2. 2010-2014 Park and Trail Acquisition and Development Capital Improvement Program
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
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MEMORANDUM
TO:
Park & Recreation Commission
FROM:
Todd Hoffman, Park and Recreation Director
ill
DATE:
June 16, 2009
SUBJ:
2010 - 2014 Park and Trail Acquisition and Development Capital
Improvement Program (CIP)
Attached please find a copy of the 2009 - 2013 Park and Trail Capital
Improvement Program as amended by the Commission this past March. This
amended document is a worksheet that can be used as you move forward with
your capital improvement planning, but does not supersede the existing CIP
document. Over the next three months, the Commission has the opportunity to
develop a newly recommended 2010 - 2014 CIP for submittal to the City
Council. An up-to-date park dedication fund history and predicted future
performance spreadsheet and a copy of the Parks and Open Space section of the
City's Comprehensive Plan are also attached.
The park and trail acquisition and development capital improvement program is
the "master plan" behind the future of our park and trail system. Capital
projects planning should be viewed as a value-based process. As a community,
we need to invest in facilities and services that provide the broadest benefit.
Improvements that promote or improve safety have also been a top priority of
the commission. I look forward to working with the commission on the further
development of this important document.
Chanhassen is a Community for Life. Providing for Today and Planning for Tomorrow
City of Chanhassen, MN
Capital Improvement Program
2009 thru 2013
Amended
Projects By Funding Source
Source Project # 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total
Capital Replacement Fund
City Center Park Electronic Sign PK&T-09S 40,000.00 40,000.00
Recreation Center Fitness Equipment PK&T-079 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 40,000.00
Recreation Center Picnic Shelter Concrete PK& T-094 24,000.00 24,000.00
Skate Park Replacement 25,000.00 25,000.00 50,000.00
Tennis Courts PK&T-on 125,000.00 125,000.00
Capital Replacement Fund Total 74,000.00 10,000.00 160,000.00 10,000.00 25,000.00 279,000.00
Parl< Dedication Fund
Bluff Creek Drive Gap Trail PK& T-OB3 350,000.00 350,000.00
Chanhassen High School Athletic Field Contribution PK& T-097 600,000.00 600,000.00
Chanhassen Native Preserve Trail, Final Phase PK& T -099 90,000.00 90,000.00
Hwy 101 North/Pleasant View Rd Trail Connections PK&T-029 175,000.00 175,000.00
Hwy 41 Pedestrian Underpass/Trail Grant Match PK& T -069 125,000.00 125,000.00
Lake Ann Park Stairway Project PK&T-OB9 90,000.00 90,000.00
Liberty at Creekside Trail PK& T-075 275,000.00 275,000.00
Lyman Blvd Trail Improvements PK& T-081 700,000.00 700,000.00
Pedestrian Trail to Arboretum PK&T-098 200,000.00 200,000.00
Picnic Tables/Park Benches PK& T -042 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 50,000.00
Pioneer Boulevard Gap Trail PK& T-084 300,000.00 300,000.00
Rice Marsh Lake Trail PK&T-074 375,000.00 375,000.00
South Lotus Lake Park Playground Refurbishment PK&T-096 35,000.00 35,000.00
The Preserve Trail and Bridge PK&T-076 250,000.00 250,000.00
Trees PK& T -043 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 50,000.00
Parl< Dedication Fund Total 1,695,000.00 570,000.00 410,000.00 695,000.00 295,000.00 3,665,000.00
Grand Total 1,769,000.00 580,000.00 570,000.00 705,000.00 320,000.00 3,944,000.00
City of Chanhassen, MN
Capital Improvement Program
2010 thru 2014
Recommended
Projects By Funding Source
Source Project # 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Total
Capital Replacement Fund
Recreation Center Fitness Equipment PK& T-079 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 30,000.00
Skate Park Replacement 25,000.00 25,000.00 50,000.00
Tennis Court Repair PK& T-072 125,000.00 75,000.00 200,000.00
