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Chapter 3 - Park System Plan_7.18.06Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-1 Adopted 18 July 2006 CHAPTER THREE PARK SYSTEM PLAN INTRODUCTION The need for additional parks is identified in Chapter Two: Recreation Needs, Issues, the Community Survey and Vision Statement. In order to determine what the Township needs, the Park System Plan provides inventory and analysis of existing parks. This chapter identifies issues and opportunities, sets goals and strategies specific to the existing park system as a whole and in detail for each specific park parcel. The Park System Plan puts forth a plan for the enhancement of existing parks and the development of new ones. This chapter serves to guide the Park and Recreation Committee, Township Staff, the Town Board, the Planning Commission, developers, and residents in decisions related to the size and location of future parks, as well as the types of park facilities that should be associated with each location. Although parks and recreation facilities are closely related, recreational facilities are discussed separately in Chapter Six: Recreation Facilities Plan. INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS This section provides an overview of the existing parks in and around New Scandia Township as of Fall 2005. NEARBY PARKS, TRAILS, AND OPEN SPACE Several regional parks, trails, and natural areas are within or near New Scandia Township. Regional parks generally serve populations within a one- half hour to one-hour travel time. They are usually in areas that exhibit highly valued scenic or natural qualities. In the New Scandia Township area, many regional parks and open space relate to the Lower St. Croix River, lakes or natural communities (see Figure 3-1: Regional Parks and Trails). Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-2 Adopted 18 July 2006 There are ten regional parks within 15 miles of New Scandia Township. Most of these offer nature-related recreation opportunities that include hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, and camping. Following is a list of national, state and regional parks within roughly 15 miles of New Scandia Township: 1. Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. The Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway borders the eastern edge of New Scandia Township, offering significant wildlife habitat, scenic value, fishing and boating. The Lower St. Croix River was among the first to be added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program by Congress in 1972. 2. Lower St. Croix National Scenic Railway. The Railway project has acquired land or scenic easements adjoining the river, but access to these parcels is limited. 3. Square Lake Regional Park. A Washington County regional park, this 27-acre parcel is located near Marine-on-St.-Croix in May Township. Noted for some of the clearest waters in Minnesota, this park is a popular destination for scuba diving, swimming, boating, and fishing. 4. Interstate State Park. Interstate State Park is a 293-acre park on the Saint Croix River near Taylors Falls. The park is popular for camping, canoeing, rock climbing, and hiking. Square Lake Regional Park 5. Martin Island – Linwood Lakes Regional Park. This 737-acre park in northeast Anoka County is geared toward nature trails and camping. It contains significant undisturbed landscape communities. 6. Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area. This area in northeast Anoka County has 23,000 acres of upland forests, grassland, fields, and wetland marshes. It provides habitat for rare animal species including wolves, eagles, and cranes. Hunting and trapping are the primary public uses associated with this site. 7. Lamprey Pass Wildlife Management Area. This 1,320-acre site is a significant area for aquatic wildlife. Although much of the area is in Anoka County, the eastern part borders Mud Lake and Clear Lake in the City of Forest Lake. 8. Falls Creek Scientific and Natural Area. Falls Creek is a 136-acre scientific and natural area in New Scandia Township. It represents one of the most diverse natural areas in Washington County. Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-3 Adopted 18 July 2006 FIG. 3-1 REGIONAL PARKS AND TRAILS MAP Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-4 Adopted 18 July 2006 Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-5 Adopted 18 July 2006 9. Hardwood Creek Wildlife Management Area. Hardwood Creek Wildlife Management Area (also known as Corries Swamp) is an important wildlife area that contains significant natural plant communities. It is in the southeast corner of the City of Forest Lake. 10. William O’Brien State Park. William O’Brien State Park is on the Saint Croix River and it offers many recreation opportunities including biking, swimming, and nature interpretation. 11. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes. Located in the Lino Lakes area, Rice Creek Chain of Lakes provides water-related recreation opportunities including boating, fishing, swimming, camping, picnicking, and nature interpretation. 12. Big Marine Park Reserve. