Parks and Active Living 7-1

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1 7 Parks and Active Living In previous versions of the Comprehensive Plan, this chapter has been titled Parks and Recreation. Looking to the future, the more relevant description for this aspect of the Plan is parks and active living. Parks refers to the physical elements of parks, trails and recreational facilities. Active living describes the nature of how these facilities will be used. Both the physical and use elements are critical aspects of the Comprehensive Plan for Apple Valley. Apple Valley has used its park system to promote a longstanding commitment to qualities of community health and active living. Among the principles used by Apple Valley in guiding the development of the park system are the following: Collaborating with other parties to coordinate the delivery of services and to make effective use of financial resources. Using parks as a tool to control flooding, help preserve the quality of the surface water, replenish the ground water supply, reduce air pollution and preserve natural resources. The existing park system has evolved into a critical community asset. It creates a strong foundation for meeting future needs and opportunities of a healthy and active community. Creating parks that provide people with places to gather and play. Distributing parks throughout the City. Connecting parks and neighborhoods with sidewalks and trails. Matching facilities with the full spectrum of ages, abilities and economic status. Providing a wide range of indoor and outdoor recreation facilities Comprehensive Plan October 2009 Parks and Active Living 7-1

2 Existing System Parks and Open Space The 2008 municipal park system includes 52 park areas and open spaces and eight (8) special use parks and facilities covering more than 850 acres. The map in Figure 7.1 shows the type and location of public parks and schools in Apple Valley. Table 7.1 lists the size and facilities of each park. Park Standards Park standards are used to formulate plans for the development of the park system. Each park area has its own context, and such things as topography, size, access, relationship to other areas, character of the neighborhood, and environment must be taken into consideration in its development. The standards are broken into two categories: (1) Park Area Classification and Facility Standards, which have been developed through information from the National Recreation and Park Association; and (2) the Metropolitan Council Development Guide/Policy Plan for Recreation Open Space. Table 7.2 indicates the different types of parks that exist or are expected to develop in Apple Valley and the corresponding standards for service area, size and location. Table 7.3 indicates the Facility Standards that have been adopted by Apple Valley for the construction of specific recreational facilities, such as ball fields or tennis courts, within municipal parks. These park classification facility standards describe the elements of the existing system and the characteristics of parks to be built in the future. Park Classifications The various park components within the City of Apple Valley that exist or are expected to develop are described below and also in Table 7.2. Mini Parks Mini parks are specialized facilities that serve high density neighborhoods where there may be a concentrated population and/or where private yards do not exist. These parks are generally under five (5) acres in size. Neighborhood Parks Neighborhood parks are active recreation areas and are ideally located within a service radius of 1/2 mile. Components of the park may typically include playground equipment, skating rink, field and court games, tennis, hockey and a shelter building. While this park can satisfy the overall community athletic needs, the prime planning consideration should be for the local neighborhood area (one-half mile). A majority of Apple Valley s existing parks are in this classification. Only one street is necessary to border a neighborhood park, thus reducing the potential for pedestrian/ auto conflicts. Buffer landscaping should be a planned component of the park for purposes of sound, safety and a visual screen from night lighting. There are two areas where neighborhood parks do not exist and are not expected to be developed. One is adjacent to Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Open space is provided for the area as many of the homes directly back up to the regional park. The Grandview development area contains less than 25 single family lots, and a park is not planned since just a small area is not served. More neighborhood parks will be needed in the areas presently being mined for sand and gravel, and in the area south of County Road #42 that is undeveloped, as they develop for residential and business purposes. 7-2 Parks and Active Living October 2009 City of Apple Valley

