Chapter 6 Parks

Parks are often cited as people’s favorite places. They are the places people go to have fun, relax, and play. Whether it’s a place to fish, take a quiet walk through the woods, or go on a vigorous run with the dog, a high-quality park and trail system has something for all ages and abilities.

Benton County has acknowledged the importance of providing park, trail, and open space opportunities that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. Parks and trails are essential to promoting community health and wellness, connecting individuals and families to ecological education and stewardship, promoting cultural understanding, and fostering economic viability.

The Parks chapter will serve as a implementation guide for future investments to the County’s parks and trails.

89 Parks The County completed a master plan for the Existing development of the park in December 2005 and amenities include restoration of the natural prairie, provision of picnic shelters, provision of hike and Conditions ski trails, wildlife viewing blinds and observation areas, and a preserved historic farmstead. A notable Benton County includes a variety of county parks, outcome of the Bend in the River Master Plan was trails, and natural areas that provide access to the the construction of a canoe landing. outdoors for residents and visitors (see Figure 6.1). This system is further complemented by regional Benton Beach and local parks. The County’s park and trail system is (30 acres)

further defined throughout this section. Features of the park include a County Parks campground with County Signature Parks tent and RV sites, a restroom and Signature parks are larger in scale, provide active shower house, and a picnic shelter. Lakeview Center and passive recreation, and typically provide access is a 100-person capacity conference center with a to regional destinations such as lakes, rivers/creeks two-story deck overlooking Little Rock Lake. Both the or forests. These parks are designed to serve a large conference center and the picnic shelter are available number of park users throughout the county. Users for rent. For athletic and recreational facilities, the are typically traveling longer distances (up to 30 park provides a playground, horseshoe pits, sand minute travel sheds) to access these parks. Features volleyball courts, a softball field with backstop, a unique to the County’s signature parks might be a basketball court, and a disc-golf course. public beach, campgrounds, large rentable picnic shelters, multi-use open spaces, restroom facilities, and larger play areas. Today, there are two signature parks in Benton County:

Bend in the River (289 acres)

This land was acquired by the County in 2002 and is the largest county park in the system. The park includes 3,300 feet of undeveloped shoreline along the Mississippi River. Scenic views of the river bend and islands in the Mississippi River are one of the park’s main attractions.

90 Benton County 2040 Comprehensive Plan County Community Parks These parks are smaller and scaled for community or family gatherings, or for access to lakes. Typical amenities include passive open spaces, access to water bodies, picnic areas, and restroom facilities. Community parks generally have a closer service area, attracting visitors up to 15 minutes away.

Mayhew Lake Park (4.4 acres)

This park currently provides boat access to Mayhew Lake and has a picnic area. Amenities include an improved boat launch, fishing pier, picnic tables, and grills. Portable restrooms are provided.

Rose Anna Beach (0.6 acres) Rose Anna Beach (top image), St. Regis Park (bottom image) This park serves as a neighborhood-scaled park, providing a picnic table, and a grill. During the winter County Natural Area Parks months, the park provides access to Little Rock Lake. These areas are intended for passive recreation St. Regis Park (0.6 acres) uses such as walking and nature enthusiasts. These areas are unlikely to develop with recreational This neighborhood-scaled park provides picnic amenities. These areas are intended to be preserved, tables, grills, and portable restrooms for park visitors while providing residents access to nature. Future to access Little Rock Lake for picnicking, fishing, amenities may include non-paved trails, seating and ice fishing. Limited vehicle access during the areas, informational kiosks, and picnic tables. winter prevents erosion of the shoreline during the warmer months. Residents have indicated that future St. George Township Park (17 acres) priorities for this area include: installation of hardy, native plants, educational or interpretive markers, St. George Township Park is undeveloped at this and the installation of a canoe launch. time. Land was acquired through a generous donation by a county resident, and deed restrictions indicate the future use is for wildlife habitat and study of the natural area.

Wapicada Village / Mayhew Park (12.5 acres)

Wapicada Village / Mayhew Park is undeveloped at this time. The terrain and location in the Watab Creek floodplain make it difficult to access or develop as a viable park today. An abandoned railroad right-of-way, now privately owned, traverses the Mayhew Lake Park property.

