6.a 7. Parks & Trails►A
• Evaluate property located in park and/or recreational facility search areas for
purchase, lease, or easement to augment the existing Park System, if and when it
becomes available.
B, Existing Guiding Documents
The 2006 Parks, Trials, Open Space, and Recreation Plan: In 2006, New Scandia Township
completed and adopted the Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan. This document
describes the current state of, and recommended improvements for, the City's existing "green
infrastructure." Green infrastructure refers generally to those systems that allow for and sustain
growth within the community, and improve the quality of life for existing and future residents.
Green infrastructure is typically based on natural systems rather than the constructed systems
that comprise "grey infrastructure" — roads, water and wastewater, energy and tele-
communications, and other engineered systems. Green infrastructure includes some constructed
infrastructure that is based on or works with natural systems, such as active recreation parks,
trails, and works in conjunction with some built systems, such as stormwater management and
conveyance systems that supplement the natural stormwater system.
The Plan includes a detailed inventory of existing green infrastructure, summaries of public and
stakeholder priorities that affect the City's investments in and maintenance of its green
infrastructure, planning priorities for meeting current and future park and recreation needs, and
recommendations for specific parks, trails, and land acquisition to address existing needs or
shortfalls. The plan included five park goals and seven trails goals, with multiple policies or
strategies for each goal. The policies identified both general principles for creating and
managing parks and trails and specific recommendations for tools to achieve park and trail
goals. In addition to the goals, policies and strategies, the Park Plan identified specific
improvements to existing parks, search area priorities for new parks, and a general
prioritization of the local needs for different types of parks. This plan also addresses Scandia's
regional park assets and recommend steps to enhance their functional use by managing land
use, further developing City and regional trail systems, and adding new recreational amenities
in or near these regional parks.
Comprehensive Trails Master Plan Report: The Scandia City Council adopted the new
Comprehensive Trail Plan in June of 2011. The plan was developed with the help of many
Scandia residents, the Park and Recreation Committee, and the Friends of Scandia Parks and
Trails. Developing connections to and among Scandia parks and to regional trails are goals of
the trail planning project, as well as identifying safe walking and biking routes to school and
other key locations. The plan was funded by a grant from the Statewide Health Improvement
Program (SHIP) through the Washington County Department of Public Health. Two of the
Trails Planning Maps are included as Figures at the end of this section.
C. Metropolitan Council System Statement
The Metropolitan Council created a Regional Parks System Statement Scandia 2015. The
System Statement identifies which regional park issues need to be addressed in the City of
Scandia's comprehensive plan. No new regional parks are planned in Washington County by
2040, and no recent changes to the existing regional park system (which could require
adjustment of the City's land use maps) are noted in the System Statement.
The System Statement identifies one existing regional park - Big Marine Park Reserve - as well
as two state lands - the Rustrum Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and the Falls Creek
Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) - as Regional Parks Components in Scandia. Since the
DRAFT Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Parks and Trails
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publication of the System Statement, Crystal Springs SNA was created and is now open to the
public as part of the DNR's natural area system. Crystal Springs is within the St. Croix National
Scenic Riverway.
Washington County has additionally called out William O'Brien State Park and the Glacial
Hills Regional Trail search corridor in their 2040 comprehensive planning documents. Both of
these facilities are located on the southeastern border of Scandia along Marine on St. Croix and
May Township.
Thrive MSP 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan calls out the Glacial Hills Regional Trail search
corridor running 12 miles, east -west between William O'Brien State Park and the Hardwood
Creek Regional Trail. The Plan also calls out the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, a portion
of which is located in the region (along the western border of Scandia). The St. Croix National
Scenic Riverway is a unit of the National Park Service located on the St. Croix River and the
Namekagon River in Wisconsin. The National Riverway includes the two rivers and their
riparian areas and occupies the boundary between Wisconsin and Minnesota. The St. Croix
National Scenic Riverway is maintained and managed by the National Park Service and the
Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources.
The Metropolitan Council's 2005 Regional Parks Capital Improvement Program identified
several priority acquisitions in 2006-7 to expand Big Marine Park Reserve and a project
scheduled for 2010-11 to develop a campground and related facilities in Big Marine Park
Reserve. These investments will likely result in increased use of Big Marine Park Reserve and
will enhance the recreational value of trail connections or other local park and open space
efforts connecting to the Reserve.
The Regional Parks and Trail System in Scandia is shown in Figure VII -A.
DRAFT Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Parks and Trails
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Figure VII -A - Regional Parks and Trails
1-9 Comprehensive Plan
SCANI)IA Scandia, Minnesota
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DRAFT Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Parks and Trails
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3 miles east of central Scandia. There are no maintained trails or other recreational
facilities.
Rustrum Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
Rustrum WMA is 24 acres, owned by the MN DNR, and located approximately three
miles east of central Scandia on the St. Croix River. The WMA is accessible by water
only with the nearest carry -in access located at Otisville, one mile downstream. The
site is 83% open water and emergent vegetation marsh and 17% flood plain forest. This
site offers unique boat access, hunting opportunities, and flood plain forest wildlife
viewing.
