1994 03 08 Agenda
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FILE
AGENDA
PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
SPECIAL WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 1994, 7:30 P.M.
CHANHASSEN CITY HALL, 690 COULTER DRIVE
Please assemble in the Courtyard Conference Room
CALL TO ORDER
Update of Recreation Section of the Comprehensive Plan:
1.
Task 2 - Facility Inventory (see attached report).
2. Task 3 - Recreation Demand and Need (see attached report from Hoisington-Koegler
Group, Inc.)
ADJOURN - 9:30 p.m.
J.
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Hoisington Koegler Group Inc.
mil
1111
MEMORANDUM
TO: Chanhassen Park and Recreation Commission and Staff
FROM: Bruce Chamberlain
DATE: March 2, 1994
SUBJECT: Park and Recreation Section Update - Chanhassen Comprehensive Plan
Introduction
Both the 1980 and 1990 versions of the Chanhassen Comprehensive Plan contained a section
in the Recreation Chapter that addressed future park needs based on commonly used standards
and on a specific analysis of the City. Standards are typically employed to provide a view of
the adequacy of a community's existing and planned park system. In addition to the
application of standards, it is necessary to again look specifically at Chanhassen's needs. For
example, standards typically use a service area for neighborhood parks of 12 mile. Within
that Y2 mile service area, locations of major highways such as TH 5 or TH 212, drainageways
and other features may complicate access to the point that an additional park site is needed to
safely accommodate users.
The current update of the Recreation section of the Plan will also need to consider standards.
The following information serves as a framework for the preparation of text and graphics that
will be included in the plan.
Standards
The 1980 and 1990 Chanhassen Comprehensive Plans used an overall standard of 13 acres of
park land per 1000 population. This standard was derived from information published by the
National Recreation and Park Association. This standard also has a basis in Chanhassen's
Subdivision Ordinance. A provision in that ordinance states: "In residential plats, one (1)
acre of land shall be conveyed to the city as an outlot by warranty deed for every seventy-five
(75) people the platted land could house...". This provision of the subdivision ordinance
results in a standard of 13.3 acres per 1000 people.
Land Use / Environmental · Planning / Design
7300MerroBoulevard/Suite525 · Minneapolis, Minnesota 55439 · (612)835-9960 · Fax:(612)835-3160
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Park Plan Update Memorandum
March 2, 1994
Page Three
Year: 2010
Population: 30,375 (Comprehensive Plan Estimate)
Existing Standard Applied
Component Acreage Standard to 2010 Population Net 2010
Park System 305 13ac/1 000 395 ac <90 ac>
Neighborhood 127 5ac/l000 152 ac <24 ac>
Community 178 8ac/1 000 243 ac <65 ac>
Based on commonly used standards, Chanhassen has an adequate supply land in each of the
categories until sometime in the 2000 to 2010 time frame. By 2010, all categories of park
land will be deficient unless additional land is added to the system.
As was mentioned previously, standards are only one measure of gauging the adequacy of the
supply of park and recreation land. The other measure involves a specific review of
Chanhassen to determine park needs based on natural features, future growth patterns, and
existing and planned barriers such as roadways. Over the course of the past couple of
meetings, the Park and Recreation Commission has conducted a review of the City and has
identified desired park and open space areas. It appears as though the location and spacing of
these areas will provide reasonable park access in the future. Park locations and potential
deficiency areas can be further reviewed at the meeting on Tuesday evening.
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CITY OF
CHAHHASSEH
690 COULTER DRIVE. P.O. BOX 147. CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937-1900. FAX (612) 937-5739
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Park and Recreation Commission
FROM:
Todd Hoffman, Park and Recreation Director
DATE:
March 4, 1994
SUBJ:
Worksession, Comprehensive Plan Update, Recreation Section
The attached work sheets are marked up as a starting point to the update of the "existing
facilities" text. Please read through them to catch any omissions under facilities; however, pay
closer attention to the comments section. Text under comments can be used to steer the future
development of a park. I hope you can decipher my writing and I encourage you to add some
of your own. Hoisington-Koegler Group will be completing the mapping portion of the update.
As things begin to take form, more refined documents will be forwarded to the commission. As
of today, the old text is on disk serviceable under the city's old hardware. Advancements in the
area of word processing will occur simultaneously with the commission's efforts.
In news of a separate nature, the city council acted to appoint Dave Huffman to the vacant
position on the commission. Mr. Huffman will be attending next Tuesday's work session.
See you Tuesday!
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(2/91)
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method of acquiring open space can be an effective procedure in
ovision of recreational facilities.
A s cond method of acqui ri ng open space is through regu
means. Through the use of zoning and subdivision ordinance,
municip lities have control over open space areas. f
regulato tools, zoning is most often utilized.
