City of Lonsdale Master Park & Open Space Plan
DATE: MARCH 29, 2007
PREPARED BY: LONSDALE PARK & RECREATION BOARD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 3 MASTER PARK & OPEN SPACE PLAN ...... 4 OBJECTIVE: ...... 4 PROCESS: ...... 4 COMMUNITY INPUT: ...... 4 FINDINGS: ...... 4 COMMUNITY CHARACTER ...... 6 HISTORY: ...... 6 REGIONAL SETTING:...... 6 DEMOGRAPHICS: ...... 6 PARK SYSTEM ...... 9 PARK CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM: ...... 9 INVENTORY OF EXISTING PARK LAND: ...... 11 PARK ASSESSMENT: ...... 19 PROPOSED PARK IMPROVEMENTS: ...... 24 PARK SEARCH AREAS: ...... 28 TRAILS / SIDEWALKS ...... 30 REGIONAL TRAILS: ...... 31 LOCAL TRAILS AND PEDESTRIAN WAYS: ...... 32 TRAIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM: ...... 33 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS: ...... 34 PARK ASSESSMENT SURVEY ...... 35 STRATEGIC PLAN ...... 52 GOALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: ...... 52 MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS: ...... 53 MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS: ...... 55 FINANCIAL RESOURCES: ...... 56
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The following members of the Lonsdale Park & Recreation Board, City Council, and City Staff participated in the development of the City of Lonsdale Master Park & Open Space Plan:
PARK & RECREATION BOARD Kevin Kodada, Chairperson Chris Kraimer, Vice-Chairperson Laura Carpentier Stacey Farrell Troy Jackson Chad Vosejpka
CITY COUNCIL Tim Rud, Honorable Mayor Dave Dols Fritz Duban Kevin Kodada Blaine Smith
CITY STAFF Tami Brokl, Office Assistant Joel Erickson, City Administrator Janet Jirik, Office Manager Kevin Kawlewski, City Engineer Joyce Skluzacek, City Treasurer Russ Vlasak, Public Works Director Tom Washa, City Planner
The City of Lonsdale used the City of Sauk Center Master Park Plan and the City of Eagle Lake Park & Open Space Master Plan as source guides in developing the plan.
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CITY OF LONSDALE MASTER PARK & OPEN SPACE PLAN
OBJECTIVE:
In order to ensure existing park and recreational opportunities meet the needs of residents of Lonsdale today and in the future, the Lonsdale Park & Recreation Advisory Board has developed this Master Park and Open Space Plan. The purpose of the plan is to create a framework to ensure the community secures sufficient and appropriate land for park development with a high quality of recreational opportunities, open space, and trails, which meet all age groups and facets of the community and develops existing park areas with amenities needed and desired by the residents who use them.
PROCESS:
The Master Park Plan was developed through the following steps:
• Review of existing parks and pathways • Identification of park and pathway users • Community Input • Needs Assessment with analysis of national local standards • Development of Goals, Objectives, and Policies • Development of Implementation Plan
COMMUNITY INPUT:
The residents of the City of Lonsdale provided the input in the development of the Master Park and Open Space Plan development through a park assessment survey, which was distributed with the City’s Quarterly Water Bill, with 231 households or 22% responding. Community meetings were also conducted for each individual park that invited residents that were within 350 feet from the outer boundaries of the park to obtain input on current and future park and recreation needs. Approximately 42 residents attended these meetings over the course of the year. Members of the Park Board and city staff also provided input and guidance.
FINDINGS:
Through the Master Park and Open Space Planning Process, the following findings were made:
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• Based on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2025, the population of Lonsdale will grow to approximately 10,264 by 2025. (7,863 new residents) • Growth will occur on all sides of the City, with the least occurring on the northwest side. • The existing park system has adequate park acreage and distribution to meet the existing needs. • Further development within existing parks is recommended as well as acquisition and development of new parks to adequately serve the new projected population growth. • Improvements to make existing parks more accessible are recommended. • Recreational deficiencies include a volleyball court, little league baseball field, football field, soccer field, small softball fields, large softball field, and local sidewalks/trails to link existing parks and provide safety along Central Street (Highway 19), Main Street (CSAH 33), and Railway Street (CSAH 4) to Montgomery-Lonsdale Elementary School East. • Goals and recommendations for the future (re) development of park and recreational sites, activities and trails have been developed and outlined in this plan. • Financial resources for the re (development) of parks and recreational sites and activities and trails have been identified.
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COMMUNITY CHARACTER
The identification of trends in population growth and other demographic data is an important step in the comprehensive planning process. It can provide clues to future growth patterns and indicate what types of housing and public facilities may be needed in the future. For example, an increase in young couples with children would require starter housing, new parks and schools, and new or upgraded community facilities. Conversely, an increase in the elderly population would lessen the need for schools and increase the need for specialized housing. The information contained in this Section has been obtained through statistical data released by the United States Census Bureau, the State Demographer’s Office, and City of Lonsdale’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2025.
HISTORY:
From the initial population of 184 persons in 1903, the City saw an increase to 541 persons by 1960. Since then, the City’s population has experienced much faster growth. During the 1970s, the City doubled to 1,160 persons. The City is experiencing a second population explosion with 2005 population estimates at 2,401 people.
REGIONAL SETTING:
Lonsdale is located approximately 45 miles south of Minneapolis and approximately 6 miles west of Interstate 35. State Highway 19 connects the City to Interstate 35 to the east and to the City of New Prague to the northwest. Lonsdale is also located in the northwest corner of Rice County. Rice County is on the fringe of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and has been experiencing increased pressure for growth in recent years.
DEMOGRAPHICS:
The following demographic analysis of Lonsdale is based on 2000 US Census Bureau data. In summary, Lonsdale’s residents are slightly younger in age, less ethnically diverse, more affluent, and more likely to own their own home.
POPULATION
The accelerated rate of growth in Lonsdale, makes it difficult to predict future population levels. The population figures used for this plan are based on continued growth trend and influencing factors such as Lonsdale’s cost of land and home prices, proximity to the southern metropolitan area and relatively few barriers to continued development.
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POPULATION 2000 2004 2005 % /YR 2025 % /YR PROJECTION POPULATION POPULATION POPULATION PROJECTED POP. PROJECTED (2000 ESTIMATE CHANGE ESTIMATE CHANGE CENSUS) 2000-2005 2005-2025
Lonsdale 1,491 2,101 2,644 15% 10,264* 14.4% Rice County (State Demographer Statistics) 56,665 N/A 60,680 1.4% 76,320 1.3%
AGE
The City of Lonsdale had 1,491 residents in 2000 with the majority of residents between the ages of 25-44 years old. 31.1% of Lonsdale’s population in 2000 was 18 or younger, 56.7% was between the ages of 18 and 64 and 12.3% was over 65 years or older. Lonsdale residents’ median age is 32.1 years, which is slightly younger on average than Rice County, which is 32.9 years. The State median age is at 35.4 years and the Nation is at 35.3 years.
INCOME/EMPLOYMENT
Lonsdale residents are slightly more affluent than average. The median family income for family in Lonsdale is $58,676. This is greater than Rice County’s median family income of $56,407. The State’s median income is at $47,111. When compared to neighboring communities Lonsdale’s median income is greater also slightly higher. New Prague’s median family income is $50,341 and Montgomery’s is $48,011. Lonsdale has 89 individuals that are below the poverty level, which is less than half of national average.
A greater than average number of Lonsdale residents are in the labor force. 75.8% of Lonsdale’s population is in the labor force; employed individuals over 16 years of age. The percentage for Rice County is 70.2%, while the national average is 63.9%. When compared to the other Czech communities, Lonsdale Page 7
has the highest percentage of its population in the labor force. Montgomery’s population in the labor force is 69.7% and New Prague’s is 67.3%.
Lonsdale residents commute on average a greater distance to their jobs than surrounding communities, other county residents, as well as the nation. Lonsdale residents have an average travel time to work of 28.3 minutes. The typical Rice County resident travels 20.2 minutes, while the national average is 25.5 minutes. Montgomery residents average travel time is 23.4 minutes and New Prague residents average travel time is 23.7 minutes.
HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION
Lonsdale has a total of 560 households. Of these 395 (70.5%) have families, 330 (58.9%) are married, and 28 (5.0%) are single female householders with children.
As of 2000, the City of Lonsdale had a total of 577 housing units. Of these 577 units, 560 of them were occupied. Of these 560 occupied units, 484 or 86.4% are owner-occupied. The percentage for Lonsdale’s owner-occupied housing is significantly higher than the surrounding communities. The percentage of owner-occupied units in Montgomery’s is 76.8% and in New Prague is 75.9%.
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PARK SYSTEM
PARK CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM:
Park classifications define the minimum acreage and development criteria for different classes, or types of parks. They are important in that they provide a common, consistent, and justifiable framework for planning purposes, thus allowing for the orderly development of the park system that ensures all community needs are fulfilled.
The classifications used here are based on the national guidelines recommended by the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA).
In the case of Lonsdale, the park system is comprised of mini-parks, neighborhood parks, neighborhood playfields, community parks, and historic sites. However, given the diversity, complexity, and changing needs of various parts of the community, the classifications are to be viewed as general guidelines. Some flexibility in the way they are applied will be necessary to address the conditions that are unique to each part of the city.
