1. Chan Parks and Rec System Plan CC Meeting PacketHoisington Koegler Group Inc.
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Creating Places that Enrich People’s Lives
City of Chanhassen
Parks and Recreation System Plan
City Council
Monday, February 13, 2017
Meeting Purpose Update the City Council on the status of the Chanhassen Parks and Recreation
System Plan by reviewing the results from Tasks 1, 2 and 3. This includes the
first phase of community engagement, the system evaluation and needs
assessment, and a draft of the system plan Guiding Principles.
Background
The parks and recreation system planning process uses a series of tasks to develop the system plan
that will guide the City over the next 20 years. Over the last six months the consultant team has
worked with City Staff, the Advisory Committee, and the Parks and Recreation Commission to
complete Tasks 1, 2, and 3. Through these tasks we have gained an understanding of the current state
of the parks and recreation system; evaluated how Chanhassen compares to other communities
locally and nationally; and identified perceived needs for the system by the community. This
understanding from the system evaluation, needs assessment, and community input has been
summarized in the attached Key Findings. The community engagement process and our work with
the Advisory Committee has also facilitated the drafting of a set of Guiding Principles that will be used
to inform the development of specific goals, policies, and initiatives and ultimately a Parks and
Recreation System Plan in the upcoming final task.
System Evaluation
The system evaluation process provides an understanding of the state of the current parks and
recreation system, how it compares to other communities, and an analysis of future needs based on
projected growth. The foundation of the evaluation was a gap and distribution analysis of system
components. The gap analysis, which sought to identify residential areas that are not within a ½ mile
of a neighborhood park or 2 miles of a community park, found that the City has done a good job of
distributing parks so that most residential neighborhoods can easily and safely access a neighborhood
or community park. An area for future focus for park expansion will be on those areas in the south of
the community as they develop with medium and high density residential. The distribution analysis,
which evaluated whether there are areas underserved by specific recreational facilities, did not find
any significant areas of concern regarding the distribution of facilities like playgrounds, shelters, fields,
and courts.
In evaluating Chanhassen’s park and recreation system, the consultant team gathered and analyzed
data from Chaska, Cottage Grove, Elk River, Inver Grove Heights, Lino Lakes, Prior Lake, Rosemount,
Savage, Shakopee, and Stillwater. This analysis found the City is similar or higher than average in most
categories. While the City has slightly fewer parks than the average of the other communities, it does
have more overall park acreage and trail miles than other communities. In other areas, such as the
number of specific recreational facilities like playgrounds, courts, and fields, Chanhassen generally has
more facilities than the average of the other communities.
Memo
1.
Chanhassen Park and Recreation System Plan – City Council Update– February 13, 2017
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An evaluation of the community based on national standards found similar results with Chanhassen
having a sufficient number of facilities to serve its current and future population projections. A few
areas of consideration identified included that while the City has a sufficient number of diamond
(baseball/softball) and rectangular (soccer/la crosse, football) fields, many of the fields are smaller than
desired. It is also important to recognize that while the City is comparable to peer communities and
national standards, there still may be community needs that should be addressed.
Community Input
In the fall of 2016 a variety of community engagement activities were completed to gather input from
the community on the parks and recreation system. This included eight pop-up meetings, two
stakeholder meetings, three community surveys (general, recreation center, and senior center), and
the interactive website, Social Pinpoint. The recently completed National Citizen Survey also included
a few questions about the parks and recreation system. Overall, community response to the parks and
recreation system was generally positive. 80% of respondents of the community survey reported that
they visit the system at least once a week with the most visited components being trails,
neighborhood parks, and community parks. The summary of each of the surveys is attached for your
review, as is an overview of the detailed, geographic based comments that was provided in the input
gathered from the interactive website, Social Pinpoint. All the community input received to date has
been provided in the Community Engagement Appendix Chapter found on the Parks and Recreation
System Plan page on the City’s website. In addition to assisting with the system’s needs assessment,
the community input will be used in the development of specific recommendations.
Guiding Principles
As shown in the graphic below, we have recently completed the development of a draft set of Guiding
Principles to guide the future development of system plan recommendations. The Guiding Principles
were identified by the consultant team based on the community engagement input received and
discussions with the Parks and Recreation System Plan Advisory Committee in its first two meetings.
Draft Guiding Principle components were recently presented to the Advisory Committee and Parks
and Recreation Commission at a Joint Meeting. Input received assisted in the crafting of set of Guiding
Principles that has been shared and commented on by both bodies. As part of this update, input from
the City Council is being solicited on the Guiding Principles.
