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4. 2030 Comprehensive Plan - Natural Resources & Parks & Open Space CITY OF CHANHASSEN 7700 Market Boulevard PO Box 147 Chanhassen, MN 55317 Administration Phone: 952.227.1100 Fax: 952.227.1110 Building Inspections Phone: 952.227.1180 Fax: 952.227.1190 Engineering Phone: 952.227.1160 Fax 952.227.1170 Finance Phone: 952.227.1140 Fax: 952.227.1110 Park & Recreation Phone: 952.227.1120 Fax: 952.227.1110 Recreation Center 2310 Coulter Boulevard Phone: 952.227.1400 Fax: 952.227.1404 Planning & Natural Resources Phone: 952.227.1130 Fax: 952.227.1110 Public Works 1591 Park Road Phone: 952.227.1300 Fax: 952.227.1310 Senior Center Phone: 952.227.1125 Fax 952.227.1110 Web Site www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us -I [i] MEMORANDUM TO: Planning Commission FROM: Kate Aanenson AlC? Community Development Director DATE: October 2, 2007 SUBJ: Public Hearing on the 2030 Comprehensive Plan: Chapter 5 - Natural Resources Chapter 6 - Parks and Open Space Chapters BACKGROUND After reviewing the preliminary draft of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, the document will be submitted for jurisdictional review which includes State and County agencies, school districts, surrounding cities and the general public. The Metropolitan Council requires a six-month comment period on the plan. Over the next three months, the Planning Commission will hold public hearings on specific chapters. The City held two open houses in June to receive comment on the comprehensive plan. Notice of the October 2nd public hearing was published in the Chanhassen Vi lIager on September 20, 2007. ANAL YSlS Attached are Chapter 5 - Natural Resources and Chapter 6 - Parks and Open Space. The City Forester and Park and Recreation Director will be presenting a summary of these chapters. The Planning Commission should also pm1icipate and direct discussion on the chapters being presented. RECOMMENDA TION Staff recommends that following staff presentation of their chapters, the Planning Commission open the public hearing and receive comments, and then close the public hearing. These comments and responses will be compiled and presented at the final public hearing on December 4,2007. At that meeting, the Planning Commission will forward their recommendation on the entire 2030 Comprehensi ve Plan to the Ci ty Counci I. g:\plan\2008 camp plan\pc memo IO-2-07.doc The City of Chanhassen · A growing community with clean lakes, quality schools, a charming downtown, thriving businesses, winding trails, and beautiful parks. A great place to live, work, and play. I 1 I 5 Natural Resources 5.1 ~ INTRODUCTION The City of Chanhassen recognizes the importance of its natural environment to the quality of life for its citizens and the need to protect and enhance these resources. This chapter of the Comprehensive Plan outlines the accomplishments, challenges and future goals for the city's natural resources. As development places further pressures on the city's resources, challenges and limitations will need to be met head-on with creativity and a commitment to a community privileged with environmental assets. Proper management of the natural environment will also be vital in maintaining the value of these resources. While there will be constraints and obstacles to implementing any program or policy pertaining to the environment, Chanhassen acknowledges the necessity and importance of its natural resources. Past experience proves that multiple jurisdictions, time constraints, and funding constraints do not necessarily discourage or limit progress in the natural resources agenda. Nor should the community's natural resources deter appropriate and sustainable development. Rather, the two should serve to complement one another to create a balanced community with a high quality of life for all residents. Sustainability in natural resources and development will be crucial to preserving and enhancing the environmental amenities of this community. The long-term impacts of both should be weighed, considered and integrated into all future development. Only by retaining the valued environmental qualities will the City be able to sustain this component of the high quality of life experienced by Chanhassen residents. This chapter should reRect the City's commitment to the utilization, conservation, management, and preservation of its natural resources. 5.2 ~ NATURAL COMMUNITIES . ".= I" '...i.. . ',l'!iI l' ,:~i~ I Mi ~ ~1'.~V . . .fl'~~.to.;t.~ ~ ~ '" . . "'t~ I ~.'_:_~ ~ ' '. ! i~' 'n.~ ~... ~. .~ . !~, ". '<'-:!~. . ,~. t ~'\i. :tl!)'i: :~f. ' - :'\fHt t !~L "; 'Jl [" ..". i$. >"1;" ',: ,1>:; ~ ;r" f~ ~'~ ' J ;- ~ ';(.;j : ,r.~,( t-c .;,,~ :;W'., ~~~,~~. ~ . .. '~'. ~ ~~.,~ i ~ ' f . ~:1~, ~~ .\! ~ ;;; *}~",i;{~'~~':~ ,.Ie :>? Jf,'}' ~ " ~~~:' ~,~, ",,:-<-:- 'I~ 1.'\:"" 4:'~~!:i' .... , ~ i 'f'. 'I" .., J;" t. ,j ''':.,. -.",.. it'J:. . .~-:,.:~: -'I ~ ; ~ .. ~, ,",.~: ~ ' - . . ~ ~ . ~ - '! ., j' '~.... ." .i~' ;-..1 11 ~:-'l\i<"'> .,-'_. ,'~:"1"~" i ~~~~:~,;" , . ' " -F~'.:,.""'r) .." .~ ~~~~! ~~ . <,,~<;,;;~,~;;l,~~ ~'::'--;'::'7~~t" ---- "~;.. Within the City of Chanhassen, a variety of natural communities exist from lowland forests and deciduous woodlands to bluffs, restored prairies, wetlands, lakes, rivers, and streams. Each of these communities is comprised of unique components as well as shared qualities. Because of their value related to both their individuality and their interconnectedness, Chanhassen strives to preserve and protect this variety of environments and ensure that they are well-managed Restored Sugar Maple-Basswood Forest and protected in perpetuity where possible. As the City of Chanhassen's developed area expands, existing natural communities will face the threat of elimination or restrictions of their physical area. Forests, prairies and other undeveloped lands add to the community by providing scenic vistas, vital habitat and natural beauty appreciated by residents, businesses, and trail and park users. .~~~ ~',~ :-,' ~ .. \, ~ u~...~t~. ".-r...." City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan NATURAL RESOURCES I 5 - I In Chanhassen, there are currently many acres of undeveloped public land. Some of this property is located within existing parks while the rest is comprised of random tracts of land not in named parks or official public sites. The highest quality and largest areas have been acquired through purchase or dedication and this procedure will need to continue to preserve other vital areas as the City develops. This is especially true of the Seminary Fen where eight rare native plants were documented as present in a plant inventory done by the Minnesota Biological County Survey. This particular area deserves a special note for its rare quality. A zoning overlay district for this watershed shall be considered in order to protect this vital and rare amenity within the City of Chanhassen. It is reasonable to assume that other rare or endangered species do exist within Chanhassen, such as the rare natural communities that include Silver Lake, the bluffs of Bluff Creek and the Minnesota River, and remnants of the Big Woods. With large areas of natural communities under the management of the City, a number of issues must be addressed in order for the value of the areas to continue and improve. An overall Natural Resources Management Plan (NRMP) must be developed to guide and prioritize restoration, management and protection of each area. The Management Plan will serve to outline future . improvements in all public natural areas (see Figure Buckthorn. an invasive species 5-1). Within this plan, other issues related to natural communities can also be addressed. These include invasive species control and eradication, natural area protection, monitoring and assessment. The Management Plan will complement the Bluff Creek Watershed Natural Resources Management Plan by covering the entire City and focusing broadly on all communities and their needs. The Bluff Creek plan will continue to guide water quality issues and planning within its watershed, but a broader plan is necessary to meet the needs of natural areas throughout the City. To improve public awareness and garner public support, it is important for the community to provide a vision for these resources and incorporate the ideals and realities of this vision into a City management plan. Other opportunities for improvements in the natural areas can be further dedication or acquisition of properties, connecting larger tracts together, increasing public access to these areas and creating public/private partnerships for restoration projects. 5.2.1 MANAGEMENT PLANS Prescribed Burn along Bluff Creek The City should develop and use an inventory as a standard for identifying high priority natural communities, protect sensitive natural communities, and connect areas. By identifying these areas for future protection and using a scientific assessment in order to document the value and importance of a natural community, a base line for that site will be created for future reference and to create management plans. 