Park Use Service Area Size Acres/ Site Classification 1,000 Mini-Park Specialized park that Less than ¼ 0.5 to 2 0.25 to Typically near higher serves a concentrated mile radius acres 0.5 density housing that population (i.e. tots or does not have access seniors) or geographic to a neighborhood area. Used in areas park or as a where geographic supplement to a barriers prevent neighborhood park. access to a neighborhood park. Neighborhood Basic unit of the park ¼ to ½ 4 to 10 2.5 to Easily accessible to Park system, developed for mile radius acres 3.5 the neighborhood both active & passive population with safe activities. Design walking and biking criteria should access utilizing trail anticipate the networks. Parking changing demographic facilities limited to a profiles of the minimum. Site neighborhood served, should have well- as to provide drained soils and not appropriate facilities. include topography of Focus on informal and excessively steep unstructured activities. slops. Neighborhood Similar to a ½ to 1 6.5 to 15 2.5 to Easily accessible to Playfield neighborhood park, mile radius acres 3.5 the neighborhood but with more and the community emphasis on with a mix of local organized youth and collector street athletics. Provides access. Safe walking active & passive and biking access activities. Design utilizing trail
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criteria should balance networks. Parking neighborhood and facilities designed to community youth accommodate athletic needs. scheduled athletic use. Site should have well-drained soils and topography should be flat to gently sloped to meet athletic field requirements. Community Area possessing 2 to 2.5 mile 20 to 80 2.5 to 5 Site typically affords Park natural qualities radius acres a variety of natural conducive to passive features, well drained recreational activities. soils, positive drainage, varied topography and accessible to pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Conservancy Area possessing Community Depends Variable Significant natural Lands natural qualities wide on areas which merit preserved for resource preservation and environmental, open would be adversely space or aesthetic affected by purposes. Facilities development. should be compatible with the preservation of the resource. Community Area for intensely Community 25 to 80 2.5 to Site should be suited Playfield/ programmed wide acres 3.5 for intense Athletic recreation facilities development that is Complex and uses such as easily accessible to athletic fields, the population it is swimming pools, etc. intended to serve. Separate athletic fields Located near high complexes are traffic areas such as typically provided for schools and major youth and for adults. thoroughfares, Fields are typically preferably in non- lighted for evening residential areas. use. Greenways Linear parks and open Site specific Sufficient Variable Built or natural spaces developed for & community width for corridors used to link varying modes of wide intended parks and/or recreational travel use community facilities such as walking, such as schools, biking, skiing, in-line libraries, and skating etc. or for commercial areas. preservation of wildlife corridors, streams, etc. Special Use Highly specialized use Community Variable Variable Site Specific area such as wide community golf courses, marinas, preserves, arenas, gardens, plazas, and
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other specialized recreation uses.
Historic Sites Area set aside for Community Variable Variable Size should be preserving and wide adequate to provide interpreting historical support facilities such features such as as picnic areas, landscapes and parking, etc. architecture.
INVENTORY OF EXISTING PARK LAND:
Lonsdale currently has 12 park areas with over 65.56 acres of parkland, with additional recreational facilities at the public school and historic sites. The following map depicts the existing parks and trails in Lonsdale:
The following section provides a description of each park. Proposed recommendations are based on a park assessment completed by members of the Park and Recreation Advisory Board, city staff, and the residents that attended the open houses.
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BASTYR PARK
Bastyr Park is a 0.33 acre, mini-park, located in the Harvest Ponds development located in the northeast section of town between 10th and 11th Avenues. The site address is 514 10th Avenue NE. The park is designed to serve the toddlers of the Harvest Ponds developments. The park includes playground equipment and benches that were installed in 2006.
The site was recently seeded and sodded with the construction of the site. A total of four (4) trees were added to the park through a grassroots effort of donations from the neighborhood that was matched by the Park Board. Walkways from 10th Avenue and 11th Avenue are available for easy access to the site.
At the February 8, 2006 Park & Recreation Board Meeting, six (6) residents were in attendance to discuss and identify any improvements to the park. Park Signage and additional landscaping were identified or requested as improvements that were not included in the site plan.
TRENDA MEMORIAL PARK (DRS PARK)
Trenda Memorial Park is a 9.7 acre, city-wide park, located in the center of the community at 250 Main Street N. The park is bordered by North Main Street (CSAH 33) on the west, the downtown district and original parts of Lonsdale on the south and east sides, and the new RayAnn Acres Development on the north side. Park amenities include a baseball field with a large grandstand, playground equipment, a concession stand with restroom facilities, a tennis court, and a Little League Field. The city acquired the property from the Lonsdale Community Club in 1935 when the board conveyed the park to the Village of Lonsdale for $300.00 to be kept up for recreational purposes and
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no other and perpetually for the benefit of the public of said Lonsdale Community.
The park includes many mature Cottonwood trees and others on the southern half of the park, but lack any foliage on the northern half that was acquired with the RayAnn Acres subdivision. An unpaved parking lot is also present on site with a trail from the RayAnn Acres subdivision on 2nd Avenue NE to the original Trenda Memorial Park. Trenda Memorial Park has recently been improved with new playground equipment, a Little League Field, bullpens, and an improved batting cage area. The grandstand area was greatly improved in 2000.
At the January 11, 2006 Park & Recreation Board Meeting, eight (8) residents were in attendance to discuss and identify any improvements to the park. A paved parking lot, park signage, landscaping, shelter area, lawn irrigation, trail extension to Main Street with a sidewalk along Main Street to downtown, removal of Cottonwood trees, in-field renovation, new scoreboard, lighting improvements, concession stand renovation, wall in right field, and tennis court reconstruction were identified or requested as improvements.
8TH AVENUE PARK AREA (JIRIK PARK)
This unnamed park that has been commonly referred to in the past as Jirik Park is a 0.73 acre, mini-park, located in the Grandview Park 2nd Addition at 123 8th Avenue NW. The park is presently an open space area with no park amenities. The property was acquired in 1983 through development and never was improved. When the Deer Ridge Addition and later additions of the Grandview Park were platted, the residents were provided the opportunity to give input relating to wanted improvements to this area. The neighborhood in the mid to late 1990s were against any improvements. A large rock as well as trees border the south and east sides of the park area.
At the April 12, 2006 Park & Recreation Board Meeting, six (6) residents were in attendance to discuss and identify any improvements to the park. The residents of the neighborhood stated that the neighborhood is more of an older generation with few children. They would like to see the park area stay the same. Lawn care, park signage, children at play sign on 8th Avenue NW, and an actual name were identified or requested as improvements.
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SINGING HILLS PARK
Singing Hills Park is a 1.4 acre, neighborhood park, located in the Singing Hills Estates Development south of Singing Hills Drive SE at 405 Singing Hills Drive SE. The park is bordered by a vacant lot to the east, Singing Hills Drive SE on the north and west sides, and Wheatland Township on the south. Park amenities include playground equipment and backstop. The park was constructed in 1997.
At the May 10, 2006 Park & Recreation Board meeting, one (1) resident was present and two (2) letters were submitted into the board to discuss and identify any improvements to the park. Proposed improvements included, park signage, improved drainage for the playground equipment, southerly expansion of the park, construction of a BMX park, landscaping, sandbox, trash receptacle, picnic tables, seating areas, and improved seating around the ballfield.
LONSDALE JAYCEE PARK
Lonsdale Jaycee Park is a 6.5 acre, neighborhood playfield, located between Central Street W (Highway 19) and Arizona Street NW located at 600 Arizona Street NW. Park amenities include playground equipment, two (2) softball fields, basketball court, trails, outdoor hockey rink, concession stand with restroom facilities, and a shelter area. The property was acquired by the City in 1978 and has had various improvements throughout the years. Trees are located throughout the park.
At the September 13, 2006 Park & Recreation Board meeting, no residents were present to discuss and identify any improvements to the park. However, a list compiled by the local Jaycee Chapter was discussed as well input by the park board. Proposed improvements included park signage, sports lighting, paved parking lot, additional landscaping, flag pole, netting on ice skating rink, landscaping, and a warming house.
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MARLENE PARK
Marlene Park is a 0.43 acre, mini-park, located in the Oak Ridge Addition that was acquired in 1970 by the City. The park is located north of Colorado Street NW at 900 Colorado Street NW. Park amenities include a nature preserve. No park amenities are planned to be done to the park at this time. However, with the proposed reconstruction of the streets in the area, it may be advantageous to fill in the ravine due to the installation of storm sewer north of the park area.
3-R LANDMARK SCHOOL
According to the pamphlet School House Restoration by 3R Landmark, Inc. “The 3-R (Reading, ‘Riting, ‘Rithmatic) Landmark School is the old public school for Independent School District #76 that was built in 1908 and was left to the pigeons in 1946 when elementary students began to attend neighboring consolidated schools.” The City acquired the property when the district was dissolved into Montgomery-Lonsdale Independent School District #394 in 1963. The historic site is 1 acre in size and is located at 405 3rd Avenue SW between 3rd Avenue SW and 4th Avenue SW. From the late 1970s until the mid 1980s, a local grass roots non-profit organization worked toward restoring the old school house. A rededication ceremony was held in 1986. Currently, the historic building houses a museum and is open at various times of the year for community events. No future improvements are planned for the historic site at this time.
On October 12, 2006, City Staff met with the current 3-R Landmark, Inc. Committee and discussed any improvements or concerns that the committee had regarding this site. The only major concern was the funding and effort for the continued preservation of the school house. The committee expressed that membership has been dwindling over the past few years, affecting their ability to keep the building up. Proposed improvements would be the installation of park signage and assist with the recruitment of members onto the committee.
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KALINA PARK
Kalina Park is a 20 acre, community park, located in the Willow Creek Heights Addition. The city is currently acquiring the park site through park dedication with each addition to the subdivision. The park is located west of Pondview Drive SE and south of Parkview Court SE. Currently the park is undeveloped and is in the planning stages. The Park Board will begin the planning stages in early 2007. The neighborhood and the public will be invited for their input during the planning process. Various boards have expressed that the park be developed for more passive uses.
HEATH CREEK PARK
Heath Creek Park is a 15.27 acre, neighborhood playfield and conservancy land, located south of Industrial Drive SE at 515 Industrial Drive SE. The park includes the Heath Creek waterway and significant wetlands on the south and west sides. Currently the park has been graded and seeded and is used as the compost site for the residents of Lonsdale. In 1989, the city identified the need for a park on the southeast side of town to accommodate area residents and never was completed. The Park Board has approved a preliminary site plan for the park that includes a softball field, volleyball courts, playground equipment, horseshoe pits, and shelter area with the first components being built in 2007.