Capital Replacement Fund Total 10,000.00 160,000.00 10,000.00 25,000.00 75,000.00 280,000.00
Park Dedication Fund
Bluff Creek Drive Gap Trail PK& T-083 350,000.00 350,000.00
Chanhassen Native Preserve Trail, Final Phase PK& T-099 90,000.00 90,000.00
Hwy 101 North/Pleasant View Rd Trail Connections PK& T-029 175,000.00 175,000.00
Hwy 41 Pedestrian Underpass/Trail Grant Match PK& T-069 125,000.00 125,000.00
Liberty at Creekside Trail PK& T-075 275,000.00 275,000.00
Manchester Park Phase I Development 100,000.00 100,000.00
Pedestrian Trail to Arboretum PK&T-098 200,000.00 200,000.00
Picnic Tables/Park Benches PK& T-042 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 40,000.00
Pioneer Boulevard Gap Trail PK&T-084 300,000.00 300,000.00
Rice Marsh Lake Trail PK&T-074 375,000.00 375,000.00
Roundhouse Playground Phase II 25,000.00 25,000.00
5ugarbush Playground Phase II 25,000.00 25,000.00
Tennis Courts-Roundhouse Park 125,000.00 125,000.00
Trees PK&T-043 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 40,000.00
City Center Park Band Shell, Poles, Fabric 45,000.00
Park Dedication Fund Total 615,000.00 410,000.00 695,000.00 295,000.00 275,000.00 2,245,000.00
Grand Total 625,000.00 570,000.00 705,000.00 320,000.00 350,000.00 2,525,000.00
City of Chanhassen
Park Dedication Fund History
Increase (Decrease) Year End
Year Revenues Expenses In Fund Balance Fund Balance
2001 $435,167 $503,661 ($68,494 ) $1.735,991
2002 477,237 1,543,166 (1,065,929) 670,062
2003 1,165,011 1,269,639 (104,628) 565,434
2004 616,334 264,194 352,140 917,574
2005 930,450 79,854 850,596 1,768,170
2006 2,286,277 476,006 1,810,271 3,578,441
2007 741,294 731,736 9,558 3,587,999
2008 435,042 593,983 ( 158,941) 3,429,058
2009 200,000 1,695,000 (1,495,000) 1,934,058
2010 200,000 570,000 (370,000) 1 ,564,058
2011 400,000 410,000 (10,000 1 ,554,058
2012 400,000 695,000 (295,000\ 1,259,058
2013 400,000 295,000 105,000 1,364,058
2014 400,000 275,000 125,000 1,489,058
$4,000,000
$3,500,000
$3,000,000
$2,500,000
$2,000,000
$1,500,000
$1,000,000
$500,000
Park Dedication Fund History and
Predicted Future Performance
$0
~
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
.....Revenues
-+-Expenses
.....Vear End Balance
G:lparklthlpark dedication history-1 (2).xls
6 Parks & Open Space
6.1 ~ INTRODUCTION
Chanhassen's Park and Recreation System is a source of community identity and pride and greatly
contributes to residents' quality of life. The City has historically and will continue to place a strong
emphasis on parks and recreation. In the 2007 Citizen Survey, recreational opportunities were one
of the three highest rated characteristics of Chanhassen.
The Park and Recreation Section of the 2030 Comprehensive provides an overview and analysis
of the City's existing system, identifies objectives and policies that will guide park and recreation
decision making through the year 2030, as well as identifying key initiatives that will complete and
enhance the current system.
6.1.1 WHY PLAN~
The City's strong history of planning for parks and recreation has resulted in a balanced system of
active parks, passive natural areas, trails, and recreation programs that today is treasured by residents.
Planning over the next 25 years will be essential to completing and enhancing the existing system as
well as adapting it to changing recreation trends.
Park and recreation planning:
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
citizen commitment. In addition to adding parks and trails to the system in conjunction with
development, the community has supported major initiatives for park improvements throughout the
years.
City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan
PARKS & OPEN SPACE I 6-1
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.
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.
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.