Two general ypes of zoni ng ordi nances exi st whi c are used to
provide open ace. The first type, known as dev opment zoning
includes provis ns such as cluster zoning. Sch es such as this
involve both park ands and open space areas s' ce cluster zoning
permits the groupin of structures thereby f eing up additional
lands for park use. he second type, kno as natural resource
zoni ng, takes a somewli t oppos i te appro since it is used to
prohibit structures from 1 entified area. Typically, this control
method is used to protect m shes, fl ~plains, agricultural land,
and other natural resources. The i ty of Chanhassen presently
ut il i zes both of these mechan . Subd i vi s ion ord i na.nces can
affect open space conservation n can implement its preservation
through design restrictio whi regulate the layout of
developments. Furthermor as a part such an ordinance, a city .
can require the dedica . n of permanent en space as a platting
requirement. In es where a municl l,ty does not need
additional park 1 d, a fee in lieu of tti dedication can be
charged. This e is usually calculated to be ughly equivalent
to the val u of any 1 and parcel s whi ch are req . red under the
dedicatio rdinance. Land dedication requirements e justified
on the rounds that a subdi vi s ion is respons i b 1 e fo rovi di ng
recr ional amenities to the residents who reside within' . The
Ci of Chanhassen currently utilizes dedication as a mea of
roviding open space and park areas.
Recreational Facilities
In analyzing the existing recreational facilities within a
community, a recreational zone of influence needs to be considered.
A zone of influence defines a geographic area in which people are
likely to travel to p~~ ,icipate in recreational activities. For
the purpose of this plan, the zone of influence is defined as the
area which represents a maximum travel time of 25-30 minutes.
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Recreational Zone of Influen( 'J
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(2/91)
The area depicted on the Zone of Influence Map should be viewed in
general terms. Within this designated area, the public is likely
to move about freely in order to participate in various types of
recreational activities. The delineation of this line does not
however, imply that participation is unlikely outside of the zone.
Major cultural and recreational activities outside of this area
will draw users from within the zone. An example of this might be
the participation by the public in boating and fishing on the St.
Croix River. In this case, the St. Croix has certain amenities
which draw users from a wider geographic area.
In looking at the Zone of Influence Map, it becomes apparent that
the demand for recreation occurs regardl ess of pol it i ca 1
boundaries. Existing recreation areas outside of the City of
Chanhassen exert an influence on the Chanhassen population while
recreational facilities within the City exert an influence on the
population outside the Chanhassen municipal boundaries. The
mi grat ion into Chanhassen to util i ze ci ty recreation facil it i es
will be the strongest from neighboring communities which have not
been active in developing park and open space lands which meet the
needs of their residents.
Facility Inventory - Regional Facilities
As a prerequisite to analyzing specific park sites, a
classification scheme for various types of recreation areas needs
to be established. Initially, parks and open space areas can be
broken down into four ownership/management categories: federal,
state, regional and local. Federal, state and local facilities
outside the Chanhassen municipal boundary are not included in the
. . . . stud. The chart entitled
olitan Recreation Open Space System rtrays the definitions,
service ar . . . ements for various park
~Pb'$e types.
~~~~ REGIONAL OPEN SPACE
Regin~al recreation open space is defined as publicly accessible
area~ which, because of their natural environment character and
development, offer recreational opportunities that attract large
numbers of people irrespective of political boundaries. The
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Metropolitan
Recreation Open Space System
COMPONENT
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NEIGHBORHOOD
PARKI
PLAYGROUND
COMMUNITY
PLAYFIELD
COMMUNITY
PARK
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REGIONAL PARK
REGIONAL PARK
RESERVE
LINEAR PARK
ITrails. corridors.
parkways)
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HISTORIC PARK
SPECIAL USE
USE
CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR LOCAL AND REGI
A SITE
Len thin 1 Icre
Specillized flcilities I
conClntrlt Ited pOpuli-
ific goup such IS tots
r Slnior CI , be in
1000tions such IS IPIrtmen
complelles. townhouse develop-
ments. or commercill Clnters.
Arel for intense recreationel
Ictivities such IS field gamel,
court games, crafts, Ipparltus
arel, skating, neighborhood
Clnters.
Arel for intlnse recreationll
flcilities such IS Ithletic fields
Ind swimming pools: could
include neighborhood use.
Area of nlturll or ornamental
Quality for outdoor recreltion
such IS Wilking. viewing, sitting,
picnicking; could hive some
field Ind court games.
Ar.. of nit ural or ornlmentll
Quality for nature-oriented
OUldoor recreation such IS
picnicking, bOlting. fishing,
swimming. camp,ngand
trail uses.
Area of nltural QUllity for
nature-oriented outdoor
recreltion such IS viewing Ind
studying nlture, wildlife hlbi.
tit. conservellon. swimming.
picnicking. hiking, fishing,
bolting, camp'nglnd trail uses.
Arel developed for one or
more VIIrying modes of recre.
ational travel such IS hiking,
biking, snowmobiling, hOrM'
back riding. crosscountry
skiing. canoeinglnd driving.
Arel that preserves. maintlins.
Ind interprets buildings. sites.
Ind objects of historical Ind
archeological significance.
Ar.. providing specillized or
single purpoSl recreltional
Ictivities such IS golf eoUrM.
neture Clnter. marine, zoo,
conserVlltory,lrbOretum,
displlY gardens, arene,gun
Club. Ind downhill ski area.
10-25 acres
14 to % mile
rldius to serve
I population of
4.000 to 5.000
(neighborhood)
3.5 neighborhoods 25.50 acres
(community. )
3.5 neighborhoods 25-50 Icres
(community")
3.5 communities.
