HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-08-27 PRC packet CITY OF STILLWATER
STILLWATER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
NOTICE OF MEETING
MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 2018 AT 7:00 PM
The City of Stillwater Parks and Recreation Commission will meet on Monday, August 27, 2018,
at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Stillwater City Hall, 216 North Fourth Street.
AGENDA
1. Approval of the July 23, 2018 Minutes
2. Open Forum - The Open Forum is a portion of the meeting to address the Board on
subjects which are not a part of the meeting agenda. The Board may take action or reply
at the time of the statement or may give direction to staff regarding investigation of the
concerns expressed. Out of respect for others in attendance, please limit your
comments to 5 minutes or less.
Action Items
3. Comp Plan Update
4. Rivertown Fall Art Festival
5. Stillwater Harvest Fest & Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off
6. Ice Castles
7. 2018 Parks Capital Items
8. Outdoor Winter Rinks
Information Items
Commission Items/Topics
CITY OF STILLWATER
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
July 23, 2018
Present: Chairwoman Linda Amrein, Commissioners Bill McGlynn, Sam Nelson,
Sandy Snellman; Council Representative Mike Polehna
Absent: Commissioners David Brandt, Scott Christensen and Rob McGarry
Staff: Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Possible approval of June 25, 2018 meeting minutes
Motion by Chairwoman Amrein, seconded by Commissioner Snellman, to approve the
June 25, 2018 meeting minutes. All in favor, 4-0.
INFORMATION ITEMS
Downtown Bike Racks
Scott Gray, a local sculpture artist, reviewed his proposal for a decorative bike rack
made of railroad spikes, representing the last three spans of the Historic Lift Bridge.
The materials are very durable and sturdy and are meant to be rusty. He would be
willing to donate it and if the City were interested in additional pieces, then he would
charge something for them.
Chairwoman Amrein said she feels the bike racks should be a standard design that
can be easily replaced if needed and that bikers would recognize as a bike rack
instead of a piece of art.
Council Representative Polehna provided pictures of unique bike racks he saw in
Europe on a recent trip. He suggested that there could be a standard design for bike
racks on the bike trails, but unique racks could be placed in some locations.
Commissioner Snellman agreed that it would be ok to have a more unique bike rack
in an appropriate location.
In regard to the question of how a biker would know it is a bike rack, Mr. Gray said a
bike could be welded onto the rack.
Chairwoman Amrein said she would be concerned about putting a bike against
something rusty.
Mr. Gray said the rust would not rub off on someone’s hand. The bike rack could be
painted if the City prefers that.
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting July 23, 2018
Page 2 of 3
Commissioner Nelson suggested the City could install the rack for a two year period
and if there is negative feedback, remove it in favor of more uniform bike racks.
Mr. Moore agreed to work further with Mr. Gray. Mr. Gray offered to create a part of
the proposed bike rack and bring it in for the Commission to view.
OPEN FORUM
There were no public comments.
ACTION ITEMS
7990 Neal Avenue North - Consideration of fee in lieu of Park and Trail Dedication
Public Works Superintendent Moore stated that property owner Craig Wahlquist
plans to subdivide 1.25 acres of land at 8080 Neal Avenue North. A total of three
lots, to be known at Neal Meadows 5th Addition, are proposed. Mr. Wahlquist would
retain the southerly lot that contains his residence. The northern 25,000 square feet,
adjacent to Creekside Crossing, would contain the two new lots which Mr. Wahlquist
intends to sell. The Comprehensive Plan shows no planned parks on the property so
the contribution to the park system would likely be a fee in lieu of land of $2,000 per
new lot created. In terms of trails and sidewalks, a sidewalk on the west side of
Creekside Crossing exists. While a trail is proposed for Neal Avenue North, it is to
be constructed on the east side of Neal Avenue, therefore, no sidewalks or trails are
proposed on the property. Therefore the contribution to the trail system would have
to be in the form of a fee in lieu of $500 per new lot created. Staff recommends a
cash dedication of $5,000 for Neal Meadows 5th Addition Park and Trail obligations.
Chairwoman Amrein pointed out a discrepancy in the street numbers on the first
case, 7990 versus 8080. The Commission discussed this item in conjunction with
the following two agenda items.
8040 Neal Avenue North - Consideration of fee in lieu of Park and Trail Dedication
Public Works Superintendent Moore stated that property owners Richard and Cheryl
Ross plan to subdivide 1.25 acres of land at 8040 Neal Avenue North. A total of
three lots, to be known at Neal Meadows 6th Addition, are proposed. Mr. and Mrs.