2. Regional Trails
Washington County has a 29.7 mile on -road bike loop identified through Scandia, Marine
on St. Croix, and May Township. This loop runs along County Highway 15, Trunk
Highways 97 and 95. This loop intersects another bike loop that connects to the Gateway
State Trail at Pine Point Park (Stillwater Township).
There are no other regional trails currently identified through Scandia.
3. Local Parks
This section describes and maps the existing local parks, trails, and recreation facilities in
Scandia. Table VII -A highlights the available amenities provided by each park, shown in
Figure VII -B.
DRAFT Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Parks and Trails
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• Scandia Community Center, 14727 209th St N.
Located in Olinda Trail North, just south of the Village Center, the Scandia Community
Center is a well -used facility with a community building that houses the township offices,
banquet hall with kitchen facilities, meeting rooms, restrooms and outdoor recreational
facilities on an 18 -acre site. The Community Center shares a parking lot of approximately
120 parking spaces with the Leonard Wojtowicz Skating Park. There is a public works
maintenance building on site.
• Wind in the Pines Reserve, 22199 St. Croix Trail
Wind in the Pines Park is thought to be one of the most diverse ecological areas left in
Washington County by the Minnesota DNR. This 44 -acre site is located in the northeast
corner of the Township along State Highway 95 across from Pilar Road. Bounded by the
Falls Creek SNA to the north and the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway to the
east, this parcel offers diversity of old growth forest and pristine prairies, providing
invaluable wildlife habitat and unparalleled scenic value. There is a small grave lot off
Highway 95. Trails are marked and maintained by volunteers for non -motorized pedestrian
use.
• Lilleskogen Park, 14600 Oakhill Road
This 8 -acre park is located near the Village Center, with approximately half its area in
wetlands. Parking and access are problematic off of Oakhill Road. A few old footpaths
remain. Existing facilities include a parking lot, a Veteran's Memorial, and a butterfly
garden. This park is currently undergoing restoration of the wetlands, in preparation for
future development. This park was formerly known as Old Lion's Park.
• Lion's Park at Hay Lake, 14001 Old Marine Trail
Located at the intersection of Old Marine Trail and Olinda Trail North in the south central
part of the city, this 7 -acre site has been updated with a park shelter, picnic tables, grills,
lighting, and electrical hook-ups. Parking is available on the street. This site is adjacent to
the Hay Lake School Museum and across the road from the Swedish Settler's Monument.
• Barton Johnson Memorial Park, 20880 Olinda Trail
Barton Johnson is a private neighborhood park located adjacent to the Gammelgarden
Museum and across Olinda Trail from the Scandia Community Center.
• Wayne Erickson Memorial Ball Park, 21398 Olinda Trail
Formerly known as Scandia Lighted Ball Field, Wayne Erickson Memorial Ball Park is
located on the west side of Olinda Trail/County Road 3, north of Scandia Trail/Highway
97. The site includes a concession stand and children's play structure.
• South Ball Field, 20835 Olinda Trail
The ball field is located just south of the Community Center, on the east side of Olinda
Trail/County Road 3.
• Scandia T -Ball Field, 14849 Oakhill Road North
This ball field is located on the south side of Oakhill (County Road 52), east of Olinda
Trail.
• Swenson Goose Lake Estate
This 1.7 -acre parcel is part of the Swenson Estate Subdivision off of Oren Road North near
DRAFT Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Parks and Trails
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the north central part of the city. There are no existing facilities on site. In 2016, the
Soaring Eagles 4-H Club led a pollinator planting project on the parcel.
• Log House Landing, Off 205th Street North- North of William O'Brien State Park
Log House Landing is located off 205th Street North just east of Quinnell Ave in Scandia,
and provides access to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
• Bone Lake Park (undeveloped open space)
Located in the northwest corner of the city near Lofton Ave., this 26 -acre park is under
approximately 60% wetland cover and supports the inlet to Bone Lake. It contains a DNR
boat launch on the north side of Bone Lake with associated parking. Area Boy Scouts have
been given permission to establish trails in this park, but Bone Lake is currently
undeveloped.
• Goose Lake Lot (undeveloped open space)
This 5 -acre parcel with lake frontage is located on Goose Lake across from boat launch,
and is surrounded by single-family homes. The lot is not maintained and is currently
undeveloped due to steep terrain.
• Orwell Lot (undeveloped open space)
Approximately 50% of this 2.5 -acre lot is covered in wetlands. There are no existing
facilities on site.
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Table
Vll-A —
Park Amenities
By Location
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7
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X
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Ball Park
South Ball Field
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Swenson Goose Lake
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Log House Landing
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Bone Lake Park
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(undeveloped)
DRAFT Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Parks and Trails
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Goose Lake Lot
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(undeveloped)
Orwell Lot (undeveloped) 2.5 X
4. Local Trails
There are few local trail systems in Scandia. There is an existing sidewalk along Oakhill
Road N and Olinda Trail N in the Old Village Area. The City also maintains the easement
from Oxboro Avenue North to William O'Brien State Park, shown in Figure VII -C, below.