200.500 leres
(1 00 acre
minimum)
County
Multi-county
1 ooo~ Icres;
sufficient Irel to
encompass the
resourCl envisioned
for preserVlltion.
Sufficient width to
provide mallimum
protection of re-
lOurCl Ind malli-
mum use; sufficient
length to Iccomp-
Iish purpOse.
Sufficient Irel to
encompass flcility
or resource.
Specific stlndard
IPplicable to
desired use.
EATION OPEN SPACE
lITE ATTRIBUTES
Physiogrlphy suited
for inttnll development
Physiography suited for
intense development
Affords nit ural feltures
with varied physiogrlphic
interest
Complate nlturll setting
contiguous to Wlter
bodies or Wlter courses
wher. possible.
Diversity of unique
rllOurces. i.... topogrlphy,
Iakll. strelms. marshes,
flora. flune.
Utilize man.made Ind/or
nltural linear rllOurces such
IS utility corridors. rights-
of-way. drainage weys. bluff
linll. vegetltion patterns
Ind rolds.
Historically significant;
represents brold culturll,
pOlitical, economic. military.
or lOCill history; "lOCiated
with lIistorical figure, archi-
ttCturallPlci""n. major
arclleological lite. Lar..
Inough to protect III
significant r_urces.
Approprilte to particular
special ull.
lITE LOCATION
PrOllimity to
ell""ntary schools
PrOllimity to second.
ary school Ind other
publiC flcilities
PrOllimity to com.
munity flcilities
and relOurces.
Wllere naturll
rllourCl occurs -
particularly wlter.
Wiler. resource
occurs.
Wllere linear resourCl
occurs. Link com-
pOnents of recreltion
syst.m. Link other
community facilities
such IS scllools.
library Ind commar.
cial ere...
Wllere resource
occurs; where
lvent occurred.
Within park reserve
or regionll park
except for wetlr
llCCIIIsites. ItHP
slopes for skiing. Ind
Noerenberg Floral
DisPlay Gardens.
"A grouping of n.ighborhoods. not I unit of go_nment.
Source: Metropolitan Council
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attraction of such an area can be 'n its uniqueness as a facility
or because of the existence of n able natural resource features.
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In the Twin City Metropoli_ regional recreation open
space system consists ive com one '. regional parks, regional
park reserves, regional tral corridors, regional historic parks,
and regi ona 1 speci a 1 use areas. Wi thi n the Ci ty of Chanhassen, ::J
- three of these five facilities are present lyin existence. .~/ ~~~A
~t/;<- '7#1j ~re::T/~A/ ~f '84~JIV rr/,/?~U'
/ LAKE MINNEWASHTA REGIONAL PARK 7?J C/1~~4'/'C, a ~7?" //~
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~~ Lake Minnewashta Regional Park is located on the northeast corner
of Lake Minnewashta, southwest of the intersection of State
~~~~~Highways 7 and 41. The facility was originally established as a
~/.?~~~ park in the late 1970's and has been in the development stage since
/~/1~~ that time. Land area in,the park totals 350 acres;
C#~,e/t}7~5 -
The development of park facilities is being done in accordance with
the park's original master plan. Existing facilities include boat
accesses, a swimming beach, picnic areas, a picnic shelter and
groomed cross country ski trails.
Future plans call for additional facilities including a bath house,
maintenance shop, additional picnic shelters, a nature interpretive
center, expanded picnic areas, additional parking, an open field
area, a tot lot and expanded utility improvements such as restrooms
and drinking water.
Lake Minnewashta Regional Park continues to be operated and
maintained by Carver County. Funding for facilities comes from the
Metropolitan Council. The Metropolitan Council maintains a policy
stating that a prime purpose of regional parks is to provide
recreational facilities which are not found in municipal parks.
Because of this, Lake Minnewashta Regional Park will not ~ontain
ball diamonds, tennis, courts, hockey rinks or ot~~ active
facilities in the future. /~ ~C:;ff(7~ /7'~f 8e4/t/'
""'/'#/~ ~ 7d 7& 4.A::~~TtY~
MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARB0RETUM ~~~ ~ ~~
The Minnesota Landscapt Arboretum located on the western edge of
Chanhassen, serves as a regional -special use facility. The
arboretum consists of 580 acres, the majority of which is in
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Chanhassen with smaller land parcels being located in both Chaska
and Vi ctori a. Mai ntenance and staffi ng for the arboretum is
provided by the University of Minnesota.
The major attraction of the arboretum is the facility itself. Some
4,000 species and cultivars of ornamental and native plants are
located on the site. This display draws users from throughout the
Metropolitan Area, particularly during the spring when materials
are in bloom and again in the fall when the Fall Festival is held.
This festival attracts as many as 10,000 visitors.