91 Parks Regional and State Parks Benton County does not have any regional or state Past Planning parks. Regional and State parks in close proximity to Benton County that offer recreational options for Efforts residents include the Sherburne National Wildlife

Refuge, Rum River State Forest, Crane Meadows A variety of plan documents were reviewed during National Wildlife Refuge, and St. Wendel Tamarack the planning process. These plans and supporting Bog Scientific and Natural Area. planning/policy documents have been created over the last 10 years and provide a foundation for Trails developing this chapter. The following is an inventory County Trails of relevant findings from this plan review. Benton County has developed some trails within Benton County Parks, Trails and its park system including at Bend in the River and Open Space Master Plan (2002) Benton Beach. These internal trail networks provide This Plan identifies and prioritizes existing parks, pathways for walkers and runners within the trails and natural resource areas within the county signature parks. The County does not own or operate that have a high potential for public use and any trails outside of its current park system. The enjoyment. In some respect, the plan today has been majority of the existing trails in Benton County fall viewed as too aspirational from a programming under municipal jurisdictions and the state. However, and budgetary standpoint. The 2002 Master Plan this Comprehensive Plan recognizes the desire to provided a foundation for shaping the Parks Chapter build a more cohesive network of trails identified of the Comprehensive Plan and its recommendations. in the Regional Active Transportation Plan (2015). These routes are identified in Figure 6.2. Regional Active Living Transportation Plan (2015) State Trails The Public Health Divisions of Benton, Sherburne, The Mississippi River defines Benton County’s Stearns, and Wright Counties, worked together western border between Sherburne and Stearns under the Statewide Health Improvement Program County. The Mississippi River Trail (MRT) bikeway (SHIP) to develop a Regional Active Transportation follows the river roughly 600 miles from its source at Plan (ATP) that identifies a set of strategies to Itasca State Park to the Iowa border. Located largely be implemented by SHIP staff and/or community on road shoulders, the route also includes segments partners in the region for pedestrians and bicyclists. of scenic state, regional and local trails. Minnesota’s For this plan, a Regional Network was identified that route, sometimes on both sides of the river, totals connects the nodes and corridors in the region. The more than 800 miles. Portions of the MRT are Regional Network represents high-level, conceptual located in the cities of Rice, Sartell, and Sauk Rapids connections between important regional origins and (see Figure 6.3 and Figure 6.4). The MRT is intended destinations and does not identify specific street to extend all the way to the Louisiana Delta Region routes, or facility types. The Plan serves as a guiding at the Gulf of Mexico - some 3,000 miles. document in helping prioritize trail investments throughout the region.

92 Benton County 2040 Comprehensive Plan Figure 6.1. Existing County Parks RR oo yy aa ll tt oo nn Õ25 21 22

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94 Benton County 2040 Comprehensive Plan 44 | Regional Active Transportation Plan Figure 6.3. Mississippi River Trail (Map 1 of 2)

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97 Parks Active Living Emerging Trends A healthy recreation and park system equals healthy residents. People who engage in regular physical & Opportunities activity are healthier and happier. When people have access to parks, trails, and recreation, they exercise

Benton County recognizes changing and emerging more. In addition, increased exposure to natural trends that are influencing how people play and use areas has been linked to improved physical and park facilities. The following list includes trends that psychological health. Benton County’s Public Health have emerged locally and nationally over the last Department can serve as a resource in helping ten years that serve as potential opportunities for promote active living goals, while seeking funding Benton County. Whether the trends are on the rise or opportunities to enhance the park and trail system. in decline, they are worth noting as they may affect Fiscal Constraints Benton County residents in one way or another. Many communities are dealing with tight budgets Access to Water due to the economic downturn in the past ten Benton Beach and Bend in the River have become years, as well as the impacts of the retiring baby popular tourist destinations in part due to their boomer generation. In an effort to address these relationship to water (e.g., the Mississippi River). fiscal constraints, some counties are deferring Visitors and residents are participating in more non- maintenance in the upkeep of their parks and motorized water activities, such as canoing and recreation system. This approach can result in a paddle boarding. As the County improves its park backlog of operations and maintenance costs that system, consideration should be given to creating lead to a negative perception and decreased use of better access to the river and lakes. As part of this the park system. effort, the County will need to be aware of invasive Residents and stakeholders have expressed the species, and ongoing implications to erosion and importance that parks and trails play in their quality sedimentation. of life. Numerous studies have shown that residential property values increase as investments are made to the park and trail systems. Parks and trails can also positively affect commercial property and can be catalysts for development. For example, bike trails are growing in popularity and trail heads are being promoted as tourist destinations by other counties. New businesses (e.g., restaurants, bike shops, bed and breakfasts, and gift shops) are looking to locate along these corridors to meet the needs of visitors.