3 Existing Park System Figure Comprehensive Plan October 2009 Parks and Active Living 7-3

4 Size (acres) Playground Equipment Ball Diamonds Play Fields Basketball Game Courts Tennis Courts Outdoor Volleyball Courts Horseshoe Pitch Community Parks Alimagnet Park 83.9 g g g g g Disc golf, nature environment0 Farquar Lake Park 9.8 g g g g g g g g Redwood Park 20.3 g g g g g g g g Community Center, Outdoor Pool, Off-Street Parking, Flower Gardens Community Playfields Johnny Cake Ridge Park (East) 41.1 g g g g g g g Johnny Cake Ridge Park (West) 56.0 g g g g g g g g g Football, Softball and Baseball Stadiums, Off-Street Parking, Teen Center, Family Aquatic Center Quarry Point Athletic Complex 35.3 Undeveloped Valley Middle Park 6.3 g g g g g g g 40 additional acres owned by school district; Off-Street Parking and Track Westview Elementary School 24.2 g Neighborhood Parks Apple Grove Park 6.9 g g Apple Ponds Park 4.2 g g g g g Apple Valley East Park 11.2 g g g g g g g Belmont Park 5.7 g g g g g g g Briar Oaks Park 16.3 g g g g Carrollwood Park 7.8 g Cedar Isles Park 22.1 g g g Cedar Knolls Park 11.8 g g Chaparral Park 6.5 g Natural Area Cobblestone Lake 10.7 Delaney Park 28.5 g g g g g g g g Diamond Path Park 14.4 g Duchess Park 3.5 g g g Faith Park 15.1 g g g g Findlay Park 13.6 g Galaxie Park 13.8 g g g g g g Greening Park 4.0 g g g Greenleaf Park 12.9 g g g g Hagemeister Park 8.7 g g g g g g Heritage Park 4.1 g g g g Huntington Park 9.1 g g g g g g g Keller Park 1.8 g g Kelley Park 2.9 g g Facilities are planned Lac Lavon Park 15.5 Lac Lavon Fishing Dock Site Park 5.5 g g Largen Park 3.9 g g g g Picnic Shelters Canoe Launch Hockey Rinks Skating Rinks Park Building Other Existing Park Facilities Table Parks and Active Living October 2009 City of Apple Valley

5 Size (acres) Playground Equipment Ball Diamonds Play Fields Basketball Game Courts Tennis Courts Outdoor Volleyball Courts Legacy Park 2.8 g Long Lake Park 14.6 g g Moeller Park 16.0 g g g g Newell 2.8 g Nordic Park 6.6 g Palomino Park 4.7 g g Pennock Park 3.8 g g g g Morning View Public Open Space 13.8 Plantings Regatta Park 10.3 g g g g Scott Park 8.5 g g Summerfield Park 11.2 g g Sunset Park 3.8 g Tintah Park 17.9 g g g g Unnamed Park A 1.5 Unnamed Park D 4.2 Wallace Park 4.7 g g Wildwood Park 9.6 g g g g Special Use Parks & Facilities Community Center Indoor Gym Space, Arts and Crafts, Preschool Room, Exercise Room; Game Room Senior Center At Community Center Family Aquatic Center At Johnny Cake Ridge Park (West) Teen Center At Johnny Cake Ridge Park (West) Hayes Park Arena Indoor Ice arena Indoor Sports Arena Indoor Ice arena Redwood Community Center & Pool Outdoor Pool and Wading Pool Teen Center At Apple Valley High School Valleywood Municipal Golf Course g g Non-City Facilities Lebanon Hills Regional Park Picnicking, Trails, Camping, Swimming Beach, Mountain Biking, Visitor's Center, Natural Areas Minnesota Zoo Apple Valley High School g g Track Cedar Park School g g Dakota Ridge School g g g Diamond Path School g g g Falcon Ridge Middle School g Track and Off-Street Parking Greenleaf Park Elementary g g Scott Highlands School g g g g Track and Off-Street Parking Horseshoe Pitch Picnic Shelters Canoe Launch Hockey Rinks Skating Rinks Park Building Other Existing Park Facilities Table 7.1 (cont.) 2030 Comprehensive Plan October 2009 Parks and Active Living 7-5