In addition to the plant viewing function of the Arboretum, the
facility is also involved in activities ranging from research to
educati ona 1 programs. Breedi ng and research programs to improve
the hardiness and landscape qualities of plant materials, flower
exhibits, nature hikes, and horticultural classes ~~l are typical
activities. 7& fi~#,A/ n/?f 84~~
,,##'/~~ 7(j" -:-~ .n# v#~~ ~ r _
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUG ~~~
~/A:- to ~71.Q~
The third facility in Chanhassen which can be considered regional
in importance is the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
Like the Minnewashta Regional Park, the Wildlife Refuge is still in
the acquisition stage. Eventual plans call for the acquisition of
approximately 6,600 acres providing a linear greenbelt stretching
from Fort Snelling to the town of Carver.
The stated objectives of the wildlife refuge are:
1. To preserve a critical portion of the.Minnesota River Valley
with its wildlife and natural habitat.
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(2/91)
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2. To provide an urban wildlife area for bird watching,
photography, nature study, hunting, fishing and other wildlife
oriented activities.
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3. To provide a unique educational resource to all ages by
assisting with field studies of environmental
interrelationships, stimulating curiosity and investigation of
1 i vi ng thi ngs by offeri ng a vari ety of fi rst hand outdoor
experiences.
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In order to realize identified objectives, major program areas have
been identified. Included are wildlife production and maintenance,
wildlife and wetland appreciation, environmental education,
research and scientific studies, fishing and hunting, and historic
preservation.
Within Chanhassen, the wildlife refuge is scheduled to encompass
the entire southern section of the community. At the present time,
the land bounded by U.S. Highways 169 and 212 on the north and
Highways 169 and 101 on the west, and by the Chanhassen border on
the east and south is part of the land acquired for the refuge.
The land lying to the west of this site bounded by U.S. Highway 212
on the north, the Minnesota River on the south, and the Chanhassen
municipal limit on the east and west will eventually become part of
the refuge.
Because of the size of the refuge, a substantial amount of time
will be required for the acquisition of all projected land parcels.
Due to the immense size of the project and consequently, .the high
cost, several allocation methods will be used. In its final form,
the refuge will consist of parcels owned by the federal government,
the state, municipalities, and in some cases, by private owners
through the provision of easements. Upon compl~tion, the Minnesota
Valley National Wildlife Refuge will contain facilities for
camping, fishing, hunting, canoeing, bicycling, snowmobiling, and
nature study, all of which will provide a direct recreational
benefit to both Chanhassen and the Metro population as a whole.
Facility Inventory - Chanhassen
Historically, the development pattern of cities has evolved around
a central tract of open space - the city park. Often, these parks
are one square block in area and usually serve as a focal point for
the community. Facilities typically include a band shell,
fountain, or sitting area; all of which promote social interaction.
In the neighboring city of Chaska, the town square idea is
exemplified by the Chaska City Park. Because of Chanhassen's
histo!ic development pattern, the evolutiGn of its park system has
been somewhat different.
Chanhassen's development as a suburban community has produced a
park system which, although different in format from the
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OUTLOT G .. 10
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LAKE ANN CP 88
LAKE StISAN HILLS WEST OUTLOT E op 82
BANDlMERE PARKLAND CP 30
NeE MARSH LAKE .. 30
LAKE SUSAN CP 27
BLUFF CREEK OP 21
MEADOW GREEN NP 18
NO. LOTUS LAKE NP 18
OUTLOT F .. 18
CHANHASSEN POND OP l'
HERMAN FIELD NP 13
. PHEASANT HILLS PAAKUHO NP 11
CITY CENTER CP 10
CARVER BEACH NP 8
CHAN. tiLLS PARK NP 8
SO. LOTUS LAKE CP 7
CURRY FARMS .. 8
GREENWOOD SHORES NP"
OUTLOT H NP"
BANDNEAE HTS. .. 3
CARVER BEACH' PLAYGAOUND .. 3
CATHCART .. 2
MINNEWASHTA HEIOHTS tIP 2
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traditional central city park, has in reality developed in somewhat
the same manner. Instead of the central town square park,
Chanhassen has established a community park which serves as the
primary recreational facility. This site is supplemented by a
series of neighborhood parks which provide recreational
opportunities within close proximity to the residential population.
These facilities combined with other open space areas constitute
the existing recreational open space system.
The success of the park system wi thi n a communi ty depends on a
number of factors. Certainly, sound planning, placement, and
design are primary determinants. One feature, however, stands out
as a critical factor which often can make the difference between a
good park system and a excellent one. That factor is natural
diversity.
Natural features can provide favorable factors in the establishment
of viable open space areas. Factors such as tree cover,
topographic diversity, lakes, streams, vistas and wetland areas can
add immensely to the overall success of a park system.
Fortunately, all of these exist within Chanhassen. These
characteristics, coupled with the strong established park tradition .
within the community, form the basis for the provision of the park
system.
~Z~P'~ Municipal park facilities can be considered as falling into one of
fo~ categories: aiRi-plrks, neighborhood park/playgrounds,
t,(/~ #(1 community playfields, and community parks. The definitions and
~~b(j~/C...... characteristics of each of these is indicated on the chart entitled
~~~d~t Metrop01itan Recreation Open Space System. In addition to these,
~~UJ(I other facilities may be used for recreation which do not totally
~/~v - fall within these categories.
t:?/.eK5"
The fo 11 owi ng facil i ti es compri se the exi sti ng Chanhassen Park
System. .'
