Missing Link Study Grand Rounds Parkway Planning and Design Introduction June 19, 2007 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board HNTB Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. Hess Roise 1
The Missing Link Study The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is conducting a study to prepare plans to complete the Missing Link in the Minneapolis Grand Rounds Parkway. Study is to identify and evaluate parkway route alternatives and select a preferred parkway route. The study will also include plans for parks, recreation and trail improvements in SE and NE Minneapolis. Study will be guided by a Technical Advisory Committee, Citizen Advisory Committee and public and stake holder input. Study recommendations and plan will ultimately go to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for action. Study consultants are HNTB, Hoisington Koegler Group and Hess Roise. The Missing Link 3-mile gap in the 53 mile Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway loop around Minneapolis. Gap is in NE and SE Minneapolis between St. Anthony Parkway and River Road. Completing the Grand Rounds fulfills a community vision of a continuous green necklace of parks and open space established in the 1880 s. The Missing Link Parkway segment will enhance mobility recreation nature economics. 2
Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway Missing Link Scenic 53 mile parkway loop (almost) through Minneapolis. Three mile gap in NE and SE Minneapolis (the Missing Link). The Nation s largest urban scenic byway. Green necklace around the City. Grand Rounds envisioned in 1883. Built from 1900 s through today. Grand Round Parkway Missing Link (the Gap) Northeast Minneapolis St. Anthony Between St. Anthony Parkway and the Mississippi River Downtown Minneapolis Existing parkways University of Minnesota St. Paul 3
History Parkway loop conceived in 1883 by Landscape Architect HWS Cleveland Northeast link proposed by Theodore Wirth in 1910 St. Anthony Parkway complete by 1918. Remaining Missing Link section left out 2006 MPRB secures $250,000 in State funds to fund study for Master Plan of Missing Link Hennepin County allocated $200,000 for study Missing Link Study Objectives Prepare and adopt a plan and design to complete the Grand Rounds Parkway Missing Link. Work with the community, stakeholders and officials to evaluate, select, plan and design the best parkway route. Plan parks, trails and recreation amenities to complement the preferred parkway route and serve the neighborhoods and community. Define the approach to implementation - long term strategy. 4
Grand Round Parkway Missing Link (the Gap) Northeast Minneapolis St. Anthony Park service area gap Parkway and Park Service Area Gap Downtown Minneapolis University of Minnesota St. Paul Why complete the Grand Rounds Parkway? Benefits: Continuous path, green space and scenic byway route around Minneapolis. Revive natural resources and scenic beauty. Add valuable resources to area neighborhoods. Give NE and SE Minneapolis signature park and recreation resources. Parks and parkway are amenities for livability and reinvestment. 5
The Grand Rounds Nationally Recognized only urban scenic byway in US. +50 miles of scenic roadway, bikeway and walks link significant parks and recreation areas. 15 million visits are made each year. Grand Rounds helps make Minneapolis a unique, livable and picturesque city. Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway Map Missing Link 6
Minneapolis Grand Rounds Scenic Byway Minneapolis Grand Rounds Scenic Byway 7
Minneapolis Grand Rounds Scenic Byway Parkway Characteristics Green scenic corridor Vehicles, bike and pedestrians Connects the City Green Necklace 8
Local Parkway Examples Minnehaha Parkway Victory Memorial Parkway River Road Summit Avenue St. Anthony Parkway Minnehaha Parkway Images courtesy of Regents of the University of Minnesota 9
Victory Memorial Parkway Images courtesy of Regents of the University of Minnesota River Road Images courtesy of Regents of the University of Minnesota 10
Summit Avenue Images courtesy of Regents of the University of Minnesota St. Anthony Parkway Images courtesy of Regents of the University of Minnesota 11
Grand Rounds History 1883 Plan for Minneapolis Parks System, "The Grand Rounds" a grand vision for parks and parkways prepared by Landscape Architect Horace Cleveland. 1888 1920 s Park System and Parkways acquired and constructed, except for gap in NE Minneapolis. 1930 s Plans prepared for Missing Link Parkway by Theodore Wirth. 1960 s-70 s The "Bicycle Grand Rounds" were developed to parallel parkways. 1998 Grand Rounds is designated a National Scenic Byway. 2007 Missing Link Parkway planning renewed. Park System History 12
Park System History Historic Missing Link Plans Proposed Extensions 1910 Note showing the general location of a proposed NE link to be planned in the near future. Proposed link connects East River Road, the University of Minnesota, Van Cleve Park, and Stinson Parkway. 13
Historic Missing Link Plans Proposed Extensions 1918 The NE Link has been constructed through St. Anthony to East Hennepin Ave. at the Minneapolis St. Paul border. Stinson Blvd. is green landscaped parkway to Hennepin Ave. Historic Missing Link Plans Proposed Extensions 1930 The note Proposed Missing Link to Grand Rounds is shown on the plan 14
1945 air photo Ridgeway Parkway Stinson Blvd. gravel quarry East Hennepin Ave. Missing Link Study Area 15
Study Area Photos Gross Golf Course Industrial Parkway St. Anthony Parkway Stinson Blvd Study Area Photos Bridal Veil Falls Elm Street Como Ave 15th Ave 16
Study Area Photos U University of M View of Minnesota of downtown University of Minnesota Oak St. U of M East River Road U of M Destinations and Barriers Northeast Minneapolis Downtown Minneapolis University of Minnesota 17
Existing Land Use Transportation Network 18
Parks and Existing Bikeways Northeast Minneapolis Downtown Minneapolis University of Minnesota Southeast Minneapolis Missing Link Study Tasks 1. Project Initiation and Management 2. Discovery: Project Research and Analysis 3. Imagination: Identification and Alternatives 4. Interpretation: Selection of Preferred Alternative 5. Implementation: Master Plan Report Study Process: May, 2007 April, 2008 19
Project Information and Input Opportunities Citizen Advisory Committee Technical Advisory Committee Community Public Meetings (3) Stakeholder Meetings MPRB Meetings Web Project Information Primary Study Activities (CAC, TAC and Public) Define goals and criteria. Identify and evaluate potential parkway routes. Select routes for further analysis. Identify park and recreation and trail needs. Select preferred parkway route. Prepare park, trail and recreation plan. Prepare parkway plan. Develop implementation strategy. Present plan and recommendations to the MPRB for action. 20
Initial Study Activities Mapping and analysis TAC and CAC Kick-off Meetings Press Conference June 25 th 10:30 AM Study Area Tour Finalize Goals and Criteria Missing Link Study Contact Nick Eoloff, Missing Link Project Manager Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board 2117 West River Road Minneapolis, MN 55411 neoloff@minneapolisparks.org (612) 230-6465 21
Complete the Grand Rounds Enhance the area and City Deliver the benefits Keep the promise 22