UNNAMED MAIN STREET PARK
This 10.16 acres recreational area is located on the northwest corner of Main Street South and Idaho Street. In November 2004, the city had a referendum to construct a community center on the site that would have included a water park, ice arena, fitness center, pool, multipurpose gym, library, and governmental center. At this time, the city has no plans for a second referendum and no planned improvements.
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LIONS PARK
Lions Park, commonly known as Monkey Island, is a 0.16 acre historic site that was developed by the local Lions Chapter of Lonsdale located at 200 Central Street W (Highway 19). Amenities include a gazebo, benches, flag pole, and a few pieces of playground equipment. The park board has expressed interest in having a town history plaque installed on the site for visitors to understand the past of the city.
UNNAMED OPEN SPACE
This unnamed open space of 0.41 acres is located at the intersection of Central Street (Highway 19) and Baldwin Street at 395 Baldwin Street NE. The site is prominent as it is the eastern visual terminus of the Highway 19 before the road curves towards out of town. A portion of the site contains an open ditch. The city acquired the property in 1998 through tax forfeiture. The park board has expressed interest in having the a pipe installed and filling the open ditch The parcel could than serve as a neighborhood park or serve another civic function due to its prominence off of Central Street (Highway 19) on the east side of town like a rest area with a gazebo and picnic areas.
OLD TRONDHJEM NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
Old Trondhjem Norwegian Lutheran Church is a historic site that abuts city limits on the southeast side of town close to the intersection of Union Lake Trail and Garfield Avenue. The Trondhjem Community Preservation Society, Inc. is in charge of the restoration and operations of the church that was first built in 1878 and redesigned and constructed in 1899. In 2002, the church was placed on the list of National Register of Historical
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Places. The site is used for community events, concerts, family reunions, and weddings. The Park Board expressed interest into integrating the church into the trail system, developing a working relationship with the organization, and to promote the facility along with city owned recreational facilities.
MONTGOMERY-LONSDALE ELEMENTARY EAST SCHOOL
Montgomery-Lonsdale Elementary East School is a neighborhood park, community recreational facility, and conservancy land located north of Idaho Street SW and west of 10th Avenue SW at 1000 Idaho Street SW. Recreational activities available at the school include playground equipment, basketball court, and softball field. A wooded area and wetlands are located on the site. Paved parking is also available for public use. The City does not have any authority of the recreational opportunities that are offered at this park area. However, the City should try to integrate the park area into the overall park system of Lonsdale by providing trails to the site.
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PARK ASSESSMENT:
Park Board members assessed each of the following parks on eleven (11) criteria. Areas that have been identified as needing attention are illustrated below. First find the key legend and then find the park board’s assessment of each individual park:
Turf Condition 0 - No Problems 1 - Good Condition – Needs regular routine maintenance NA - Not Applicable 2 – Surface in Fair Condition – Spot Repairs are 0 - No Problems necessary 1 - Turf is in good condition with some bare areas 3 - Surface in Poor Condition – Several Areas need 2 - Turf has a few problems that need some work major repairs (aeration and over-seeding) 4 - Very Poor Condition – Parking Area Needs 3 - Turf is in poor condition and needs renovation Complete Renovation 4 - Turf is in very poor condition and should be 5 - Dangerous Conditions Exist completely redone
Parking Availability Irrigation Systems
NA - Not Applicable NA - Not Applicable 0 - No Problems 0 - No Problems 2 - Not enough parking mainly during peak-use periods 1 - System is in good condition with minor adjustment or only occasionally problems 4 - Not enough parking most of the time 2 - System is in fair condition, needs frequent work 3 - System doesn’t do the job and needs to be expanded (poor coverage) Sidewalks/Paths/Trails 4 - System is in very poor condition or no system at all NA - Not Applicable Plantings & Trees 0 - No Problems 2 - Sidewalks/Paths/Trails are in fair condition and require minor repairs 0 -No Problems 4 - Sidewalks/Paths/Trails are in poor condition and 1 - Plantings/trees are in good condition with few minor require extensive repair or renovation problems 6 - Dangerous Conditions Exist 2 - Some bare areas that need additional plant materials 3 - Several areas have problems that need work Courts, Basketball or Tennis 4 - Plantings/trees in very poor condition & should be completely renovated NA -Not Applicable 5 - Condition of trees present dangerous safety 0 - No Problems situation 1 - Good Condition – Need minor routine maintenance, patching, or striping Drainage Systems 2 - Fair Condition – Need minor repairs 3 - Poor Condition – Needs major repairs but still can be used 0 - No problems 4 - Very Poor Condition – Potholes, Cracks, Need 2- Some saturation/standing water- minor extensive repair / resurfacing improvements are needed 4 –Very poor drainage – system needs renovation 6 - Dangerous system / conditions exist Equipment
Accessibility NA - Not Applicable 0 -No problems 1 - Equipment is old but can still be used 0 - Entire park is accessible to handicapped 2 - Equipment requires regular routine maintenance 2 - Portion of the park are accessible to handicapped 3 - Equipment is in poor condition and requires major 4 - None of the park is accessible to the handicapped repair or renovation 4 - Equipment is in very poor condition and should be Parking replaced 5 - Dangerous condition exist
NA - Not applicable
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CITY OF LONSDALE PARK ASSESSMENT
Park Plantings Drian. Parking Walking Basketball Play Turf Irr. Access.Parking Tennis Name & Trees System Avail. Paths Court Equip.
Bastyr Park 0 NA 2 0 2 NA 0 0 NA 0 NA
Trenda Memorial 2 NA 5 0 2 2 2 2 NA 0 3 Park (DRS Park)
Lonsdale 2 NA 3 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 NA Jaycee Park
Singing Hills 0 NA 2 4 2 NA 0 NA NA 0 NA Park
Marlene Park 0 NA 1 0 4 NA 0 NA NA NA NA
3-R Landmark 0 NA 2 0 4 NA 0 NA NA NA NA School
8th Avenue 0 NA 2 2 4 NA 0 NA NA NA NA Park
Kalina Park NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Heath Creek NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Park
Lions Park (Monkey 0 NA 1 0 4 NA 0 NA NA 1 NA Island)
Montgomery- Lonsdale 0 NA 0 0 0 0 NA 0 0 0 NA Elementary East School Old Trondjhem Norweigan 0 NA 0 0 0 2 2 NA NA NA NA Lutheran Church
Corner of Baldwin & 0 NA 1 0 4 NA 0 NA NA NA NA Highway 19
Unnamed Main Street NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Park
pen Acres /O Spaces reas Trail Areas Picnic Area Playground
City of Lonsdale Park A Hockey Rink Tennis Courts
Inventory Warming House Baseball/Softball Handicap Access Basketball Courts ature Park Classification Restroom Facilities N Parking (Off-Street) Parking (Off-Street)
3R Landmark School HS 1.03 No No Yes No No No No No No No Yes No
Bastyr Park MP 0.36 No No No No No Yes No No No Yes Yes No
Lions Park (Monkey Island) SU 0.18 No No No No No Yes No No Yes No Yes No
Lonsdale Jaycee Park NP 6.5 Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Marlene Park MP 0.43 No No Yes No No No No No No No No No Montgomery-Lonsdale Elementary School East NP N/A Yes Yes No No Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes
Old Trondhjem Norwegian Lutheran Church HS 1.4 No No Yes No No No No No No No Yes Yes
Singing Hills Park NP 1.4 No Yes Yes No No Yes No No No No No No
Trenda Memorial Park (DRS Park) CP 9.7 Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
8th Avenue Park Area (Jirik Park) MP 0.73 No No Yes No No No No No No No No No
Parks not Developed
Heath Creek Park - 15.27 Acres CP Community Playfield NP Neighborhood Playfield
Kalina Park - Roughly 20 Acres HS Historic Site SU Special Use
Unnamed Main Street Park - 10.16 Acres MP Mini-Park
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Facility Space Recommended Recommended Minimum Service Location Requirements Size Orientation Number of RADIUS Notes SF = square and Units Per feet Dimensions Population Basketball 3,000 – 6,000 Full court: Long axis north- Full court: ¼ to ½ Safe walking SF 50’ x 84’-94’ with south 1 per 5,000 mile or bike 5’ access. unobstructed Half court: Outdoor space 1 per 2,500 courts in on all sides neighborhood & community Half court: 40’ x parks and 40’ school sites. Ice Hockey 22,000 SF incl. Rink 85’ x 200’ Long axis north- Outdoor - 10-15 Lighted support area (minimum 85’ x south 1/5,000 minutes facility. Best plus shelter and 185’) additional travel time as part of parking 5,000 SF maximum multipurpose support area neighborhood or community park. Free Minimum 20,000 Varies None 1 per ½ -¾ mile Typically Skating SF service associated area with outdoor hockey rink.