98 Benton County 2040 Comprehensive Plan Greenway Corridors and Trail Connections Today, trails have become part of greenway corridors that provide wildlife habitat and movement corridors, open space vistas, water treatment benefits, and the opportunity to interpret local history and culture. As part of the County’s trail planning efforts, best practices should be applied that enhance and protect natural resources and water quality.

Natural Resource Management The need and awareness to be environmentally sensitive in the way residents and visitors impact the county’s natural surroundings is ever increasing. Benton County recognizes that in order for change to occur it must start by adopting goals and standards to protect resources for future generations. These goals are reflected in Chapter 3.

Reconnecting with Nature A larger emphasis is being placed on regional Placemaking & Memorable destinations, especially at the county level. Regional Experiences destinations provide a different level of service that cannot be offered at the city level. County parks More communities are building parks and facilities typically provide opportunities to reconnect with that facilitate placemaking opportunities (e.g., nature in larger, rural landscapes and serve visitors festivals, concerts, events, and places to gather). The at a regional scale. Benton Beach and Bend in the Project for Public Spaces (www.pps.org) describes River serve this role. “Placemaking” as a process that facilitates creative patterns of use, paying particular attention to the Safety physical, cultural, and social identities that define Safety was listed as a key value to the Benton a place and support its ongoing evolution. The rise County Park Commission as part of this process. of social media has also played a significant role Residents value the safety they feel living in Benton in how people capture (e.g., sharing photos) their County and desire parks and trails that promote memorable experiences. Residents have cited Benton safety. Future investments in the parks should Beach and Bend in the River as two county amenities take into consideration Crime Prevention Through that have shaped memorable experiences in the Environmental Design (CPTED). CPTED are design county park system. principals that help reduce crime (e.g., lighting and open sight lines).

99 Parks Peer County Comparison Future Needs The counties selected for the Peer County Comparison include Freeborn, Goodhue, Isanti, In order to evaluate the future needs of Benton McLeod and Steele County (see Table 6.1). The County’s parks and trails, several methods were survey focused on the size of their system, emerging utilized: needs, department organization, and operations and • Peer County Comparison: A peer review maintenance needs. of similar counties was conducted to better understand emerging trends and needs at a Peer Review Findings county level. Findings from the peer review indicate the following: • Travel Shed Analysis: The County parks were • Benton County’s park system is similar in size to evaluated using a level of service analysis to its peer counties (see Table 6.2). determine if residents have adequate access to • There is a growing demand for more walking trails recreational opportunities. or pathways within the Benton County Parks and • Park Dedication Review: An overview of the peer counties. County’s Park Dedication Fee was documented to • The peer counties are experiencing a decrease determine available resources for future park and in outdoor picnic rentals. However, the counties trail improvements. are seeing an increase in rental facilities that • Park Commission Engagement: The Park offer modern amenities (e.g., air conditioning and Commission was actively engaged throughout the restrooms). planning effort. Their input was utilized to help • The demand for camping sites has risen, in share the plan’s recommendations. addition to electrical sites for recreational vehicles/campers. • County residents and visitors are looking for a stronger connection to nature through passive open spaces.