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is acquiring land for Big Marine Park Reserve. When land acquisition is complete, the park will contain roughly 1,900 acres. Most of the park will be managed as a natural area, but will include camping, fishing and equestrian trails. William O’Brien State Park 13. Paul Hugo Farm Wildlife Management Area. Located in central Hugo, this 360-acre site offers hunting and nature observation opportunities. PARK CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR NEW SCANDIA TOWNSHIP A park classification system provides a way to describe parks based on the intended users and general types of facilities or uses associated with the parks. For the purpose of this plan, the Park System uses the following park classification system: 1. Undeveloped Park. Township parks with no designated use will be included under the category “Undeveloped Park.” 2. Neighborhood Park. Neighborhood parks are intended to serve neighborhood residents. They are generally smaller in size and have a service area of roughly one-half mile radius. Typical facilities associated with neighborhood parks include play equipment, softball/baseball fields, soccer fields, court games, skating, picnic facilities, trails, and parking. 3. Community Park. Community parks are generally larger in size and service an area that encompasses a one to two mile radius. Because community parks attract people from around the community, they Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-6 Adopted 18 July 2006 are generally near collector or arterial roads. Most community parks have a mixture of passive and active recreation uses. However, some community parks focus on passive activities like hiking and picnicking and are often in areas that offer unique natural amenities such as lakes or woodlands. Other community parks focus on active forms of recreation and often provide a variety of athletic fields for organized sports. Ideally, residents should have the opportunity to access community parks via trails, but many people drive to these parks so they need to have adequate parking and restroom facilities. 4. Special Use Parks. Special use parks provide areas for specialized or single purpose recreational facilities such as an historic monument, a softball field, or a skateboard park. These parks range in size, depending on their use. The following sections provide a brief overview of existing parks in New Scandia Township. See Figure 3-2: Existing Park and Recreation Areas map. Refer to Table 3-A: Existing Parks and Recreation Facilities for corresponding information regarding the facilities associated with each park. Scandia Ball Park (Lighted Field) EXISTING UNDEVELOPED PARKS There are seven undeveloped parks totaling roughly 47.5 acres. UP-1: Big Lake School Area. Located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Manning Trail North and Mayberry Trail North, this 2- acre park is located near the western boundary of New Scandia Township. Currently underutilized, the site is originally the location of an old schoolhouse that was given to the township by the school district. There are no existing facilities on site. UP-2: Bone Lake Park. Located in the northwest corner of the Township near Co. Rd. X, 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 under-utilized. Big Lake School Area UP-3: Goose Lake Lot. 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. Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-7 Adopted 18 July 2006 UP-4: Oakhill & Highway 97 (Old Lion’s Park). 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. Buckthorn has run rampant over much of the site. There are no existing facilities on site. A few old footpaths remain. UP-5: Orwell Lot. Approximately 50% of this 2.5-acre lot is covered in wetlands. There are no existing facilities on site. UP-6: Swenson Estate. This 1-acre parcel is part of the Swenson Estate Subdivision off of Oren Road North near the north central part of the Township. There are no existing facilities on site. UP-7: Wyldewood Acres. This 3-acre park is part of the Wyldewood Acres Subdivision, near the Scandia Elementary School. There are no existing facilities on site. EXISTING NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS There is one public neighborhood parks in New Scandia Township totaling seven acres. NP-1: Lion’s Park at Hay Lake. Located on Olinda Trail North in the south central part of the Township, 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 is a private neighborhood park in New Scandia Township. Barton Johnson is located adjacent to the Gammelgarden Museum and across Olinda Trail from the Scandia Community Center. Lion’s Park at Hay Lake EXISTING COMMUNITY PARKS There are two community parks in New Scandia Township totaling 62 acres. CP-1: Scandia Community Center. Located on 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. Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-8 Adopted 18 July 2006 CP-2: Wind in the Pines Park. Also appropriate for the category of ‘Nature Park’, 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 gravel lot off Highway 95. Trails are marked and maintained by volunteers for non-motorized pedestrian use. Wind in the Pines Park EXISTING SPECIAL USE PARKS There is one public special use park in New Scandia Township. SUP-1: Swedish Settler’s Monument. Designating the site of the first Swedish Settlement in Minnesota, this 0.67-acre site is located off of County Road 3, south of the Village Center, near the Hay Lake School Museum. There are also two private special use parks in New Scandia Township. They include the Gammelgarden Museum and Hay Lake School Museum. The Gammelgarden Museum is located adjacent to Barton Johnson Memorial Park and across Olinda Trail from the Scandia Community Center. This 11-acre site is owned and maintained by Elim Lutheran Church, as historical monument of the Swedish immigrants who first settled the area. There are several historic buildings on-site as well as a seasonal visitor center/gift shop. Swedish Settler’s Monument On the National Register of Historic Places, the Hay Lake School Museum is owned and operated by the Washington County Historical Society. Located two miles south of the Village Center on Olinda Trail near the Lion’s Park and Swedish Settler’s Monument, it contains an old school building and a log house. There are several picnic tables and bench seats scattered around the site. Hay Lake School Museum Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-9 Adopted 18 July 2006 FIG. 3-2 EXISTING PARKS & FACILITIES MAP. Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-10 Adopted 18 July 2006 Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-11 Adopted 18 July 2006 TABLE 3-A. SPREADSHEET Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-12 Adopted 18 July 2006 Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-13 Adopted 18 July 2006 VISIONING SESSION: PARK ISSUES, OPPORTUNITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS The following issues, opportunities and recommendations were developed over a series of meetings and workshops with the Park and Recreation Committee that included a Visioning Session with members of the School District and Town Board in December of 2004: ISSUES: 1. Fragmentation/ lack of connectivity within (& outside) Township. 2. Parcel acquisition vs. parkland dedication fee. 3. Uncertainty regarding park location(s). Visioning Workshop, December 2004 4. Parks are not easily accessed by everyone. 5. Clarify ownership of miscellaneous parcels. 6. Preservation of natural areas and open space. OPPORTUNITIES: 1. Promote coordination between local, regional and state agencies. 2. Maintain historic significance. 3. Preserve, maintain and promote Wind in the Pines Park. 4. Explore alternative funding sources for parks development. 5. Explore possibility of a land swap with developers; developed site in one location in exchange for open space in another. 6. Promote linkage of all Township parks along trail network. 7. Promote signage and way finding. 8. Develop conservation policies specific to Wind in the Pines Park. 9. Promote system through concept of park service areas. 10. Implement/ enforce development standards. 11. Purchase/ sale to improve holdings. 12. Identify funding sources. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Focal point on Scandia Community Center Park as central hub of parks network throughout Township. 2. Consider land acquisition to the south of Community Center to enlarge park and preserve area of high ecological value. 3. Increase active recreation at Scandia Elementary School area. 4. Identify where and what kind of park acquisition is desirable. 5. Identify appropriate use of existing parks. Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-14 Adopted 18 July 2006 PARK SYSTEM GOALS AND STRATEGIES The following goals and strategies express the community’s vision for parks in New Scandia Township. The goals are broad, general statements that the Township will strive to attain. The strategies are specific, action-oriented statements that provide the framework for a wide range of park system decisions that the Township will make through the year 2025. The Township should periodically review and update the goals and strategies expressed in this plan. The park system goals and strategies are as follows: Goal 1: Develop a park system that meets the needs of all residents of the Township. To accomplish this goal, the Township establishes the following strategies: 1. Develop, maintain, and improve the Township's parks to meet the changing needs of the community. 2. Maintain an equitable distribution of parks throughout the community. 3. Develop parks that provide multi-use and multi-seasonal programs and activities, are safe, enjoyable, and accessible to the public. 4. Develop parks that consider the needs of all residents and offer sufficient facilities tailored to suit the neighborhoods they serve. 5. Provide for a balance of active and passive recreation facilities throughout the community. 6. Acquire and reserve sufficient park and open space land to fulfill the needs of the present and projected future population of the Township. 7. Provide park facilities and equipment that meet the needs of park users as per the American Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines and requirements. 8. Provide safe parks and recreation opportunities where people of all ages can go to play and feel safe. 9. Create programs and incentives that continue a high level of maintenance and improvement of New Scandia Township's parks. Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-15 Adopted 18 July 2006 Goal 2: Develop a close working relationship with other agencies and groups to enhance the parks in the Township. To accomplish this goal, the Township establishes the following strategies: 1. Coordinate and maintain a joint powers agreement with the Scandia Area School Districts to provide recreation programming, facilities, and activities. 