Tennis Minimum of 36’ x 78’ with 12’ Long axis north- 1 court per ½ mile Best in 7,200 SF for clearance on south 2,000 batteries of 2 single court both sides; 21’ or more. clearance on Located in both sides neighborhood (60’x90’ per / community court) park or adjacent to school site. Volleyball Minimum of 30’ x 60’ Long axis north- 1 court per ½ mile Typically sand 2,000 SF Minimum 6’ south 5,000 surface. Same clearance on all as basketball sides Baseball Minimum 3.0- Base lines - 90’ Locate home 1 per 1 mile Informal fields, 1 Official 3.85 AC Pitching distance plate so pitcher 15,000 plus pony league 60 ½‘ throwing across lighted - field size will Foul lines min. sun & batter not vary. 320’ facing it. Full size Center field lighted fields 2. Little Minimum 1.2 AC 400’+ Line ½ -1 mile part of League from home plate 1 per community through pitcher’s 15,000 complex. Base lines - 60’ mound run SSW 1/10,000 or Pitching distance to 1/2,500 46’ NNE. when Little league Foul lines 200’ developed as part of Center field 200’- for dual use neighborhood 250’ as softball and field community parks. Field Minimum 1.5 AC 180’-210’ x 300’ Long axis north 1 per 15 Usually part of Hockey with a minimum to south. 20,000 minutes athletic Lacrosse of 6’ clearance travel time complex in on all sides community park or adjacent to high school
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Facility Space Recommended Recommended Minimum Service Location Requirements Size Orientation Number of Radius Notes SF = square and Units Per feet Dimensions Population Football Minimum 1.5 AC 160’ x 360’ with Long axis north 1 per 15 min Usually part of a minimum of 6’ to south. 20,000 travel athletic clearance on all complex in sides community park or adjacent to high school Soccer 1.7 to 2.1 AC Fields vary Long axis north Youth – 1-2 miles Number of based on age to south. 1/3,500 or units depends group from 100’ based on on popularity. x 200’to195’- participation Youth soccer 225’ x 330’-360’ Full size on smaller with a 10’ min. 1/5,000 fields adjacent clearance on all to schools or sides in neighborhood parks Softball 1.5 to 2.0 AC Base lines 60’- Same as 1/5,000 or ¼ - ½ May also be 65’ baseball 1/2,500 if mile used for youth Pitching distance also used baseball – 35’-50’ for youth Fast pitch field baseball radius from plate 200’- 225’ Slow pitch - 275’ (men) 265’ (women) Archery Minimum 1.5 300’ length x Archer facing 1 per 30 min. Part of a Range AC min. 10’ between north + or - 50,000 travel time regional/metro targets. Clear 45 degrees park complex space and or special use buffers to side facility and rear. Min. of 90’ x 45’with buffer Golf- Majority of holes 15-30 min Mix of public Par 3 (18 50 - 60 AC Ave. length-600- on north - south NA travel and private hole) 2,700 yards axis time facilities. Min. 50 AC Ave. length- 1/25,000 9 hole 2,250 yds. standard Min. 110 AC 1/40,000 Ave. length- 18 hole 6,500 yds. standard
Golf Driving 13.5 AC for 900’ x 690’ wide, Long axis south- 1 per 15-30 Part of golf Range minimum of 25 add 12’ width for west-northeast 50,000 minutes course tees each additional with driving travel complex. . tee toward northeast time
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PROPOSED PARK IMPROVEMENTS:
1. BASTYR PARK
• Installation of a sign, consistent in theme with the Lonsdale Park System.
• Installation of landscaping along the park entrance to minimize the impact to the adjacent residential units.
2. TRENDA MEMORIAL PARK (DRS PARK)
• Installation of a sign, consistent in theme with the Lonsdale Park System
• Installation of landscaping along the trail located on the north side of the park to screen the park from the adjacent residential units.
• Installation of landscaping throughout the newly acquired property of Trenda Memorial Park that was obtained through the RayAnn Acres Subdivision.
• Removal and replacement of the Cottonwood trees that are located on the crest of the hill.
• Installation of Lawn Irrigation for the baseball field.
• Reconstruction of the tennis court.
• Construction of Shelter Area
• Paving of the parking lot.
• Installation of a sidewalk from the downtown district to the main entrance of the park.
• Installation of a trail that would connect the existing trail to the main entrance of the park.
• Installation of two sand volleyball courts.
• In-Field renovations to the baseball field.
• Installation of a new scoreboard
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• Renovation of the lighting
• Concession Stand Renovation
3. 8TH AVENUE PARK AREA (JIRIK PARK)
• Installation of a sign, consistent in theme with the Lonsdale Park System
• Installation of “Children at Play” sign on 8th Avenue in both north- and south-bound directions.
• Name the park.
• Establish better lawn care for the area.
4. SINGING HILLS PARK
• Installation of a sign, consistent in theme with the Lonsdale Park System
• Installation of additional landscaping at the park.
• Correct the drainage problem that is evident around the playground equipment located on the site.
• Expand the park to the south when the adjacent property is developed.
• Explore development of a BMX Park
• Installation of sandbox, trash receptacles, picnic tables, and seating areas
5. LONSDALE JAYCEE PARK
• Installation of a sign, consistent in theme with the Lonsdale Park System
• Installation of additional landscaping at the park.
• Construction of a warming house that will be used with the ice rink.
• Installation of a bench at the ice rink.
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• Paving of the parking lots that are located at the park.
• Installation of netting behind the goals on the ice skating rink
• Installation of lighting for softball fields.
6. MARLENE PARK
• Explore filling in the ravine located on the site with the reconstruction of the streets in the area.
7. 3-R LANDMARK SCHOOL
• Installation of a sign, consistent in theme with the Lonsdale Park System.
• Installation of additional landscaping at the historic site.
• Installation of plaque explaining the site.
• Assist in promoting the 3-R Landmark Inc., Committee to help increase their membership
8. KALINA PARK
• Installation of a sign, consistent in theme with the Lonsdale Park System.
• Develop a master plan for the community park that may include more passive park amenities and may include a dog park and disc golf.
9. HEATH CREEK PARK
• Installation of a sign, consistent in theme with the Lonsdale Park System.
• Grading and seeding of the area and installation of landscaping.
• Installation of one 300-foot softball field with fence with lighting.
• Installation of two sand volleyball courts.
• Installation of playground equipment.
• Installation of a shelter area with restroom facilities and kitchen.
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• Installation of an off-street parking area.
• Installation of horseshoe pits.
10. UNNAMED MAIN STREET PARK
• Decide if the property is to be developed as a park or reserved for a future community center.
11. LIONS PARK (MONKEY ISLAND)
• Installation of town history marker.
12. UNNAMED OPEN SPACE
• Decide if the property is to be developed as a park or another civic function or stay as open space like a gazebo with picnic areas.
13. OLD TRONDHJEM NORWEGIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
• Develop a working relationship to integrate the historic site into the Lonsdale park system by linking the site with a trail.
14. MONTGOMERY-LONSDALE ELEMENTARY EAST SCHOOL
• Develop a working relationship to integrate the community site into the Lonsdale park system by linking the site with a trial and explore expanding the park area when the property to the west develops for a larger community area
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PARK SEARCH AREAS:
PARK SEARCH AREA 1
Park Search Area 1 is a 1 mile search area for a community wide facility to contain a future ballfield complex. A ballfield complex facility typically requires good vehicular access, and a buffer from residential properties. These facilities draw visitors from community wide and most typically arrive by car. In addition, the facilities typically generate noise and are lighted. This typically requires requiring a buffer from adjacent neighborhoods. This search area is located in or near the future industrial park which would provide both good vehicular access and located away from neighborhoods.
PARK SEARCH AREA 2
Park Search Area 2 is centered on an open pond /wetland area. A park in this area could be used for active and passive neighborhood uses such as bird watching, walking trails, fishing if the pond is deep enough to sustain fish life.
PARK SEARCH AREA 3
Park Search Area 3 is in an area with several remnant wood lots, is near the old railroad bed –future trail corridor and near the Montgomery-Lonsdale Elementary School East.
PARK SEARCH AREA 4
Park Search Area 4 has no particular amenities within it. This park should be located to connect to planned trails and within a future neighborhood.
PARK SEARCH AREA 5
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Park Search Area 5 is in an area with two open pond /wetland areas which could be used for active and passive neighborhood uses such as bird watching, walking trails, fishing if the pond is deep enough to sustain fish life.
PARK SEARCH AREA 6
Park Search Area 6 is centered on a parcel presently zoned both commercial and residential. This parcel is an ideal location for a park, especially if the adjacent parcel is used for multifamily or higher density residential uses. The City should work with the developer to dedicate parkland in this location in association with a multi-family residential development.
PARK SEARCH AREA 7
Park Search Area 7 is in a very prominent location as the terminus of North Main Street. A public park in this location would benefit downtown with increased activity, especially if in association with a new school or other civic use. This search area might also be a good alternate location for a community wide ballfield complex as it is in a prominent location, has good access and is on the edge of town.
PARK SEARCH AREA 8
Park Search Area 8 is located on the northeast corner of town and contains both a significant wood lot and the old railroad bed that is being proposed as a future trail link through town.
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TRAILS / SIDEWALKS
The City has identified proposed trails and trail search areas for the 2025 growth area as well as the 2040 projected growth area. This has been done primarily both because trail planning tends to be more long term, and the City has expressed a desire to provide a looped trail network around the City. In addition, within the 2040 expected growth area, there are significant natural resources that can be connected with trails or incorporate into future parks. The City will also have to be involved in a regional setting. Rice County has identified an East- West trail along the County Road 59 corridor, which is on the city’s proposed 2040 Growth Border. Finally the City will have to be involved in the regional trail system called Czech Area Heritage Bike Route, which is being planned to connect the cities of Lonsdale, Montgomery, and New Prague.
The system identifies approximately 20 miles of proposed trails including those proposed within trail search areas of which 16 miles are specifically within the 2025 growth area boundary. Within the Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan specific proposed trail locations are shown as dashed lines, typically along existing roads or corridor, such as within the former rail road right-of-way through town, Trail search areas are shown as dashed areas of an approximate width of 1000 feet where exact locations of proposed trails are flexible and unknown. Exact trail locations within the trail search areas will be determined as the land develops and may be located within future road right-of-ways, trail right-of-ways and/or trails easements on private property. In general, trails search areas express the City’s desire to connect neighborhood parks, natural resource areas and civic places as part of a trail loop around the City.