N~me: BWimere ~~&U~1~~/;;2"'4r"","/G.?4
Type: Community ~ i'::?/4f'~/G~~
Size: .5acres .
Facili~es: Undeveloped
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(2/91) ~##I'V"t/;T? ~~/~~L?
Comments: Bandimere (i:ake Riley) Park was 'acQuired in 1988. The
master plan for the park calls for four ball diamonds, two soccer
fields, tennis courts, a picnic area, off-street parking and an
internal trail system within the park. Upon development, this park
is expected to see heavy use by participants in Chanhassen's youth
programs.
~ame: Bandimere Heights Park
Type: ~i ghborhood Park L' .f
Si ze: tI1 acres 3', 8 -1VA!/~
Facil i ti es: Soccer .fJ'J,(J (/~/~~r8&~ c:b~~/
Play Area
t}I'G/V ,/:/Q.o
Comments: Bandimere Heights Park is located on Kiowa Trail on the
western side of Lake Riley. This park was acquired as part of the
54'~ ~~surrounding residential development and at present, contains ~
'1/iJ1t::.:- a soccer fi~2~land play area. The park consists of a swale area
t~~1 with the s~nding ~ covered with small trees.
4 $"t~f/t'Je 6~#~
Name: Bluff Creek Park
Type: Community Park
Size: 20.' acres /;7 /.9~~~~
Facilities: None
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Comments: Bl uff Creek Park is part of the drai nage system for
Bluff Creek. The site drops ,from a northern elevation of
approximately 900 feet down to the 700 foot elevation of the
Minnesota River floodplain. This ravine provides one of the most
dramatic vistas in the community affording a view across the
floodplain and into the City of Shakopee. Due to topographical
constraints, this parcel will remain as future open space. The
area has the potential to provide a future pedestrian trail link to
an expanded system paralleling Bluff Creek. Since the prjmary
purpose of the park is to protect the drainageway, it may be more
appropriate to classify Bluff Creek Park as a special use facility.
Name: Carver Beach ~ P.ill ---
Type: Neighborhood Park L r /:.8~/ /t;7t/5' r~~/L
."..:..C.t Si ze: .~ acres 6' 4tJA!/ -./ ty
"" Fa.ci 1 it i es: Pl ay Area Trail
" .seacR .o.rea Pi cni c .Area
(2)5~Q/~PQ1'@ ~/1t1ff
C~bt'~ ~/!~/C
14
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(2/91)
Comments: Carver Beach is a lineal tract of land on the western 4It"
edge of Lotus Lake. This facility serves primarily as a
nei ghborhood access to the 1 ake. The southern part of the s i t~ ~/..
contains mature tree cove)'. jft't/ .A:/4I.:f~,dR,.e.V'd~-Cl $&~/7Lf
~/&I!!! ./~~/';f5d ~I"TAf'/Yn /~~~ .
tiame: Carver Beach e]avgrpund Park
Type: Neighborhood Park ~ ~
Size: c- acre! ~ 7" ~~-./
Facilities: Play Area
Open Field
Ball Field
Basketball (~ court)
Ice Skating Rink
Y't1cJ &~~r&~~G1
8/ 4~/V/ct/.
Comments: Carver Beach Playground, located on Carver Beach Road,
consists of a rectangular, level site. Very little vegetation is
present as most of the park is devoted to active use accommodating
primarily casual game activities.
Name: Cathcart Park
Type: Neighborhood Park
Size: 3 acres
Facilities: Tennis Court
Hockey Rink
Baseball Diamond
Warming House
Ice Skating Rink
Basketball Court
Play Area
4It
j;/#7t f/
Comments: Cathcart Park is located in e extreme northwest corner
of Chanhassen. This park is unique b cause while it lies totally
within Chanhassen, the facility is maintained by the .
Gf 5boriwee~. The park consists of a level site surrounded by a
church on the north and residential uses on the east, west# and
south. Some vegetation exists on the site but the majority of the
facility is devoted to active play space. ~ ~~ ~~)(
tiame:.. Chanhassen ijj 11 s em 0"[71 cAli/. ~
Type: Neighborhood Park 0 . ~,e, 7.. C:/T/~.f ~~
Siz~:. ~ acl't3' "7'!tR2 ~~~.f ;;:r~p ~I~ ~#/tH/~# ~#~
Fac,l,t,es: YREley~10ped tJJI'iI# ~/~~~ u~~L' i!J
8~L~ ,e/L~d :7#~#Ia/..
'??f;??/ .. ~/ ,e-rT/77ef ~-1f.dt~~;l4?6~~~ Ce?,.e7- 4It
...,/,; r!/Y? e/v ~ e. -.....:./,e"'/~
t:>7'"M /:,;-r- /#<t!'.e,c:}e. :./?..... ~/";e~4/ :;.4'-~-~
P"~ C 'f7
I!:'.iiiiIf
(2/91)
".
