standards are one method of assessing needs and are applied to both neighborhood
and community park lands. Preserve areas are not assessed since these areas typically encompass
natural features which vary greatly from community to community and no standard exists.
Chanhassen uses standards of 5 acres/1,000 people for neighborhood
parks and 7acres/1,000 people for community parks. The standards are
applied in Figure 6-4. Analysis shows that the City currently has enough
parkland to meet anticipated needs through 2010, that by 2020 there will
be a 12 acre shortfall in community park space, and by 2030 a 37 acre
shortfall in community park space and a 2 acre shortfall in neighborhood
park space. Therefore City should explore opportunities for additional
community park land and continue to add to the neighborhood park
network as new residential areas are developed.
Age is also an indicator of what types of recreation facilities will be
needed. Youth tend to participate in organized athletics while older
people are more interested in trail oriented activities such as biking, in-
line skating, jogging and walking. Year 2000 U.S. Census data (Figure
6-5) shows large segments of the population in two age groups, under 19
Standard Year 2010 Year 2020 Year 2030
Component
Acres/1,000
people
Existing
Acres*
Estimated Acreage
Needed
Surplus/
Shortfall
Estimated Acreage
Needed
Surplus/
Shortfall
Existing
Acres
Surplus/
Shortfall
Neighborhood Park 5 188 137.5 50.5 172.5 15.5 190 -2
Community Park 7 229 192.5 36.5 241.5 -12.5 266 -37
* includes shared school/park sites, excluding approximate acreage for exclusive school use
Figure 6-5:
Year 2000 Census Data
Age
Year
2000
Under 5 2,020
5-9 2,227
10-19 3,086
20-29 1,492
30-39 4,291
40-49 4,006
50-59 1,860
60-69 750
70-79 447
80+142
Total 20,321
6 - 8 | PARKS & oPen SPAce City of Chanhassen • 2030 Comprehensive Plan
Figure 6-6: Park Service Areas
City of Chanhassen • 2030 Comprehensive Plan PARKS & oPen SPAce | 6 - 9
years and age 30-50, indicating a prevalence of families
with children. As these populations age, the City will
likely continue to see demand for youth sports and see
the demand for more passive activities such as trails
and natural areas increase. Assuming that much of
the forecasted new population growth will be young
families with children, demand for current facilities is
likely to remain strong. When planning park facilities
it is important to keep in mind that neighborhoods and
communities go though life-cycle changes and parkland
must be varied and versatile so the system can adapt as
recreation and demographic trends shift.
6.3.2 Park ServiCe areaS
Community Parks: 1. Community parks provide
opportunities for community-wide recreation and
typically serve a 1-2 mile area. Chanhassen’s 5
community parks are distributed throughout the City
and most residents live within an easy drive or bike of
a community park. As previously mentioned, based on
population, there is an anticipated shortfall in community park land after 2020. Since most of
the new residential growth is anticipated to occur in two areas; south of Lyman Boulevard and
on the west side of Lake Ann, it makes sense to look for new community park sites these areas.
Neighborhood Parks: 2. Neighborhood parks
provide recreation close to where people live
and Chanhassen uses the standard that most
residents should live within walking distance of a
neighborhood park. Walking distance is measured
by a ½ mile radius free of barriers such as major
roads and large water bodies. Because community
parks often act as neighborhood parks for the
people living in close proximity, a ½ mile radius
is applied to both neighborhood and community
parks to identify any gaps in service. Areas
highlighted in yellow in Figure 6.6 are existing
or planned future neighborhoods (based on the
2030 Land Use Plan) that have gaps in service.
As shown in Figure 6.6, the northeastern part
of the City is well served by parks and but there
are some gaps. In order to maintain the ½ mile
radius walking distance, additional neighborhood
parks should be considered in these areas. The City
already owns the land for, but has yet to develop, Riley Creek
Photo Courtesy of Larry Baier/Chanhassen Villager
6 - 10 | PARKS & oPen SPAce City of Chanhassen • 2030 Comprehensive Plan
two neighborhood parks north of Highway 5. Developing these parks would eliminate most
service gaps in the north part of the city. The area south of future Highway 212, west of CR10
1and north of Pioneer Trail is within ½ mile of Bandimere Park, but is shown as a gap in service
because residents must cross a CR101, a major road, to get to the park. If a centrally located safe
crossing of CR101 is established, Bandimere Community Park would serve as a neighborhood
park for this area. Where there are other service gaps in the southern part of the City, additional
neighborhood parks should be considered as residential development occurs.