Ross would retain the southerly lot that contains their residence. The northern
25,000 square feet, adjacent to Creekside Crossing, would contain the two new lots
which the property owners intend to sell. The Comprehensive Plan shows no
planned parks on the property so the contribution to the park system would likely be
a fee in lieu of land of $2,000 per new lot created. In terms of trails and sidewalks, a
sidewalk on the west side of Creekside Crossing exists. While a trail is proposed for
Neal Avenue North, it is to be constructed on the east side of Neal Avenue,
therefore, no sidewalks or trails are proposed on the property. Therefore the
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting July 23, 2018
Page 3 of 3
contribution to the trail system would have to be in the form of a fee in lieu of $500
per new lot created. Staff recommends a cash dedication of $5,000 for Neal
Meadows 6th Addition Park and Trail obligations.
8120 Neal Avenue North - Consideration of fee in lieu of Park and Trail Dedication
Public Works Superintendent Moore stated that property owners Bruce and Linda
Livermore plan to subdivide 1.25 acres of land at 8120 Neal Avenue North. A total of
three lots, to be known at Neal Meadows 7th Addition, are proposed. Mr. and Mrs.
Livermore would retain the southerly lot that contains their residence. The northern
25,000 square feet, adjacent to Creekside Crossing, would contain the two new lots
which the property owners intend to sell. The Comprehensive Plan shows no
planned parks on the property so the contribution to the park system would likely be
a fee in lieu of land of $2,000 per new lot created. In terms of trails and sidewalks, a
sidewalk on the west side of Creekside Crossing exists. While a trail is proposed for
Neal Avenue North, it is to be constructed on the east side of Neal Avenue,
therefore, no sidewalks or trails are proposed on the property. Therefore the
contribution to the trail system would have to be in the form of a fee in lieu of $500
per new lot created. Staff recommends a cash dedication of $5,000 for Neal
Meadows 7th Addition Park and Trail obligations.
Motion by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner McGlynn, to approve the
approve the three proposed fees in lieu of Parks and Trail Dedication for Neal Meadows
5th, 6th and 7th Additions (Action Items 3, 4, and 5 on the agenda). All in favor, 4-0.
COMMISSION ITEMS/TOPICS
Council Representative Polehna stated he met with a parks commissioner from
another community to look at: 1) making a rowing center for the MN Rowing Club at
the Aiple property; 2) hosting an outdoor curling tournament on Lily Lake this winter.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Chairwoman Amrein, seconded by Commissioner Snellman, to adjourn. All in
favor, 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie Kink
Recording Secretary
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING DATE: August 27, 2018
REGARDING: 2040 Comprehensive Plan Park and Trail Chapter Draft and
Implementation Discussion
PREPARED BY: Abbi Jo Wittman, City Planner
BACKGROUND
In December, 2017, the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) discussed with staff the 2030
Comprehensive Plan’s Parks and Trail chapter goals. The PRC determined the existing goals
were sufficient and staff relayed this information on to the City’s Comprehensive Plan update
consultants, Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. (HKGI).
HKGI’s staff has been working for several months with a Comprehensive Plan advisory
committee on the update of the full plan. Members of the PRC have attended various meetings.
Additionally, HKGI has reviewed the City’s park, trail, and other planning documents from the
last decade to develop a draft of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Parks and Trails chapter. The
result of their efforts is the attached 80% chapter draft.
It should be noted that where the existing plan calls for generalized lists of projects, the 2040
Comp Plan will focus on short- (1-3 years), mid- (3-5 years), and long- (5-10 year)
implementation schedules. The goal of this type of implementation strategy to prioritize action
items to help ensure communitywide planning and development efforts may be achieved
during the 2040 Plan’s duration. This is not to say that the 2040 Comp Plan will not include
items that may not be achieved but the goal is to bring a more narrow focus to what is most
likely able to be achieved.
COMMISSION REVIEW
Staff is requesting the PRC review the attached chapter draft and inventory list for discussion at
the meeting. Staff will help facilitate a PRC discussion regarding:
determination of whether or not the inventory list is complete or if there are gaps with
the existing conditions; and
short- (1-3 years), mid- (3-5 years), and long- (5-10 year) implementation schedules. This
will be incorporated into the Implementation section of the plan. For reference, the
following draft table is a part of the draft Implementation chapter.
Short-Range
(1-3 Years)
Mid-Range
(3-5 Years)
Long-Range
(5+ Years)
Continue to program park improvements in a fiscally responsible manner (ongoing).
Prioritize and program trail improvements identified in the
Trails Master Plan (2014) in a fiscally responsible manner.
Update the Trails Master
Plan.
Develop a parks master
plan for the Aiple
property.
Implement improvements and
recommendations from the
Aiple property master plan.
Establish a wayfinding plan
for trails and parks. Install wayfinding signs.
Develop and implement neighborhood park plans based on the priority list developed by
the Park and Recreation Commission (ongoing).