Chanhassen Hi 11 s Park was acqui red as a resu1 t of
Name: Chanhassen Pond Park
Type: Neighborhood Park
Si ze: 106 .~tl'e:;-- '5/,;2 '7 /!V~~f
Facilities: Trails
.J'ie~JiAg StaAB
Comments: Chanhassen Pond Park is c1 ass i fi ed as a nei ghborhood
park although its facilities draw users from the entire Chanhassen
community. A~Re preseAt time, ~s park is primarily
undevelope2 Yt rai~exis~ along the eastern side of the pctrk; ~
. ~ C9nRccting adjacent neighborhood' areas@"pd 5t/.e-~C/,/A/'()/~ 7/yiI!! ~p~
~AYOar/~ Chanhassen Pond Park is intended to be a passive facility
~~nr'/~AI accommodating the observation of plants and wildlife in a natural
f! 5 O;f. env ironment. " , g
1fJ#v - ~ a. d er r , 0 - e ',a
" . ad' . /' ""~A./ /J,I(,! re /L /
-'/It) (./(/{//.!' 5'?/iUtJt..-
~ame: Ci ty Center Park __~, /1110~~~
T~pe: Communtty Part 2 #o~~1" ~!I /
S,ze: -3 aCl'es ~Ct. &1'/~ ~~.e'~r8~~~7
Facilities: Tennis Court ~ ~ Open Field b" ~
Ball Fields 3) Soccer
Hockey Rinks (2) ~itRe35 Cuurse
Ice Skating . Warming House
Play Area5 C~~ Off-Street Parking
-r,e/1/~ f'
Comments: C,.::,y Center Park 1 i es adj acent to the Chanhassen
Elementary School. The facilities noted above are located on both
the park property and the~acres owned by the school district.
,-
/'J
.
16
(2/91)
..
Park users include school classes, area resi~ents and residents
from the community at large.
/~f~
-
.Name: Curry Farms Par~ /3tJO ~,/';I(;/!rm,..t/ c::b(/~r
Type: Neighborhood Park '~~f
S i z e : 'a t l' t ~ cP. ,I Ifv"'-- - LJ
Facilities: Sand Volleyball Court 8~~~~/~~
Open Field . L
Off-Street Parking 'J/~~~
Pl ay Area ~~/j
Partiill Trail loop ~
Comments: Curry Farms Park .~te.ftfit$~ servela the primary
recreation area for the surrounding residential . The master
plan for the park which involved extensive neighborhood iBJnut
tftelY~e; a sall fieln. two tPDn;~ court;. a play area, volleyball
-tollrt, a small off-street parkiRg lot and a loop trail system. .
. ~/!5 ~~~/V C::~~~~/E"b1
Name: Greenwood Shores Park . ~
Type: Neighborhood Park ~11t' ~6~ ~11A1~
Size: 3.6 aere-s 3".311~~€5
Facilities: Picnic Area .
"5t~I/AJ'~" Beach ~ Lake Ann
~"e, /!~ /!tt:c; ~:r.f
Comments: Greenwood Shores Park abuts both Lake Ann and Lake ..~/IJI,fI~
S~saA. Facilities on the site include a grassy picnic area and a {r
beach,~. The site slopes from east to west toward both lakes
with a drainageway roughly bisecting the tract. Tree cover within
the park is extensive.
In 1986, the city completed a bituminous trail which connects
Greenwood Shores Park and Lake Ann Park around the eastern side of
Lake Ann.
D M#~1/ 4r'~
~'" 71
~ame: Herman Fiel~
Type: Neighborhood Park
Size: ~L76- //.6 /!C'~€ft?~~ -S-7,er4'~ /7~#rP
Facil~ties: YAde~Q1Q~9~ ~~~A/ ~/At~4?
Comments: A master
for the park calls for.
#'/~ Jf,.e,~#
~t/I'~tI/t/6- ~~v6.?#d1~11 t?~
. . /J ~ /J A/ #,.('/tP pr./.' J..K'
/A/t:~,/pr" ~ (;V;
// /</~-z-- ,
e
". 7" :e#/~ ~/J
",".v/J /f ~a?../c &'#/
.
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.
.
.
(2/91)
,Name: Lake Ann Park
Type: Community Park/Playfield c
Si ze: 9i acres /G7r" ef3 ~~~.J
Facilities: Tennis Court
Ball Fields (6), 1 lighted
SWimmingEe
Picnic Ar
Play Ar
Natural ded Area
Open Space
Sand Volleyball Courts (2)
Horseshoe Courts (2)
Soccer Field
Tra i1 s
Boat Access
Off-Street Parking
Fishing Pier
Group Picnic Reservation Areas
~~~/J/~66~~T4'/,.v ~A~/~~
Comments: Lake Ann Park is located in the central developed
portion of the community on State Highway 5, approximate)y 1/2 mile
west of County Road 17. The topography of the site is gently
rolling and the western quarter of the park is in dense tree cover.