South of Pioneer Trail, rural development patterns are dominant. Though this area is not well
served by neighborhood parks, the low population densities coupled with ownership of large lots,
on which residents often build facilities suited to their individual needs (small play structures,
basketball hoops, pools, tennis courts, horses, open space etc.) make the need for neighborhood
parks low.
Preserves:3. Preserve areas are located where there are important natural resources that should be
protected. One of the main initiatives of the 2020 comprehensive plan was to preserve open
space and natural resources. As a result of these efforts, the City now has 440 acres of preserve
land and has protected much of the Bluff Creek Corridor. There are a few key important and
treasured natural areas in the City remain unprotected. These include: some areas within the
Bluff Creek Corridor; the west shore of Lake Ann; and the Seminary Fen.
6.3.3 trendS
Trends also play an important part in the type of facilities a community needs. Since trends shift
though time, the park system should be assessed at regular intervals to insure facilities and programs
based on current desires. Current trends influencing recreation in Chanhassen include:
Active Living: 1. Awareness is growing for the health benefits associated with active lifestyles
and exercise. Studies have shown that when people have access to parks, they exercise more!
Incorporating parks, trails, and natural areas into the community supports increased play,
exercise, walking and biking which can improve residents’ physical, psychological and social
health. This keeps the community fit and healthy.
Compressed Leisure Time: 2. People work more and have ever busier lifestyles resulting in the
desire to have activities and facilities close to home, shorter program time commitments, passive
park spaces, and individual non-programmed opportunities.
Environmental Awareness:3. There is an increased awareness and sensitivity to the environment,
natural resources and stainability as well as more interest in open space preservation and natural
and interpretive programs.
Interest in the Arts:4. There increased interest in public art, arts education, and theater.
Aging Population:5. As the baby boomer generation ages, more and more people are participating
in recreation at older ages and there is an increased demand for less active outdoor recreation like
golf courses, trails, benches, gardens, art culture and history.
City of Chanhassen • 2030 Comprehensive Plan PARKS & oPen SPAce | 6 - 11
Multi-dimensional Recreation:6. People want recreational opportunities to combine interests in
recreation, socialization, environment and education.
Recreational Programming: 7. Participation in organized athletics and recreational programs is
increasing, particularly after-school and summer programming.
Quality vs. Quantity: 8. People are willing to travel for higher quality recreational facilities vs.
using lesser facilities close to home or work.
Trails: 9. Interest in active living, walkable communities, commuting alternatives, and aging
populations have all contributed to the continued demand for public trails.
Dog Parks:10. Controlled off-leash dog parks are exploding in popularity and offer opportunities
for human and canine socialization.
Community Gardens: 11. Community gardens are increasing in popularity not only for people with
limited yard space but also with people who live in single family homes who enjoy the social
atmosphere.
Disc Golf:12. Disc Golf is a fast growing sport that is played by people of all ages. It is played on a
marked course with special golf discs, similar to Frisbees. Throws start from a tee area toward a
basket mounted on a pole. As players progress down the fairway, they make their next shot from
where their previous throw landed.
Lacrosse: 13. As lacrosse becomes more popular, cities are seeing increased requests for field time and
space.