6-21 PARKS&OPENSPACE
City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan
Figure 6.1 Existing Parks and Recreation System
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City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan
PARKS & OPEN SPACE I 6 - 3
Figure 6.2: Existing Park Facilities
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City of Chanhassen Park Land Acres 0 III III III U 0 ii: x 0 ii: ii: ... ., ., ., ., ., ., .... .... ~ ~ OTHER
Community Parks
Bandimere Community Park 35.7 . . . . . . .
Chanhassen Recreation Centerl
Bluff Creek Elementary School 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
City Center Pari< 2.74 . . . . . . . . . . . . Skate pari<
Canoe rack,
horseshoes,
reservations picnic
Lake Ann Park 87.08 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sites, charcoal grills
Archery, canoe rack,
reservations picnic
Lake Susan Park 47.52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sites, charcoal grills
Neighborhood Parks
Bandimere Heights Park 3.8 . . . . . . . . .
Carver Beach Park 6.3 . . . . . . . . . grills
Carver Beach Playground 1.74 . . . . . . .
Chanhassen Estates Park 0.97 . . . . .
Chanhassen Hills Park 7.62 . . . . . . . . . . .
Curray Farms Park 6.82 . . . . . . . . . Sliding hill
Greenwood Shores Park 3.26 . . . . . . Charcoal grills
Herman Field Park 11.65 . . . . . .
Kerber Pond Pari< 27.21 . . .
Meadow Green Park 21.6 . . . . . . . . . . Charcoal grills
Minnewashta Heights Park 1.62 . . . .
North Lotus Lake Pari< 19.78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charcoal grills
Pheasant Hill Park 10.87 . . . . . . . . .
Power Hill Park 21.57 . . . . . . . . .
Prairie Knoll Park 3.88 . . . . .
Rice Marsh Lake Park 3.51 . . . . . . . . . . . Charcoal grills
Roundhouse Park 8.29 . . . . . . . . . . Roundhouse
South Lotus Lake Park 7.42 . . . . . . . .
Stone Creek Pari< 9.31 . . . .
Sugarbush Park 4.92 . . . . . . .
Sunset Ridge Park 9.46 . . . . . . .
Preserves
Chanhassen Nature Preserve 105.62
Bluff Creek Headwaters Preserve 48.9 . . .
Bluff Creek Preserve 42.28 . . .
Bluff Creek Preserve, North 10.85 . . .
Hesse Farm Park Preserve 17.11 . .
Hidden Creek Meadows 7.02 . .
Undeveloped future
Lake Riley Preserve 1.46 lake access
Lake Susan Preserve 55.29 . . .
Pinehurst 5.94 .
Site of future
Pinehurst at Lake Harrison 34.68 . neighborhood park
Pleasant View Preserve 6.84 . .
Rice Marsh Lake Preserve 68.43 . .
Unnamed Park Preserve 37.12 . .
Special Use Parks
Olson Community Garden 0.41 Garden plots
Non-Clty Facilities
City of Shorewood
Cathcart Pari< 4.55 . . . . . . . . . owned
ONR Land .
Concessions, future
Minnewashta Regional Park 329.68 . . . . . . . . . off leash dog area
University of
MN Landscape Arboretum 674.12 Minnesota
MN Valley National Wildlife Re 62.03
Raguet Wildlife Management Are 187.96
Private Golf Courses
Bluff Creek Golf Course 227.19
Golf Zone 98.14
Halla Greens 45.28
6 - 4 I PARKS & OPEN SPACE
City ofChanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan
6.2.2 NON-CITY RECREATION FACILITIES
1. Lake 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.
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
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge within the City. The refuge was established in 1976
to provide habitat for migratory waterfowl, fish and other wildlife species. Today the Refuge
comprises of 14,000 acres stretching 45 Miles from Fort Snelling State Park to Bell Plain,
Minnesota. While some areas of the refuge have trails and interpretive signs, there are no public
recreation facilities in Chanhassen.
4. Raguet Wildlife Management Area (WMA): The Raguet Wildlife Management Area
encompasses 270 acres, 190 of which are located in Chanhassen. The WMA is entirely within
the floodplain of the Minnesota River. Natural communities include floodplain forest, wetland
areas and grassland. The management emphasis is maintaining and improving habitat for
wetland species and providing public hunting opportunities.
