LATE SUBMISSION: 2024.01.02 Jan 2024 Chair report
PRC Chair report – for January 2024
Disc Golf opportunity
I have contacted the school about the use of their disc golf equipment for possible general use. No
conversation as of Jan 4. Will keep pursuing.
Scandia Heritage Alliance
Listened in on a call with Sue Rodjso and the Scandia Heritge Alliance on Dec 18. The purpose of the call
was to provide an update and present ideas specific to the connecting trails for the Water Tower Barn
site. The SHA has requested and received expense funding from the city to proceed with the design of a
trail system, including a possible wetland boardwalk.
The SHA continues to fund raise for their effort. They want to continue collaboration with the PRC,
especially as it relates to trail development and signage around the community center. I have invited
Sue to give us an update at the February PRC meeting.
Liten Park Letter of Support
Karen Shick of the Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails drafted a letter of support for the grant application
for the Liten Park plan. I reviewed, with suggested edits to refer to the new park plan as well as how the
plan is consistent with neighborhood desires. A copy of the text is on the second page of this report.
Council meeting Dec 19
There were no specific actions for the council, thus I participated via Zoom. My update focused on on-
going plans for Vinterfest.
Respectfully submitted,
Terry Gorham
PRC Chair
Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota
th
275 E. 4 St., #250
St. Paul, MN 55101
To Grant Application Reviewers:
I am writing in support of the Liten Park Pollinator Planting project, which Friends of Scandia Parks and
Trails is planning. The project entails removing existing non-native vegetation in a 4-acre grassland and
replacing it with a diverse mix of native prairie plant species.
This project complements existing initiatives at in the Scandia Park system by expanding and promoting
native pollinator habitat, according to the Scandia’s Pollinator Resolution. This project will be a great
demonstration for local residents of how they could incorporate native plantings at their own
properties. It will also be an opportunity for residents to participate in some of the restoration activities.
Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails has demonstrated capacity to implement this project by taking the
initiative to implement numerous other habitat restoration and enhancement projects in the 15 years
since their inception, including a butterfly garden, a prairie restoration, and invasive woody removal at
local natural areas.
This effort supports the recently completed update to the 2040 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space plan
for Scandia. That plan states that most capital investments will be centered around the city core, while
allowing for continued development of natural areas within the larger city boundaries. The plan put
forth for the Liten Park Pollinator project supports several tactics under strategic Goal #4 (page 16 of the
plan). Specifically:
Protect Scandia’s scenic beauty and natural resources by cultivating a system of parks, trails, and
open spaces that respect natural terrain and preserve native ecosystems.
Provide undeveloped open spaces that assist in the conservation of ecologically sensitive areas.
Coordinate local efforts with other public agencies and private partners to protect valuable natural
resources through donations, procurement of easements, acquisitions, and purchase of
development rights; make these lands available for passive recreation where appropriate.
Manage vegetation in natural areas by removing and controlling non-native, invasive spaces.
Finally, based on input from the local neighborhood, this plan is consistent with the desires of that local
neighborhood for usage of the Liten Park property.
Sincerely,
Terry Gorham
Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee Chair