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REGIONAL TRAILS:
CZECH AREA HERITAGE TRAIL
The Czech Area Heritage Trail was developed to create an historic link for the communities of Lonsdale, Montgomery, and New Prague with assistance from the National Park Service. The trail system allows users to understand the heritage and history of the Minnesota Czech Country. The trail is divided into three (3) separate routes that encompass different lengths. The 50-mile loop allows users to visit and see the cities of Lonsdale, Montgomery, and New Prague along with the villages of Heidelberg, Lexington, and Veseli by utilizing various county roads. The 30-mile loop encompasses the cities of Montgomery and New Prague and the villages of Heidelberg and Lexington. Finally the 12-mile loop travels in and around Montgomery and the surrounding lake areas.
RICE COUNTY TRAIL SYSTEM
Lonsdale is located in the northwest corner of Rice County. In the 2025 Rice County Transportation Plan adopted by the county in 2006 includes a section regarding the county trail system. Currently the county has a state trail called Sakatah Singing Hills Trail the runs from Faribault west to Mankato that is 39-miles in length that was developed on an abandoned railroad bed. The county is also apart of the Mills Towns Trail that will provide connectivity between the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail in Faribault with the Cannon Valley Regional Trail in Cannon Falls. The route is not finalized, but currently a 3-mile segment of the trail has been completed between the cities of Dundas and Northfield. In the County’s Transportation Plan a trail is planned to be extended to the south of the current city limits of Lonsdale from Northfield along County Road 59 to the lakes of Cody and Phelps (Twin Lakes).
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LOCAL TRAILS AND PEDESTRIAN WAYS:
In the newer developm ents, the City has required the placement of bituminous pedestrian trails. On the northwest side of the city, trails do not currently exist. On the southwest side of the city, trails extend from Montgomery-Lonsdale Elementary School East at the intersection of County Road 4 and Idaho Street SW to Main Street. A spur that is extends down from Heritage Estates 5th Addition close to the Grand Avenue SW and Florida Street SW intersection that connects to the trail located on the north side of Idaho Street SW. On the southeast side of town, trails are the most significant. A trail under construction will extend from the intersection of Idaho Street and Main Street to Halstad Avenue. The trail begins again at the intersection of Halstad Avenue and Bluff Heights Drive SE and runs along the wetland areas located in the subdivision up to 15th Avenue SE by the commercial development and to Central Street (Highway 19) through the WELCO subdivision. Finally on the northeast side trails are also found. A trail runs along 8th Avenue on the west side, on the south side of Fig Street from east edge of town to Halstad Avenue. The trail will be extended to Main Street when Fig Street is reconstructed. A spur runs through the RayAnn Acres subdivision that connects to Main Street through the Trenda Memorial Park. Trails also can be found running between the commercial and residential development of the Rolling Ridge Addition and along Ash Street from 8th Avenue to the intersection of Ash Street NE, Birch Street NE, and 12th Avenue NE.
SIDEWALKS:
MAIN STREET (CSAH 33) / CENTRAL STREET (HIGHWAY 19) CORRIDORS
Main Street (CSAH 33) / Central Street (Highway 19) Corridors are network of sidewalks which accommodate foot traffic in and around downtown district of
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Lonsdale. Existing sidewalks are located on both sides of Main Street from Railway Street NW to Arizona Street SE on the east side of Main Street South and Colorado Street SW on the west side of Main Street South. The corridor also extends along Central Street from 2nd Avenue on the west side to 1st Avenue on the east.
RAILWAY STREET (CSAH 4) CORRIDOR
Railway Street Corridor features a sidewalk on the north side of Railway Street (CSAH 4) from Central Street (Highway 19) to Arizona Street NW.
TRAIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM:
Trail Location Surface Width Slope Notes Classifications and Use Class I - Off- street - Bituminous 5-6 feet 0-5% Separate or for pedestrian pedestrian and bituminous pedestri 0-3% bike bicycle trails. and ans concrete 8-10 feet for bicycles Class II - Off street - Bituminous 10 feet 0-3% Combined average pedestrian and 8%-15% bicycle trail. maximum Class III - On-street – Striped 8-10 Slope to One way Bikeway lane one way per lane next feet match road lanes side to vehicle lane Nature trail. Within parks Aggregate, 4-6 feet 0-5% and woodchip desirable conservation or turf 10% areas maximum Cross country Within parks Snow 10 –14 0-15%+ Diagonal ski trail and feet – depending and skate conservation varies upon tracks. areas for one difficulty or two way Snowmobile Off-street Snow 10-14 0-10%+ trail feet Horse trail Off street Turf or 10 feet 0-10%+ 12 foot wood chips overhead clearance
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PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS:
1. A sidewalk along Central Street (Highway 19) from Fig Street to Garfield Avenue on both sides of the roadway.
2. A sidewalk along Main Street (CSAH 33) from Fig Street to Idaho Street on both sides of the roadway.
3. A trail connection from where Idaho Street and Halstad Avenue meet to the intersection of Halstad Avenue and Singing Hills Drive SE.
4. A trail connection along Railway Street (CSAH 4) from Idaho Street SW / 10th Avenue SW (CSAH 4) intersection to Railway Street (CSAH 4) / Arizona Street NW intersection.
5. A sidewalk connection from the intersection of Tom Jirik Court NW / 10th Avenue to 10th Avenue / Railway Street (CSAH 4) intersection.
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PARK ASSESSMENT SURVEY
To ensure, input was provided by a wide array of residents besides the residents the residents invited to neighborhood meetings, the Park Board administered park assessment survey. The city mailed out 1,048 surveys with the 4th Quarter Utility Bill and received 231 completed surveys, which equates to 22% return rate. The following will list each individual question and the results
1. In which recreation activities have you or members of your household participated during the past three (3) years?
Walking / Hiking – 174 75% Playgrounds - 136 59% Bicycling - 107 46% Organized Outdoor Sports - 85 37% Picnicking - 76 33% Informal Sports - 70 30% Ice Skating - 69 30% Outdoor Court Sports - 66 29% Jogging / Running - 60 26% Golf - 58 25% Inline Skating - 51 22% Dog Parks - 39 17% Indoor Court Sports - 33 14% Birdwatching - 25 11% Alternative Sports - 25 11% Tennis - 23 10% Cross Country Skiing - 16 7%
2. How often do you or members of your household visit Lonsdale parks?
At least once a week - 57 1-3 times a month - 53 1-10 times a year - 80 Never - 35
When comparing by the section of town, people on the SW tend to use parks more than the other areas, while people on the SE use parks the least amount. One reason why people on the SE use the parks the least, no real park currently exists on this portion of town.
3. Which Lonsdale recreation facilities do you or members of your household visit most often?
Lonsdale Jaycee Park - 147 Trenda Memorial Park - 54 MLE East - 31
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Lions Park - 25 Singing Hills Park - 20 Bastyr Park - 16 8th Ave. NW - 13 Old Trondhjem Norwegian - 11 Heath Creek Park - 4 3-R Landmark School - 2 Marlene Park - 1 Kalina Park - 0
In terms of where residents live, dictates the primary users of certain parks. Jaycee Park is truly a community park with this being the most widely park used by the residents with residents on the SE using it the least. Trenda Memorial Park is used most by people located on the NE side with 22 of the respondents living there and utilizing this park. This is the same for the elementary school with people on the SW using the park. Almost half of the responses for the elementary school live on the SW side of town. Singing Hills Park is used 70% of the time by people living on the SE side of town, while the Bastyr Park is used 69% of the time by people on the NE side of town. 8th Avenue Open Space is used by people north of Highway 19 and Railway Street 77% of the time. A few residents on the SW side town did mark the park. The Old Trondhjem Lutheran Church and Heath Creek Park is used equally by the community.
4. If you or members of your household don’t use Lonsdale parks, recreational facilities, trails, or recreation programs, or don’t use them as often as you would like to, what are the reasons?
There are no barriers to participation – 111 Lack of Time - 72 Lack of Information - 47 Not interested in recreation - 15 Prefer parks or programs in other communities - 14 Location is not convenient - 13 Inconvenient timing of programs - 9 Programs too expensive - 7 Don’t feel safe - 4 Inadequate transportation - 2
In terms of by area of town, NW residents seem to have other things going on that makes it harder to use recreation. The NE residents tend to not know as much as other areas of town. Location seems to be an issue on the SW side. The SE prefers other parks and programs in other communities. People on the SW side feel the programs are expensive and time is a problem for people on the north sides of town compared to the south. The others really did not have tendencies.
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5. The following is a list of a few services provided by the City of Lonsdale Parks & Recreation. For each one, please rate the quality of service as excellent (4), good (3), fair (2), poor (1), or don’t know (0).
Winter Months: 2.68 Summer Months: 3.10 City Ball Fields: 3.16 Overall Park System: 3.16
Overall, the residents find the park system and their components as good. During the winter, the park system is rated between fair and good.
6. Recreation – Satisfaction and Priorities – How satisfied are you with the following elements of the Lonsdale parks and recreation system and what priority does the element hold for your household in the future?
Element Satisfaction Rank Priority Rank
Trails 2.35 5 1.82 1 Active Parks 2.48 4 1.68 4 Passive Parks 2.31 6 1.62 6 Park Maintenance 2.90 1 1.79 2 Recreational Classes 2.30 7 1.58 7 Swimming Lessons 2.10 9 1.48 8 Special Events 2.82 2 1.74 3 History, Culture 2.27 8 1.39 9 Communications 2.73 3 1.68 4
The biggest difference from being satisfied and rank is with trails. People are not satisfied with trails as much as other things, but hold it as a high priority. People are satisfied with park maintenance, but want to make sure it is maintained at its current level. Recreational Classes, Swimming Lessons, and History are the lowest three satisfied elements, but they are also not high priorities. People seem to be satisfied with special events like Community Days, fireworks, etc and would like it to stay that way. People are satisfied with communication and have a relative high priority on it. Active Parks and Passive Parks are relatively satisfied, but active parks seem to be a higher priority that passive parks.