5. DNR Land: The DNR owns an 8 acre
parcel of land on the east side of Lotus Lake.
At this time, this land is preserved as open
space and there are no recreational facilities.
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
City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan
Lake Susan Park Trail
PARKS & OPEN SPACE I 6 - 5
in 1924 and consists of 63 acres of land on Lake Minnewashta, south of Lake Minnewashta
Regional Park. Today the camp serves both boys and girls and offers overnight and day camps.
6.2.3 TRAILS AND SIDEWALKS
1. City Trails and Sidewalks: The City has put significant effort into establishing trails and
sidewalks over the last 10 years resulting in an 80 mile city-wide system that connects
neighborhoods to parks, schools, commercial and civic destinations, and connects to the trail
systems in adjacent communities. The City is also committed to providing pedestrians and
cyclists safe crossings of major roads and today there is a pedestrian bridge over Highway 5 and
are several underpasses city-wide (Figure 6-1). There are some unpaved nature trails in preserve
parks as well.
2. Regional Trails: The Southwest Hennepin LRT Regional Trail consists of two trail corridors,
both of which travel through Chanhassen. The north corridor is known as Lake Minnetonka
LRT Regional Trail and travels from Hopkins to Victoria along the northwest city boundary.
The south corridor is known as Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail and travels from
Hopkins to Chanhassen through the southern part of the City with a parking area and trail head
off of Bluff Creek Drive. Both trails are crushed limestone. The trail corridors were acquired by
the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA) for future light rail transit use. A
cooperative agreement between HCRRA and Three Rivers Park District allows the corridors to
be used for interim recreational purposes.
Much of Highway 101 Regional Trail is complete within Chanhassen. Today, the trail travels
about 5 miles from Pleasant View Road south to County Highway 14.
6.2.4 RECREATION PROGRAMS
The City of Chanhassen offers a range of recreation programs for all
ages. These currently include: crafts, dance, and sports for preschool
aged children; crafts, sports, self defense, ski and snowboard and dance
programs for youth; programs serving individuals with developmental
disabilities and their families; fitness and sports programs for adults;
and educational programs, swimming, clubs, field trips, meal and
driving programs for seniors.
The Chanhassen Recreation Center provides the community with
year round indoor and outdoor recreational facilities. The Recreation
Center is a focal point for many of the City's community events and
recreational activities and programs. The staff at the Recreation Center
takes pride in providing a fun and friendly atmosphere for people of all
ages at an affordable price. Facilities at the Recreation Center include
a gymnasium, fitness room, aerobics/dance studio, five meeting rooms,
and outdoor ball fields, tennis courts, and hockey rinks.
6-61 PARKS&OPENSPACE
City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan
Figure 6.3: Metropolitan Council Population Forecasts
Year Population Households
1990 11,732 4,016
2000 20,321 6,194
Growth Forecasts
27,500
34,500
38,000
2010
2020
2030
10,200
12,800
14,800
6.3 ~ ASSESSING FUTURE NEEDS
6.3.1 POPULATION
Demand for parks and recreation is closely linked to population. The Metropolitan Council
forecasts that the City will add 7,886 households and increase in population by 17,679 between
the years 2000 and 2030 (Figure 6-3). This increase in population will certainly result in an overall
increase in park and trail needs.
6-4 k N
Fiaure Par eeds Based on POI ulation
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
Neiohborhood 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, excludino approximate acreaoe for exclusive school use
Population standards act as a general guideline for the minimum number of park acres per 1,000
people. These standards are one method of assessing needs and are applied to both neighborhood
and community park lands. Preserve areas are not assessed since these areas typically encompass
natural features which vary greatly from community to community and no standard exists.