5 - 2 I NATURAL RESOURCES City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan -~ Figure 5-1: Natural Resources Restoration Projects Natural Resources Restoration Projects [::=J Potential Land Restoration Project Area Potential Water Restoration Project Area ~ Current Land Restoration Project Area ~ Current Water Restoration Project Area N w..;""t-E S Jm..16,1Of1 City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan NATURAL RESOURCES I 5 - 3 -I I Figure 5-2: Slope Map Sampling "ff.. 5.2.2 URBAN FORESTRY According to a stewardship plan and community tree cover inventory conducted by the MnDNR, it was found that "historically, the City of Chanhassen was covered by the Big Woods, so called by the surveyors of the federal government during the laying out of the township and range lines in the 1830s. This forest stretched from southeastern to northwestern Minnesota. The large, deciduous forest consisted of fifteen tree species and several species of shrubs, forbs, herbs, wildflowers and grasses. Some of the most common tree species included sugar maple, American linden, northern red oak, bur oak, ash and elm. Close to seventy percent of the City was forested by these woods while the other thirty percent was comprised of wetlands, open water, and oak savannah openings." Some of the most prominent natural features in the City are the forested areas that exist within the community. They are important determinants of the City's image, health and livability, and as such, should be preserved. Trees are indicators of a community's ecological health and have a substantiated role in economics as can be seen by the premiums paid for wooded residential lots. Tree cover can also be termed green infrastructure because in addition to the aesthetic and social contributions, there are public economic benefits. It is well documented that trees reduce air and noise pollution, storm water runoff and the heat island effect, all of which affects a city's or property owner's expenditures on energy and storm water retention. The forests that once covered this City were cleared for agricultural purposes. Scattered woodlots remained, but the majority of land was used for farming. Slowly, as agriculture has given way to residential and commercial development, tree cover has increased providing residents and businesses with the many inherent benefits. The larger tracts of 5 - 4 I NATURAL RESOURCES City ofChanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan -------, I wooded areas that have grown for the last 50-100 years are now threatened by development. Finding a means of preserving these few unfragmented forests will be crucial to retaining the existing habitat, aesthetic value, public economic benefit and vital link to the past. ~~......,....,...'"..,...,..~".,.,- ...._ _ .7'"-'""':'""'"7. ."",: :l;f";1~'~-'-."-;;:~ ~~~:;':~fl~~ ~ ~ "1~':I ~.... -..-.... '.. ..' ~0~>1 ,.~: _'( :~~. ~~~:~"~o~. ",:.w1~~''', -.,. ~~.,~, ~ ,,':- ~... . ......,;.-l. ,.J ",,,,,"''1t,.,. l , "r'~ .. . ...~ ~.. . ,'!).-'Yt"'l'~ ~"" ' . ' ~,"", ....~>t:~-:.. ~ < .~.~. '~~\~'~,;/1'~fi)' .~, :"'~".' ~ ~~ .". ....,,-m.. -", ,", .:","" ,'" ~ ~\?"...J.':- ...~ ,,"'. ~- j ~, \ "';4.J) '-',7~~ .\),,~ ~~> ~:~,~:}-,:,:.' ,)'-"~;':\~:'~'~H: ~., .;}Zi:~:;;' ?~ 'lll Downtown Chanhassen, 1954 Downtown Chanhassen, 2001 Directly due to these benefits, tree preservation and planting are important in maintaining the City's environmental health, economic and social viability, and ecosystem services. The goal of the City of Chanhassen will be to increase tree cover throughout the City even as development continues. What will be needed in order to reach that goal will be preservation of large tracts of woods, and creation of a diversity of species in order to reduce the impact of insect and disease outbreaks, community tree planting programs and viable public tree management plans and policies. Many opportunities are available to help meets these needs. Dedication and acquisition of land, cluster development, tree planting programs, public improvement policy which states that trees and landscaping will be an element within all public projects, development of a forestry management plan and a tree cover analysis are all ways to achieve outstanding green infrastructure. City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan NATURAL RESOURCES I 5.5 l I I The City of Chanhassen can be a leafY city with above average landscaping and a healthy, viable, and diverse urban forest. To ensure these qualities, a Forestry Management Plan should be developed within the NRMP and used to outline forestry policy, determine long-term goals and objectives as well as management practices and procedures. Continually updating the City's public tree inventory will also serve to guide the course of future management and plantings (see Figure 5-3). Conducting a tree cover analysis of the City will also be useful and a review of the City ordinances pertaining to trees should be implemented after the analysis. Areas found lacking as well as points of strength should be incorporated in the Management Plan. Being able to identifY now what needs to be done in the future will assist in streamlining forestry efforts in order to best utilize the time, money and effort spent on forestry responsibilities. 5.3 ~ WATER RESOURCES Water resources pose specific constraints as well as opportunities for recreation and enjoyment. However, in order to consider physical parameters within the planning process, it is first necessary to prioritize Chanhassen's water resources based on quality of the resource. Upon identification, policies can be established to minimize impacts, while maximizing enhancement of the water resource and its benefit to the community. The current condition of the majority of Chanhassen's surface water bodies is very good; and water quality trends show general improvement. However, there are some exceptions to this trend. The City of Chanhassen identifies the need to address these waters and develop a plan to improve and protect all City surface waters. In 1994, the City of Chanhassen adopted a Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) which identified the need for protection of lakes and wetlands. This plan identified the City's wetlands, identified each lake's watershed district and each sub-watershed district. The plan also provided a design for using existing wetlands and creating new wetlands to manage water quantity and improve water quality. In this plan a new criteria was developed for the acceptable quantity and quality of runoff from new developments. In August 2006, the City of Chanhassen adopted its Second Generation Surface Water Management Plan (SWMp2), which identified a new set of goals and policies for Chanhassen's water resources. The SWMp2 was written to serve the City as a tool to protect, preserve and enhance its water resources. The plan identifies, from a regional perspective, the stormwater quantity and quality improvements necessary to allow future development to take place and minimize its impact to downstream water bodies. These goals included providing 100-year flood protection, management classifYing all surface water bodies, achieving water quality standards in lakes, streams and wetlands, minimizing erosion and sediment, establishing and maintaining water resources funding sources, maintaining primary management responsibility while continuing to coordinate and cooperate with other agencies and organizations, and providing water resources information and education to the public. Water resources impact both community planning and site planning efforts. In site planning, quality of the resource, potential impacts, hydrology, and drainage are all major considerations. In 5 - 6 I NATURAL RESOURCES City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan J Chanhassen, four main surface water features dominate in the area. They include lakes, wetlands, creeks and river corridors. Each of these water resources are reviewed as follows. 5.3.1 LAKES Chanhassen contains nine major lakes, all but three of which lie solely within the community's boundaries. These lakes serve as habitat for fish and wildlife as well as offer scenic and recreational opportunities for residents. The City of Chanhassen has already established a set of protective measures for its lakes. The current zoning ordinance establishes a shoreland overlay district that was consistent with guidelines established by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Currently, the City's shoreline alterations ordinance is more restrictive than those required by the DNR and area watershed districts. ~l Blue Heron on Lotus Lake While the water quality data in most ofChanhassen's major lakes show improving trends, the City of Chanhassen acknowledges that further progress and protection is needed. In order to achieve these goals, the City is committed to developing short and long-term lake management strategies to improve and manage these valuable water resources. As a part of these strategies, each lake has been given a water management classification based on current water quality conditions and management strategy. These classifications can be found in Figure 5-4. City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan NATURAL RESOURCES I 5 - 7 J Figure 5-4: Water Management Classification for Chanhassen Water Features Management Management Storm Water Water Use Class Strategy Treatment (3) Resource Designation (1) NURP Seminary Fen Calcareous Preserve and improve, Fen Preserve impose highest standards. Plus Enhanced Assumption Treatment Creek Trout Stream Lotus Lake Recreational Goal to improve trends, NURP Development Improve - 1 impose higher standards. Plus Enhanced Lake Riley Recreational These waters are "impaired" Development see Table 21 for details. (2) Treatment Bluff Creek Natural Stream Riley Creek Natural Stream Lake Ann Recreational Development NURP Christmas Recreational Goal to maintain or improve. Enhanced Lake Development Improve - 2 Look for opportunities to Treatment if Lake Recreational apply higher standards. Opportunities Minnewashta Development Present Lake Susan Recreational Development Harrison Lake Natural Environment