ATTACHED
Draft 2040 Comp Plan Chapter 8: Parks and Trails
Inventory Table
Introduction
The City of Stillwater has acknowledged the importance of providing park, trail, and open space opportunities
that enhance the quality of life of its residents and visitors. Parks and recreation facilities are essential in
promoting community wellness, connecting the individual to ecological value and stewardship, promoting
cultural understanding, and fostering economic viability.
Goals, Objectives, & Policies
The following goals have been reviewed and approved by the City Council and reflect the recommendations
from the committees charged to refine the goals, objectives, and policies.
Goals
Goal 8.1: Provide a variety of passive and active parks and other leisure, recreational and cultural
opportunities that are conveniently located, accessible, affordable, safe, physically attractive and available for
all Stillwater residents.
Goal 8.2: Enhance and expand existing recreational facilities for Stillwater residents based on the recreational
needs of the community and its neighborhoods.
Goal 8.3: Work to develop an area-wide interconnected recreation and facilities plan with other local
governments, the school district and Washington County.
Goal 8.4: Reinforce the riverfront as the focus of the downtown Stillwater open space system and as a
significant cultural and historical amenity. The riverfront and downtown Stillwater parks are attractive assets
to tourists and visitors to the community.
Goal 5: Preserve an ample amount of open spaces and natural areas within the community in order to provide
residents access to the outdoors and the natural environment.
Objectives
Park Standards
Objective 8.1: Bring the amount of Stillwater’s park land into compliance with the city’s adopted minimum
standards: community park land at a city-wide total of 3 acres per 1,000 population; neighborhood park land
at a city-wide total of 7 acres per 1,000 population; park facilities within 1/4 mile or less of residents, no major
physical barriers within that 1/4 mile distance.
Objective 8.2: Provide a balance of active and passive recreation opportunities, including facilities to serve the
varied interests of the population.
Objective 8.3: Designate adequate park sites for the future development of the city.
Objective 8.4: Ensure that neighborhoods are adequately served with convenient and well-maintained
neighborhood parks and that community parks provide benefits for local residents.
Objective 8.5: Recreational facilities shall be evaluated annually for maintenance and replacement needs. A
Facility Maintenance and Replacement Schedule shall be established in order to efficiently maintain the
system. The Schedule shall prioritize needs, based on the implementation strategy and priorities established in
this plan. The facilities identified in the Schedule shall include amenities in parks and along trails, including
park signage and trail wayfinding elements.
Efficient Use of Facilities
Objective 8.6: Maximize opportunities for the joint use of public land and facilities such as schools, and area
under the jurisdiction of other public agencies that have land available for possible recreation purposes.
Objective 8.7: Evaluate potential partnerships with school district property and other public facilities in order
to maximize the use of existing public facilities for year-round and evening use.
Objective 8.8: Identify recreation areas that are owned by the school district or other public entities and seek
permission to use those lands for recreation programs or facilities.
Park Location and Design
Objective 8.9: Locate new neighborhood parks in areas not necessarily adjacent to schools in order to better
distribute urban open space and to enhance neighborhood identity. This is especially applicable in the South
Hill and Oak Glen planning areas, where there are insufficient neighborhood park facilities.
Objective 8.10: Design park and recreational facilities to serve the recreational and social needs of residents of
all ages, economic situations and physical abilities.
Objective 8.11: Establish a volunteer program to help maintain and enhance neighborhood parks.
Objective 8.12: Add landscaping, sculptures and seating within parks. Vary the landscaping, improvements
and construction materials used in different parks to help establish park and neighborhood identity.
Objective 8.13: Achieve consistency in terms of the features and amenities, such as benches, waste receptacles,
and signage, provided in parks throughout the City.
Trails and Pathways
Objective 8.14: Implement the 2015 Stillwater Trails Master Plan.
Objective 8.15: Construct a city-wide trail/bikeway system that connects major activity centers, schools,
downtown, scenic open space areas and lakes and other adjacent community systems.
Objective 8.16: Preserve and provide views of natural resources by aligning trails appropriately.
Objective 8.17: Provide alternative means to reach city parks, county parks, regional parks, state parks and
other community destinations.
Objective 8.18: Preserve and enhance public-owned ravines.
Objective 8.19: Provide adequate access to trails in Stillwater with trailheads located throughout the City.
Trailheads should include: parking, destinations (parks, schools, retail areas), be located at approximate one
mile increments throughout the City, strategically located to provide access to regional trail connections.
Policies
Policy 8.1: The city shall require all new development to dedicate land or pay a park fee according to the park
dedication policy.
Policy 8.2: The city shall obtain and develop new public neighborhood parks at a rate consistent with new
residential development and in keeping with the city’s basic guidelines for park development.