Chanhassen uses standards of 5 acres/l,OOO people for neighborhood
parks and 7acres/l,000 people for community parks. The standards are
applied in Figure 6-4. Analysis shows that the City currently has enough
parkland to meet anticipated needs through 2010, that by 2020 there will
be a 12 acre shortfall in community park space, and by 2030 a 37 acre
shortfall in community park space and a 2 acre shortfall in neighborhood
park space. Therefore City should explore opportunities for additional
community park land and continue to add to the neighborhood park
network as new residential areas are developed.
Age is also an indicator of what types of recreation facilities will be
needed. Youth tend to participate in organized athletics while older
people are more interested in trail oriented activities such as biking, in-
line skating, jogging and walking. Year 2000 U.S. Census data (Figure
6- 5) shows large segments of the population in two age groups, under 19
City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan
Figure 6.5:
Year 2000 Census Data
Year
2000
2,020
2,227
3,086
1 ,492
4,291
4,006
1,860
750
447
142
20,321
A e
Under 5
5-9
10-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70-79
80+
Total
PARKS & OPEN SPACE I 6-7
Figure 6.6: Park Service Areas
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Legend
CCIly Boundary
.. Public Destinations
Streams Network
lakes
- Ral_oad
EJdsUng Chanhallen Parks and Recreation
.BI Communlly Park
_ Neighborhood park
_ Nature p'eselVa
OCher "arks and RecreaUon
Mlnnesola landscape Arboretum
_ Regional Park and Open Space Features
Golf Course
EJdsUng Trails and Sidewalks
- CIly of Chanhassen lialls & Sidewalks
--. Chanhasen trail under construction
r.1 avtrpass
, Underpass
- Paved tralln adjacent communlly
--- Unpaved trail In adjacent communly
o liall held
Park Servlce Are..
.....
t..' 1/2 Mile Radius Neighborhood Park Service Area
() 2 Mile Radius Community Park Service Area
Residential Service Area Gaps
(Net Denslly Range 4-8 uJacre)
l...ge lol Residential Service Area Gaps
(2.5 acre mlnumum)
6.8 I PARKS & OPEN SPACE
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City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan
years and age 30-50, indicating a prevalence of families
with children. As these populations age, the City will
likely continue to see demand for youth sports and see
the demand for more passive activities such as trails
and natural areas increase. Assuming that much of
the forecasted new population growth will be young
families with children, demand for current facilities is
likely to remain strong. When planning park facilities
it is important to keep in mind that neighborhoods and
communities go though life-cycle changes and parkland
must be varied and versatile so the system can adapt as
recreation and demographic trends shift.
6.3.2
PARK SERVICE AREAS
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 2020. Since most of
the new residential growth is anticipated to occur in two areas; south of Lyman Boulevard and
on the west side of Lake Ann, it makes sense to look for new community park sites these areas.
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 Yz mile radius free of barriers such as major
roads and large water bodies. Because community
parks often act as neighborhood parks for the
people living in close proximity, a Yz mile radius
is applied to both neighborhood and community
parks to identifY any gaps in service. Areas
highlighted in yellow in Figure 6.6 are existing
or planned future neighborhoods (based on the
2030 Land Use Plan) that have gaps in service.
As shown in Figure 6.6, the northeastern part
of the City is well served by parks and but there
are some gaps. In order to maintain the Yz mile
radius walking distance, additional neighborhood
parks should be considered in these areas. The City
already owns the land for, but has yet to develop,
City ofChanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan
Riley Creek
PARKS & OPEN SPACE I 6 - 9
two neighborhood parks north of Highway 5. Developing these parks would eliminate most
service gaps in the north part of the city. The area south of future Highway 212, west of CRl 0
1 and north of Pioneer Trail is within Yz mile of Bandimere Park, but is shown as a gap in service
because residents must cross a CRl 0 1, a major road, ro get to the park. If a centrally located safe
crossing of CRl 0 1 is established, Bandimere Community Park would serve as a neighborhood
park for this area. Where there are other service gaps in the southern part of the City, additional
neighborhood parks should be considered as residential development occurs.
South of Pioneer Trail, rural development patterns are dominant. Though this area is not well
served by neighborhood parks, the low population densities coupled with ownership of large lots,
on which residents often build facilities suited to their individual needs (small play structures,
basketball hoops, pools, tennis courts, horses, open space ete.) make the need for neighborhood
parks low.