Lake Lucy Recreational Development Goal to maintain water Rice Marsh Natural Improve - 3 quality and keep long-term NURP Lake Environment trends stable to improving Natural Silver Lake Environment Lake St. Joe Natural Environment Constructed NA NA Storm Water Treatment Ponds System (1) Use designation taken from the City's Comprehensive Plan. (2) TMDL list of impaired waters for nutrients (Riley and Lotus Lakes), Turbidity (Bluff and Riley Creeks), Fish IBI (Bluff Creek). See Table 21 for additional information on TMDL listings including Mercury-impaired waters. (3) Standards provided in Appendix D. NURP level is removal of 90% TSS, 60% TP. Enhanced treatment for one or more of the followinq: hiqher level of TSSITP removal, additional discharqe rate controls and/or temperature controls. Water quality impacts come from two sources which are broken down into point and non-point source pollution. Point source pollution is relatively easy to identifY since it is typically generated by a single use or source. Fortunately, Chanhassen lakes, with the exception of Rice Marsh Lake, have not been subjected to point source discharges. Rice Marsh Lake had previously been used as a discharge point for the area's old sewer treatment facility. Most agricultural use, another major pollution source, has since been eliminated. However, their impacts have left a significant residue of organic material on lake bottoms. Non-point source pollution represents a significant potential impact to Chanhassen's lakes and is much more difficult to control; since by definition, there is no one particular source. Examples of non-point source pollution include fertilizers spread on residential properties that run off into area lakes and storm sewer outflows that flush organic materials from streets and paved surfaces into water bodies. This runoff has been found to have a high nutrient content which contributes to high nutrient loads within area lakes. Excessive nutrient levels increase the amount of algae within a 5 - 8 I NATURAL RESOURCES City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan i _______J lake, reduce visibility and eventually reduce the amount of oxygen available for fish populations. In order to reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff, the City requires all new developments to provide ponding that manages both water quality and increased quantities. The City of Chanhassen continues to monitor current conditions of its lakes through aquatic vegetation surveys, lake water quality studies, and lake monitoring data. The City currently participates in the Citizen Assisted Monitoring Program (CAMP) in coordination with the Metropolitan Council, where lake monitoring data including clarity, temperature and ph levels are collected by citizens and compiled by the Metropolitan Council (see Figure 5-5). Figure 5-5: 2005 Water Quality Sampling Results Lake Luc Lake Ann Lotus Lake Rice Marsh Lake Lake Susan See chi Secchi See chi Secchi Secchi TP Chlor-a Depth TP Chlor-a Depth TP Chlor-a Depth TP Chlor-a Depth TP Chlor-a Depth Date (u!llL) (u!l/L) (m) (u!l/L) (u!l/L) (m) (ul}/L) (u!l/L) (m) (u!l/L) (u!l/L) (m) (u!l/Ll (ualLl (m) 5/10/2005 36 9.7 2.7 22 3.5 3.5 21 18 1.22 40 10 1.7 81 21 1.5 5/27/2005 39 15 1.6 24 10 2.8 39 5.5 2.44 58 9.2 1.5 56 21 1.5 6/9/2005 52 15 1.6 27 4.5 2.7 25 14 1.75 38 3.5 1.6 43 10 1.1 6/21/2005 62 14 1.5 31 2.9 2.4 27 5.3 1.52 35 9 1.4 38 7.8 1.7 7 f712005 64 36 0.8 23 2.9 2.3 40 11 1.68 31 16 2.0 46 13 1.4 7/22/2005 53 23 1.0 24 4 2.6 35 10 0.91 30 15 1.5 39 39 1.8 8/5/2005 57 38 0.5 32 6.7 2.4 43 43 0.69 26 4.4 2.3 53 42 0.8 8/23/2005 58 30 0.8 23 9.3 2.3 48 48 0.84 29 63 1.8 92 50 0.6 9/14/2005 72 23 0.8 21 8.6 1.7 66 54 0.61 52 14 1.0 120 38 0.5 9/30/2005 85 21 0.8 25 6.4 1.8 75 33 0.84 36 4.2 2.1 81 24 0.7 2005 Summer Average 63 25 1.0 25.8 5.7 2.3 45 27.3 1.1 35 16.1 1.7 64 28.0 1.1 Source: City of Chanhassen 2005 Lake Sampling Report prepared by Wenck Associates, Inc. Lake management plans have also been developed for the major lakes within the City, including Lotus Lake, Lake Riley, Lake Minnewashta, Lake Ann, Lake Lucy, Lake Susan, and Christmas Lake. These reports are updated bi-annually with water quality tests and lake plant inventories. These plans list goals for increasing fish populations, reducing nutrient loading, dealing with exotic species and providing advice for landscaping to improve water quality. The City also has a no-wake ordinance that protects lake shore from wave action during extreme high water periods. A discussion and description of each lake is also available in the SWMP2. These descriptions and discussions include water quality and quantity data, plant communities, as well as water quality including invasive species present, and recommendations, including proposed stormwater ponds for each lake. As development and property valuations on lakeshore lots increase, the demand for services to manage the problems arising on City lakes will also increase. Future lake management within Chanhassen must balance protecting and improving water quality, preventing overuse and abuse of the resources, while maintaining accessibility for all Chanhassen residents. 5.3.2 WETLANDS In 1992, the state of Minnesota passed the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA), which put wetland protection and preservation into law. The goal of this act is to replace wetlands lost to previous activities and to prevent the loss of existing wetlands. Wetland identification and protection have become integral parts of all development throughout the entire state including the City of Chanhassen. City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan NATURAL RESOURCES I 5.9 -l The City of Chanhassen has had wetland protection ordinances in place since 1980 and continues to take the lead on the issue of wetlands and their protection. The City's 1994 Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) included identification and reclassification of wetlands within the City. In 2006, the SWMp2 was adopted, which brought abour further updates in City wetland management and classification. From this plan, a wetlands map was generated and a new wetland classification system was implemented, replacing the prior classification system. The City adopted five levels of wetland identification: Ours tanding, Preserve, Manage 1, Manage 2, and Manage 3. Ourstanding wetlands are identified as wetlands that are classified as Ourstanding Resource Value Waters by the State of Minnesota. Preserve wetlands are wetlands identified as exceptional and have the highest function, or those sensitive wetlands receiving conveyed stormwater runoff that have yet retained a medium level of vegetative diversity and integrity. Manage 1 wetlands are identified as high-quality wetlands that should be protected from development and other pressures of increased use. Manage 2 wetlands are wetlands that provide medium functional levels; and the extent of these wetlands should be maintained. Manage 3 wetlands are wetlands that have been substantially disturbed and have the lowest functions and values. Wetland specialists made field identification of wetlands throughout the community, and detailed data sheets documenting vegetation, landscape and existing conditions were compiled. These data sheets serve only as a guide for the City, and are not to be used as the defining wetland boundaries. Wetland boundaries are to be determined by professional delineations conducted by parties who propose to impact or develop land in and around these areas. In addition, any proposed development will be required to delineate their sites for the existence of wetlands. The Seminary Fen, located north of old Highway 212 in the southwest corner of the City, possesses unique and significant qualities which has given it an "Outstanding" classification. In 1995, the Seminary Fen was identified by the Minnesota Biological Survey as the most important site in all of Hennepin, Carver and Scott Counties. There are approximately 90 acres of calcareous seepage fen in this area with rare and threatened plant species. Its special characteristics are a product of the groundwater Rowing through the up-gradient aquifer and glacial till in this particular location. The trout stream Assumption Creek Rows through the Seminary Fen. Assumption Creek is the only trout stream in Carver County and one of only 15 trout streams in the metropolitan area. The Wetland Conservation Act of 1991 identified calcareous fens for protection and requires the development of a fen management plan for any project that might cause adverse impacts to such wetlands. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has the jurisdictional power to approve such plans. Planned land uses adjacent to the Seminary Fen wetland complex include rural residential to the north, agricultural estate to the east and south, and fringe business to the west. An HCRRA Regional Trail Corridor bisects the Fen. The most important factor in ensuring the protection of this site is the integrity of the hydrologic system. With adjacent land uses, development pressure is present. While several public and private organizations have been working together to acquire the property for public preservation, a City- implemented overlay district would provide unilateral protection of the site. Important factors to be included in the district consist of impervious surface limitations, thermal stormwater discharge 5 -10 I NATURAL RESOURCES City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan ~.._~-~-_. Seminary Fen regulations, slope protection, preservation of subsurface drainage, required easement or outlot dedication, stormwater pretreatment, rate and volume control, restriction on unnatural inputs, native community management, and sustainable landscaping. With the change in wetland laws, the regulation of wetlands has also changed. The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) oversee the regulation of the WCA for the State of Minnesota. Local Governing Units (LGUs) implement the WCA for wetland activities. Chanhassen was appointed as LGU and acts as the sole governing agency for activities in its own City. The City has developed its own comprehensive wetland plan as part of the SWMP2. While the City acts as a LGU, partnership with other government entities is consistently sought and necessary. The SWMp2 also initiated ordinances to protect wetlands above the requirements of the WCA. In addition to building setback requirements, each type of wetland also requires an additional protected area referred to as buffer zones. These buffer zones are undisturbed areas between wetlands and development. The goal is to have natural vegetation separation, to act as cover for wildlife and provide protection from urban runoff. All primary and secondary structures are required to meet setbacks and buffer strip requirements by wetland classification, as illustrated in Figure 5-6. 5.3.3 CREEK AND RIVER CORRIDORS The City of Chanhassen lies within multiple watershed districts. These include the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, and the Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek Watershed District. City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan NATURAL RESOURCES I 5 - 11 __I Figure 5-6: Setback and Buffer Strip Requirements by Wetland Classification Principal Structure Accessory Permanent Percent of Setback from Structure Setback Buffer Strip Buffer Strip in Wetland Buffer Edge from Buffer Edge Minimum Width Native Classification (feet) (feet) (feet) Vegetation Outstandinq 50 50 50 100% Preserve 40 20 40 100% Manaqe 1 30 15 25 100% Manaqe 2 30 15 20 Over 50% Manaqe 3 30 15 16.5 Over 50% I I I I~r 31' 00' ~/W I I I I f I I MANAGE 3 WETLAND IllUSTRATION PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE SETBACK t BUFFER HOME an- , \ \ ACCESSORY STRUCTURE SETBACI< Chanhassen is fortunate to have significant natural amenities in the form of creek and river corridors. The community is bisected by Bluff Creek and Riley Creek. Assumption Creek, the only native trout stream in Carver County, flows through the Seminary Fen to the Minnesota River at the City's southern boundary. These corridors represent significant visual, environmental and recreational amenities for the community. The creek corridors create ideal locations for City trails. The creeks, which often have adjacent wetlands and steep slopes, also form ideal boundaries between incompatible uses as well as linear park corridors connecting different parts of the City. 5 -12 I NATURAL RESOURCES City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan ~ The Minnesota River, Assumption Creek and the adjacent bluff line constitute an extraordinarily high quality environmental and visual element within the community. The river bottom is protected as a National Wildlife Refuge. To the extent that it is feasible to do so, the City of Chanhassen promotes efforts to preserve these bluff areas. The bluffs, which are visible from distant locations, overlook the river and contain steep, often unusable slopes and stands of mature vegetation. The City has enacted bluff protection ordinances and comprehensive ordinances regarding mining in this area to preserve the scenic amenity and environment of the river valley. If an overlay district for the Seminary Fen were to be adopted, protection of Assumption Creek and its rare qualities would be assured. As part of its continued effort to protect natural resources, the City adopted the Bluff Creek Watershed Natural Resources Management Plan (December 1996). This plan is the City of Chanhassen's response to preservation of its natural resources in the midst of rapid growth and development pressures. The idea behind the plan was to identifY the significant natural features found along the Bluff Creek Corridor and establish guidelines and goals on how to preserve and protect the area before development occurs. The management plan identifies and describes the topography, soils, vegetation, wildlife, wetlands, parks and trails, and land use within the Bluff Creek watershed area. Currently, the watershed is in a state of land use transition due to the community's growth and development. Bluff Creek itself will experience increasing volumes of runoff associated with development in the coming years. Approximately 40% of the watershed is undeveloped. The final plan is the result of a collaborative effort between local private and public parties. The Bluff Creek Watershed is named after Bluff Creek which runs approximately 6.6 miles along the central part of the watershed. The creek winds its way through from a large wetland complex southeast of Lake Minnewashta through rolling hills and descends into large bluffs dropping more than 70 feet into the lower valley before discharging into Rice Lake and the Minnesota River. The Bluff Creek Watershed is approximately 9.6 square miles and runs north to south along the western portion of Chanhassen. The watershed also includes Chanhassen's most significant remaining natural resource, the Seminary Fen and Assumption Creek. Restored Section of Bluff Creek The Bluff Creek Overlay District was adopted in 1998. This district covers the Bluff Creek Watershed and protects this natural resource through guided development by preserving natural condition, establishing a primary protection zone, requiring structure setbacks and buffers, connecting open areas, and providing public access and education. NATURAL RESOURCES I 5 - 13 City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan ~ 5.3.4 GROUNDWATER PROTECTION Chanhassen's entire water supply is generated from deep wells and it is imperative that our community seek to protect and preserve this resource. Groundwater protection requires a two-track approach. The first is the protection of recharge areas that serve to allow the resource to be naturally replenished. To this end, the City is fortunate to have extensive lake areas, large areas of permanently dedicated public open space, and an active wetland protection program that will preserve the most sensitive of these areas. The second part of the approach requires the protection of the resource from impact by sources of pollution. To this end, the City has undertaken the following: 1. Ensure that all abandoned wells are permanently and securely capped to avoid direct introduction of pollution into the aquifer. 2. Undertake and improve inspections and approval programs for on-site sewage systems and, when necessary, replacing these systems with public sanitary sewer. 3. Remain active in the removal ofleaking underground storage tanks and the treatment of contaminated soils that result. The City has undertaken this on several properties that were subject to redevelopment activities and has cooperatively worked with private individuals who have encountered such problems. It is anticipated that these efforts will continue. The State of Minnesota requires all cities, including the City of Chanhassen, to develop a ground water protection plan. The City of Chanhassen is completing its wellhead and source water protection plan for its eight existing municipal wells. This report is Part II of the Plan and it includes the following: 1. A review of the data elements. 2. The results of the potential contaminant source inventory. 3. A review of changes, issues, problems, and opportunities related to the public water supply and the identified potential contaminant sources. 4. A detailed discussion of the potential contaminant source management strategies and corresponding goals, objectives, and action plans. 5. A review of the wellhead/source water protection evaluation program and alternative water supply contingency strategy. Part I of the Plan was completed in May 2001. In Part I of the Plan, the Wellhead Protection Areas (WHPAs) and Drinking Water Supply Management Areas (DWSMAs) were delineated, and vulnerability assessments of the wells and corresponding DWSMAs were completed. The municipal wells and source water aquifers within the DWSMAs were determined to be nonvulnerable to surficial contamination due to the overlying geologic confining units and construction of the wells. The Chanhassen wellhead and source water protection program is concentrating its efforts on other wells within the City and specifically within the DWSMAs. In addition, the program includes 5 -14 I NATURAL RESOURCES City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan providing educational opportunities for Chanhassen residents regarding wellhead and source water protection, and gathering new or updated information for future revisions to the Plan. The City of Chanhassen is required to operate under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) permit from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) under the Clean Water Act in order to discharge stormwater. The SWPPP provides a plan for Best Management Practices (BMPs) for which the City assumes responsibility in order to obtain these goals. The City's stormwater conveyance system collects and conveys urban runoff and stormwater that may contain certain pollutants to surface water resources. This system requires a combination of routine maintenance and occasional repairs in order to function properly. The City conducts inspection and maintenance of the