6 Mini Park COMPONENT USE SERVICE AREA SITE SITE ATTRIBUTES SITE LOCATION Specialized facilities that serve a concentrated or Less than 1/2 mile limited population or specific group such as tots Population or senior citizens; may be in locations such as apartment complexes, townhouse developments or commercial center. Less than 5 acres Central location conducive to intense usage and development. High density neighborhoods where typical private yards do not exist. Neighborhood Park Playground Area for intense recreational activities such as field games, court games, crafts, apparatus area, skating, neighborhood centers. 1/2 mile radius to serve population of 2,000-5,000 (neighborhood) 5-20 acres 3 acres per 1,000 population Physiography suited for intense development. Proximity to elementary schools or neighborhood center. Community Playfield Area for intense recreational activities such as athletic fields and tennis courts. Could include neighborhood use. 5,000-10,000 population served - entire city acres 5 acres per 1,000 population Physiography suited for intense development. Proximity to secondary school and other public facilities. Best located near major thoroughfare. Regional Park Area of natural or ornamental quality for natureoriented outdoor recreation such as picnicking, boating, fishing, swimming, skiing, hiking and camping. 3-5 communities acres (100 acre minimum) Complete natural setting contiguous to water bodies or water courses where possible. Where natural resources occur, particularly water. Historic Designation Area which preserves, maintains and interprets buildings, sites and objects of historical and archaeological significance. Total community Sufficient area to encompass facility or resource. Historically significant - represent the broad cultural, political, economic, or social history; associated with historical figure; architectural specimen; major archaeological site. Large enough to protect all significant resources. Where resources occur, where event occurred. Special Use Area providing specialized or single purpose recreational activities such as golf courses, nature centers, marinas, zoos, conservatories, arboretum, arena, gun clubs. Total community Specific standard applicable to desired use. Appropriate to particular special use. Site where needed and appropriate. School Park Area that jointly serves the recreational and park needs of both the school and the immediate neighborhood or community at large. Classification of park that is developed (neighborhood park, community playfield, etc.) acres (exact acreage by classification of park developed). Physiography suited for intense development. Adjacent to school structure. Park Classifications Table Parks and Active Living October 2009 City of Apple Valley

7 UNIT LAND REQUIRED NATIONAL STANDARDS UNITS/POPULATION EXISTING APPLE VALLEY RECOMMENDED SERVICE AREA LOCATION DIMENSIONS/ COMMENTS Baseball Diamond* 3 Acres 1 per 6, Approx. 1 mile radius In community playfield or adjacent to school 90' infield; 350' outfield; 1 lighted per 30,000 population Softball/Youth Diamond* 2 Acres 1 per 1, Approx. 1 mile radius In community playfield or adjacent to school 60-75' infield; 250' outfield minimum; 1/2 of total diamonds should be lighted Play Fields* 1.5 Acres Serve Neighborhood of 2,000 to 5, /2 mile radius In neighborhood park 60' infield outfield Tennis Courts.6 Ac/Court 1 per 2, mile radius In neighborhood park or community playfield Construct a minimum of 2 doubles courts per location Youth Soccer 2 Acres 1 per 1, mile radius In neighborhood park or community playfield 120' x 210' field Game Courts.5 Acres 1 per 2, /2 mile radius In neighborhood park 60' x 60' paved area Soccer Field 2 Acres 1 per 1, Approx. 1 mile radius In community playfield 225' x 360' field Football Field 2 Acres 1 per 6, Approx. 1 mile radius In community playfield 170' x 360' field Skating Rink 1 Acre 1 per 2, Approx. 1 mile radius In community and neighborhood parks 100' x 200' minimum 100% lighted Hockey Rink.5 Acres 1 per 3, Approx. 1 mile radius In neighborhood park or community playfield 85' x 200' 100% lighted Neighborhood Shelter Building.25 Acres 1 per 5, /2 mile radius Neighborhood park 1,000 s.f. minimum Community Center 1 Acre 1 per 20, /2 mile radius Community park or playfield 2,500-5,000 s.f. minimum Off Street Parking 400 s.f 110 cars/acre Neighborhood Park N/A N/A N/A Community park or playfield; neighborhood park as required Total area of 20' x 20' per car Play Apparatus Area.5 Acres 1 per 2, /2 mile radius Neighborhood park Sand base, 5 to 15 apparatus units, include sitting or locate in an area with high visual exposure. Archery Area.75 Acres 1 per 7, mile radius Community playfield or large neighborhood park Unobstructed area of 150 x 50 yards Swimming Pool 2 Acres 1 per 10, people at a time Public school, community park or playfield. Water surface. Minimum of 4,000 s.f. of water surface Outside deck area should be double the pool area Golf Course (18 hole) Acres 1 per 25, min. driving time Central location when possible A rectangular parcel of land is most desirable. Gently rolling terrain preferred Ice Arena 2 Acres 1 per 30, Central location when possible Varies according to design and intended use Park Standards Table Comprehensive Plan October 2009 Parks and Active Living 7-7