6.3.4 Summary oF antiCiPated needS
Based on analysis of the existing system, anticipated population growth, the 2030 Land Use Plan,
and current demographic, lifestyle, and recreation trends the following observations can be made
regarding future park needs:
Based on anticipated population growth, there will be more demand for parks and recreation of 1.
all kinds. Though the City currently has enough community park space to meet current needs,
by 2030 there will be an almost 40 acre shortfall in community park space. This indicates the
need to look for opportunities to expand existing community parks and/or to search for an
additional community park site of about 40 acres with a focus on active sports and athletic fields.
Based on both population growth and land use patterns, additional neighborhood parks will be 2.
needed in a few key locations. These should be built along with new residential development. In
the case of the area across CR101 from of Bandimere Community Park, a safe crossing of 101
would make Bandimere Community Park more accessible and serve as a neighborhood park for
those residents.
There are some gaps in neighborhood park service north of Highway 5. The City already owns 3.
land for and should develop two neighborhood parks to serve these neighborhoods.
6 - 12 | PARKS & oPen SPAce City of Chanhassen • 2030 Comprehensive Plan
Demographic and recreation trends indicate that there will continue to be interest in expanding 4.
the City’s trail system for both recreation, fitness and bicycle/walking proposes.
Lifestyle trends such as active living, increased interest in recreation programs, environmental 5.
awareness, and aging population will influence the types of amenities and programs the City will
be called upon to provide over the next 25 years.
The City should look to incorporating facilities into its system for emerging sports such as disc 6.
golf and lacrosse and add community garden space.
Increased interest in places for passive recreation, open space protection and environmental 7.
education and sustainability all support the need for continued City leadership in protecting
Chanhassen’s the remaining important natural areas.
Interest in creating an arts council and community theater should be explored.8.
6.4 ~ 2030 SyStem PlAn
Thanks to a strong history of planning for and support of parks and recreation, the City currently
has complete and balanced recreation system that is well used and a source of community pride. The
Park and Recreation system’s focus over the next 25 years will be to acquire and build the key park,
trail, and open space amenities that will complete and fine tune the system. Since the community
is likely to become fully developed over the next 25 years, this time period may be one of the last
opportunities to acquire park and recreation lands.
Funding new park and recreation initiatives and maintaining and improving the existing system will
continue to be a challenge. The City will continue to maintain and improve the system by acquiring
new park land though the Park Dedication Requirements in the Subdivision Ordinance, encouraging
open space protection through the Planned Unit Development Ordinance and Bluff Creek Overlay
District, and using money from the general fund. In addition, the City should continue to explore
other funding tools such as partnerships with other organizations; encouraging voluntary donation
of land or easements; development of facilities that generate a revenue; and voter approved bonds
or taxes.
The plan is divided into three sections: Park Classifications and Standards define standards for new
parks; Objectives and Policies are intended to act as a general guide for decisions regarding the park
and recreation system and provide a means for evaluating future efforts; and Park and Recreation
Initiatives that will complete and fine tune the system.
6.4.1 Park ClaSSiFiCationS and StandardS
Chanhassen’s parks are classified according to their use and function. Figure 6-7 defines the
classifications and outlines standards for new parks. The classification system is intended to act as a
general guide to park planning, acquisition, and use and are designed to assure that residents have
convenient access to parks and the community has a range of active and passive recreation facilities
to meet current and future needs. Active recreation refers to sports like baseball, softball, soccer,
City of Chanhassen • 2030 Comprehensive Plan PARKS & oPen SPAce | 6 - 13
ParkClassification Use Service Area Size Site
Neighborhood
Park
Provides opportunities for informal recreation close to
home. Developed primarily for unstructured active recreation
such as field games, court games, play equipment, and
skating
1/4-1/2 mile radius, free of major
barriers such as roads, lakes or
wetlands. Serves a population of 4,000
to 5,000
10-25 acres
Easily accessible to neighborhood residents Safe walking and biking access on trail networks. Site should have well-drained soils and not have
excessively steep slopes.
Preserve Park
Protects natural resources and provides residents with access
to existing natural areas close to home.