system as part of the requirements of the City's NPDES permit program, in order to comply with the obligations of the NPDES program as a first priority. In doing so, the City will reduce the amount of pollutants entering water resources, the occurrences of localized flooding, and the overall long-term costs associated with its stormwater management infrastructure. The NPDES Phase II MS4 Permit, along with the inspection and maintenance protocols carried out by the City in order to comply with this permit, are outlined in Appendix J of the SWMP2. The MS4 General Permit has been recently revised to include a decision made by the Minnesota Court of Appeals in May of2003, requiring nondegradation be addressed for all waters. The City of Chanhassen was chosen among 30 MS4s to provide a study to determine new or increased significant discharges, and then determine reasonable measures to keep stormwater pollutant loading consistent with 1988 loads to receiving waters. The City is currently drafting a Nondegradation Plan as a part of these requirements, and anticipates following the plan set forth in order to comply with these new requirements. The City of Chanhassen recognizes the need to set limits on the amount of impervious surface generated with new development in order to protect our surface waters from further degradation. As part of the Chanhassen City Code, the City sets maximum percent lot coverage for each plat submitted, based on zoning district. In addition, as part of the City's Surface Water Management Plan, and as a condition of approval, all subdividers are required to pay a water quality and water quantity connection charge based on the gross area of the subdivision less the area to be dedicated to the City for ponding, parks and wetland, and right-of-way for public roadways. 5.3.5 EDUCATION The City of Chanhassen acknowledges the importance of educational outreach in the implementation of its water resources goals and policies. The City currently conducts annual public meetings to present and allow comments for its current storm water program and NPDES Permit. The City also provides water resources-related information in the Chanhassen Connection, as well as on the City's website. Information on current water resources projects are also conveyed through the City's Clean Water Hotline. Chanhassen coordinates volunteers in water resources-related programs such as the storm drain marking program, and the Citizen Assisted Monitoring Program (CAMP) City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan NATURAL RESOURCES I 5 - 15 I I I Storm Drain Marking Program in coordination with the Metropolitan Council, which monitors volume and water quality in Chanhassen lakes. The City also coordinates with several other agencies and groups including Carver County, Metro WaterShed Partners, Watershed Districts, the Metropolitan Council, and local Water Management Organizations. The City of Chanhassen plans to maintain its current educational activities, as well as continuing to expand its water resources education program into the future. 5.3.6 WATER RESOURCES CAPITAL PROGRAM Funding for water management projects has become more complex in recent years; however, financial options have broadened. The City currently uses a storm water utility program as a key component of their overall approach in funding their water resources-related projects. The City imposes a water quality and water quantity connection fee on all subdivisions based on the gross area of the subdivision less the area to be dedicated to the City for ponding, parks and wetland, and right- of-way for public roadways. Alternate means of funding include exploring opportunities for grant program funding from resources such as Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Programs, Watershed Organizations, and the Metropolitan Council. Expenditures for the continuation and implementation of City water resources program goals can be found in Table 46 of the SWMP2. 5.4 ~ GOALS & POLICIES 1. Goal: The City recognizes the importance of its natural environment to the quality of life for its citizens and the need to protect and enhance these resources. 5 -16 I NATURAL RESOURCES City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan I Policies: · Preserve natural slopes wherever possible. · Seek to connect natural areas whenever possible. 2. Goal: Achieve water quality standards in lakes, streams, and wetlands consistent with their designated uses and established classifications. Policies: · Continue to monitor long-term water quality trends on prioritized water bodies. · Develop and maintain an official wetlands map that classifies wetlands by function and value. 3. Goal: Protect and rehabilitate wetlands to maintain or improve their function and value. Policies: · Encourage the development of new as well as the improvement of existing ponds located upstream of priority water bodies. · Require higher water quality standards in areas identified as Preserved or Improve 1 subwatersheds. · Lead by example by following the standards of this Plan and encouraging BMPs to provide pollution prevention and water quality treatment on City-initiated projects. · Prohibit the discharge of foreign material into the storm water system. Such material should include, but not be limited to, waste oil, paint, grass clippings, leaves, commercial fertilizers, trash, construction debris, and miscellaneous chemicals. · Develop and implement a spill response program for City personnel to prevent discharge of spilled materials into the storm sewer system. The response program should focus on containing, neutralizing, and properly disposing of spilled materials. The Fire Department, Public Safety Department, and Public Works Department should have a readily available supply of response materials including oil absorbing pads. · Adopt and keep current ordinances and standards designed to protect wetlands. · Wetland alteration, where allowed, should be based on "no net loss". If wetland impacts are unavoidable, they should be mitigated through replacement, wetland conversion, and/or improvements to wetland function and value. · Adopt the storm water and water quality management practices designed to protect wetland functions and values. Introduction of storm water runoff should be allowed only when it is demonstrated that wetlands will not be adversely impacted. · Adopt an ordinance in compliance with the Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Act of 1991 for "no net loss" in quantity and quality of jurisdictional wetlands. · This plan will be amended as necessary to remain current. 4. Goal: Provide information and educational resources to improve knowledge and promote and active public role in management of natural resources. Policies: · IdentifY and provide information on invasive species on public and private lands. Revise City ordinance to include non-herbaceous and/or non-terrestrial invasive species as identified by the State. City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan NATURAL RESOURCES I 5-17 ~ · Establish and implement ongoing programs designed to educate land owners in sensitive water quality management practices and develop and maintain a public education program to promote reduction of nutrient and sediment loading into water bodies. · Encourage residents and landowners to practice environmentally friendly lawn care and housekeeping practices, and to use native plantings or natural landscapes rather than turf lawns, where appropriate. · Continue to provide opportunities for public involvement (e.g., neighborhood meetings, public hearings, mailed notices, etc.) for significant water resource decisions or projects. · Coordinate and consult with the City Council and appropriate City commissions and committees on surfc'1ce water issues. · Communicate with lake associations and other appropriate civic and citizen groups. · Actively implement the current educational programs and work to develop and implement new education programs and activities related to water resources. This program will use a variety of media including use of notices, mailings, local cable television, newsletters, articles, internet web sites, workshops and/or presentations to inform and educate the public. · Cooperate with the other agencies and encourage establishment of model interpretative sites for public education like the storm water practices at the Landscape Arboretum. · Continue to remain in compliance with the NPDES Phase II MS4 permit with respect to public education and involvement. 5. Goal: Minimize soil erosion and sedimentation. Policies: · Continue to implement the erosion and sediment control policies and the construction site inspection program to ensure reduction of water quality impacts from lack of erosion and sediment control. · Disturbances to existing vegetation (trees, turf grass, native vegetation, etc.) should be minimized. 6. Goal: Maintain primary responsibility for managing water resources at the local level but continue coordination and cooperation with the other agencies and organizations. Policies: · Adopt policies consistent with local watershed authorities' management plans. · This plan and all subsequent amendments will be consistent with the plans of regulatory agencies. · Coordinate projects and information with government agencies; i.e. MnDOT, Carver and Hennepin Counties, Department of Natural Resources, Watershed Districts, and Water Management Organizations. 7. Goal: Preserve and protect a variety of natural environments. Policies: · Continue to work with the Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek Watershed District in implementing the Bluff Creek Natural Resource Plan. Use the plan to guide future development in protecting natural resources in the Creek corridor. 