Policy 8.3: The city shall develop public community parks consistent with growth of the city’s population and
in keeping with the city’s basic guidelines for park development.
Policy 8.4: The city will provide recreation activity sites to respond to the active and passive needs of a diverse
population.
Policy 8.5: The development of private sector recreation facilities in the appropriate locations shall be
encouraged. In addition to public park improvements required of developers, the city shall promote private
open space and recreation facilities in large-scale residential developments.
Policy 8.6: The city will work with the school district in identifying and evaluating the potential for park
acquisition of school sites which might become surplus school lands.
Policy 8.7: Joint development of community recreation facilities together with local schools and surrounding
governments shall be encouraged.
Policy 8.8: Residential developments adjacent to parks or open spaces should be encouraged to provide direct
access to and common open space contiguous with such areas.
Policy 8.9: In considering the location and redevelopment of parks, the city shall give thought to sites based
on maximum geographic and handicapped accessibility, proper topography and visibility (for the safety of
park users).
Policy 8.10: In the design and maintenance of parks, consideration should be given to minimize the impacts
on the environment.
Policy 8.11: Bikeways, hiking trails, rest areas and picnicking accommodations should be provided within
designated trail corridors, wherever feasible.
Policy 8.12: The city should control land development along designated trails and pathway corridors in order
to provide sufficient right of way and to ensure that adjacent new development does not detract from the
scenic and aesthetic qualities of the corridor.
Policy 8.13: When new development occurs adjacent to a designated trail and pathway corridor, the city
should require the development to install the trails.
Policy 8.14: The design, construction and management of trails and pathways should be carefully planned
and executed in order to minimize environmental disturbance.
Policy 8.15: Public improvements such as roads that are to be located within trail and pathway corridors
should be designed to provide safe and secure routes for trails, including grade separation whenever feasible.
Policy 8.16: Encourage the incorporation of trails and pathways into corridors used for public and utility
purposes.
Existing Partnerships
The Stillwater Parks System relies on partners such as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
(MnDNR), Washington County, School District, and adjacent cities to provide access to parks, recreation
facilities and recreation programming. These types of partnerships are listed below:
• Parks and Recreation Commission: The Park and Recreation Commission is organized by City Code,
Chapter 48. Its purpose is to advise the City Council and other advisory commissions regarding matter
relevant to parks, open spaces, and recreation functions, including development and management of
City Parks, trials and playgrounds. The parks commission consists of seven members, who serve for a
period of three years. They meet once a month to discuss parks and recreation policy.
• Washington County: Washington County maintains the Historic Courthouse located in downtown
Stillwater. Future Washington County recreation facilities in Stillwater include: Central Greenway
Regional Trail that follows the western boundary of the city, and the Middle St. Croix Valley Regional
Trail, which will connect to the eastern end of the Brown’s Creek State Trail and travel south along the
St. Croix River to Bayport.
• Stillwater Area School District #834: Stillwater Area Public Schools, also known as Independent
School District #834, is a school district serving communities surrounding Stillwater, Minnesota, United
States. It currently serves about 8,300 students in 11 schools. Schools located in Stillwater include:
o Early Childhood Family Center
o Lily Lake Elementary School
o Rutherford Elementary School
o Stonebridge Elementary School
o Stillwater Middle School
o New Heights School
• Friends of Stillwater Parks: Friends of Stillwater Parks is a volunteer community organization
dedicated to promoting community involvement, stewardship of natural resources, and educational
and recreational activities within our parks. This organization offers grants to groups conducting
activities like special events, invasive plant reduction projects, and educational programs in local parks.
• DIRO Outdoors: In 2018, Stillwater partnered with DIRO Outdoors to offer an outdoor self-serve bike
rental station in downtown. The bike rental station is located outside of Water Street Inn, on the corner
of Water Street and Myrtle Street. The program is managed and operated by DIRO Outdoors.
Existing Park Conditions
Stillwater includes a variety of community parks, neighborhood parks, and open spaces and natural areas that
provide access to the outdoors for residents and visitors (see Figure 8.1). Over half of the city parkland is
categorized as open spaces and natural areas, while neighborhood parks account for a little over 10% of the
parkland acreage (see Table 8.1). Overall, Stillwater has developed 41 parks and recreation facilities – each one
offers a variety of amenities and features (see Table 8.2). These facilities total approximately 393 acres and are
described in more detail throughout this section.
Table 8.1: Stillwater Parks and Open Space
Park Type Acres % of system
Community Park 130 33%
Neighborhood Park 43 11%
Open Space and Natural Area 221 56%
TOTAL City Parkland 393 100%
Private Golf Courses 296 -
Private Recreation 16 -
Community Parks
Community parks serve as a focus for the community’s recreation, social, and cultural needs and activities.