Community - wide
according to natural resource patterns Varies
Encompasses existing natural
areas. Safe walking and biking access on trail networks. Areas
that are not ecologically sensitive should be included to
accommodate desired park development.
Community Park
Area of natural or ornamental quality for outdoor recreation
such as walking, viewing and picnicking; and may contain
areas for intense recreational facilities such as athletic fields.
1-2 mile service
radius, or more serving a
population of 12,000-20,000
25-50 acres
Site should be suited for community use, be easily
accessible to the population it is intended to serve. Located near
high traffic areas such as schools and major
thoroughfares.
Special Use
Park
Specialized use areas such as public golf courses, water
access, community gardens and other specialized recreation
uses
Community - wide Varies Site specific
Figure 6-7: Park Classification System and Standards
basketball and tennis. Passive recreation refers to activities such as picnicking, nature study, walking,
and bird watching.
6.4.2 Park and reCreation SyStem initiativeS
While the objectives and policies offer broad guidelines for park and recreation system development,
the following initiatives have been identified by City Staff, the Park and Recreation Commission,
and citizens as key to completing the system and improving existing facilities to meet needs today
and over the next 25 years. Numbered initiatives correspond to efforts depicted in Figure 6-8.
Parks and Recreation Facilities:
Expand Lake Ann Park to create a premier community park. Expansion of the park would P-1.
incorporate natural woodlands west of Lake Ann and would preserve views across the lake,
protect wildlife habitat, and preserve the community’s natural heritage. The expansion
would also allow for a loop trail around Lake Ann and a connection to Lake Lucy.
Create a new ball field complex to meet demands created by increasing population.P-2.
Create neighborhood parks in the general locations identified on Figure 6-8 along with P-3.
new development.
6 - 14 | PARKS & oPen SPAce City of Chanhassen • 2030 Comprehensive Plan
Figure 6-8: Future Park & Recreation Initiatives
City of Chanhassen • 2030 Comprehensive Plan PARKS & oPen SPAce | 6 - 15
Explore possible expansion of the Recreation Center to provide additional gym space and P-4.
an indoor ice rink.
Improve the ball field at Lake Susan Community Park.P-5.
Identify possible locations for a disc golf course. P-6.
Explore expansion of the Senior Center.P-7.
Expand ball field parking in north lot at Chanhassen Elementary.P-8.
Consider possible alternatives for the future of Bluff Creek Golf Course.P-9.
Create a rain garden by boat launch area in Lake Ann Park.•
Explore opportunities for an outdoor amphitheater for community productions.•
Look for additional community garden locations.•
Preserve Parks
Expand the nature preserve south of the new Highway 212 to preserve natural heritage, t-10.
enhance community image from the new Highway 212, create a variety of park types
experience for residents in the southern half of the City, and to buffer future residential
development from highway impacts. Explore the possibility of building a community
nature center in the preserve and provide trail access.
Continued commitment of resources to complete Bluff Creek Corridor.t-11.
Engage in cooperative efforts with other government agencies to protect Seminary Fen.t-12.
Trails
Complete the trail network according to the trail plan depicted in Figure 6-8 with emphasis t-13.
on the following key segments:
Loop trail around Lake Ann and trail connections form Lake Ann Park to Lake t-1a.
Lucy and Galpin Blvd..
Connect the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and Lake Minnewashta Regional t-1B.
Park
Create a loop Trail around Rice Marsh Laket-1C.
Complete the Bluff Creek Trailt-1d.
Completion of the trail along Lyman Blvd..t-1e.
Connections to the Minnesota River Valleyt-1F.
Support regional trail efforts: Highway 101 regional trail; Twin Cities and Western t-1g.
Regional Trail; Highway 5 Regional Trail.
Explore additional grade separated trail/sidewalk crossings:t-14.
Overpass of railroad tracks into the Historic downtownt-2a.
Highway 5 in the downtown areat-2B.
Intersection of Highway 5 and Highway 41t-2C.