8 Community Play Fields Community Play Fields are intense recreational areas for athletics and organized activities. They may include facilities such as ball diamonds, football and soccer fields, tennis courts, community center and adequate off-street parking. They are best located on or near thoroughfares for easy access. purpose uses oriented toward 1) group picnicking, nature interpretation, hiking and/or other quiet recreation and 2) active recreational facilities. While they may supplement the neighborhood park playgrounds, they should be designed to serve the active recreational needs of the entire City. By necessity, they require more open space than neighborhood sites and, whenever possible, should be developed adjacent to public schools. Lebanon Hills Park - 1,795 acres (320 in Apple Valley) Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve - 2,905 acres in Dakota & Scott Counties Spring Lake Park Reserve - 1,287 acres Cleary Lake Park - 1,049 acres Fort Snelling State Park - 1,580 acres Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Recreation Area Historic Designations Alimagnet, Redwood, and Farquar Park are three parks which meet the criteria for community parks. The need for this type of park is presently satisfied in the City, with the exception of a possible park site around a lake in the area south of County Road #42 and east of Galaxie Avenue. If such a park is developed, it may function as a community park. The purpose of a historic park is to preserve buildings and/or areas that include sites and objects of historical significance for interpretation to the community. These areas should be maintained in coordination with the natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities that surround them. Regional Parks Four community play fields exist in Apple Valley at present: the Johnny Cake Ridge Park East/West, Hayes, and Valley Middle complexes. Quarry Point Park will be developed as a Community Play Field. Community Parks Community Parks are large enough and have physical attributes such as woods, lakes and hills that allow multi- 7-8 Parks and Active Living Regional parks serve the people of a large region, usually those within one hour of travel time. The size and location vary, but are generally acres in size. The responsibility for providing these regional facilities generally falls upon Dakota County and the Metropolitan Council. Apple Valley s need for regional parks is presently being served through the following regional facilities, which are within one-half hour travel time from Apple Valley: October 2009 Several of our parks have been named for historical reasons. The Historical Committee has placed plaques in several City of Apple Valley

9 parks to denote the significance of the names, including: Delaney, Farquar, Hagemeister, Hayes, Largen, Moeller and Scott Parks. Special Use Facilities A special use facility is an area providing specialized or single purpose recreational activities. Typically this type of facility requires a specific resource base or location with restrictive controls or management programs that are not generally consistent with other park facilities. Whenever possible, special use areas should be located in close proximity to population concentrations and areas of high demand. They should also be visually and functionally compatible with the adjacent land use. Special use areas and facilities include the Valleywood Golf Course, Minnesota Zoological Gardens, the Indoor Sports Arena, Hayes Park Arena, the Redwood Community Center and Pool, Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center & Teen Center, Senior Center, and the Apple Valley Community Center. School Park A school park is located adjacent to or is part of an existing school site and most typically includes those components of a neighborhood or community play field. It is desirable to develop this type of park in that it is a multi-use facility serving the needs of both the school and community. People Movement In past versions of the Comprehensive Plan, this section was titled Trails. In reality, the facilities in Apple Valley for moving people without vehicles are broader than trails. This section of the Comprehensive Plan looks at all of the facilities for people movement in Apple Valley. While People Movement is located in the Parks chapter, it also relates to the Land Use and Transportation chapters. Existing System Trails, sidewalks and other parts of the People Movement system are vital in parts of the community. These facilities: Allow people to move safely throughout Apple Valley without a car. Connect neighborhoods with parks, schools and other community facilities. Promote healthy and active lifestyles. Encourage sustainability by facilitating non-vehicular travel. Serve a wide range of individual and household needs. Contribute to the social fabric and character of Apple Valley. The map in Figure 7.2 shows the elements of the existing People Movement system in Apple Valley and the connections to adjacent cities. It is important to understand that this system is not a homogenous thing, but a network of different connected elements. Each of these elements plays a different role in the system. Sidewalks Sidewalks are intended to support pedestrians in residential neighborhoods and commercial districts. Sidewalks allow people to move by foot (walk, jog) within neighborhoods and to other parts of the community parks, schools, public facilities and shopping. Sidewalks provide a place for children to safely travel by bicycle or scooter. The design of sidewalks (narrower width, individual concrete sections) make them poorly suited to adult bicycle use. As the population ages, sidewalks may receive greater use by motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs and similar devices. Sidewalks also serve social and recreational functions. They promote social interaction in neighborhoods and provide a safe place for young children to play near their home. Trails There are three types of trails in Apple Valley. Park trails are bituminous trails in parks and open spaces. These trails connect the parks adjacent streets and neighborhoods. Park trails also allow for movement through parks and open spaces. Street trails are 8-foot bituminous trails built along collector streets and county roads. It will continue to be the City s policy to construct bituminous trails on both sides of all county roads and community collector streets, where the terrain and topography permit. Both park and street trails are multi-use and intended to accommodate both pedestrians and bicycles. The final trails type are unpaved trails. Currently, these trails are designed for pedestrian use with parks and open spaces Comprehensive Plan October 2009 Parks and Active Living 7-9