5 -18 I NATURAL RESOURCES City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan 8. Goal: Increase overall tree cover in Chanhassen. Policies: · Promote tree planting throughout the community through education, boulevard plantings, and subsidized putchases for residents. Increase canopy cover on private and public lands to meet a minimum standard of 50 percent overall canopy coverage. Encourage plantings of native trees. · Adopt a public improvement landscaping policy which states that trees and landscaping will be incorporated in all public improvement projects and boulevard trees will be included in all street improvement projects. · Implement a tree cover analysis for the City to define tree cover needs and strengths. · Create a tree planting account which will accept deposits by private entities for future public tree plantings. 9. Goal: Maintain a healthy and diverse urban forest. Policies: · Incorporate tree inventory data in City's GIS database. Update annually or as available. · Develop a Forestry Management Plan by identifying strategies or means to achieve the objectives of a safe, healthy, diverse and functional urban forest. The plan will be written to serve the City as a tool to protect, preserve and enhance its forest resources. · Maintain current ordinances designed to protect trees. · Continue to maintain a diversity of species in all public tree planting projects. 10. Goal: Restore, protect and improve natural communities through proper management techniques. Policies: · Identify significant wooded areas to protect. Preserve areas by means of development restrictions, density transfers, preservation easements, purchase, or other methods. · Develop Natural Resources Stewardship Plan that would identify, prioritize and recommend restoration and management strategies for all public natural areas. · Creative and innovative Best Management Practices, including infiltration systems will be encouraged considering the site limitations such as soil conditions, depth to groundwater, safety, snow removal, and maintenance issues. 11. Goal: To establish and maintain a comprehensive water resources program that not only protects and improves the quality of existing water resources within the City of Chanhassen, but also recognizes the continuation of development throughout the City, and the importance of using this program as a guide in the evaluation of potential impacts on these valuable resources. Policies: · Continue to implement the Second Generation Surface Water Management Plan in the water resources program. · Strive to provide 100-year flood protection for all structures. City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan NATURAL RESOURCES I 5 -19 . Work towards and develop storm water programs to maintain and achieve water quality standards in lakes, streams and wetlands consistent with their designated uses and established classifications. Maintain primary responsibility for managing water resources at the local level but continue coordination and cooperation with other agencies and organizations. Provide and continue to compile water resources data for evaluation and improvement of water resources. Protect and rehabilitate wetlands to maintain or improve their function and value, by continuing to implement the Wetland Management Program and ensure compliance with the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act. Work to minimize soil erosion and sedimentation through protection and monitoring of sensitive natural features such as bluffs, lakes, streams, and wetlands. Work to minimize soil erosion and sedimentation by continuing to implement the erosion and sedimentation inspection program in coordination with the Carver Soil and Water Conservation District, as well as local Watershed Districts. Developments and construction proposals should include a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan, as well as plans and specifications that include erosion and sediment control practices and Best Management Practices in order to comply with City Code and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. City staff should evaluate and review development and construction plans and specifications for erosion and sedimentation control to ensure compliance with City Code and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Provide information and educational resources to improve knowledge and promote an active public role in the management of water resources. Encourage compatible and best management practices in development and land use that strives to improve surface water quality. Establish and maintain funding sources to finance water resources activities as part of their Second Generation Surface Water Management Plan. . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 20 I NATURAL RESOURCES City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan 6 Parks & Open Space 6.1 ~ INTRODUCTION ,'. . Chan~assen'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 de- cision 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: 1. Serves as a formal way to express the community's long-term values, vision of the future, and set clear objectives & policies. 2. Establishes the community's priorities for the park and recreation system. 3. Accommodates change pro-actively vs. re-actively. 4. Ensures limited resources are applied toward a common purpose. 5. Maximizes the potential for partnerships with other organizations. 6.1.2 SYSTEM HISTORY The City's park and recreation system is the result of almost 40 years of planning and City and citi- zen commitment. In addition to adding parks and trails to the system in conjunction with develop- ment, the community has supported major initiatives for park improvements throughout the years. Key dates: 1. 1969: 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. 2. 1988: 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. City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan PARKS & OPEN SPACE I 6 - I ~ ---- l 3. 1996: 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. The Park Inventory, found in APPENDIX X provides a complete inventory and maps of City owned park land. 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. 1. Community Parks: 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. 2. Neighborhood Parks: 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. 3. Special Use Parks: 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 Y2 acre with 10'xl0' garden plots that are rented to residents annually. The garden is extremely popular and is filled to capacity each year. 4. Preserves: 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. 6.2.2 NON-CITY RECREATION FACILITIES 1. Minnewashta Regional Park: 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. 6 - 2 I PARKS & OPEN SPACE City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan I '~Lt'" / / .~ .....- rl Im_ I I '~I f"J r '1 I I I 11 ,-'I,V L..t:.-- __ ,..u.,.....," ~--.- *" ~J". r"- ! ,. Pralrl ,- ['~ Ov..pan '" UnderplIu - P,Yf&<lIrellIn ~d18C&oI comllll;l"ity --- Unpav~d Ira. n adjllc-enl ~onlnlJllily o TIel htarJ " Oi o ~t1""'J I ,- City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan PARKS & OPEN SPACE I 6 - 3 Figure 6-2: Existing Park Facilities Clty.of.Chanhassen ~ark Land Community Parks Bandimere Community Park Chanhassen Recreation Centerl Bluff Creek Elementary School City Center Park Lake Ann Park Lake Susan Park Neighborhood Parks Bandimere Heights Park Carver Beach Park Carver Beach Playground Chanhassen Estates Park Chanhassen Hills Park Curray Farms Park Greenwood Shores Park Herman Field Park Kerber Pond Park Meadow Green Park Minnewashta Heights Park North Lotus Lake Park Pheasant Hill Park Power Hill Park Prairie Knoll Park Rice Marsh Lake Park Roundhouse Park South Lotus Lake Park Stone Creek Park Sugarbush Park Sunset Ridge Park Preserves Chanhassen Nature Preserve Bluff Creek Headwaters Preserve Bluff Creek Preserve Bluff Creek Preserve, North Hesse Farm Park Preserve Hidden Creek Meadows Lake Riley Preserve Lake Susan Preserve Pinehurst Pinehurst at Lake Harrison Pleasant View Preserve Rice Marsh Lake Preserve Unnamed Park Preserve Special Use Parks Olson Community Garden Non;<:lty:"F.iciiities Cathcart Park DNR Land Minnewashta Regional Park MN Landscape Arboretum MN Valley National Wldlife Re Raguet Wldlife Management Are Private Golf Courses Bluff Creek Golf Course Golf Zone Halla Greens AC~s_ ~ z i2 II: <l: Q. ... rJ) w c w uj ~ u: rJ) .... ... .... ... <l: o m :j :z ~ <l: w 0 ~ tl ~ w <l: w >:: ... 0 rJ) <l: Z <l: 0 <l: aJ_cc_o II: w ffi c;li@ <l: 1i: > i.rl cr: :J: !:!:! ~ iL <l: rJ) ~ >:: ~ ~ !:! 0 <l: o ~ g ~ ti ~ ~ 8 iL_ "'_ 0 _1i:_1i: _~ .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .... ~ ~ tn iJ g! ~ S1 g ;Ii UJ X ~ W a:I g~oU:~ > w Z ffi S1 C II: i= 0 ::E ~ ~ ;2 g ~ en U) en (/) U). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . c en (I) U) ~ ~ z ~ ... ~ ~ ~ ~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rJ) C o o ;;: OTHER Skate park Canoe rack, horseshoes, reservations picnic . sites. charcoal grills Archery, canoe rack, reservations picnic sites, charcoal gnlls . grills Sliding hill . Charcoal grills . . . Charcoal grills . . . . Charcoal grills 35.7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charcoal grills . Roundhouse . Undeveloped future lake access Site of future neighborhood park Garden plots City of Shorewood . owned . Concessions, future . . . off leash dog area University of Minnesota 6 - 4 I PARKS & OPEN SPACE 20 2.74 . . . . . . 87.08 .. .... 