They can provide a wide array of recreation opportunities ranging from active to passive. Community parks
may be located to take advantage of significant cultural, historic, or geographic features. Some community
parks will serve the entire city depending on their purpose. Parks should be strategically located and
uniformly dispersed throughout the community. Community parks are larger than neighborhood parks
generally requiring 15 acres or more. Stillwater contains 12 community parks:
• Boutwell Cemetery Park
• Bridgeview Park
• Brown’s Creek Park
• Lily Lake Park
• Lowell Park
• Millbrook Community Park
• Northland Park
• Pioneer Park
• Public Works Park
• Stillwater Area Dog Park
• Sunrise Park
• Teddy Bear Park
It is important to recognize the City is planning to add one more community parks in the near future. In the
Downtown Area, master plans have been completed for Lowell Park and the Aiple property. These plans are
being reviewed and coordinated in the downtown plan, to take into account the proposed flood levee
improvements and the future recent St. Croix River Crossing bridge with its loop trail and ongoing conversion
of the lift bridge to a pedestrian and bicycle bridge.
Neighborhood Parks
Neighborhood parks provide for the recreation needs of a surrounding residential neighborhood. These parks
provide a location for informal play and opportunities for social gatherings that promote a sense of
community. They also provide open green space and visual relief for a surrounding neighborhood that can be
highly developed. Park sizes can range from 1 to 15 acres but are typically less than 5 acres. They are located as
central as possible to a neighborhood they serve and are usually accessible from a trail or sidewalk.
Neighborhood park features include picnic areas, playground equipment, a multipurpose playing field and/or
playing courts. Neighborhood parks are typically spaced at 1/4 mile increments. Neighborhood Parks in
Stillwater include the following:
• Anez Ridge Park
• Benson Park
• Bergmann Park
• Creekside Park
• Heritage Park
• Legends Gazebo
• Legends Park
• Liberty Square
• McKusick Park
• Meadowlark Park
• Millbrook Neighborhood Park
• Prairie Park
• Ramsey-Grove Park
• Schulenburg Park
• Settlers Park
• So. Broadway - Triangle Park
• Staples Field
• Washington Square
Open Space and Natural Areas
Open space serves to protect important natural areas in the community. They also provide a visual relief for a
surrounding neighborhood that can be highly developed. Due to the sensitivity of the areas it is not
anticipated that these areas will be developed for active recreation uses. Rather, they will remain in an
undeveloped state will offer selective passive uses including trails and picnic areas. These areas include:
• Brown’s Creek Nature Preserve
• Croixwood Open Space
• Fairy Falls Park
• Kolliner Park in WI
• Lakeside Park
• Long Lake Natural Area
• Long Lake Open Space
• McKusick Lake Trail & Dike
• Nightingale Park
Private Recreation
Privately operated recreational facilities in Stillwater include the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center, Lily Lake
Ice Rink and the Skateboard Park:
• The St. Croix Valley Recreation Center serves a regional need. It provides indoor recreation
facilities for all ages, including facilities for ice skating, hockey, soccer and walking. Its facilities
may be rented for special events. Lily Lake Ice Rink serves as a secondary facility to the
Recreation Center and provides additional ice during high demand times.
• Lily Lake Park is one of the larger recreation facilities in the older portion of the community.
This park contains softball fields, tennis courts, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court and
an indoor ice arena with one sheet of ice and seating capacity of 787. The park also has a picnic
shelter with six picnic tables, B.B.Q. grills, playground equipment, single picnic shelters
scattered on the beach, and boat launch with dock and fishing pier.
Two other facilities that provide important recreation opportunities are the Jaycee’s Fields and the Old Athletic
Field, both owned by School District 834. As these fields provide numerous public benefits, it is the City’s hope
to acquire them if the school district ever considers selling them. It is the City’s desire to continue to offer these
two sites for public recreation purposes.
Regional Parks
There are no regional parks or regional park search areas identified within Stillwater. However, the
Comprehensive Plan recognizes the regional efforts in building a stronger, more cohesive Regional Bicycle
Transportation Network (RTBN) to link together parks, communities and other regional destinations. This
network is discussed in more detail in the Transportation Chapter.
Regional and State parks that are in close proximity to Stillwater and offer recreational options for Stillwater
residents include William O’Brien State Park, Lake Elmo Regional Park Reserve, Pine Point Regional Park, and
Afton State Park.
Trail System
Communities across the country have worked hard to improve their quality of life through developing trail
systems – connecting individual trail segments to form larger recreation and transportation networks. Creating
more trail connections among existing trails multiplies their effect and usage. Trails provide opportunities for
people of all ages to walk to local destinations, bike to work, exercise, meet neighbors, observe local wildlife,
and experience the outdoors with their families in an efficient and safe manner.