This natural diversity affords a variety of both active and passive
uses. A swimmi ng beach is located on Lake Ann whi ch forms the
park's northern boundary. Ouri ng the s. ummer months'A 1 i feguard~ /
supervi se the swimmi ng area. f.tjttlre pl an! call fer AV-ReW pi cni y
shelter/'emm~Rity reem adjacent to the swimming beach area. ____
/5 ~~~/~t:J ,el'!?/
~ame: L~ke Susan Park fJ~ltle ~
T~pe: Community Park r- Mo;ee5 J//1:f. //I~~
S,ze: 28 a"t:::' ~5.'-.1 /1" '1(/../
Facilities: Picnic Shelter /~~
Sand Volleyball Court5~/
Off-Street Park; ~
. ,t4.J'd.; J,'~ Tennis Courts' (2; ,
/l t:J"YY( Baseba 11 Fi e 1 d
Archery Range
J. ~
{pPill' ;J,t;,tfIICI1(-f.e/(/v,,7/PtV ~Q~~
~/' /" /1'~4-~
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(2/91)
Boat Access
Fishing Pier.
Basketball Court
.1
Comments: Lake Susan Park is des i gnated as a communi ty park,
however, ita 1 so serves as a nei ghborhood faci 1 i ty for both
residential anctJl;)industrial d~opments. The park contains a
picnic shelter~fVolleyball co~picnic area, off-street parking,
tennis courts, a 16bt~~1 baseball field, archery range,
basketball court7~nd a boat access on l~ke Susan.
....." P/,lJY' /I;te~ //,#/#~ ///e ~ _
Name: L~ke Susan Hills (O~tlQt El ---AV ~
Type: Nei ghborhood Park ~ / #/5 /~~~ ,~
Size: 62 acres / ..-n~ At:! ~/~/.e
Facilities: Undeveloped ~ ~~~~ ~/
Comments: This park contains a large amount of wetland area.
Future use of the park will be limited to passive activities
including off-street trails.
.
preliminary sketch plan for this park includes
softb field basketball, tennis, a soccer field, picnic area,
off-s eet parklng, trails and a sliding hill. ~
Name: Lake Susan ~j 11 s (Outl ot G). it .~-;-- /bIlJtf~
Type: Nei ghborhood Park 1/# jk..blL-
S i z e : 10 c re s / / .
Facilities: developed
Comments: preliminary sketch plan for this site includes off-
street p ki g, a play area, trails, hockey, volleyball, tennis and
a soft 11 .eld with a soccer field overlay. This park lies
adjac t to oth residential uses and' office/industrial. uses.
Becau~e of this, the site will host ~h:ighborhood recreational
activities as well as use by area employees.
.0
19
.
(2/91 )
..
tiame:
Type:
/2')1/~/~ #PL.
;//j! ,(Itl/P
Comments: T s rk is irregularly shaped and contains steep slope
areas restrO' ting usage of the site. Sketch plans call for a play
area, trail connection and open space.
1'.21 ~It/ ( /~C ~Q-=.
~ame: Meadow Green Park
Type: Neighborhood Park -?
Size: -M.7 acre, 2/.3'
Facilities: Ball Fields (2)
Basketball (1/2 court)
Play Area
ADO Ice Skating Rink
'l1,1IL,~/ Tennis Courts (2)
e,d'" ]{)JfV Soccer ~
L:.. APf);'. {Il Off-Street Parki ng
-)r PV/ ~.
/('pl ~
( '\ OP~III f-lhJ./J
Comments:) Meadow ~en Park was acqui red as a part of the
Chaparral developme t5 Existing facilities serve both neighborhood
users and res i dent rom other portions of the communi ty. The
eastern edges of the park will remain as natural areas because of~ ~/
t~e presence _ of a cr..eek ..and !,un-off detenti on pond. 7A r #,/4,e/V
tf. Al ~~e.J ~,& de /?,e.-~ ~ ~~-07 t?~H $~"'~L
~ame: Minnewashta Heiahts Park .
Type: Neighborhood Park ~@a1ot1i1l.fv~AVt1~
Size: ~ itres ~?(; ~~~f ~J.2tJ
Facilities: Ice Skating Rink
~
Open ~ ~~~~
Play Area
.
pl/~
Comments: Minnewashta Heights Park covers~ residential lots in
the Minnewashta Heights Addition. Some tree cover exists on the
site. and several depressional areas are ~~quently damp,
. particularly in the spring.
.
20
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(2/91)
----
~/vI ~/~~e/
;?f"" j?/~"f .'
4't7'#//
Harne: North Lotus l~ke ~
Type: Neighborhood
Size: ~e teres /~8M~e 5 J4-
Facilities: Sliding.w+:l-l /'I,t/.E;7
Tennis Courts (2)
Ball Field/Soccer
Picnic Area
Ice Skating Rink
Play Area
Sand Voll~ball Courts (2)
8hK4r;Y~~~ A -//A
Cl'y ~T~~er /'l',e~ Y"
Comments: North Lotus Lake Park is located on Pleasant View Road.
The site slopes from north to south toward Lotus Lake wi th the
upland developed and the lower lake areas in wetland vegetation.
The size of the parcel and its access to Lotus Lake make this park
an important recreational facility.
Name: Rice Marsh Lake Park 'L c:::/~~L:-
~1~~~ ~~i~~~~ho~a~ #~~ 5 till r #~~~ //: _)
Facilities: Play Area ~.#;C~/~#A~L 0Ci?#~V
Ball Field /:-. ~ C);:'4A/ ~/4~.o
Pi cni c Shel terL~~"'?~"" /" t/tI~~tI ~$"~?- .