10 Existing People Movement Systems Figure Parks and Active Living October 2009 City of Apple Valley

11 Streets Many streets in Apple Valley are part of the people movement systems. In neighborhoods without sidewalks, pedestrians use the streets. Bicycles should use local streets instead of sidewalks. At the present time, there are no designated bike lanes in Apple Valley. Some collector streets and county roads have striped shoulders that distinguish the drive lanes from the paved shoulder and can be used by bicycles. On streets without shoulders, bicycles may operate in the vehicle drive lane in accordance with State traffic laws. Issues and Opportunities The goals, policies and plans for Parks and Active Living in Apple Valley seek to address issues and seize opportunities that face the City. Some of the key factors influencing the 2030 Comprehensive Plan are described in this section. Park System Completion It is likely that Apple Valley will become fully developed over the life of this Comprehensive Plan. New park space will be needed to support future residential and nonresidential development. The majority of new development will occur in the South Central Planning Area (see Land Use chapter). Four park development projects are anticipated with the development of this area: Expansion of Regatta Park to support new development west of Pilot Knob Road. Creation of a new neighborhood park to support development east of Pilot Knob Road. Expansion of Quarry Point Park to meet future outdoor recreation needs. Establishment of corridor for the North Creek Trail. The construction of new streets in the South Central Planning Area provides the opportunity to build trails and sidewalks to connect parks and development with the broader community. Redevelopment Currently, there is a lack of park space in the Downtown area. There are no public parks located within the Ring Route. Downtown parks can provide an amenity that attracts people and creates a place for the community to gather. As redevelopment occurs in the Downtown, the density of employees and residents in the area will increase, which is expected to create more demand for parks in the area. This future redevelopment provides the opportunity to bring parks and other public open spaces to the Downtown. Adaptation The City of Apple Valley has proven adept at creating a park system that responds to changing conditions and needs while maintaining a system of enduring qualities. Future demographic and economic factors will be critical forces shaping the future park system in Apple Valley. The Community Context chapter highlights some important trends. The population is becoming more diverse in age, household composition, ethnicity and income. Many Apple Valley residents work in other cities and travel to 2030 Comprehensive Plan October 2009 Parks and Active Living 7-11

12 work by car. Transportation is becoming more expensive in both money and time. These and other factors will alter interests, needs and demands for facilities and services. The Comprehensive Plan does not attempt to predict these needs. Rather, the Plan positions the City to understand and adapt to these forces of change. On-Going Maintenance and Financing A successful park and active living system requires financial commitment to both construction and maintenance of park facilities. Apple Valley recognizes this need. Voters have consistently approved bond funding for reinvestment in the existing park system. Careful planning and creative strategies will be needed to ensure adequate funding is available for facilities and programs into the future. Connections Apple Valley parks are not a collection of individuals elements, but a system woven together with different connections. These connections link all parks and recreation facilities in Apple Valley. They also connect other aspects of the community, such as: Trail connections between regional destinations, such as the Minnesota Zoo and Lebanon Hills Regional Park, and Downtown Apple Valley. Pedestrian connections between neighborhoods and schools. Bicycle connections between employment centers in Apple Valley and in other parts of the region. A variety of important connection opportunities face the community. They include: Rehabilitation of the old Cedar Avenue bridge to provide a pedestrian and bicycle connection over the Minnesota River. Enhancement of pedestrian and bicycle crossings at key intersections and transit stops as part of Cedar Avenue improvements. Construction of trails and bicycle lanes in conjunction with new streets. Filling in gaps of the street trail system. Evaluating opportunities to re-configure street striping to create shoulder areas that serve as bike lanes. Goals and Policies The City values park and active living opportunities that strengthen and enhance community life in Apple Valley. Recreation and leisure experiences contribute to the physical and economic health of the community by providing needed facilities and making Apple Valley a desirable place to live, work and conduct business. Goals The goals for the parks and active living system are as follows: Offer the highest quality park and recreation system, one that meets the needs of city residents and is financially practical. Complete the development of parks that have been recently dedicated, refurbish older parks as needed and acquire new park lands where recommended in the plan. Improve property values by improving the image and appearance of the City and enriching health and recreation opportunities for residents. Promote the City as a desirable place to live, work, play and conduct business. Encourage healthy and active lifestyles for people that live and work in Apple Valley. Establish a system based on enduring quality with the flexibility to adapt to changing community needs and desires. Improve the Park and Recreation System by improving visibility and accessibility for all Apple Valley residents. Collaborate with other parties to meet shared interests making best use of limited financial resources. Improve the ability of people to safely and efficiently travel within Apple Valley without a vehicle. Improve the connections between parks, recreation facilities, schools, neighborhoods, shopping areas and employment centers Parks and Active Living October 2009 City of Apple Valley