47.52 . . . .. . 3.8 6.3 1.74 0.97 7.62 6.82 3.26 11.65 27.21 21.6 1.62 19.78 10.87 21.57 3.88 3.51 8.29 7.42 9.31 4.92 9.46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105.62 48.9 42.28 10.85 17.11 7.02 1.46 55.29 5.94 34.88 6.84 88.43 37.12 0.41 4.55 ... 329.68 . 674.12 62.03 187.96 227.19 98.14 45.28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . City ofChanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan __J 2. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: 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. 3. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge: There are approximately 60 acres of the Min- nesota 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 com- prises 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. 4. Raguet Wildlife Management Area (W'MA): The Raguet Wildlife Management Area encom- passes 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 spe- cies and providing public hunting opportunities. 5. DNR Land: The DNR owns an 8 acre parcel ofland on the east side of Lotus Lake. At this time, this land is preserved as open space and there are no recreational facilities. 6. Golf Courses: 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. 7. Camp Tanadoona: Camp Tanadoona was started by the Minneapolis Camp Fire Girls in 1924 and consists of 63 acres of land on Lake Minnewashta, south of Lake Min- newashta Regional Park. Today the camp serves both boys and girls and offers over- night and day camps. 6.2.3 TRAILS AND SIDEWALKS 1. City Trails and Sidewalks: The Ci ty has put significant effort into establishing trails Lake Susan Park Trail City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan PARKS & OPEN SPACE I 6 - 5 and sidewalks over the last 10 years resulting in an 80 mile city-wide system that connects neigh- borhoods 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. 2. Regional Trails: The Southwest Hennepin LRT Regional Trail consists of two trail corridors, both of which travel through Chanhassen. The north corridor travels from Hopkins to Victo- ria and travels along the northwest city boundary. The south corridor 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 Henne- pin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA) for future light rail transit use. A coopera- tive 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 Chan- hassen. 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 devel- opmental disabilities and their families; fitness and sports programs for adults; and educational programs, swimming, clubs, field trips, meal and driving programs for seniors. Tennis Lessons 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. 6.3 ~ ASSESSING FUTURE NEEDS 6.3.1 POPULATION Demand for parks and recreation is closely linked to population. The Metropolitan Council fore- casts 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. 6 - 6 I PARKS & OPEN SPACE City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan _J r--- --------~-- 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 ap- plied to both neighborhood and community park lands. Preserve areas are not assessed since these areas typically encompass natural features which vary greatly from com- munity 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 oppor- tunities for additional community park land and continue to add to the neighborhood park network as new residential areas are developed. 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 15,600 Figure 6-4: Park Needs Based on Population Standard Year 2010 Year 2020 Year 2030 Acres/ Estimated Estimated 1,000 Existing Acreage Surplus/ Acreage Surplus/ Existing Surplus/ Component people Acres' Needed Shortfall Needed Shortfall Acres Shortfall Neiqhborhood 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, excludinq approximate acreaqe for exclusive school use 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, jog- ging and walking. Year 2000 U.S. Census data (Figure 6-5) shows large segments of the population in two age groups, under 19 years and age 30-50, indicating a prevalence offamilies with children. As these popula- tions 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. Figure 6-5: Year 2000 Census Data Year AQe 2000 Under 5 2,020 5-9 2,227 1 0-1 9 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 6.3.2 PARK SERVICE AREAS 1. Community Parks: 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 City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan PARKS & OPEN SPACE I 6 - 7 , , _____~___--.J Figure 6.6: Park Service Areas ------- Legend C:J City Boundary .. Public Desllnallons Streams Network lakes ~ Railroad Existing Chanhusen Parks and Recreation LaJ Community Park _ Neighborhood park _ Nature preserve Other Parks and Recreation . Mlnnesola landscape Arboretum _ Regional Park and Open Space Features Golf Course Existing Trails and Sidewalks - City of Chanhassen Trails & Sidewalks --. Chanhasen Irail under construction r;, Overpass , Underpass - Paved IraUIn adjacent community .--. Unpaved lrailln adjacent community o Trail head Park SErvice Areas '''' ~,' 1/2 Mile Radius Neighborhood Park Service Aree () 2 Mile Radius Community Park Servlce Area ~ Residential Servlce Area Gaps (Net Density Range 4-8 uJacre) __ large lol Residential Service Area Gaps (2.5 acre mlnumum) /' \ \-- 4\ l City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan 6 - 8 I PARKS & OPEN SPACE "'f .., 0.5 ~ o Miles .-L I \ 2020. Since most of the new residential growth is an- ticipated to occur in two areas; south of Lyman Boule- vard and on the west side of Lake Ann, it makes sense to look for new communiry park sites these areas. 2. Neighborhood Parks: 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 V2 mile radius free of barriers such as major roads and large water bodies. Because communiry parks often act as neighborhood parks for the people living in close proximiry, a V2 mile radius is applied to both neighborhood and communiry parks to identify any gaps in service. Areas highlighted in yellow in Figure 6.6 are existing or planned future neighbor- hoods (based on the 2030 Land Use Plan) that have gaps in service. As shown in Figure 6.6, the northeastern part of the Ciry is well served by parks and but there Photo Courtesy of Larry Baier/Chanhassen Villager are some gaps. In order to maintain the V2 mile ra- dius walking distance, additional neighborhood parks should be considered in these areas. The Ciry already owns the land for, but has yet to develop, two neighborhood parks north of Highway 5. Developing these parks would eliminate most service gaps in the north part of the ciry. The area south offuture Highway 212, west ofCR10 land north of Pioneer Trail is within V2 mile of Bandimere Park, but is shown as a gap in service because residents must cross a CR1 0 1, a major road, to get to the park. If a centrally located safe crossing of CR1 0 1 is established, Bandimere Communiry Park would serve as a neighborhood park for this area. Where there are other service gaps in the southern part of the Ciry, additional neighborhood parks should be considered as residential development occurs. South of Pioneer Trail, rural development pat- terns 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 facili- ties suited to their individual needs (small play structures, basketball hoops, pools, tennis courts, horses, open space etc.) make the need for neigh- borhood parks low. Riley Creek City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan PARKS & OPEN SPACE I 6 - 9 I _~~m_~_ __~~I 3. Preserves: 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: 1. Active Living: Awareness is g~owing for the health benefits associated with active lifestyles and exercise. Studies have shown that when people have access to parks, they exercise more! Incor- porating 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. 2. Compressed Leisure Time: 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. 3. EnvironmentalAwareness: 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. 4. Interest in the Arts: There increased interest in public art, arts education, and theater. 5. Aging Population: 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. 6. Multi-dimensional Recreation: People want recreational opportunities to combine interests in recreation, socialization, environment and education. 7. Recreational Programming: Participation in organized athletics and recreational programs is increasing, particularly after-school and summer programming. 8. Quality vs. Quantity: People are willing to travel for higher quality recreational facilities vs. us- ing lesser facilities close to home or work. 9. Trails: Interest in active living, walkable communities, commuting alternatives, and aging popu- lations have all contributed to the continued demand for public trails. 10. Dog Parks: Controlled off-leash dog parks are exploding in popularity and offer opportunities for human and canine socialization. 6 -10 I PARKS & OPEN SPACE City ofChanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan _J 11. Community Gardens: 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. 12. Disc Golf: Disc Golf is a fast growing sport that is played by people of all ages. It is played on a marked coutse 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. 13. Lacrosse: 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: 1. Based on anticipated population growth, there will be more demand for parks and recreation of 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 ad- ditional community park site of about 40 acres with a focus on active sports and athletic fields. 