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 growing for the health benefits associated with active lifestyles
and exercise. Studies have shown that when people have access to parks, they exercise more!
Incorporating parks, trails, and natural areas into the community supports increased play,
exercise, walking and biking which can improve residents' physical, psychological and social
health. This keeps the community fit and healthy.
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 -10 I PARKS & OPEN SPACE
City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan
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.
using lesser facilities close to home or work.
9. Trails: Interest in active living, walkable communities, commuting alternatives, and aging
populations 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.
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 Go/fi Disc Golf is a fast growing sport that is played by people of all ages. It is played on a
marked course with special golf discs, similar to Frisbees. Throws start from a tee area toward a
basket mounted on a pole. As players progress down the fairway, they make their next shot from
where their previous throw landed.
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
additional 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.
City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehemive Plan
PARKS & OPEN SPACE I 6-11
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
education and sustainability all support the need for continued City leadership in protecting
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
opportunities to acquire park and recreation lands.
Funding new park and recreation initiatives and maintaining and improving the existing system will
continue to be a challenge. The City will continue to maintain and improve the system by acquiring
new park land though the Park Dedication Requirements in the Subdivision Ordinance, encouraging
open space protection through the Planned Unit Development Ordinance and Bluff Creek Overlay
District, and using money from the general fund. In addition, the City should continue to explore
other funding tools such as partnerships with other organizations; encouraging voluntary donation
of land or easements; development of facilities that generate a revenue; and voter approved bonds
or taxes.
The plan is divided into three sections: Park Classifications and Standards define standards for new
parks; Objectives and Policies are intended to act as a general guide for decisions regarding the park
and recreation system and provide a means for evaluating furure efforts; and Park and Recreation
Initiatives that will complete and fine tune the system.
6.4.1 PARK CLASSIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS
Chanhassen's parks are classified according to their use and function. Figure 6-7 defines the
classifications and outlines standards for new parks. The classification system is intended to act as a
general guide to park planning, acquisition, and use and are designed to assure that residents have
convenient access to parks and the community has a range of active and passive recreation facilities
to meet current and future needs. Active recreation refers to sports like baseball, softball, soccer,
6 -12 I PARKS & OPEN SPACE
City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan
basketball and tennis. Passive recreation refers to activities such as picnicking, nature study, walking,
and bird watching.
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
home. Developed primarily for barriers such as neighborhood residents Safe
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
thorouQhfares.
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
6.4.2 PARK AND RECREATION SYSTEM INITIATIVES
While the objectives and policies offer broad guidelines for park and recreation system development,
the following initiatives have been identified by City Staff, the Park and Recreation Commission,
and citizens as key to completing the system and improving existing facilities to meet needs today
and over the next 25 years. Numbered initiatives correspond to efforts depicted in Figure 6-8.
Parks and Recreation Facilities:
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.
City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan
PARKS & OPEN SPACE I 6-)3
Figure 6.8: Future Park & Recreation Initiatives
p
( .--
P-1. Expand Lake Ann Park -,...
; and complete lake trail loop S h 0 r e woo d
1, \
c.",. V-:::"tI1,....'. ~ --
FII"", ,..1 ~ l'tntn~ ~
''''i~ \
T1-B. Minnewashta
Park I Arboretum trail
; _J
T1-G. Highway 5
Regional Trail
-
J
I
T-2C. Possible
grade separated'
crossing . ..
..It Sf "It ",.\ l.m'.n,'U~ ",/l.,IIWHI. j
-~ [P-4 Possible Re""c --
...~Center_expansion I
P-5 B~I field ~ 1
improvements at I (
Lake Susan
Community Park I .\ and Westem
1 / Regional Trail?
_ .,.........riI ....~
.),T-1E Trail along
Lyman Blvd
,.,.r~
P-2. Additional athletic
field complex
(location south of
Lyman Blvd?)