Existing Trail Conditions
In 2015, the city adopted the update to its Trails Master Plan. The plan includes ___ miles of trails, over 30
miles of which currently exist. The goal of the plan is to develop and maintain a city-wide interconnected
network of trails to provide recreational and transportation opportunities for city residents and visitors. More
importantly, the Trail Plan identifies opportunities to connect regional and state trails, such as the Brown’s
Creek Trail (see Figure 8.2). The proposed trail network is shown in Figure 8.3 Trails and Sidewalks.
“Trails” in the older Stillwater neighborhoods are mainly sidewalks. The city has developed several trails that
help to link the older neighborhoods with developing neighborhoods in western Stillwater, including the
following:
• The McKusick Ravine Trail
• Trails and boardwalk around McKusick
Lake
• County Road 12 and 5 Trails
• Stonebridge Trail
• Eagle Ridge Trail
Future Needs
Stillwater residents value their parks and trails. Residents are interested in more unique destinations and
facilities, such as aquatic facilities, outdoor/indoor pool, and outdoor splash pads for children. The
Community Facilities section of the Comprehensive Plan addresses the needs and recommendations for these
types of facilities in more detail.
During the past two comprehensive planning processes, public input was collected on how the community felt
about parks and trails. Many value the open space and uniqueness of natural surroundings. These values were
confirmed as part of this update and with the Advisory Committee. These types of features should be
preserved and made accessible when possible to enjoy up close. Overall the community values the park
system, but sees opportunity for enhancement such as improving walkability and interconnectivity between
neighborhoods and destinations. Expanding the trail system in multiple locations was a popular opinion
voiced by many residents.
Others in the community expressed the need for the following park amenities:
• Public access to river (boat dock, fishing, swimming beach)
• Public sporting complex that includes soccer, baseball, and softball fields
• Public swimming pool/YMCA facility
• Teen center
• Frisbee golf course
• Public restrooms downtown and along trails
Park Needs
Understanding the community’s current park and recreation needs will help to plan for future park
improvements for the projected 2040 population. In that respect, the City has established a goal of 7 acres of
Neighborhood Park per 1,000 people and 3 acres of Community Park per 1,000 people. Table 8.3 shows the
current and projected level of service based on these requirements. Based on the 2020 estimated population,
Stillwater has a deficit of neighborhood park acreage of 101.2 acres. However, when including the surplus of
community park acreage and if open space and natural areas acreage is included in the calculation, Stillwater
meets its needs for 10 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents with a surplus of 206.0 acres for 2020 population
and a surplus of 165 acres for 2040 forecasted population.
Table 8.3: Level of Service
Park Type Neighborhood
Parks
Community
Parks
Open Space
and Natural
Areas
Total (incl. Open
Space and Natural
Areas)
Number of Parks 19 13* 9 41
Acres 43 130 221 393
Local Standard (per 1,000
residents)
7.0 acres 3.0 acres 10.0 acres
2020 Need based on Local
Standard (2020 population est:
20,600)
144.2 acres 61.8 acres 206.0 acres
2020 Surplus (Deficit) (101.2 acres) 68.2 acres 187 acres
2040 Need based on Standard
(2040 population est: 22,800)
159.6 acres 68.4 acres 228.0 acres
2040 Surplus (Deficit) (116.6 acres) 61.6 acres 165 acres
*Future Aiple Park is included in the calculation of existing community parks.
Facilities by Geographical Distribution
Stillwater has set a goal to provide park facilities within 1/4 mile or less of residents, with no major physical
barriers within that 1/4 mile distance. Figure 8.4 shows the adequacy of the community’s park facilities
including school facilities in terms of geographic distribution. It can be seen from the figure that there are two
areas the city could consider for additional parkland. The first is south of New Heights School and north of
Washington Square. In this area approximately eight blocks of residential neighborhood are not served by a
park or school facility. A small neighborhood park could be placed on a blighted single-family lot in this
residential area. There are a few small pockets of residential areas scattered around the northern boundary of
the City that are more than ¼ mile from a park or school. These areas were previously considered within park
service areas as they were near the golf courses. While the golf courses are open space, they do not provide the
types of recreation facilities that neighborhood or community parks would normally provide. As these areas
are already developed, it may not be possible to provide neighborhood or community parks within ¼ mile of
some residential areas. The future Aiple Park will serve some underserved residential areas with park space
within ¼ mile walking distance.
The residential neighborhood between Stillwater Junior High and the Old Athletic Field does not meet the ¼
mile Park Service standard. It does however fall into the ¼ mile School Service standard. This area could also
host a small neighborhood park to provide adequate recreational opportunities to residents.