Table 6.1. Peer Community Context Comparison

Context Benton Freeborn Goodhue Isanti McLeod Steele Population (2017) 40,128 30,550 46,562 39,553 35,884 36,828 Households (2017) 16,012 13,121 19,205 14,710 14,675 14,489 Persons Per Household (2017) 2.44 2.28 2.38 2.66 2.41 2.50 Acres 260,986 461,426 498,888 289,970 324,334 276,487 County Seat Foley Albert Lea Red Wing Cambridge Glencoe Owatonna County Seat Population (2017) 2,717 18,032 16,572 8,868 5,519 25,922

100 Benton County 2040 Comprehensive Plan • Benton County and the peer counties are seeing Travel Shed Analysis a stronger demand for mountain bike trails, which The following information offers one lens through has resulted in competing interests and conflicts which to view the state of Benton County’s park between other users (hikers and skiers). system. Typically park planning is done through • The peer counties are placing a larger emphasis a level-of-service analysis, which measures the on creating regional destinations, while number of parks and their size, the type of amenities maintaining existing assets and amenities. This offered in each park, and a resident survey/ has resulted in the counties pursuing regional assessment to determine their needs. These findings designation for their parks through the Greater help shape specific recommendations for each park. Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission. This analysis looks closer at the County’s Signature • The peer counties are actively chasing grant Parks (Bend in the River and Benton Beach) and their funds to help offset costs. Park Master Plans service areas from an access/mobility perspective. have played an important role in helping secure Figure 6.5 and Figure 6.6 demonstrate that both funding. of these parks are within a 10 to 30 minute driving • There is a growing demand by County residents to radius. This standard is used as a typical baseline for see more investments in the park system. assessing gaps in the county system. Based on these radiis, Benton County’s Signature Parks serve most if not all of its residents. Underserved areas include far reaching areas along Benton County’s eastern border.

The travel shed assessment assumes that everyone has access to the County’s Signature Parks by vehicle. Accessing these parks by bus, bike or foot is limited. Benton County should explore opportunities that provide better connections for these users. The Transportation Chapter in this Comprehensive Plan and the Regional Active Living Transportation Plan (2015) provides guidance on how to improve these connections.

Table 6.2. Peer Community Park System Comparison

Park System Benton Freeborn Goodhue Isanti McLeod Steele Number of County Parks 4 4 1 6 6 4 County Park Acreage 338 266 25 684 571 23 State/Regional Parks (Acres) 0 0 78 244 0 0 Indoor Regional Recreational 0 0 0 0 0 1 Center Total Park Acres 338 266 103 928 571 23 Percent of Park Acres to 0.13% 0.06% 0.02% 0.32% 0.18% 0.01% County Area

101 Parks Figure 6.5. Bend in the River Travel Shed

Figure 6.6. Benton Beach Travel Shed

102 Benton County 2040 Comprehensive Plan Park Dedication Review The County’s existing Park Dedication ordinance Benton County and fees collected to date were evaluated to determine available resources for future park and Park Land trail improvements. It was an also an opportunity Dedication to educate stakeholders on how these funds can be used according to state law. (Development Code Section

Minnesota State Law 10.12.2 - Ord. #373, adopted As part of the land development process, Benton 2/17/04) County may require a developer to dedicate land to the township for park and recreation purposes All new residential plats, including (Minnesota State Statute 394.25 Subd. 7 applies to plats associated with planned unit a County and 462.358 Subd. 2b applies to a City). developments, shall be subject to the park dedication requirements This requirement is typically addressed in a County’s prescribed in the Benton County Development Code or subdivision ordinance, and Development Code. In all new referred to as a park dedication. A park dedication subdivision plats, up to 10% (ten ordinance recognizes that with development there is percent) of the gross area shall be set an increased need for parks and open spaces. At its aside and dedicated by fee title or discretion, a county or city may require a developer easement to Benton County for public to meet those needs by choosing one or more of the recreation space. following options: In lieu of land dedication, the County • Pay a fee to the municipality (known as a fee in Board and Director may require a lieu) for future park investments; financial contribution. Historically, this • Donate land for park and recreational purposes; has been the most common approach. • Construct recreational facilities; and/or, • Privately reserve land within the subdivision for public park and recreation purposes. Table 6.3. Benton County Park Dedication Fees Collected Benton County’s Park Land Dedication Benton County approved a Park Dedication ordinance Year Collected in 2004 (see sidebar), requiring dedication of 2012 $4,200 park land or park dedication fees with all new 2013 $3,000 development. Since the establishment of the park 2014 $4,800 dedication ordinance, Benton County has collected 2015 $4,800 an annual average of $4,000 in fees (see Table 6.3). 2016 $600 The fees are collected if the County Board, at its 2017 $1,800 discretion, accepts a per lot cash fee in lieu of land. Historically, this has been the most common 2018 $7,100 approach. The fee may be up to 10 percent of the Average $3,757