Chanhassen Park and Recreation System Plan – City Council Update– February 13, 2017
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Guiding Principles Overview
As the City of Chanhassen develops and changes over the course of the next 20 years, its Parks
and Recreation System must likewise evolve. New opportunities will present themselves, as will
new challenges. Sustaining a premier park and recreation system through this evolution will
require a shared community vision and set of guiding principles. The vision seeks to describe
how the community will look, feel, and function over the next 20 years. The community’s shared
vision identified in the city’s Comprehensive Plan, “Chanhassen is a Community for Life –
Providing for Today and Planning for Tomorrow,” captures the community’s intent of being a
desirable place to live, work, and recreate for all ages. Shaping the implementation of this
community vision specifically in the Parks and Recreation System is a set of four Guiding
Principles. These Principles provide an over-arching framework that informs the development of
specific goals, policies, and initiatives. They are also a tool for future decision-making, serving as
a yardstick to measure the results of this plan and the appropriateness of future initiatives.
Connectivity
Connectedness will be at the heart of Chanhassen’s Parks and Recreation System. The system
itself will be connected; its parks, preserves, and trails knitted together to create a network of
recreation and open spaces that reaches to every corner of the community. This network will
connect residents, neighborhoods, and destinations to one another, strengthening the
community and enabling all to enjoy safe, easy, and convenient travel throughout the
community and to neighboring cities. Likewise, the system’s facilities and programs will not only
connect residents to one another, but they also will connect residents to the outdoors and to
Chanhassen’s wealth of natural resources.
Engagement
Chanhassen’s Parks and Recreation system will welcome residents of all ages and all abilities,
enabling them to lead active, healthy lives in which they explore the outdoors, experience art
and culture, and engage with one another. Partnerships with private entities, neighborhood and
community organizations, athletic associations, user groups, businesses, and schools will create
a sense of shared ownership and pride across all segments of the community, leading to active
participation in system planning, operation, and maintenance. The system’s high quality
facilities and programs will be a source of community pride that inspires life-long discovery,
learning, and socializing.
Adaptable
As Chanhassen evolves, becoming a larger, more economically and culturally diverse
community, its Parks and Recreation System will remain adaptable in the way it responds to
new needs and challenges, and dynamic in its ability to deliver high-quality programs, facilities,
and services. Increased partnerships with groups, organizations, and businesses representing all
segments of the community will result in new and diverse sources of funding and an infusion of
new ideas, energy and enthusiasm. These partnerships will increase the system’s versatility,
enabling staff and volunteers to adjust to lifestyle changes, respond to new trends, and enhance
the system’s quality and efficiency.
Chanhassen Park and Recreation System Plan – City Council Update– February 13, 2017
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Stewardship
Stewardship will continue to be one of the hallmarks of Chanhassen’s Parks and Recreation
System. An extensive network of preserves gives residents the opportunity to explore and learn
about Chanhassen’s rich web of natural resources. Greater awareness of Chanhassen’s prairies,
wetlands, lakes, rivers, forests, and wildlife will lead to a greater understanding of the role those
resources play in making the community a great place. Chanhassen’s citizens embrace their role
as stewards of their city’s natural resources. They understand the need to conserve
Chanhassen’s natural resources so they will continue to enrich future generations, and they
advocate continuing to incorporate sustainability practices such as sustainable design, native
plant diversity, and ecological maintenance into the system’s planning and daily operations.
Next Steps
The next step in the parks and recreation system planning process is the development of detailed goals,
policies, and initiatives that form the foundation of the recommendations of the system plan. These
recommendations will be presented to the Advisory Committee and the Parks and Recreation
Commission in March. Community review of draft recommendations is anticipated to occur in April and
May.
123 North Third Street, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1659
Ph (612) 252-7140 Fx (612) 338-6838
Hoisington Koegler Group Inc.
City of Chanhassen Park & Rec System Plan
Needs Assessment: Key Findings
Parks
1. Chanhassen has a large number of park acres compared to other cities of similar
population. The City is still active in developing new parks, which should serve its
growing population well into the future. Future park development should be strategic to
address new development and currently underserved areas.