This mowed grass trail provides access to the state park.
Figure VII -C — Maintained Easement to State Park
Maintained (mowed) easement to IVilliam O'Brien State Park
F. Proposed Parks and Trails
1. Regional Parks
There are no new regional parks currently proposed within the City of Scandia.
2. Regional Trails
The Scandia Comprehensive Trails Master Plan Report outlines three citywide trail loops,
a County trail, a rails -to -trails possible conversion, and connections to the proposed
Gateway Trail. Applicable maps from the plan have been included at the end of this
section. The following trail descriptions are excerpts from the Trails Master Plan:
• Three Major Trail Routes
The major routes identified on the plan include the Big Marine Trail, Scandia/Marine Trail,
and Scandia North or Bone Lake Trail. These trails are proposed to be on -road trails,
designated by signage that will be developed by the Friends of Scandia Parks. The City will need
to approve trail signage on their respective roadways. The major trail loops are assumed to be on -
road trails that will primarily be used by bicyclists, but may also be used by pedestrians.
• Trunk Highway 97 Trail
The planning group identified a goal to explore creation of an off-road trail along portions of
DRAFT Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Parks and Trails
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Trunk Highway 97, from Odell Avenue to TH 95. The proposed off-road trail and TH 97
crossings are particularly needed near Scandia Elementary School. The City would need to work
with MN DOT to develop and fund this trail and the proposed crossings.
• Soo Line Trail
The Master Plan includes a proposed Soo Line Trail route near the St. Croix River. This loop
would follow the existing Soo Line railroad tracks. This is currently an active rail line. The route
will be developed if the rail route is abandoned in the future. The trail surface should
accommodate biking and walking. The route would connect Scandia with Marine on St. Croix
and communities to the south, and could connect with communities in Wisconsin. The proposed
trail would be an off-road route parallel to the St. Croix River and TH 95.
Gateway Trail (Connection to Swedish Immigrant Trail)
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has acquired portions of the proposed route
of the Gateway Trail in Scandia. The proposed route travels from William O'Brien State Park to
the Village Area. The DNR has also identified a large search area for extension of the trail north
from the Village Area. The City of Lindstrom received a grant to help complete this extension,
connecting the segments of the Gateway Trail in Scandia to the Swedish Immigrant Trail in
Lindstrom. The search area is shown on the County trail map in Appendix C.
Figures VII -D and VII -E identify proposed Scandia connections to the Gateway Trail from the
Scandia/Marine Trail and from sub -loops within the Village area.
DRAFT Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Parks and Trails
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Glacial Hill Regional Trail Search Corridor
While not in Scandia's System Statement, the Glacial Hills Trail in Marine on St. Croix is
identified as running close to Scandia's southeast border. This proposed regional trail will connect
the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail to the west with Big Marine Park Reserve to east. This
proposed trail does not have an approved master plan yet. The county will conduct a master
planning process for this trail in the future.
Figure VII -F shows proposed trail extensions and connections.
DRAFT Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Parks and Trails
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Figure VII -F - Proposed Local Parks and Trails
tA Comprehensive Plan Regional Trail Considerations BOLTON
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Wisconsin
Parks and Trails
Page 67
3. Local Trails
The Scandia Comprehensive Trails Master Plan Report outlines Village area sub loops to
the identified citywide loops as described here. Applicable maps from the plan have been
included at the end of this section.
G. Implementation
The Parks, Trails, Recreation and Open Space Plan (2006) identified the following actions as
high priorities for implementation:
• Develop existing undeveloped parcels as an integral part of Scandia's Park System for the
benefit of residents and visitors.
• Evaluate property located in park and/or recreational facility search areas for purchase,
lease, or easement to augment the existing Park System, if and when it becomes available.
• Continue to identify the Gateway Trail Extension Search Areas. The trail right-of-way has
now been acquired from William O'Brien State Park to the village center as shown on Map
20, Park and Recreation Search Areas.
• Promote trail connection between Big Marine Park Reserve and William O'Brien State
Park.
• Develop and install uniform park system signage (to include park, trail, open space and
recreational facility components).
• Provide pedestrian crosswalk on Olinda Trail North between the Scandia Community
Center and the Gammelgarden/ Barton Johnson Memorial Park.
• Continue development of master plans for all existing parks.
• Implement the German Lake Management Plan, as per Carnelian -Marine St. Croix
Watershed District (CMSCWD) recommendations.
• Develop a Landowner Outreach and Stewardship Program, as per CMSCWD
recommendations.
H. Appendices
The Scandia Comprehensive Trails Master Plan Report is included in Appendix C.
The Official Map for Big Marine Park Reserve is included in Appendix D.
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