Many of the access issues are addressed in the future trail plan allowing safe pedestrian travelways to park
destinations from residential neighborhoods. Additional trail planning will be needed as parks are added to
the system.
Future Trails of Local and Regional Significance
Improving the local trail system involves identifying gaps and planning to fill those gaps in order to enhance
connections between neighborhoods and destinations within and outside the City limits. These gaps have been
identified through separate master planning efforts. As noted, Stillwater has adopted a Trail Master Plan
(2015). The plan identify important enhancements to the transportation system that allow residents, visitors
and tourists an alternative means of getting to work, school, and employment centers. Findings and
recommendations from the Trail Master Plan are highlighted throughout this section.
Stillwater Trail Master Plan (2015)
The Trail Plan includes specific direction for trail design, location, type, construction, maintenance and
signage. It also discusses priorities for system improvements.
The City is implementing the Trail Plan as a part of new development, and as improvements to roadways or
other infrastructure occurs. The plan notes the following system issues that the city is continuing to work on:
• Some trails are unfinished, or do not interconnect
• Trails are not available to some primary destinations, such as elementary schools or parks
• Trails are not sufficient to the St. Croix River or proposed future trail loop
• Some older trails do not meet current design standards
• There are needs for ongoing maintenance and consistent signage
One significant ongoing trail project includes the conversion of the historic Lift Bridge to pedestrian and bike
connection, and development of new trails along the St. Croix between the Lift Bridge and the new St. Croix
River Bridge, on both the Minnesota and Wisconsin sides of the Riverway. These trail projects are in process
and plan to be completed within the next few years.
Furthermore, the Trail Plan recognizes the trail gaps in the western part of the community. This is the last part
of city to have pockets of open developable residential and commercial land. In conjunction with the
development of this property, consideration should be given to adding to and improving the current trail
system. One area of concern is around the Rutherford Elementary School. Many school districts are limiting
bus service due to budget constraints and require students to utilize other means to get to school; e.g. walking
and biking. Currently there is no trail available on the north side of County Road 12, which would make it
dangerous to walk or bike to school from neighborhoods to the north of Myrtle Street. The Park and Trail Plan
identifies the need at County Road 12 for a future underpass, which would safely connect future trails north of
Myrtle Street to trails south of Myrtle Street.
Regional Trail Planning Efforts
The Metropolitan Council has required the City to include two additional trail segments in the master trail
plan. These include the following:
• Washington County Greenway Regional Trail (Future): This regional trail runs north-south in
Washington County. It is intended to connect the City of Hastings to Cottage Grove Regional Park,
Lake Elmo Park Reserve, and Big Marine Park Reserve. Part of the trail is located within Stillwater. In
the future Washington County will be working with the City to plan more of the trail alignment. Much
of the trail along Manning Avenue is in place today.
• Middle St. Croix Valley Regional Trail Search Corridor (Future): This proposed trail would connect
the Brown’s Creek State Trail that runs through the north part of Stillwater down along the St. Croix
River to communities to the south.
Emerging Trends
As the City plans for the future, it should be cognizant of emerging trends for parks and trails. A few of these
trends are captured in this section.
Access to Water
Stillwater has become a popular tourist destination in part due to its relationship to the St. Croix River.
Visitors and residents alike are participating in boating and water sports. As the city expands and improves its
park system, consideration will be given to creating public access to the river.
Aquatic amenities in local parks such as splash pads, which provide water play features are also on the rise.
Many cities throughout the country are constructing these water playgrounds as they become more popular
and requested by citizens. They are also low maintenance for city staff to manage. Spray jets can serve dual
purposes by providing an attractive water feature in a public plaza.
Sustainability
The need and awareness to be environmentally sensitive in the way residents and visitors impact the city’s
natural surroundings is ever increasing. The City of Stillwater recognizes that in order for change to occur it
must start by adopting goals and standards to protect resources for future generations. The city has ample
opportunity to demonstrate and educate its residents on more sustainable practices through the park, trail, and
open space system.
Sustainability in park planning can take a variety of forms. By reducing impervious surfaces such as parking
lots, water body quality can be improved as surface water runoff pollutants are reduced. Stormwater
treatment through alternative methods such as rain gardens and native plantings can also reduce
infrastructure costs. Utilizing the appropriate Best Management Practices (BMP’s) for park maintenance and
new development will lessen human impact on the natural environment.
Greenway Corridors
A new trend in trail planning has emerged that engages transportation engineers, water resource specialists,
ecologists, planners, and open space advocates. Today, trails have become part of greenway corridors that
provide wildlife habitat and movement corridors, open space vistas, water treatment benefits, and the
opportunity to interpret local history and culture. As part of the City’s trail planning efforts, best practices
should be applied that enhance and protect natural resources and water quality.