103 Parks median undeveloped lot value as of the date of final 6.4). Benton County’s park dedication funds may plat approval, as determined by the Benton County be relatively small in nature; however, these funds Assessor. still serve as a resource for implementing new parks

Per State Statute (394.25 Subd. 7), the County and amenities. To help maximize these dollars, the must use at least 75 percent of these funds in the Township(s) and County should work together to find township or city where the collection occurred. The projects that provide regional benefits. township board may agree to allow the County to use these funds outside of the township in a Table 6.4. Park Dedication Fees Spent manner that is consistent with the comprehensive plan, master plan, or capital improvement program. Year Townships County

The Parks chapter also provides a long-term plan 2012 $0 $0 for future park and trail improvements that (in 2013 $0 $0 conjunction with other master plans) forms the 2014 $0 $0 nexus for establishment of park dedication. 2015 $10,722 $0 Using Park Dedication Funds 2016 $0 $0 2017 $8,000 $0 Table 6.5 summarizes Benton County’s 2018 Year End balance for the park dedication fees based on 2018 $0 $0 the 75/25 percent statutory requirements. A few Total: $18,722 $0 townships (i.e., Gilmanton, St. George, and Watab) have utilized their funds in recent years (see Table

Table 6.5. Benton County 2018 Year End (YE) Balance of Park Dedication Fees

75% Portion 25% Portion Township Township $ Township $ Township County $ County $ County YE Collected Spent YE Balance Collected Spent Balance Alberta $0 $0 $900 $0 $0 $1,223 Gilmanton $0 $0 $2,800 $0 $0 $3,600

Glendorado $1,350 $0 $2,700 $450 $0 $900 Graham $0 $0 $2,700 $0 $0 $600 Granite Ledge $0 $0 $4,050 $0 $0 $1,350 Langola $900 $0 $2,250 $300 $0 $1,200 Mayhew Lake $0 $0 $5,339 $0 $0 $1,761 Maywood $900 $0 $6,075 $300 $0 $2,025 Minden $450 $0 $8,438 $150 $0 $2,813 St. George $375 $0 $375 $125 $0 $6,325 Sauk Rapids $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Watab $1,350 $0 $11,587 $450 $0 $5,118

Totals $5,325 $0 $47,214 $1,775 $0 $26,914

104 Benton County 2040 Comprehensive Plan It is important to recognize these projects need to • Utilize existing park dedication funds as a local align with State Statute requirements (Minnesota match for grant applications. State Statute 394.25 Subd. 7). Per State Statute, • Identify park needs that provide regional benefits funds can be used for the acquisition and to multiple Townships within a specified area. development or improvements of parks, recreation Utilize park dedication funds to meet those facilities, playgrounds, trails, wetlands, or open needs; however, this may require a Township(s) space. Funds cannot be used for ongoing operation, to redirect their park dedication funds to an maintenance, or redevelopment of existing parks, improvement outside of their jurisdiction. recreational facilities, playgrounds, trails, wetlands, Table 6.6 is a tool the County and Townships can use or open space. to evaluate and budget for new improvements. In Moving forward, the Townships and County should general, the capital costs can be viewed as eligible work together in maximizing their park dedication projects that can be funded with park dedication funds. To achieve this objective, both parties should fees if they provide a “new” recreational amenity. consider the following: Ineligible projects include operation and maintenance • Determine the Township’s recreational needs needs. State Statute should be reviewed to and develop objective standards for the amount determine what constitutes as an eligible project. of recreational lands and facilities that will be needed to meet growth and development. At that time, redirect park dedication funds to those needs.