13 Use redevelopment to fill gaps in the park system and enhance connections. Use the Comprehensive Plan to guide resource decisions regarding parks and active living. Policies The City of Apple Valley uses the following policies to achieve the Goals and implement the Comprehensive Plan: The City will use the Comprehensive Plan to guide park development. A priority list of future park needs will be developed by the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee and staff, and recommended to the City Council on an annual basis. In addition, the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee will each year recommend the adoption of a seven-year Capital Improvements Plan for Parks and Recreation. The City will review and update this chapter periodically to reflect new and current trends, new development criteria, unanticipated population densities and any other pertinent factors that affect park and recreation goals, policies and future direction of the system. The City will continue to develop park and recreation facilities which minimize the maintenance demands on the City. This will be done by emphasizing the acquisition of well-planned large parks, quality materials, and labor saving devices and practices. The City does not wish to acquire mini-parks because of the high maintenance costs and low level of service provided by small park areas. Rather, neighborhood parks should generally be a minimum of five acres in size. The City will use the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee to make recommendations to the City Council. The Committee s mission is to serve as liaison between citizens and the city government; to interpret citizen needs and interests and recommend programs, facilities and services to serve their needs; to interpret the value of recreation programs and parks to gain the public s interest, understanding and support; to keep the general public and public officials informed concerning the status of recreation and parks programs; and to encourage joint meetings and sharing of information with committees, commissions and organizations throughout the city. The City will use statutory powers for park dedication to ensure that new development supports the ongoing improvement of the park system. The City will continually evaluate whether the dedication of land or a cash payment in lieu of dedication best serves the interests of the City. Park land or dedication fees will be collected when land is developed for residential, commercial and industrial purposes. The City will re-examine its park dedication requirements from time to time in order to assure that dedication formula is in keeping with the rate of inflation and State Law. The City staff will continue to research, develop and recommend to the City Council and citizens periodic bond referendums or other funding programs in order to carry out the proposed park and active living systems needed within Apple Valley. The City will continue to recruit and use volunteer organizations existing in the community for help in carrying out community events and programs. The City will continue to coordinate and cooperate with the park programs of adjacent communities. The City will require sidewalks in all new developments. All parks will be connected to the overall People Movement system. Trails will be located along both sides of major collectors and county roads, where feasible. The City will use development and street improvement projects to make these improvements. All street surface overlay improvements should also include adjacent trails. Striped shoulders for bicycle travel will be provided along both sides of major collectors and county roads, where feasible. Primary transit facilities shall be connected to the broader community by trails Comprehensive Plan October 2009 Parks and Active Living 7-13