2. Seek assistance from others to provide funding for park planning, staffing, acquisition, development, and maintenance. 3. Coordinate planning efforts between the Park and Recreation Committee and the following entities: a. Town Board and Planning Commission b. State agencies, Washington County and the Metropolitan Council c. Township and local organizations, including but not limited to Forest Lake Area School District 831, the Forest Lake Area Athletics Association (FLAAA), baseball/softball clubs, hockey associations, snowmobile clubs, riding clubs, cycling clubs, civic organizations and service clubs, churches, other special interest groups, other athletic associations, businesses, Township and privately operated recreation facilities (such as golf courses, playfields, trails, gun clubs, and the like). d. Involve adjacent landowners in discussion regarding land use, best management practices and land protection tools (see Chapter 5: Open Space Plan). Goal 3: Design and locate parks to best meet their purpose. To accomplish this goal, the Township establishes the following strategies: 1. Identify the best possible use for those park parcels that are currently undeveloped, and work toward making those parcels fit within the context of the entire park and recreation system. If a parcel is deemed unsuitable or inappropriate, consider the sale of the property to fund capitol improvements or purchase of a more suitable site. 2. Identify appropriate use of existing parcels. Focus on providing active recreation facilities in community parks and large Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-16 Adopted 18 July 2006 neighborhood parks while providing passive recreation facilities in small neighborhood parks. 3. Concentrate on providing a limited number of centrally located, easily accessible neighborhood and community parks that that function as a network throughout the Township and service an entire neighborhood or area, rather than providing numerous, small fragmented parks. 4. Explore opportunities for private entities to provide and maintain recreation facilities in areas with a limited population and a clearly defined service area. For example, consider having a homeowner’s association develop and maintain recreation facilities in residential subdivisions that are isolated from other neighborhoods. 5. Considers ways to link parks to schools, residential areas, employment centers, and parks in adjacent communities. 6. Continue to require that plans for each new residential, commercial, and industrial subdivision include provisions for the dedication of parks (or cash in lieu of land) to meet the anticipated recreation demand caused by the development. Periodically review and update the dedication requirement as necessary (see Chapter 8: Implementation). 7. New Scandia Township should consider requiring a reasonable portion of any proposed subdivision be dedicated to the public, or preserved for public use as parks, playgrounds, trails or open space, according to Minnesota Statutes 462.358, subdivision 2(b). The Township should review each development proposal individually to determine how it best accommodates New Scandia’s Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan. 8. Do not accept wetlands, storm water management ponds, or fragmented outlots as fulfillment of parkland dedication requirements. 9. Develop consistent park signage and install signs at each Township park, trail, and open space entrance or in locations which are easy to see and difficult to vandalize. Provide appropriate signs that describe hours of operation, rules, and other pertinent information. 10. Promote high-quality design standards. Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-17 Adopted 18 July 2006 11. Base parkland acquisition on the suitability of the land for recreation uses, the scenic value of the land, the accessibility of the land, the importance of the land to provide habitat and natural functions, and a demonstrated need for additional parkland in the area. 12. Maintain suitable natural areas in a condition appropriate for passive recreational uses. 13. Where necessary, screen, fence and/or buffer park, recreation and open space areas for the safety and protection of the user as well as the adjoining property owners. 14. Prepare maps of all parks and facilities and periodically update the maps. Goal 4: Develop an effective planning approach to developing and maintaining parks. To accomplish this goal, the Township establishes the following strategies: 1. Develop, review and refine subdivision regulations to ensure parkland dedication requirements are appropriate to Township system. 2. Involve the Park and Recreation Committee in a timely review process of all proposed developments. 3. Use consultants to help address significant planning issues and prepare park master plans. 4. Use the planning resources and data from the Metropolitan Council, State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), National Recreation and Park Association Standards & Guidelines, and other resources. 5. Plan for changes in parks only after involving the local respective neighborhoods/larger community in determining facility needs. 