Underpass at Highway 41 into Lake Minnewashta Regional Parkt-2d.
Overpass/Underpass at 212/101 at LRT Trail.t-2e.
Underpass at CR101 to Bandimere Community Park.t-2F.
6 - 16 | PARKS & oPen SPAce City of Chanhassen • 2030 Comprehensive Plan
Recreational Programming
Create an Arts Council and Community Theater.•
6.5 ~ goAlS And PolIcIeS
The overarching goal of the park and recreation system is to provide park and recreational facilities
and programs to reasonably meet the City’s needs and promote a sense of community. The objectives
cover the main elements needed to support the goal and polices provide further explanation and
direction.
Goal:1. Provide a balanced park system which includes neighborhood parks, community parks,
special use facilities, preserve areas, regional facilities and schools.
Policies:
Provide neighborhood and community parks according to standards outlined in Figure 6-7 •
and as depicted in Figure 6-8.
Ensure all residents have equitable access to park and recreation facilities at the community, •
neighborhood, and individual park level.
Preserve open space areas that typify the City’s natural heritage and/or are ecologically sensitive.•
Goal:2. Create a city-wide trail and sidewalk system that connects neighborhoods to parks,
schools, and other community destinations.
Policies:
Connect the community with trails and sidewalks according to the trail plan depicted in •
Figure 6-8.
Create trail connections from new development to parks and the city-wide trail system.•
Evaluate trail/road crossings for safety and continue to provide grade separated crossings •
where demand and need warrants it.
Abandoned right-of-way should be reserved for recreational purposes.•
Support regional trail efforts. •
Goal:3. Provide leadership in environmental conservation and demonstrate sustainable
development and building practices.
Policies:
Preserve open space areas that typify the City’s natural heritage and/or are ecologically •
sensitive.
City of Chanhassen • 2030 Comprehensive Plan PARKS & oPen SPAce | 6 - 17
Consider preservation of other remnant natural area as opportunities arise.•
Provide leadership in demonstrating sustainable building and development practices in •
parks such as rain gardens, pervious pavement, native plantings, and others.
Consider limiting size of motors on lakes (gradual reduction in max size).•
Goal:4. Explore and implement strategies to supplement the City’s capacity to expand and
maintain the park and recreation system.
Policies:
Identify and explore community partnerships with private organizations, local businesses, •
other public agencies, and athletic organizations.
Explore the development of facilities that generate revenue, as opportunities arise. •
Encourage property owners who are potentially interested in donating or granting voluntary •
and permanent conservation easements on their land.
Consider direct purchase of land when critical opportunities emerge using the park land •
dedication fund or other funding, e.g. general revenues, unrestricted money, grants or
loans. Negotiations for the acquisition of park, trail, and preserve land should be based
on appraisals by qualified appraisers. Reasonable efforts shall be made to acquire land by
negotiated purchase before utilization of the power of eminent domain.
Consider seeking voter approval to issue bonds or levy a tax for the acquisition and •
improvement of park and trails.
Goal:5. Plan for parks and recreation to proactively anticipate and meet community needs.
Policies:
The City should update and adopt the Parks and Recreation section of the comprehensive •
plan at least every five years. An annual assessment of programs, identified needs and the
capital improvement program should be conducted.
The location, design, use and impact of recreation facilities should be compatible with and •
enhance the environment both the site and surrounding area and be consistent with the
City’s overall land use plan.
Encourage participation by community groups and citizens in the planning for and •
development of park and open space facilities.
Where possible, park and trail lands should be planned prior to and created in conjunction •
with development to ensure that future facility demands can be met.
6 - 18 | PARKS & oPen SPAce City of Chanhassen • 2030 Comprehensive Plan
Goal: 6. Provide the opportunity for all community residents to participate in recreational
activities .
Policies:
Provide programs for all age groups and a variety of interests at a variety of times.•
Incorporate arts and theatre programming into the park and recreation system.•
Evaluate programs annually to ensure they are meeting resident needs and interests.•