14 2030 Parks and Active Living Plan The 2030 Parks and Active Living Plan for Apple Valley seeks to achieve the Goals and Policies by: Maintaining and reinvesting in existing parks, trails and special use facilities. Expanding and adapting existing facilities to meet changing community needs. Providing adequate park facilities in future growth areas. Adding trail sections in key locations. The 2030 Parks and Trails Plan is illustrated in Figure 7.3 and explained in the following section. Parks System Improvements In 2007, voters approved a $14,430,000 bond issue to upgrade the park system. The improvements to be undertaken with the bond proceeds include: Build a 25,000 square foot senior/community center to replace and expand existing facilities. Develop the Quarry Point Athletic Complex, with a mix of baseball and soccer fields. Add facilities and expand capacity of the Family Aquatic Center. Replacement of play structures at Alimagnet, Apple Ponds, Faith, Galaxie, Hayes and Wallace Parks. Infrastructure repairs at Redwood Pool. Completion of Cobblestone Lake Park. Tennis court and hockey rink repairs, new rest room facilities, re-sodding and seeding, re-forestation and other improvements. These improvements are shown graphically in Figure 7.3 The City will continue to use the capital improvements planning process to determine the need, funding and timing of future park development. Each year, the Parks and Recreation Department, along with the citizen Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, reviews the list to recommend improvements for the coming year. Planned improvements are made part of the Capital Improvement Plan, which is updated annually. The Valleywood clubhouse was constructed in 1977 and needs significant updates. The reconstruction of the clubhouse has been discussed and may be considered in the future. Future Park Acquisitions The need for future park land acquisition will come primarily from development in the South Central Planning Area (see Land Use chapter). The 2030 Parks and Trails Plan anticipates the need for the following acquisition in conjunction with future development: Area for a new neighborhood park (approximately 8-15 acres) in the southeast quadrant of Pilot Knob Road and County Road 42. Expansion (5-10 acres) of Regatta Park. Expansion (area to be determined) of Quarry Point Athletic Complex. Land for parks will be acquired by the City as this area is developed. Future redevelopment may create the need for future park land acquisition not specifically identified in the 2030 Plan. The need may arise from changes in land use that places residential development in locations that are currently commercial. People Movement Plan The 2030 People Movement Plan for Apple Valley consists of sidewalk, trail and bike lane improvements as shown in Figure 7.4. Sidewalks The 2030 People Movement Plan does not show specific locations for new sidewalk improvements. The Plan encourages sidewalks to be built on at least one side of local streets in all new developments. New sidewalks will be added to existing developed areas where and when feasible. Street Trails The Plan continues the policy of building paved trails on both sides of collector streets and county roads, as allowed by land use and topography. Key trail links shown in the 2030 Plan include: South side of 150th Street/County Road 42 between Flagstaff Avenue and Dundee Avenue. North side of McAndrews Road/County Road 38 between Everest Trail and Johnny Cake Ridge Road. South side of McAndrews Road/County Road 38 between Galaxie Avenue and Garden View Drive. East side of Pilot Knob Road/County Road 31 from Diamond Path Road to north City limits Parks and Active Living October 2009 City of Apple Valley

15 Potential Regional Trail Alignments A= Dakota County South Urban Regional Trail B = North Creek Greenway Trail Future Parks and Trails Plan Figure Comprehensive Plan October 2009 Parks and Active Living 7-15

16 Potential Regional Trail Alignments Future People Movement Plan A = Dakota County South Urban Regional Trail Figure 7.4 B = North Creek Greenway Trail 7-16 Parks and Active Living October 2009 City of Apple Valley

17 East side of Flagstaff Avenue from 150th Street/ County Road 42 to Eastview High School (future extension of Flagstaff ). West side of Johnny Cake Ridge Road from 142nd Street to 150th Street/County Road 42. East side of Galaxie Avenue from McAndrews Road/ County Road 38 to north City limits. South side of 140th Street from Galaxie Avenue to Cedar Avenue/County Road 23. South side of 140th Street from Guthrie Avenue to Garden View Drive. North side of 140th Street from Garden View Drive to west City limits. Future extension of Johnny Cake Ridge Road from 150th Street/County Road 42 to 160th Street/ County Road 46. Future extension of 153rd/155th Street between Galaxie Avenue and Pilot Knob Road/County Road 31. Future extension of 157th Street between Finch Avenue and Pilot Knob Road/County Road 31. Some of these improvements will be made in conjunction with future development and roadway improvements. In cases where missing segments are located adjacent to developed areas, street trail improvements will be planned and undertaken through the capital improvement planning process. Regional and Greenway Trails Planned regional trails can provide movement within Apple Valley and connect the community with other parts of Dakota County and the region. Apple Valley will work with Dakota County, adjacent cities and the Metropolitan Council to establish regional trail corridors at appropriate locations. Dakota County South Urban Regional Trail (A) This trail is proposed to connect Lebanon Hills Regional Park to Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve and to regional trails in Scott County (A in Figure 7.4). Two alternative alignments are depicted in the People Movement Plan. The north alignment relies on existing street trails along McAndrews Road/County Road 38 and Johnny Cake Ridge Road. This trail may provide the impetus for completing the missing links along McAndrews Road/County Road 38. The south alignment uses existing street trails along Johnny Cake Ridge Road, County Road 42, Cedar Avenue and County Road 46. This alignment involves more complicated crossings of major street corridors. North Creek Greenway Trail (B) This trail is planned to connect the Vermillion River in Empire Township with the Minnesota Zoo and Lebanon Hills Regional Park (B in Figure 7.4). The 2030 Comprehensive Plan seeks to establish parts of this corridor as development occurs in the South Central Planning Area. The anticipated route takes advantage of existing underroad crossings of 160th Street/County Road 46 and Pilot Knob Road/County Road 31. The trail should connect Quarry Point and Regatta Parks. The 2030 People Movement Plan proposes to run the trail along Flagstaff Avenue to use the traffic signal for the crossing of 150th Street/ County Road 42. The 2030 People Movement Plan proposes to use existing street trails north of 140th Street. The County Greenway Plan shown in the Land Use Chapter shows the use of existing park trails extending north from Moeller Park. However, this route does not function well north of Ellice Trail. Bike Lanes The 2030 People Movement Plan in Figure 7.4 does not show the location of existing or planned future striped shoulders that function as travel lanes for bicycles. As feasible, the City will explore the use of striped shoulders along collector streets and county roads (except arterial streets). Adequate street trails should continue to be provided along major street corridors. Future Initiatives The process of preparing the 2030 Comprehensive Plan identified other initiatives for enhancing people movement in Apple Valley. These include: System Identity The goals of the Comprehensive Plan are evolving from providing facilities for people movement to promoting the use of these facilities. One means of promoting use is to establish and use an identity for this system. Elements of system identity could include: Named trails and trail corridors. Wayfinding signs for individual trails. Trail system maps at key locations. Coordinated Use As use of the system grows, more attention must be given to coordinating uses (minimizing conflicts). Actions to consider include: Provide adequate places for bicycle travel to avoid use of sidewalks and conflicts with vehicular traffic Comprehensive Plan October 2009 Parks and Active Living 7-17