Implementation Measures
To implement the Parks and Trail Plan, the city will consider the following implementation measures, which
were developed from the goals, objectives, and policies:
Park Standards
To increase the amount of public park land the city will:
• Study and pursue various means of funding the acquisition, operation and maintenance of park,
open space trail, and recreation facilities.
• Assess the feasibility and implementation of the following park improvement needs identified in
Table 8.4.
Efficient Use of Facilities
To maximize opportunities for the joint use of public land and facilities and efficient use of such facilities the
city will:
• Explore partnerships with the school district, athletic organizations, HOAs, public utilities, and
other public agencies in order to acquire and/or develop parkland, retain open space areas and
recreation facilities and provide programs. This would include considering acquisition of the Old
Athletic Field and Jaycee’s Fields from the school district should the school district ever entertain
the possibility of divesting themselves of those properties important to the community.
• Periodically update and distribute the list of available public park facilities, park maps, and trail
maps to the community and interested groups.
• Develop and implement a program for year-round use of some recreation facilities.
• Explore methods to integrate parks and trails with the networks of adjacent communities,
Washington County, and State facilities.
Park Design
The city will:
• Design, install and maintain standardized park signage for all city parkland and trails.
• Develop and implement neighborhood park plans based on the following priority list developed by
the Park and Recreation Board and level of service needs. These plans shall reflect neighborhood
input into the planning process.
• Continue a regular patrol of parks to provide for the safety of park users.
• Require park land dedication or cash in lieu for all new residential, commercial and industrial
developments.
• Acquire the Jaycee’s Fields and the Old Athletic Field from School District 834 if the school district
ever considers selling them. It is the city’s desire to continue to offer these two sites for public
recreation purposes.
• Seek opportunities through public or private funds for the establishment of new neighborhood
parks and/or redevelopment of existing neighborhood parks.
Trails and Pathways
To effectively maintain and expand a city-wide trail system that connects to all major activity centers, schools,
downtown, scenic open space areas and lakes and other adjacent community systems the City will:
• Continue to implement the Stillwater Trails Master Plan.
• Continue to improve trails and sidewalks as local roadways are improved or reconstructed.
• Create improved trail and pedestrian connections into downtown from the west and from the
north.
• Consider improving trail systems around the city’s lakes including completion of the trail around
McKusick Lake and Long Lake, as well as between the lakes.
Table 8.4: Future Park Recommendations
Community Park Needs
Aiple Park • Develop a Master Plan for the future community park
Brown’s Creek Park • New irrigation systems
Lowell Park • Develop a master plan for Lowell Park (Short)
• Implement recommended improvements for Lowell Park (Mid)
Lilly Lake Park • Replace irrigation systems
• Replace conduit on ballfield lights
• Remodel restroom interior
• Improve Beach
• Rehabilitate Tennis Court
Northland Park • Replace upper play equipment
• Make an “entryway” park
• Improve drainage upper field
• Replace parking lot
• Rehabilitate tennis courts
• Install of rehabilitate backstop on lower field
• Improve lower infield (possible twins grants)
• Rehab warming house facility
• Replace irrigation systems
Pioneer Park • Continue park improvements
• Update Restroom Facilities
• Update Playground Equipment
• Replace floor in bandshell
• Renovate band shell (roof and west wall)
Neighborhood Park Needs
Legends Park • Add additional equipment
• New Play Equipment (2018)
Liberty Square Park • Request for installation of play equipment
Bergman Park • Add addition equipment (play structure on north side of park)
• Install Irrigation
Long Lake Open
Space • Add Picnic Shelter
• Add Nature Trails
• Consider adding parking on north side
Public Works Park • Continue baseball field improvements
• New irrigation systems
• Relocate Trees
Ramsey/Grove Park • Replace play equipment with a structure for children 5 to 13 years of age
Staples Field • Acquire additional park property
• Add additional facilities
• Install irrigation in ballfield
• Rehabilitate Tennis Court Surface
• Improve Tennis Court lighting
Triangle Park • Replace play equipment
CE N T R AL
G RE ENW A Y
R EG IONAL TR AI L –
LA K E ELM O
S EGM EN T M A S T ER
P L A N OP E N H O U SE
0 8 .2 8 .1 8
5 -7 P M A T
C H R I S T L U T H E R A N
C H U R C H I N L A K E E L M O
Washington County is seeking input on
the Central Greenway Regional Trail –
Lake Elmo segment. This trail will be a
multi-use trail seeking to fill an existing
gap in the trail network. The public is
invited to attend an open house to review
several route options. Refreshments will
be provided and attendees can come and
go as they please.
More information can be found at:
www.co.washington.mn.us/2806/Current-
Planning-Projects