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7. City Services – Satisfaction and Priorities – Overall, how satisfied are you with the following City of Lonsdale services and what priorities does each service hold for your household in the future? Satisfied (3) Dissatisfied (1) High Priority (2) Low Priority (1)
Element Satisfaction Rank Priority Rank
Police Protection 2.70 4 1.94 2 Street Maintenance 2.71 3 1.87 4 Snow Plowing 2.44 9 1.87 3 City Website 2.68 5 1.36 9 Community Days 2.83 2 1.65 8 Street Lighting 2.66 6 1.77 6 Drinking Water 2.50 7 1.93 3 Utility Billing 2.49 8 1.67 7 Fire Protection 3 1 1.94 1
Out of the 231 surveys, the city did not receive any surveys that were dissatisfied with the Fire Protection. The completed surveys were either satisfied or don’t know. Fire Protection is the highest for satisfaction and priority. The biggest difference between satisfaction and priority is Snow Plowing meaning the residents are not currently satisfied with this service as much as others and rank it relatively high. Police Protection and Drinking Water had the next highest difference between satisfaction and priority meaning residents would like to see improvement in these services. Utility Billing was the only other element that got a negative rating between satisfaction and priority. Finally Street Lighting does not rank high on satisfaction, but is not a high priority either.
8. Do Lonsdale’s existing bike/walking trails and sidewalks meet your needs? Adequate (2) Inadequate (1)
Bike/Walk Trail Rating: 1.62 Sidewalk Rating: 1.61
The residents find the existing bike/walking trails and sidewalks as being more adequate than inadequate. However, the rating is not very strong for being adequate.
9. Where should new bike/walking trails and sidewalks be located?
Even though, residents find existing bike/walking trails and sidewalks are being adequate, they would like to see improvements. Based on the results, a trail network is priority one with 126 surveys selecting it. The second area would Between Neighborhoods and Parks at 89. Busy Streets were third with 86. Neighborhoods to the School was fourth with 74. Sidewalk Network was fifth at 68. Within Parks and Neighborhoods
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and Commercial Areas received 47 and 45 votes respectively. The least common answer was No More at 27.
Residents would like to see additions to the current system and would like a network to be completed within the city that connects the entire city with emphasis on the connecting them to the park areas.
10. Would you be in favor of the construction of a community center if it meant a raise in property taxes?
Yes: 84 No: 109 Don’t Know: 38
The survey results is very close to how the referendum results from November 2004 when combing the No and Don’t Know votes. The 2004 Referendum Results had 67% of the people-voting no for the $3.9 Million Community Center and 69% voting no for the $850,000 water park features and other features. Combining the Nos and Don’t Knows would give you 64% voting No. In terms of location, support is higher on the NE (42%) and SW (44%) sides of town and the weakest on the NW (24%) according to the surveys submitted. SE had a 34% approval.
If you answered yes to the previous question, what dollar amount per month would you be willing to pay on your property taxes for the community center?
Less than $10/ Month: 21 Between $10 & 25 / Month: 53 Between $25 & $50 / Month: 9 More than $50 / Month: 6
When looking back at dollar amounts used in the 2004 Referendum, $100,000 property value would have increased $22.17 per month for the Community Center. In relation to the survey, only 15 people were willing to pay more than $25 per month for a community center. Support is weak on constructing a community center and seems by the results not to be an amenity the residents of Lonsdale is currently looking for. However, the city may want to explore an athletic complex in the future, which would be a cheaper alternative.
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11. What is your principal source of information about Lonsdale Parks and Recreation and its activities?
Mode # %
Newspaper: 150 65% Word of Mouth: 100 43% Community Education Booklets: 54 19% Website: 13 6% Local Access Channel: 4 2% Other: 5 2%
Residents find communication through the newspaper as the most effective way to reach them regarding Parks & Recreation and its activities. The city shall continue and improve on placing information regarding Parks & Recreation in the Lonsdale News-Review and other area newspapers and expand and improve on other modes of communication to get the information out there. In regards to the “Other” option, the respondents listed living by a park, going to public meetings, by prior use and knowledge, school flyers, and just by driving around.
12. How would you prefer to receive information about Lonsdale’s activities?
Mode # %
Newspaper: 174 75% Community Education Booklets: 70 30% Website: 39 17% Email 31 13% Local Access Channel 25 11% Word of Mouth 18 8%
Residents would like to continue to find information in the local newspapers. People like the idea of the Community Education Booklets and a better job could be done communicating that mode. The city should utilize their website and local access channel options more for communication. Finally, the city should explore using email as a means of communication.
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13. Do you or members of your household participate in organized recreation programs in Lonsdale, or elsewhere such as youth or adult sports, after- school activities, recreation or fitness classes, camps, swimming lessons, senior activities, etc.?
Location # %
No: 101 47% In Lonsdale or in other communities 65 31% Only outside of Lonsdale 38 18% Only in Lonsdale 9 4%
Of the 231 surveys, 213 surveys answered the question. A majority of the surveys stated they do not participate in recreational activities, but a healthy percentage does participate in Lonsdale or in other communities. Almost 1/5 of the surveys selected participating in recreational activities only outside of Lonsdale. In terms where a person lives, people west of Main Street tend to participate in recreational activities more than the east side. This may be due to the residents on the west side of town are more established into the community. Over the past few years, a majority of the new home construction has occurred on the east side of town.
14. What recreation classes or activities would you like to see in Lonsdale?
Senior Citizen Programs:
Educational Programs (5), Exercise (4), Anything (2), Bingo (2), Social Events (2)
Youth Programs:
Soccer (21), Swimming Lessons (16), Hockey (12), Basketball (11), Baseball (8), Volleyball (7), Softball (5), Football (4), Gymnastics (4), Tennis (4), Skateboarding (2), Dance (2), Arts & Crafts (2), Music (2), Educational programs like Environmental Education, Hunting Education, Foreign Language Classes, Golf, Bowling, Exercise, and Preschool Aged Classes and Programs
Adult Programs:
Fitness (13), Volleyball (10), Educational Programs (9), Women’s Softball (4), Soccer (4), Water Aerobics (4), Dance (2), Cross-Country Skiing (2), Basketball (2), Bowling, Tennis, Racquetball, Flag Football, Doge Ball
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Family Programs:
Swimming (8), Open Gym (3), Fine Art Programs (2), Cooking Classes, Community Picnics, Bowling, Sledding, Volleyball, Golf, Tennis Courts, More Community Activities at the Trenda Memorial Park
15. How many people in the following age categories live in your household?
A total of 695 people are represented in the completed surveys. Of these 41 were over 65 years of age, 61 were between 50-64 years of age, 90 between 40-49 years of age, 155 were between 30-39 years of age, 99 were between 20-29, 51 were between 12-19 years of age, 79 between 6- 11 year old, and 119 were 5 years old or younger.
16. What area of town do you reside?
Of the 231 surveys, 228 people answered the questions. Of these 71 reside in the NE section of town, 54 live on the SW side of town, 53 reside on the SE side of town, and 50 of the surveys came from residents from the NW side of town. In terms of total potential survey return, the NE had a total of 27% of surveys returned (71 / 264). The west side of town was low when compared to the east. Both the NW & SW had a return rate of 19% (NW - 50 / 266 SW - 54 / 289). The SE had 23% return rate (53 / 229).
17. Other Comments or Suggestions?
I think taxes are so high. Not feasible to increase taxes for any reason, especially with all the new buildings in town.
The City needs to worry less about parks. There are enough also the community center is a dumb idea, too costly to build and maintain. The city needs to get their priorities straight. Quit wasting taxpayers money.
RayAnn Acres would have made a nice park close to downtown and the center of tow
Don't Spend anymore of our money, your putting families out of their homes.
Dog Park
Taxes to High!
Trails - Section in Willow Creek Heights is icy in winter and slippery and slime in summer, and many holes, Wetland - Willow Creek Heights was
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drained and very unhappy regarding that Snowplow - Tore up, large chunks of lawns last winter
Just moved here!
We really would like to see the community center built. In the future if nothing is available I will be driving outside of Lonsdale to do family activities.
If we were not so involved with church and family activities we would probably participate more in community activities
Would love to see walking oaths cleared in winter months, Would love to see future plans for parks in the Willow Creek Neighborhood. Would love to have a park within a walking distance not sure why singing hill has a park with only a dozen homes and there is still no park in Willow Creek Heights and have heard its plan is for ball fields and open space - no play equipment new construction mess
All you do is spend money where do you think us senior citizens will get the money to pay for all this taxes went up last yr and again this year, we live on a fixed income and do you care!!! No
More nature trails are a plus, in preserving the beauty of this beautiful town
Lonsdale is a great community to live in. I would like to see the town tied together more through sidewalks to and from blocks as well as the to the walking trails. More exercise classes to use the new school gym or community center would be exceptional.
Holders for poop would be nice along walkways or signs that request people to pick up after their animals. 18 holes Golf Course would be great!
Will the community center be located in Harmony Meadows development as first planned? Or will it go out of town on Highway 19 as everything else does? Bike Trails are segmented connecting them would provide better utilization of trails
Community Days and parades are great. Would love to see a few more restaurants available in Lonsdale.
Tennis courts at the Singing Hills Park. Please need larger park in the SE.
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Biggest priority is to have bike path from Jaycee Park to new M-L East Elementary School
Taxes are going too high each year. I don’t have my basement finished and paying over $2,000 is to high for Lonsdale. Northfield is cheaper than we are.
We live in Willow Creek Heights and have been waiting for 3 years for a park to be constructed in our neighborhood. We need a convenience park for our kids to play in. We currently go to the Jaycee Park but we have to drive. We were told it be near Parkview Ct. SE and the bike trail currently dead ends where the park is supposed to be.