6. Establish a procedure for effective Park and Recreation Committee communication with all individuals and organizations involved in the park programs: a. Hire additional staff to work closely with the Town Board, maintenance Staff, etc., as necessary. Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-18 Adopted 18 July 2006 b. Work with and enlist professional advice and services to ensure that improvements are properly designed to accommodate proposed facilities in a safe and economical manner. c. Work closely with local citizens on long-term and complex development proposals/issues. d. Respond to Town Board requests. e. Initiate special recommendations and requests for the Town Board. f. Work with Township Staff in planning for future parks, trails, and open space. Goal 5: New Scandia Township supports the establishment of a network of public parks that the Town Board might establish as part of a program of providing outdoor recreation amenities and community-wide connections that serve the health and welfare of the Township’s residents. Willing landowners and/or park dedications as part of new developments will determine the exact location of these parks. To accomplish this Goal, the Township establishes the following strategies: 1. It is the policy of New Scandia Township to encourage the development of a network of public parkland. To that end, a. Consideration should be given to the Township providing development incentives (for example, the extra lot bonus granted in the May Township Development Code) in exchange for the granting of park easements on land suited for that purpose but not yet ready for development and b. All new subdivisions and land developments need to be considered for designation of park easements to assist in the establishment of a network of public parks within the Township. c. Accept donation of land for parks whenever it is deemed appropriate to expand an existing park or create a new one. Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-19 Adopted 18 July 2006 2. In consideration of approval, all subdivisions and land developments should be analyzed as to whether they are possible locations for a park, including but are not limited to: a. Land that is adjacent to large undeveloped tracts, b. Land that is in the vicinity of existing parks and/or park easements, c. Land that is situated in such a way that there is a reasonable possibility it could be used for a public park and d. Land that is otherwise suitable for a public park because of the land’s scenic value, or proximity to or linkage between clustered neighborhoods or outdoor attractions, such as William O’ Brien State Park. When it is determined that the land on which a development or subdivision has been proposed is a likely candidate for a park, easements should be acquired as part of the parks dedication process. These park easements may be held by the Township, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, or other public or nonprofit trail entities. PARK SYSTEM PLAN When asked about the preference for park and open space development in the Township over the next twenty years in the 2004 Community Survey, over half of the respondents were in support of developing a network of parks and open space throughout New Scandia Township. The Township should explore opportunities to preserve open space and provide passive, nature-oriented community parks in areas outside of the Village Center, as a green network extending from the central feature of the Scandia Community Center and its facilities. The goals and strategies section provides the framework for the Park System Plan. This section identifies park service areas; it sets forth a plan for park search areas to serve the residents of New Scandia Township and recommends improvements to the existing parks. The Township should view these recommendations as a general guide for future development, but re-evaluate them at the time of any potential acquisition. Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-20 Adopted 18 July 2006 PARK SERVICE AREAS The Park System Plan divides the Township into four (4) total park service areas (see Figure 3-3: Park System Plan). All service areas are based in part on what is defined as the ‘Village Center’ and ‘Village Center Expansion’ in the 1998 New Scandia Comprehensive Plan, the size of the area, the population of the area and physical barriers (like major roads or lakes) that surround the area. Although these areas reflect general neighborhoods or planning districts, they should not be viewed as isolated or stand-alone areas. Their primary purpose is to simplify discussion of the Park System Plan. The following describes general needs in each of the areas. Service Area 1. This area is in the northeast quadrant of New Scandia Township. Oldfield Avenue North creates the east-west boundary to State Highway 97, which separates the Township in half from north to south. According to the 2000 Census, Area 1 had approximately 20% of the total population of 3,692 residents, or 738 residents. It is quite likely that the population in this area will continue to grow. This area includes Goose Lake, the Scandia Ballpark (Lighted Field), Wind in the Pines Park, Falls Creek SNA and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. The Park System Plan identifies two park search areas in Service Area 1. NSPS-A: The first park search area is located near Falls Creek SNA and Wind in the Pines Park. Proposed acquisition of land if and when it becomes