2. Based on both population growth and land use patterns, additional neighborhood parks will be needed in a few key locations. These should be built along with new residential development. In the case of the area across CRl 0 1 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. 3. There are some gaps in neighborhood park service north of Highway 5. The City already owns land for and should develop two neighborhood parks to serve these neighborhoods. 4. Demographic and recreation trends indicate that there will continue to be interest in expanding the City's trail system for both recreation, fitness and bicycle/walking proposes. 5. Lifestyle trends such as active living, increased interest in recreation programs, environmental 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. 6. The City should look to incorporating facilities into its system for emerging sports such as disc golf and lacrosse and add community garden space. 7. Increased interest in places for passive recreation, open space protection and environmental edu- cation and sustainability all support the need for continued City leadership in protecting City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan PARKS & OPEN SPACE I 6-11 Chanhassen's the remaining important natural areas. 8. Interest in creating an arts council and community theater should be explored. 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 op- portunities to acquire park and recreation lands. Funding new park and recreation initiatives and maintaining and imptoving 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 classifi- cations 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 conve- nient 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, basketball and tennis. Passive recreation refers to activities such as picnicking, nature study, walking, and bird watching. 6.4.2 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 objec- tives cover the main elements needed to support the goal and polices provide further explanation and direction. 1. Goal: Provide a balanced park system which includes neighborhood parks, community parks, special use facilities, preserve areas, regional facilities and schools. 6 -12 I PARKS & OPEN SPACE City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan Policies: · Provide neighborhood and community parks according ro standards outlined in Figure 6-7 and as depicted in Figure 6-8. · Ensure all residents have equitable access ro 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. Figure 6-7: Park Classification System and Standards Park Classification Use Service Area Size Site Provides opportunities for 1/4-1/2 mile radius, Easily accessible to informal recreation close to free of major neighborhood residents Safe home. Developed primarily for barriers such as Neighborhood unstructured active recreation roads, lakes or 10-25 acres walking and biking access on Park such as field games, court wetlands. Serves a trail networks. Site should have well-drained soils and not have games, play equipment, and population of 4,000 excessively steep slopes. skating to 5,000 Encompasses existing natural Protects natural resources and areas. Safe walking and biking provides residents with access Community - wide access on trail networks. Areas Preserve Park to existing natural areas close according to natural Varies that are not ecologically to home. resource patterns sensitive should be included to accommodate desired park development. Area of natural or ornamental Site should be suited for quality for outdoor recreation 1-2 mile service community use, be easily Community such as walking, viewing and radius, or more accessible to the population it is Park picnicking; and may contain serving a 25-50 acres intended to serve. Located near areas for intense recreational population of high traffic areas such as facilities such as athletic fields. 12,000-20,000 schools and major thoroughfares. Specialized use areas such as Special Use public golf courses, water Park access, community gardens Community - wide Varies Site specific and other specialized recreation uses --.. 2. Goal: 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. City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan PARKS & OPEN SPACE I 6-13 3. Goal: Provide leadership in environmental conservation and demonstrate sustainable devel~ opment and building practices. Policies: · Preserve open space areas that typifY the City's natural heritage and/or are ecologically sensi- tive. · 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). 4. Goal: Explore and implement strategies to supplement the City's capacity to expand and maintain the park and recreation system. Policies: · IdentifY and explore communit)qJartnerships ~ith.ptivate 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 ofland 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 apprais- als 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 im- provement of park and trails. 5. Goal: 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 devel- opment 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. Goal: Provide the opportunity for all community residents to participate in recreational activities. 6 . 14 I PARKS & OPEN SPACE City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan 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. 6.4.3 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: P-l. Expand Lake Ann Park to create a premier community park. Expansion of the park would 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. P-2. Create a new ball field complex to meet demands created by increasing population. P-3. Create neighborhood parks in the general locations identified on Figure 6-8 along with new development. P-4. Explore possible expansion of the Recreation Center to provide additional gym space and an indoor ice rink. P-5. Improve the ball field at Lake Susan Community Park. P-6. Identify possible locations for a disc golf course. P-7. Explore expansion of the Senior Center. P-8. Expand ball field parking in north lot at Chanhassen Elementary. P-9. Consider possible alternatives for the furure of Bluff Creek Golf Course. · Create a rain garden by boat launch area in Lake Ann Park. Explore opportunities for an ourdoor amphitheater for community productions. Look for additional community garden locations. Preserve Parks T-IO. Expand the nature preserve south of the new Highway 212 to preserve natural heritage, 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. T-l1. Continued commitment of resources to complete Bluff Creek Corridor. T-12. Engage in cooperative efforts with other government agencies to protect Seminary Fen. City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan PARKS & OPEN SPACE I 6 -15 Figure 6-8: Future Park & Recreation Initiatives Legend C:JClty Boundary *' Public Destinations Streams Network Seminary Fen (general location) Slull Creek Corridor Existing Chanhassen Parks and Recreation rei Communijy Park _ Neighborhood Park _ Nature Preserve Other Parks and Recreation .. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum _ Regional Park and Open Space Features o Go~ Course Existing Trails and Sidewalks - Ctty of Chanhassen Trails & Sidewalks - Cijy trail under construction % Overpass , Underpass - Paved trail in adjacent communily ...... Unpaved trail in adjacent communijy o Trail head Conceptual Future Trails (DRAFT) - Cijy of Chanhassen Planned Trails/Sidewalks (existing trail plan) .1 Potential key trail connedions -Proposed Regional Trails - Planned trails in adjacent communities ... Planned underpass Conceptual Future Parks (DRAFT) 11m Conceptual park expansion area s:'fJ~( ~ "-~\ T-1A. Trail :Onnectio;;- ~ (p~~a~L~kein Park 0.......,... 1>- "''' Ano P.", 10 "";'0 B".I';'"LI~ oomp"" ." "," ..j ,"". w . " ~ . \ 1\ _~~]____-"" .;:::::::~~tl -\ r-;:;- \~';;;::;"t l7t:tr.~ ~ - I .\1Mtf1~S"~f r,frHn ~.. ~ ''rt'.'cT'l'l!-=-'''-- II t"\' \ ParI. . -----.-l \ - rtll~hllr Om'('r '. ~ Pf!III "Prt>UrlY - Ik'nth ''/;rth tlJl"') _ ~I- Ra' 'J;1;;;;~;i . IA"('AIr" ~ P.7. Explore Senior Center Expansion fTl-s. Minne~s~ ("ml' ~rk I Arboretum trail''-.Ji"...,I......' .~J-.="'----;-~ r=-:o------. --, ~ . Tl-G. Highway 5 I Ill. 'r<<k /I I Regional Trail Pn. <M ~/-- J ; ~I IT-2C. Possible Igra~ separated e~ng. ... .. nd St w '.ltS J.tI",/\C',,~ {t/J(JI'('IH~ .=-....,,1 " Center expansion ---...... -a ~-5 Ball field - improvements at Lake Susan Community Park ~I 6 - 16 I PARKS & OPEN SPACE City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan Trails T-13. Complete the trail network according to the trail plan depicted in Figure 6-7 with emphasis on the following key segments: T-IA. Loop trail around Lake Ann and trail connections form Lake Ann Park to Lake Lucy and Galpin Blvd.. T-IB. Connect the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and Lake Minnewashta Regional Park T-IC. Create a loop Trail around Rice Marsh Lake T-ID. Complete the Bluff Creek Trail T-IE. Completion of the trail along Lyman Blvd.. T-IF. Connections to the Minnesota River Valley T-IG. Support regional trail efforts: Highway 101 regional trail; Twin Cities and Western Regional Trail; Highway 5 Regional Trail. T-14. Explore additional grade separated trail/sidewalk crossings: T-2A. Overpass of railroad tracks into the Historic downtown T-2B. Highway 5 in the downtown area T-2C. Intersection of Highway 5 and Highway 41 T-2D. Underpass at Highway 41 into Minnewashta Regional Park T-2E. Overpass/Underpass at 212/101 at LRT Trail. T-2F. Underpass at CRl 0 1 to Bandimere Community Park. Recreational Programming · Create an Arts Council and Community Theater. City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan PARKS & OPEN SPACE I 6 - 17