Website needs to be updated it isn't very helpful. Need a trail system; many people tend to leave Lonsdale to enjoy those activities that use a trail system. We frequent Eden Prairie for their trail system and parks. If Lonsdale had a trail system, we wouldn't leave Lonsdale for that activity. It would be nice if Lonsdale had some family programs that could include families with young children. Because Lonsdale doesn't we find that every once in awhile we sign up for something in Apple Valley. We would love if Lonsdale had more programs for families because it would meant that we wouldn't be pumping money into their businesses we could spend it here in Lonsdale. As for the nature aspect Lonsdale needs to quit draining them to just put up more houses that are going to sit vacant. And for the few wetlands that we have signs need to be posted that motorized vehicles are prohibited. Lonsdale has lacked in that department and its sad. The fact that my neighbors and myself need to call the cops when 4 wheelers rip through our back yards because the city won't put up signs telling 4 wheelers to stay out of the wetlands. Our dog has almost been run over twice. We have found wildlife and nests dead because they were run over. I think the city should be fined 500 a day until a gin is put up. We are considering moving to another city to a home that is in a quieter area. When we built, we thought we had that home. Our home/property backs up to the wetland preserve that is across from the school. Because of the problems with the 4 wheelers (which the police do nothing about) we have told friends and family not to buy in Lonsdale. I know that 3 of my neighbors have done the same.
Keep the street lighting at a minimum. Not to bright so you cant see the stars at night.
No more baseball diamonds
It would be nice to have a roller-skating or even ice-skating rink or some kind of fun family activity. For example triple play sports in Prior Lake, has putt putt, batting cages, arcades, highly supervised and is inexpensive and very fun for all ages
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The old catholic school could have been a community center, could have been remodeled. Leave Lonsdale the way it was. Many people like living here because it is small and the government was small. Now Lonsdale is trying to match other communities like community days, winter parade, and festivals. I’ve been to all of them and they are terrible and embarrassing. Leave Main St. along. There is nothing downtown, why waste money on 2 blocks. Lonsdale's government is trying to hard and getting to big. Property taxes are high enough.
Need tennis league. Level ground trails and the community center answered was weighted with indoor tennis and racquetball
The reason I checked the bike walking trails is dissatisfied was because I felt there were not enough trails. However the trails we do have seem adequate as far as upkeep.
Use Sheriff instead of police, ensure weeds are mowed in unsold lots. Allow residents to utilize backyard drainage easements to build fences on the property lines.
Please try to attach the walking trails together. They just end abruptly and is very frustrating.
We need more restaurants and businesses. Also taxes cannot continue to rise. Make Lonsdale a one-stop city. I have to leave Lonsdale to do most everything with the exception of grocery shop. Our elected officials have to do better with the budget or people will move.
Please invest in recreation. Families want it. Strong communities also need options other than baseball. Advertise on both mediacom and video venture sites
More info on sports and activities for children
This city would benefit greatly with the addition of a dog park. My husband and I enjoy living in Lonsdale.
I answered the questions that I could. I am a new resident
Need biking /hiking areas for kids and adults and a trail system that connects all parks.
Don't know the names of the parks
Don't know the names of the parks
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A sidewalk along 19 and trail to school should be first. In regards to the community center what's wrong with the school
I am a snowbird this year and left in November. Returning in two weeks in February then back to Arizona. I have the water shut off to my unit, which is half the time so I wont say to much and let those there more decide.
We already have a community center with the school
Make Lonsdale Days bigger! Make Lonsdale cool for once!
Absolutely not on the community center. Out taxes are high enough. Lower or taxes and find more jobs for people in town. Bring in more factories.
Tennis Courts
No maps or locations of the parks. A community center is very important and any successful community has a community center to keep the kids off the streets. I should know because I grew up with a YMCA and if it were not for that one can only imagine what kind of mischief I would have gotten into? You really need to make a park and trail map that people can pick up at the local stores.
We do summer baseball program - very good program. We need a trail along side to the new school - our family does bike rides but we have to go to the Sakatah Trail because there isn't a good bike trail to get on. When we walk the dog we walk on the shoulder of 4 down to the trail by the school. Would like a community Ed book like Montgomery and New Prague
We would stay in Lonsdale if they were offered. We need crosswalks across Highway 19.
During Community Days we would like to see a volleyball league tournament happen. Go Aces! Get more town people to go the Aces Game!
It would e nice to see a better place for the fireworks
Taxes are too high
Absolutely not for community center. There aren't many sidewalks or bike trails we need more. I would like to see new developments have sidewalks for safer areas for kids than the road.
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Property taxes should be the last place we go for money! Out taxes are higher than St. Paul taxes and I don't think we have quite as much to offer here.
I am against all Stop asking all these crazy things. All of us are seniors and we don't need this kind of thing so stop it and leave it to young kids only. There are lots of people against it.
SW Water main seems to have large iron deposits,
The bike / walk trails
I do work a lot and my wife stays at home with our 2-year-old girl. We are talking about doing something not sure what.
A few areas in the trail have caved in and have pothole areas.
Slow down the growth of town. Setup a siren in town for tornadoes so it ca be heard with my windows are closed. It used to be on the old water tower and it was heard.
The speeding that goes on 7th Ave. NW is bad. I have told the police to sit in my driveway and get people for speeding. Nothing has been done and I have talked to them a few times.
If I would know more about the parks, I would use them more often. It would be nice to get better restaurants and give Main St. a newer look.
How about swimming. More ice skating, and more info on youth sports ie. Baseball Sports
Snowplowing really needs to be improved.
I think we need a sand volleyball court in the Willow Creek Heights Development. What are we supposed to do with another ball field?
Would like to see indoor hockey/ice arena
What such an expensive "Liquor Store" for our town. We need a family restaurant that is open evenings.
We are very happy with the direction the city is going, growing and adding more businesses. He main thing I would like to see is to get rid of all the hanging power lines on Highway 19 going thru town. I think it would so much nicer with decorative light posts similar to Chaska’s. That city is so inviting and near and pleasing to the eye.
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We need a community center with an indoor pool
More Golf
Now that we have an alternate route besides 19, we should close 19 for community days so that things are not so separated so that we can celebrate our town heritage together as a town.
We need a mayor with only one face and one that does not profit when Lonsdale expands. If Tim wants a (community center) have him pay for it, that way he can get his picture in the newspaper again.
Once a warming house goes in at the Jaycee Park, I would like to see a figure skating rink along with the hockey rink, so both could happen at the same time. We need more soccer, football, and fields. If you don't play baseball/softball you're out of luck in Lonsdale. Most of the new residents grew up in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Farmington, etc where they had more than baseball to offer and probably like to offer other sports activities to their children. I think we already have enough baseball fields. Has anyone in Lonsdale ever heard the term "Soccer Mom?" What soccer? Let's concentrate on variety for a while. How about sand volleyball? Not Rice County Patrolled Please!
Snowplowing - As Senior Citizens we have to hire our snow removal. After snow has been shoveled and plowed after the street plowed 1/2 hour late the city comes again. Our street access is than blocked by this second pass. Why does it have to be done a second time?
Not all of us can afford website, then of course a limited program. So how have interest in Lonsdale community only. We have no email, no cable here. Innocent expensive humans more important, than disputing for respect.
Should've built a library instead of that liquor store, but I guess there’s no money in a library how sad
We are very pleased with the improvements to the Jaycee Park. Thanks for your up keep on the ice rink.
Lonsdale needs some sort of "pet/animal" patrol. It seems there is no one responsible for animal problems. We seem to have a lot of them in out neighborhood and each time we've called the police department, but they say don’t take care of those issues
Too Small of a Community Yet! We would like to see more walking paths that connect to each other and more passive parks areas that are more for quick picnicking, etc.
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Taxes are to high now - no new jobs all small companies, and they bring there own employees. Water is terrible - can't make a pot of coffee without scum. Need stores to shop in clothes, drug store, etc. Nowhere to eat unless you go to a bar. Do we really need another park?
Walking path is icy in winter, slippery in the summer due to poor drainage and algae growth. Also it is deteriorating in areas.
Would love you to use the land across from 8th St. NE from Fred's
The property taxes are already too high and increasing them higher for biking trails and community center is not acceptable to a lot of homeowners. We have already had too may increases for schools, liquor store, and traffic light, etc. You will be forcing people to move out of town and relocate. Many of us homeowners have been here 20 to 30 years have seen how new residents want to change this small town into a Bloomington or Richfield. Many of us came to this town to get out of the BIG RAT RACE and don't want all these extra Bells & Whistles, but the city thinks there is a unlimited amount of money to play with and is going to force people to move away!
Need a sidewalk from Baldwin St. to Fred's IGA
Snow plowing is very unsatisfactory some spots over the curb some spots 5 feet away from curb. New stop light in town is not needed and is a waste of money there are many more areas to spend the money or you could lower my taxes (which would be the right thing to do!) We moved out here to get wait from high taxes and horrible spending practices of the Twin Cities Metro Area.
Your doing a great job! Thanks! We could use a map outlining all parks. When entering our city the first site of the our industrial park looks terrible. The first businesses across from NAPA gives out city bad tastes much clean up around their buildings is needed. Planting of more trees in the Industrial Park would hide or bring more beauty to this area in the future. When is the new park be completed in Willow Creek Heights
Youth Center for Lonsdale adolescents- Where they can gather in a safe constructive environment after school and in the summer Pool Table, Basketball, soccer, summer time youth programs daytime programs
I don't need a raise in property taxes. I just got a raise on it for 2007 of $230 and I can't afford it. I am a cancer patient in remission and a young widow. I have lots of medical bills, plus my gas bill jumped up and we don't do anything to need it to be increased.
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Taxes are too high for a town this size. I think Main Street does not need a stop light or make over this town is just not big enough for such elaborate things. There are way to many parks for a town this size.