available in this area would serve as a buffer to protect and preserve Wind in the Pines and the Falls Creek SNA for their scenic and ecological significance. NSPS-B: The second park search area in park service area one is east of the Scandia Fire Hall and Township Maintenance Building site. This site may be suitable for trails, interpretive features or perhaps a disk golf course (see Chapter 6: Recreation Facilities). New Scandia Township should consider selling the Goose Lake Lot property because of limited accessibility and use the proceeds toward park system capital improvements and/or other parkland acquisition. Service Area 2. Located at the southeast corner quadrant the Township, this area is south of State Highway 97, and east of Olinda Trail North. The population of Area 2 was roughly 849 in 2000 and it will likely grow through the year 2020, as identified in the Comprehensive Plan as part of the Village Expansion Area. The Scandia Community Center, Children’s T-Ball Field, Lion’s Park at Hay Lake, Swedish Settler’s Monument, Barton Johnson Memorial Park, the Gammelgarten Museum, Scandia Elementary School, Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-21 Adopted 18 July 2006 Log House Landing at Copas, William O’Brien State Park and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is in this park service area. NSPS-C: There is not a strong need for new parks in this service area. However, the Township should consider expanding public open space to the south of the Scandia Community Center, in keeping with the high ecological importance of this area. Service Area 3. This area is located at the southwest quadrant of the Township and includes Big Lake School Area and Big Marine Regional Park. It had a population of roughly 923 in 2000. Due to expansion plans for Big Marine Regional Park Reserve, there may not be a great need for much more additional parkland in this area. NSPS-D: The southeast corner of the intersection of State Highway 97 and Manning Trail is identified as Township park search area four, which includes the north side of State Highway 97 on either side of Manning Trail. Service Area 4. This area is located at the northwest quadrant of the Township. At 32% of the population in 2000, it had a population of approximately 1,182. Bone Lake Park is located at the north central portion of this area. The Township should consider improving Bone Lake Park and look at the park search area near the intersection of State Highway 97 and Manning Trail for future parkland acquisition. NSPS-E: An additional park/open space search area is identified between Manning and County Road 1 north of German Lake, especially since this area is rich in ecological diversity (see Chapter 5: Open Space Plan). Table 3-A: Existing Parks and Proposed Park Search Areas, provides a summary of the above discussion: Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-22 Adopted 18 July 2006 Table 3-A: Existing Parks and Proposed Park Search Areas Service Area 2000 Pop. % Of Pop. Exist. Undev. Parks 2000* Exist. Neigh. Parks 2000 Exist. Comm. Parks 2000 Exist. Special Use Parks 2000 Exist. Nat’l. State, County, or Private parks 2000 Total Parks per Service Area 2000 Addt’l. Park Search Areas 2020 1A & B 738 20% 2 0 1 0 (2) 3 (2) 2 2A & B 849 23% 2 1 1 1 (5) 5 (5) 1 3 923 25% 1 0 0 0 (1) 1 (1) 1- Shared 4 1,182 32% 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 (1- Shared) * Orwell location? Total 3,692 100% 7 1 2 1 (8) 11 (8) 5 Note: Numbers in parentheses represent national, state, or private parks. GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR ALL EXISTING PARKS General improvements for existing Township parks should address the following: 1. Provide signage for New Scandia Township’s Parks, which clearly identify each parcel within the entire system. a. Park signage should clearly indicate public areas from private areas or boundaries. 2. Provide maps to clearly indicate extent and types of parks in the Township. 3. Provide a safe crosswalk on Olinda Trail between Gammelgarten and the Scandia Community Center. 4. New Scandia Township should continue to maintain and upgrade existing park facilities. General improvements should include planting, lighting, signage, accessible walks and/or trails, and related improvements consistent with the park system as conditions and budget allow. Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-23 Adopted 18 July 2006 Figure 3-3: Park System Plan Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-24 Adopted 18 July 2006 Chapter Three Park System Plan New Scandia Township Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 3-25 Adopted 18 July 2006 UPDATE OF THE PARK SYSTEM PLAN These proposed improvements are based on existing and anticipated conditions based on the 2000 Census and probable growth in the Township. New Scandia Township should periodically review and update the recommendations regularly as conditions warrant. The Township should completely update the Park System Plan by the year 2025, given its anticipated rate of growth. PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING PARKS The following section recommends specific improvements for some of the Township’s existing parcels in the form of park master plans. New Scandia Township should further develop these plans in consultation with neighboring residents and the community-at-large.