18 Provide user education on safe use of shared facilities. Explore applications of trail striping to address safety issues as needed. Consider separate pedestrian and bicycle trails where use and available right-of-way justify such improvements. Downtown People movement in Downtown Apple Valley requires study beyond the scope of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan update. Issues that should be considered include: Transition from trails to sidewalks. Street trails leading to Downtown converted to sidewalks in the Downtown area. Many sidewalks are part of the decorative streetscape program for the Ring Route and the Downtown. These sidewalks are not well suited to bicycle travel. Street design and traffic volumes limit on-street bicycle travel in the Downtown area. Corridor crossings. It is essential that key intersections of Cedar Avenue and County Road 42 provide for adequate crossing by pedestrians and bicycles. This aspect of intersection design must be a factor in future roadway improvements. Corridor crossings may also be improved at bus rapid transit stops. These stops/ crossings should be connected to the overall city street trail system. Supporting facilities. In addition to trails and crossings, the Downtown area can become more bike friendly with the use of supporting facilities. These facilities should include bike racks at convenient locations, storage lockers at transit facilities and major employment centers, and bike lanes in parking lots. Implementation The City of Apple Valley will use goals, policies and plans in this chapter to guide the improvement and maintenance of parks in Apple Valley. This section highlights several specific actions that assist in implementing this part of the Comprehensive Plan. Capital Improvements Planning This chapter provides the basis for the annual preparation of the Capital Improvements Plan and the Park Development Priority List. These two documents are used to set an annual budget for park development. The ultimate result of an effective capital improvements program is the steady flow of projects through the design stages and into execution with the wise use of available funds. An important consideration is how a project will be financed. Park Dedication The experiences of Apple Valley clearly demonstrate the nexus between new development and the need for parks, recreational facilities, playgrounds, trails, wetlands and open space. In recognition of this relationship, the City, by ordinance, requires that a reasonable amount of buildable land from a proposed subdivision be dedicated to the public for these purposes. The City may elect to receive a cash fee in conjunction with or in lieu of land dedication. The City has adopted an ordinance that sets forth the regulations governing the use of park dedication. This ordinance will be reviewed to determine the need for revisions to be consistent with the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and current State Law. Future Bond Issues Apple Valley residents have supported the issuance of bonds to make improvements to the park system. The 2007 bond issue provides significant resources for implementing this plan. Partnerships The City partners with school districts, Dakota County, youth sports associations and athletic and arts organizations to meet community park and recreation needs. Schools provide shared use of active recreation facilities such as playfields, athletic fields, play equipment and gymnasiums. Partnerships provide needed community facilities and gathering areas while maximizing City resources Parks and Active Living October 2009 City of Apple Valley