Off-Street Parking I~~ ?,..e:''''T/AI~ ~/A'L..
-r,L~/..L.5 .
Comments: Ri ce Marsh Lake Park 1 i es on the southern end of the '=-'
Chanhassen Estates neighborhood. Approximately 1.7 acres of the
park is now being used for the play area and ball field. A service
road skirts the northern boundary of the site to provide access to
a lift station. The balance of the park is marsh area consisting
largely of cattail vegetation. Rite Marsh Lake ParI< is now
classified Ii a Aeighborheed park Beca~se the liMited facilities
are ~scd primarily BY area resi deAts :-;1. the future, hOWev!l, lid s
rl~~~if;cat;nn m~y c~ano@ ~c tbe plrk may BecaMe more significant
as a cemmunity-wide fleilit.y. Rice Marsh Lake and the surrounding
marsh area afford an excellent opportunity for the development of V
a naturll area. Walkways through the wetland area could provide
users the opportunity to observe nature and study aquatic plants
and animals. ~ -# f~P~
Name: So~th Lotus ~ake em. '/d 10 't1P'~~/;.e. ~ 1'~ /ilL-
T~pe:. 'Ne,gt:lgertu~gd P~L."~M' . _, -~~-/41~/~'~'b~~ 4~ /j/f/,flJO
S,ze: acres ct?/N'pr'(?.!t'//YII'-_'/' t'
Fac; ties: Boat Access Play Field )V
Off-Street Parking
"/4 Q/1'/~ ~e7...erf 0'..;>
//./#1" ~&I~1'9' 21
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1ft r/
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.
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,4#() ~,.(/ {JP'M/ ~/bLJ .
(2/91 )
ft~e&--
onsists of twe detached segments
otus Lake contains a boat access
si-dents. The upland portion/of
1
s
Comments: South Lotus Lake Park
of land. The property bordering
that serves community and area
the park contains. parking 1 t
field--:- .
even t "a 11 y rii1 i gRid IRd i IRpre,,'ed.
In addition to city parks, other facilities both public, semi-
public, and private provide recreation spaces. Schools are notable
examples among this group. Within Chanhassen, two public schools
exist: the Chanhassen Elementary School and Minne onka West Junior
High. They provide the following facilities.
~~/~? ,~~
1/7/C' "D ///I't~/ , ~
~# d,6/
Ph n Hi 11 P rkl n
Neighborhood Park ./~~~
Size: 11 Acres """V ~~
Facilities: Undeveloped t/j?A?/fI--
Comments: This parkland was acquired in 1990. The area consists
of a combination of wetlands and hills, a mix of active and passive
uses are proposed.
Name: Chanhassen ~lementarv School /?~ ~ /5
Type: Pub 1 i c School / (/;.f. //J _
Size: ~_K
Faci~~s: Baseball/Softball Diamonds
{ttJ2 Tennis Courts
Football/Soccer ~ie1d~~;,~
Play iqYipmiRt nlt~/J-~./
Running Track
Open Space
Comments: The site is relatively flat with some slope on the
western edge and has little or no existing vegetation.
Name: Minnetonka West Junior Hjgh School
Type: Public School
Size: 15 acres (recreation area)
Faci li ties: Hockey Ri nk
Football Field
Tennis Courts
Baseball Diamonds
.....~ ..
22
(2/91)
Field Hockey
Indoor Swimming Pool
Open Space
In addition to the public schools, one parochial school provides
recreation space. St. Hubert's Catholic School, which is located
on the eastern edge of the busi ness area, is util i zed for some
recreational activities. A play area, ball diamond, and open space
compri se facil i ti es that are used primarily by the surroundi ng
residents.
Semi-public and private facilities comprise the final categories of
recreational spaces. In Chanhassen, private facilities exist on
both small and large scales. Major facilities include the Bluff
Creek Golf Course. Bluff Creek provides an IS-hole golf course
which is open to the public. The American legion in Chanhassen is
another major semi-public facility. Adjacent to the legion
builcting is a baseball diamond which is used for both organized and
casual games.
The rema i nder of the pri vate facil it i es are composed of 1 and
~ parcels used primarily by segments of the residential population.
Most of these areas are lake access points, the usage of which is
(J restricted to designated residential lots. . In some of these
'aP ~,~residential outlots, other recreational facilities such as tennis
II ,Ifr courts are provided. A detailed analysis of private recreational
~)d(\/{ facilities will not be conducted as part of this report. At the
~ ltJ point in time in which these private facilities become extensive
rt~ enough to diminish the demand for municipal facilities. these areas
II' will be considered. At the present time however, these areas
provide services to only a minor percentage of the total
population.
User ur. eys constitute an important tool in the assessment of
recrea onal demand. Two levels of information are presented
herei. egional and local. Caution must be applied in
inte reti user surveys and it is not lif.:nerally recommended that
thi informat" n be the sole basis for waking decisions on adding
ne facilities. For example, high levels of desire for specific
ac .ivities do not necessarily indicate that more facilities should
23
.'
.
.