Legend
t:J Cny Boundary
. Public Destinations
Streams Network
Seminary Fen (general location)
Blull Creek Corridor
Existing Chanhuun Parks and Recreation
tal Communny Park
.. NeighborhOOd Park
_ Nature Preserve
Other Parks and Recreation
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
_ Regional Park and Open Space Features
U Golf Course
Existing Trails and Sidewalks
- Cny of Chanhassen Trails & Sidewalks
-- cny trail under construction
lls Overpass
'Underpass
- Paved tra,l in adjacent communny
...... Unpaved Iran in adjacent communny
o Trail head
Conceptual Future Trails (DRAFT)
- City of Chanha..en Planned TrailslSldewalks
(existing trail plan)
.1 Potential key trail connections
Proposed Regional Trails
- Planned Iralls In adjacent communllles
, Planned underpass
Conceptual Future Parka (DRAFT)
_ Conceptual park expansion area
n-G. & N-3. Highway 101 Regional Trail
Possible future corridor expansion to
) Include Seminary Fen
'(regional initiaUve)
.\ .
'd,
n~
nu.....
6.14 I PARKS & OPEN SPACE
City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan
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 future of Bluff Creek Golf Course.
· Create a rain garden by boat launch area in Lake Ann Park.
· Explore opportunities for an outdoor amphitheater for community productions.
· Look for additional community garden locations.
Preserve Parks
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.
Trails
T-13. Complete the trail network according to the trail plan depicted in Figure 6-8 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-l C. 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-l G. 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 Lake Minnewashta Regional Park
T-2E. Overpass/Underpass at 212/1 0 1 at LRT Trail.
T-2F. Underpass at CRI0l to Bandimere Community Park.
City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan
PARKS & OPEN SPACE I 6 -15
Recreational Programming
· Create an Arts Council and Community Theater.
6.5 ~ GOALS AND POLICIES
The overarching goal of the park and recreation system is to provide park and recreational facilities
and programs to reasonably meet the City's needs and promote a sense of community. The objectives
cover the main elements needed to support the goal and polices provide further explanation and
direction.
1. Goal: Provide a balanced park system which includes neighborhood parks, community parks,
special use facilities, preserve areas, regional facilities and schools.
Policies:
· Provide neighborhood and community parks according to standards outlined in Figure 6-7
and as depicted in Figure 6-8.
· Ensure all residents have equitable access to park and recreation facilities at the community,
neighborhood, and individual park level.
· Preserve open space areas that typifY the City's natural heritage and/or are ecologically sensitive.
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.
3. Goal: Provide leadership in environmental conservation and demonstrate sustainable
development and building practices.
Policies:
· Preserve open space areas that typifY the City's natural heritage and/or are ecologically
sensitive.
6 -16 I PARKS & OPEN SPACE
City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan
.
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 community partnerships with private organizations, local businesses,
other public agencies, and athletic organizations.
· Explore the development of facilities that generate revenue, as opportunities arise.
· Encourage property owners who are potentially interested in donating or granting voluntary
and permanent conservation easements on their land.
· Consider direct purchase of land when critical opportunities emerge using the park land
dedication fund or other funding, e.g. general revenues, unrestricted money, grants or
loans. Negotiations for the acquisition of park, trail, and preserve land should be based
on appraisals by qualified appraisers. Reasonable efforts shall be made to acquire land by
negotiated purchase before utilization of the power of eminent domain.
· Consider seeking voter approval to issue bonds or levy a tax for the acquisition and
improvement of park and trails.
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
development of park and open space facilities.
· Where possible, park and trail lands should be planned prior to and created in conjunction
with development to ensure that future facility demands can be met.
City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan
PARKS & OPEN SPACE I 6 -17
6. Goal: Provide the opportunity for all community residents to participate in recreational
activities.
Policies:
· Provide programs for all age groups and a variety of interests at a variety of times.
· Incorporate arts and theatre programming into the park and recreation system.
· Evaluate programs annually to ensure they are meeting resident needs and interests.
6 -18 I PARKS & OPEN SPACE
City of Chanhassen · 2030 Comprehensive Plan