Table 6.6. Planning Level Cost Estimates

Annual O&M Estimated Park Element Capital Cost Notes & Assumptions Cost Life (Years)

New Park Development County Park $90,000/Acre $550/Acre 25-50 General Grounds & Landscaping Includes mowing, trimming, Mowed Turf Grass $60,000/Acre New Sod $1,000/Acre 15-30 fertilizing, weed control, (Irrigated) $34,000/Acre New Seed aerating & overseeding. Does not assume hydroseed. Mowed Turf Grass $30,000/Acre New Sod Includes mowing, trimming, $800/Acre 15-30 (Non Irrigated) $2,000/Acre New Seed fertilizing, weed control, aerating & overseeding. Irrigation $25,000/Acre $1,300/Acre 25 Contractual $6.50 Sq. Ft. ($282,600/ $.25 Sq. Ft. Landscape 20 Acre) ($9,250/Acre) Maintenance Prairie Restoration $5,000/Acre $300/Acre Naturalized Shoreline $100/LF $400/Acre

105 Parks Annual O&M Estimated Park Element Capital Cost Notes & Assumptions Cost Life (Years)

Low end - high end could be Rain Garden $10/Sq. Ft. $300/Acre up to $20/Sq Ft Assumes restoration of Woodland / Slope existing wooded area. $4,000/Acre $400/Acre Restoration $20,000/Acre if new tree planting required Park Building & Shelters Buildings with $300-$400/Sq. Ft. $11,000/Bldg./Yr. 40 Includes all buildings Restrooms Picnic Shelters $150-$200/Sq. Ft. $3,800/Bldg./Yr. 40 Includes all shelters Trails & Surfaces Trails (10 Ft. Wide $50/LF $5,280 Per Mile 30 Asphalt) Parking Lots (Asphalt) $2,500-$3,000/Stall $20-$25 Per Stall 40 Assumes 6 foot wide Sidewalks (Concrete) $30/Linear foot sidewalk $30/Linear foot if limestone Natural Surface Trails ADA or $5/Linear foot if $500/Mile - rustic footpath Park Amenities Includes 2-3 pedestrian Lighting $15,000 15 scale light posts Assumes 1 to 2 signature Nature Play Areas $50,000-$100,000 $1,000/Site 20 features and remainder natural materials Community Gardens $10,000-$20,000/Acre $800 Acre - Off-Leash Dog Park $10,000-$50,000 Acre $800 Acre 15-20 Includes 100’ long wood pier Fishing Pier $25,000 20 with railings Dock $10,000 20 Includes 40’ long metal dock Swimming Beach $15,000 25 Includes grading and sand Splash Pad $600,000 $5,000 15-20 Assumes open stage and Amphitheater $800,000 50 seating for 200+ Disc Golf Course $25,000 25

All costs are planning level costs in 2018 dollars and do not necessarily reflect additional costs, such as engineering, design, construction administration, and staff time.

106 Benton County 2040 Comprehensive Plan Parks Commission Engagement be the sole party responsible for managing and maintaining these parks over time. The Park Commission was actively engaged • Find opportunities to maximize and use the park throughout the planning process and served as a dedication funds (both county and township) guiding body in creating this chapter. The planning that enhance the County’s Signature Parks and consultant met with the Parks Commission on five Community Parks. occasions to discuss various aspects of the plan. • Townships who choose to use or transfer their • July 26, 2018 park dedication funds should provide the County a • October 16, 2018 township resolution. • February 6, 2019 • Find opportunities to start implementing the • March 27, 2019 Regional Active Living Transportation Plan • April 24, 2019 (2015) to provide better pedestrian and bicycle As part of these meeting discussions, the following access between county parks, townships, and objectives were identified to help guide the Parks cities. A short-term priority should include better Commission in their future decision making: connections between the City of Rice, Mississippi River, and Bend in the River. The City of Rice’s • Maintain and enhance Benton County’s Signature 2017 Parks and Trails Master Plan should serve as Parks and County Community Parks before adding a guide in helping inform this connection. new County parks to the system. • Actively pursue funding opportunities (e.g., • The County will only take on the responsibility of grants) that will support improvements to the managing and maintaining the existing County County parks and trail system. Parks and natural areas. Townships may choose to build new parks with their park dedication funds • Formalize internal roles and responsibilities in (in accordance to state statute) or through other planning, maintaining, and managing Benton financial resources. However, the Townships will County’s parks and trails.