2. Accessibility to a park (neighborhood, regional, community, etc) is good. There are
pockets of low accessibility in the north and west due to the barriers of Lake Minnewashta,
major roads, and large lot residential development. Some of these areas are, and will
continue to be primarily served, by non-City facilities. In the south, accessibility is
reduced due to fewer parks, major roads, and neighborhoods of large lot residential
development. Consideration of park access in the south should occur as development of
low, medium or high density residential occurs. Overall in the City, additional tunnels
under busy roads would help improve park access.
3. Partnerships with school district have contributed positively to availability of facilities and
efficiency of operations.
4. There is interest in park amenities like permanent restrooms, shade, lighting, grills, wifi,
etc.
5. Picnic shelters are in high demand and rent out quickly.
Facilities (including Recreation Center & Senior Center)
1. There is interest from residents in improving small neighborhood parks with updated
facilities (basketball courts, playgrounds) that are falling apart or old.
2. Community parks are generally well used and well liked. Some residents feel that athletic
facilities could be enhanced and permanent restrooms should be added.
3. There is a desire for an improved, state of the art Recreation Center with indoor facilities
like a running/walking track, larger fitness center, indoor/outdoor pool, meeting spaces,
family activities, and additional fitness classes. Many residents say they use Recreation
Centers in Eden Prairie, Chaska, and Victoria because the Chanhassen Rec Center is not
up to par with their needs. Rec Center and Senior Center should be co-located to
improve overall usage and facility offerings.
4. Seniors appreciate the existing Senior Center offerings, but there is a desire for more
active programming, fitness facilities, and meeting space. Increased awareness of Senior
Center continues to be needed.
5. In comparison to other cities, Chanhassen meets or exceeds the amount of outdoor
facilities and fields. Athletic fields should be evaluated by field size and need for each size
in order to properly allocate fields at various parks. While in good shape, there are
improvements needed to better serve athletics, such as lighting, restrooms, etc.
Creative Solutions for Land Planning and Design
6. While an indoor skating/hockey rink is not provided in Chanhassen, there are rinks
available in Chaska (2), Victoria (2), Shakopee (1), Eden Prairie (3), and Minnetonka (4).
7. Chanhassen needs to continue to evaluate and respond to changing recreation trends
such as has occurred with pickleball and the off-leash dog area.
Open Spaces
1. Most residents are very happy with the amount of perceived natural open space
throughout the city.
2. There is an opportunity to improve connections to the City’s park preserves to address
interest in more natural play areas. While valued for their visual appeal, park preserves
are currently not widely used.
3. Residents want the city to acquire more natural open space (particularly around Lake
Ann) in order to preserve land, prevent future development within the City, and to
provide more natural trail corridors.
Programming
1. The city has good working relationships with recreation groups and associations, who do
a good job of providing a variety of programs.
2. The City provides introductory level athletic programming for very young children
(under 6) and team, league athletics (softball) for adults. There is a desire from some
residents that the young athletic programming be improved in terms of structure and
coaching.
3. Interest in more teen, adult, and senior programming in arts, fitness, and outdoor
education.
4. The City provides several holiday, themed, and summer concert events, which are well
attended by residents. There is interest in additional events in the parks, possibly
associated with “places” defined for those events.
5. Better facilities are desired for events, such as a kitchen.
6. There is a desire from many residents for the City to provide more programming, such as
aquatics, to meet the needs of those who can’t afford private facilities.
Trails
1. Most popular facility provided in community. Community’s 76 miles of trails is notable in
comparison to peer communities.
2. There is a strong desire to complete trail gaps, continue to expand the system, and to
improve crossings of busy, high traffic roads. High priority areas include the crossing of
Highway 5 and the completion of a trail around Lake Ann and Lake Lucy.
3. Safety issues need to be addressed on the trail system.
4. Interest in natural surface trails.
5. Ongoing maintenance, lighting to expand nighttime use, and winter access important.
Management and Operations
1. There are concerns about deferred maintenance issues, especially on trails and in small
neighborhood parks (playgrounds, basketball courts, hockey rinks).
2. Concerns about maintaining natural resources and lake water quality.
3. Recognition needed that ongoing investments will be needed to maintain the quality
system developed.
CHANHASSEN PARKS & RECREATION SYSTEM PLAN
Online Community Engagement Summary
Four different online engagement strategies were implemented
in order to reach as many demographics as possible. Three online questionnaires
captured public comments regarding the senior center, the recreation center, and the
parks and recreation system in general. The fourth online strategy involved an
interactive mapping software intended to collect geographic-based comments.
This summary includes a synopsis of some of the significant findings from all four
engagement techniques.