They need to do a better job of plowing closer to the curb. Most times they leave 2-3 feet unplowed out from the curb. Need more street lighting at the Highway 19 & 8th Ave. NE. Need more trails
As the population increases and neighborhoods become busier, the streets also become more dangerous/ we are unaware of any guidelines as to the types of vehicles allowed to park on our city's streets. Campers, large trucks, and trailers are the norm. These vehicles limit both visibility and space in the roadways. This certainly is a recipe for disaster. Dogs and cats seem to be running unchecked through our city. Is there a leash law? If so, how is this enforced and communicated to the general populations? There appears to be no building codes or covenants in place when private builders come into an established neighborhood. Type of home, two story, split entry, size, consistent with existing homes, privacy concerns with window locations and deck placement. None of these concerns are taken into consideration or discussed. In a conversation with City Hall, we were informed that if the home fits on a lot regardless of any of the above issues, the criteria is met as far as the city is concerned. Existing homeowners have little recourse and no voice in City Hall.
One of the reasons we selected our builder 4 years ago was that the lot he had available backed up to a future 20 acre park. Where is the park? This park should be completed before the park on Industrial Drive was started. Why was the trail that runs off Industrial Dr. and Willow Creek end in a ditch on Highway 19? How are kids (anyone) safely to cross Highway 19 to get to Fred's or future strip mall walking or on bike?
Love the baseball programs offered. Would like a library in town.
Only in favor of the community center if the city would get a rebate when it is paid for and money went back to original taxpayers.
I think we need police officers who do a little less "visiting" and more patrolling speeders. We don't have sidewalks to ride bikes on and with small children riding their bikes near the curb we don’t appreciate people driving fast past them.
Our taxes this year has increased significantly no need for more taxes let's use the tax dollars wisely and keep our location competitive with more attractive cities such as Lakeville
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Tennis Court needs work. Snow plows most snow to one side. Not enough streetlights. Water bill is extremely high.
The sidewalks on 19 are horrible and it is not safe to walk on the shoulder with kids. Keep the wrestling during community days.
The only thing missing in the Mayor's Report would be the total money received by Rud Construction as a subcontractor from the City of Lonsdale. (Mayor's Report) I wish he would not campaign this soon. If Tim R. thinks it's such a good thing for the city (Community Center) he can build it with his money and charge the people that (supposedly) want it. Plows in driveway - takes lots of our time to clean. Frustrated with Waste Management making us go to trashcan when bags are cheaper for our family. Yes for community center if we are not charged a fee for use of a community center for community members (City of Lonsdale residents).
We need a path going to new elementary school. It depends on what is going into the community center. We need an indoor ice rink in Lonsdale. Rather put $ to that.
Would like nicer walking trails around town and more trails instead of walking on the street. There needs to be a stricter law on leashes for dogs. I am tired of other people's pets running loose!!
The trail behind Westerman Lumber needs to be connected to the street or another trail. The trails should be kept in better condition during the summer when they are used the most. Many potholes too much run off from neighbor's yards, dirt, water, etc.
We would love a skate park more for kids to do.
Trails - nothing really connects from A to point B,
Kids need a place to go. Without a place to go / things to do - they will find "other" things to do"
I think Lonsdale needed a new rec center before we needed a new liquor store. Let the money made from the liquor store pay for the rec. center. We need more things for families to do. Lonsdale is a growing community with a lot of young families. It is to bad we have to go to other towns for movies, bowling, restaurants, and clothes shopping, school supplies, almost everything. Someone needs to recruit new and more businesses to Lonsdale to attract people to move here. The more we have to offer, the better it is for everyone.
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STRATEGIC PLAN
A Master Park and Open Space Plan strategic planning framework is guidelines and parameters to establishing a park, recreation, open space, and pathway system within the city. Key components include:
• Establishment of Goals and Recommendations • Addressing Maintenance and Operations • Marketing and Public Relations • Identification of Funding Sources
GOALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Provide and maintain adequate community and neighborhood parks and open space to meet the future needs of the community.
• Support funding for new parks equipment, improvements, and maintenance of new and existing neighborhood parks and recreational facilities. • Research and utilize a variety of funding sources for the acquisition, development, and renovation of park and recreation facilities; including but not limited to general funds, park and trail dedication funds, Minnesota DNR Outdoor Recreation Grants, Contributions from recreation and environmental groups, contributions from civic and service groups, and cooperative projects and funding with local businesses. • Accept parkland dedication only if it is consistent with the city’s minimum standards for parkland dedication and with the Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan. This includes type and location of land, park configuration, access, and parking and compatibility with the neighborhood and other recreational offerings. • Review and potentially revise the City’s park dedication ordinance to restrict regional storm water holding ponds and wetlands from being credited towards park dedication requirements and require that the suitability of land proposed to be dedicated for park and recreational purposes be reasonably located and suited for its intended use and that it have adequate frontage on public or private roads. • Carefully incorporate City infrastructure needs into park and open space acquisition. • Expand Trenda Park to Highway 19. • Expand Jaycee Park by acquiring the Rice County Highway Shop. • Explore use of open space near the Lonsdale Feed Mill for a community plaza.
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• Establish new neighborhoods parks in new developments consistent with the Comprehensive Plan that fill voids or needs of the city. • Implement the policies of Tree City USA to allow the city to apply for the designation. • Establish uniform park identification signage. • Obtain first rights of refusal for desired parkland. • Revise the subdivision ordinance to require wider trail corridors in new development.
2. Connection existing and new neighborhoods to downtown, commercial areas, schools, and other points of interest with trails.
• Support and promote and strengthen the Czech Area Heritage Bike Route as a community and regional amenity. • Require trails on all new collector roads. • Require sidewalks on a minimum of one side of all new streets in new subdivisions. • Develop a looped trail around Lonsdale that connects to existing and emerging neighborhood or recreation centers; exact routes will be determined with successive stages to development. • Support and/or develop trails along Highway 19 to connect both ends of the City to downtown. • Reuse of the remaining railroad bed, as a pedestrian/bicycle way is an important organizing feature unifying the future development of the city. • Locate neighborhood parks and streets to create easily accessible parks and strong connections to other gathering places in the city by trails or bike routes
3. Promote park and recreation programming in the City of Lonsdale for all ages and abilities.
• Work with the Montgomery-Lonsdale Community Education on recreation programming. • Work towards a City Community Center to increase the City’s ability to provide programming.
MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS:
An important consideration in system planning is the expected maintenance and operations of system components. In this context, the lifecycle of a park or other
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system component is essentially the timeframe between when it is first purchased and developed until it is rebuilt/refurbished to serve evolving customer needs. In most cases, parks have a lifecycle of 15 to 20 years, although this will vary substantially depending on the specifics of the park in question. Maintenance of the park system is currently coordinated through the City’s Public Works Department.
Park maintenance tasks may occur on a daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal, and/or weather related basis. These jobs include but are not limited to:
• Litter and Garbage Clean-Up • Moving Tables and Benches
• Mowing and Trimming • Leaf Clean-Up
• Fertilizing Turf • Trail Maintenance
• Preventative Equipment • Fertilizing Turf Maintenance • Special Event Preparation • Equipment Repair • Snow Removal • Chemical Application Facility Repair and Maintenance • Flooding Ice Rink
A majority of the summer labor includes mowing of the city parks and trail areas. Trails are not plowed in the winter, and very limited plowing of snow in parks occurs during the winter months.
Goals
1. To maintain and rehabilitate existing facilities in accordance with their planned use, safety, and enjoyment.
2. To assure residents the best possible park experience though: attention to upkeep, including maintenance, safety, and cleanliness, replacement of worn or obsolete equipment and facilities; landscaping; and rehabilitation where indicated by changing needs or conditions.
3. To develop efficient maintenance procedures that preserves the environment.
Recommendations
1. The City should develop a maintenance plan that lists maintenance standards as a means to accurately budget for essential maintenance costs and provide for a refurbishment schedule. In order to compile
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the plan, the City may wish to request staff chart and report monthly on hours spent on various maintenance tasks.
2. The City should implement a maintenance plan which specifies when trails are patched, seal coated, re-graveled, re-chipped, or overlaid on a multiple year rotation. The trail maintenance plan will ensure trails ensure trails remain in good condition. The maintenance plan should be updated as use of trails increase.
3. All park equipment is inspected annually by a representative of the League of Minnesota Cities.
4. Add landscaping and trees to existing and new parks.
5. Develop a capital improvement plan for maintenance/redevelopment projects that have been identified in the proposed park improvement section.
MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS:
Promote marketing and public relations efforts will encourage the support and development of new and existing parks/pathways, promote the use of recreational facilities by residents of and visitors to the community, and increase the ownership of the parks within the City of Lonsdale.
Goals:
1. To educate the public on the variety of park and pathway opportunities within the community. 2. To promote a consistent theme to park and pathway development within the community. 3. To encourage public participation in the development of new/existing park and pathway opportunities
Recommendations:
1. The City of Lonsdale does not highlight each of its parks on the website that much. In addition, brochures should be developed describing each park and their facilities for the general public. 2. Lonsdale is a one of the communities that is highlighted in the Minnesota Czech Country Area. Further development of Lonsdale’s portion would benefit the community as a whole. 3. In order to promote ownership and a sense of community, it is recommended the Park Board continue to work with local organizations to develop and donate items within the parks. It is recommended the Park Board establish a “wish list” with items identified within the Master Park and Open Space Plan so when groups/individuals want to donate an item
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they can review the list to determine what best suits their desires. Furthermore the City of Lonsdale should develop a way to recognize the community involvement and dedication to the Lonsdale Park System by formally recognizing them.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES:
Several resources are available to assist the City of Lonsdale in providing adequate parks, trails, and facilities for residents. Following is a list of typical sources:
1. Property Taxes 2. Park Dedication/Fee In-Lieu of Parkland Dedication Requirements 3. User Fees 4. Volunteer Hours/Labor 5. Donations by private individuals, civic organizations, organized groups, etc. 6. Grants
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