107 Parks • Policy & Staffing:The implementation of Next Steps planning initiatives and capital investments require time and resources. In that respect, this category has identified additional staffing needs Parks are not mere expenditures, but an investment to help formalize a parks department and carry in the future well-being of individuals and groups, as out the priorities identified in this plan. This may well as the continued attractiveness and viability of also include policy revision to better align and the County. Based on the future needs assessment, support emerging trends and park needs. stakeholder input, staff direction, and guidance from the Parks Commission, the Parks chapter calls Ongoing Projects for a generalized list of projects that will focus on Equally important to the initial capital costs for a short-, mid-, and long-term action items (see Table project are ongoing operations and maintenance 6.7). These projects were informed by the objectives costs. Adequately budgeting operations and established by the Parks Commission in the previous maintenance ensures that facilities fulfill life section. expectancy and that parks remain safe and The goal of this type of implementation strategy welcoming. Investing in the park system is an is to prioritize larger initiatives. The County and important aspect of retaining and attracting Parks Commission will need to continue to evaluate residents, while improving their quality of life. individual park needs on an annual basis and In addition to the priority projects, Benton County program these improvements in a fiscally responsible should consider the following on-going initiatives. manner. • Continue a regular patrol of parks to provide for The priorities have been summarized into three the safety of park users. categories: • Periodically update and distribute the list of • Planning Initiatives: Planning initiatives typically available public park facilities, park maps, and include master plans, environmental studies or trail maps to the community and interested engineering design. These type of initiatives are groups. This can be achieved online or through typically done to help set the stage for future various marketing materials. capital investments. These types of initiatives help support a grant application by demonstrating • Continue to actively engage the Parks to the grantee that the project has been fully Commission as the guiding body for conceptualized and planned accordingly. recommendation to the park and trail system. • Capital Investments: Capital investments are • Identify and program improvements as part of the physical improvements to the built or natural County’s Capital Improvements Program. environment. This may include new buildings, land acquisition, environmental restoration, or park amenities (e.g., benches, signage or playground equipment). Capital investments should be programmed or considered as part of future Capital Improvement Plans (CIPs).

108 Benton County 2040 Comprehensive Plan Table 6.7. Priority Projects

Short-Term Priority Projects (1 - 3 Years)

Planning Initiatives Capital Investments Policy and Staffing Design, install and maintain Dedicate one full-time staff member Update the Park Master Plan for standardized park signage for all County to oversee park master planning and Benton Beach & Bend in the River. parkland and trails. day-to-day planning needs. Investigate the feasibility of implementing a county trail Create improved trail and pedestrian Update the County Park Dedication system that compatible with connections within the existing park Fee ordinance. the Active Transportation Plan systems. recommendations. Seek a regional designation for Bend Develop and implement a program Begin prioritizing and programing in the River through the Greater (e.g., skiing and snow showing paths) investments through the Capital Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails for year-round use in the County’s Improvement Programs process. Commission (GMRPTC). signature parks. Collaborate with the City of Rice in expanding the Mississippi River Trail (as identified in their 2017 Parks Mater Plan) by implementing an off-street paved trail along CSAH 2 between the Mississippi River, Bend in the River, and downtown Rice.

Mid-Term Priority Projects (4 - 7 Years)

Planning Initiatives Capital Investments Policy and Staffing Explore methods to integrate parks Implement improvements and Expand park staff to two full-time and trails with the networks of recommendations from the Benton staff members to oversee park master adjacent communities (cities and Beach and Bend in the River Master planning and day-to-day planning counties) and State facilities. Plans. needs. Begin investing in trail improvements that adhere to the Regional Active Formalize a Parks Department as Develop a Park Master Plan for Rose Living Transportation Plan and feasibility it’s own group or within a similar Anna Beach. report recommend as part of the short- department (e.g., Public works). term priority projects.

Develop a Park Master Plan for Re-establish a swim area at Benton Mayhew Lake Park. Beach.

Long-Term Priority Projects (8 - 10+ years)

Planning Initiatives Capital Investments Policy and Staffing Expand park staff to two full-time Seek opportunities through public or Implement improvements and staff members to oversee park master private funds for the establishment recommendations from the Bend in the planning and day-to-day planning of a new county park. River and Benton Beach Master Plans. needs. Investigate the feasibility of Implement improvements and implementing a county trail recommendations from the Rose Anna system that is in unison with Beach and Mayhew Lake Park Master Active Transportation Plan’s Plans. recommendations. 109 Parks Page Intentionally left blank

110 Benton County 2040 Comprehensive Plan