1 % never 34%
ever
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a
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4
8
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a
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e
k
1
0
%
o
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c
e
a
m
o
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How OftenRespondentsUtilize Chan Parks & Rec
8 % f e w t i m e s a y e a r
0%
100%
80%
52%
35%
75% 74%
72%
47%
29%
26%
66%
52%
21%
11%
6%
Popular FacilityUsagePopular ProgramUsage
neighborhood parks
trails
community parks
beaches
recreation center
preserves/natural areas
diamondelds
rectangularelds
ice skatingrinks
18% tenniscourts
6% pickleballcourts
communityevents
youthactivities
familyactivities
adulttness
adultpickleball
2
1
3
4
edenprairie
victoria
excelsior
chaska
Top 4 Destinations
For Non-Chan Parks &
Recreation Facilities
Top 3 Desired Facilities
natural play areas
75%
outdoor pool
60%
indoor pool
72%
Under 50% Needs Met Over 50% Needs Met Not Utilized
preserve/natural areas
youth sports and classes
trails
adult sports and classes
recreation center
0%20%40%60%80%100%
46%
21%17%
15%78%
44%14%
13%71%
31%23%
62%
42%
7%
16%
Top 5 Unmet Facility & Programming Needs
“While private rec facilities
should ll the gaps in
programming, something like an
outdoor swimming pool should be
seriously considered as a city run
facility. Lifetime is the only option
in the city and is not affordable for
all.”
“We are lacking in facilities to
support our population here. A
larger sports complex is needed.”
“Keep up the great work
and enhance our parks;
one of the main reasons
we live here.”
“Improving our existing rec
center would add value and
encourage pride in our
community. It should be a top
priority.”
Select General Comments
Importance of Additional Facilities & Programming
0%20%40%60%
50%
80%100%
moreprogramming 73%27%
tn ess classspace 73%27%
large meeting/event room 70%30%
indoor pool 39%61%
tn essequipment 39%61%
kitchen facility 40%60%
indoor track 44%56%
garden 64%36%
hot tub 26%74%
sport court 76%24%
theater 56%44%
café or coffeeshop 44%56%
Important Not Important
While all responses to the Senior Center survey were evaluated, only those from
respondents over the age of 60 were considered for the charts included in this infographic.
However, the comments included below are representative of all participating age groups.
1% never 34%
ever
y
d
a
y
4
8
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o
n
c
e
a
w
e
e
k
1
0
%
o
n
c
e
a
m
o
nth
SENIOR CENTER
Select General Comments
3 1 % n e v e r 1 % every day 33
%
o
n
c
e
a
w
e
e
k
1
1
%
o
n
c
e
a
m
o
n
t
h
2
4
%
f
e
w
t
i
m
e
s
a
y
e
a
r
How OftenRespondentsUtilize the SeniorCenter
40%
are unaware of it are not interested in whatit has to offer
24%
use a senior center inanother community
12%
Of Respondents That Never Use the Senior Center:
Other Popular Responses:
Women’s Club
Driver’s Safety Class
Chan-O-Laires
0%
60%
51%
42%
eld trip 29%
health orwellness program 4%woodcarving
art or educationclass
27%card playing
Existing Facility & Programming Usage
100%0%20%40%60%80%
Very Supportive Somewhat Supportive Not at All Supportive
Support For Senior Center Alternatives
build a new senior
center adjacent to therecreation center 35%40%25%
maintain the existing
senior center as it is 43%37%20%
relocate the senior
center to a new, largerfacility 37%48%15%
“I am proud of what
the existing Senior
Center offers in relation to programming but we
will be out growing the
facility with the shift in retirees. And we do
have a dynamic and
hard-working director
in Sue!!”
“From what I've seen, there
isn't much offered for Senior
Citizens that still work full-time. I would like to see
some programs offered
evenings or weekends.”
“As the population ages
Chanhassen needs a
viable senior center. The one we have is very small and does not have enough
programs. A theater and
art space are very important to me.”
“Please keep the bus
trips so we can get to
places we can't drive
to and that have limited parking.”
“The location of the Chanhassen Sr. Center
appears to be superb! It is easy to locate, access
for pleasure and emergencies if needed. If you
are considering a new community center please
include the senior's space: Chaska's community
center where all ages and all activities can
participate is the ultimate (even church studies,
meetings, etc.)”
This survey was geared toward people who utilize the Recreation Center’s
facilities and programming, regardless of whether or not they are a resident of
Chanhassen. All of the questions specifically pertain to the Recreation Center
rather than the park system as a whole.
RECREATION CENTER
2 0 % n e v e r 5 % every day 24
%
o
n
c
e
a
w
e
e
k
9
%
o
n
c
e
a
m
o
n
t
h
4
2
%
f
e
w
t
i
m
e
s
a
y
e
a
r
How OftenRespondentsUtilize the RecCenter
13%
are unaware of ituse private recreationfacilities
18%
are not interested in whatit has to offer
35%
use a recreation center inanother community
18%
Other Popular Responses:
Youth Sports
0%
50% 39%
35%
attended anevent 27%
utilized thetness center 22%
attendedopen gymopenpickleball
participated ina class
26% 16%
9%
hosted or attendeda meetinghosted or attendeda birthday party
Existing Facility & Programming Usage
“I hope it can expand, perhaps by
moving to a new building and
leaving the full building for an
expansion of Bluff Creek.”
“It is a very nice facility. I
exercise there 3 days a week.
The staff is friendly and helpful.”
“The rec center needs to ll the needs
of all community members. Currently,
I feel the programming has a focus on
children and families...”
“We would LOVE to go if you had
swimming lessons in an indoor
pool, and much more creative
classes to choose from (art, clay,
music, theater....)”
“More pickleball courts. As this sport
grows, so should the number of courts.”
“An indoor public pool and
walking track like Chaska Comm.
Center....the private clubs are so
costly!”
“We need an economical
alternative to the expensive and
overly busy Lifetime Fitness.
Doesn't need to be fancy but
something more like a YMCA or
the Chaska Community Center.”
50%
0%20%40%60%80%100%
Of Respondents That Never Use the Recreation Center:
Importance of Additional Facilities & Programming
running/walking track 85%15%
kitchen facilities inmeeting rooms 69%31%
additional technologyin meeting rooms (screen,projector, etc.)66%34%
senior center 56%44%
"health" snack bar 54%46%
a seasonal domedmulti-purpose e ld house 39%61%
more exercise/class studios 28%72%
larger tn essc enter 20%80%
indoor pool 19%81%
Select General Comments
Important Not Important
“Can Chanhassen and other cities
work to get a path all the way from 5
to downtown Excelsior?”
“The city already
has a future trail
connection
planned from
Lake Lucy to
Lake Ann Park.
Make it happen!”
identied trail gaps
22
“Bringing a full loop
path around Lake Ann
would be a huge
advancement in running
options for the city.”
identied missing facilities23
“More painted/
signed
crosswalks
would be nice
on Audubon as
there is lots of
fast moving
trafc.”“Consider adding a
shing dock accessible
from North Lotus Park.”
“[Southeast of Bluff Creek
Preserve] is another
wooded area that would be
nice to preserve in its
natural state and have
public access allowed.”
“We love the proposed
trails near Lake Lucy
and Lake Ann but do
not want any of
Prince's land to be
developed! Keep land
as a preserve!”
57
identied areasthey like
“I love [the] walking
path behind the High
School and how we
are maintaining the
natural area here.”
“The tunnel under 41 is a great way
to get to the Minnewashta trails.”
63 identied areasthat need work
“Need a safe
way to cross
Highway 5 at
Powers.
Underground
tunnel?”
“The trails around Lake Susan need
improvement. Very cracked, pitted, bumpy and
uneven. Have seen people trip and fall.”
“The Chanhassen Rec
Center is sub-standard
compared to other
adjacent towns. We could
denitely improve it. Aim
high, add an indoor
skating rink and a pool.”
SOCIAL PINPOINT
» The majority of comments across all categories were in reference to the trail
system
» While “Like it” contained a high number of responses, many were constructive as
well as positive, pointing out missing facilities, trail gaps, and potential
opportunities
» Many comments urged the City to maintain Prince’s land as natural, open space,
and suggested the only development be hiking or skiing trails
» Tunnels were highlighted as an important amenity for respondents, and many
expressed desire for more along Highway 5, especially in closer proximity to the
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Social Pinpoint is an online platform that helps users place
geographically-referenced comments in the following categories: “Like it,”
“Needs Work,” “Missing Facility,” and “Trail Gap.” This method of
engagement received almost 170 responses distributed throughout the City,
which can be seen on the map below. A selection of the most popular
comments are displayed ot the right by category.
Key Findings
1
2
3
4
Like It
Needs Work
Missing Facility
Trail Gap