Vision Implementation Engagement Results Current to May 3, 2021 at 10:45 am
Introduction As the county’s population increases and becomes more racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse, gaps are increasing between users and the recreational facilities and services that Parks & Recreation offers. To meet changing community needs and interests, Parks & Recreation developed a new vision for its parks and recreation system: A dynamic, community-centered system that provides opportunities for our ever-changing community to engage with inclusive and welcoming parks and recreation sites and programming. To help realize this vision, stakeholders were asked to provide input and ideas that will help shape budgeting, planning and community engagement efforts over the next decade. Below is a running compilation of results from various virtual and online engagements beginning January 26, 2021. Learn more on the project website.
Compilation and Navigation This compilation combines results from live/virtual and online survey engagements, totaling approximately 668 to date. Over the course of this engagement some questions were refined or merged and results were combined to include all results. Results are presented alphabetically by question and generally remain as written by the contributor or documented by a facilitator. Minor edits have been made to correct obvious spelling or punctuation errors that affect clarity, remove vulgar words and NA / none / nothing responses where appropriate, or protect privacy; and if a survey respondent copied the same response for all or multiple questions, only the first was retained. Word clouds were generated via wordart.com.
All engagement opportunities included information about the Parks & Recreation system through this or a slightly shorter video, and began with this statement: Imagine it's five years from now and Parks and Recreation is making great progress on this vision. Thinking about yourself, family, and friends in Ramsey County parks, facilities, and programs. To navigate: Click on the hyperlinks in the table of contents below to jump to a specific section, and see the sections/questions listed in the footer on each page to know where you are.
Introduction ...... 1 Compilation and Navigation ...... 1 1. Demographics: Home ZIP code ...... 2 2. Demographics: Race, ethnicity...... 3 3. (Warm-up question) In the last few years, what have you, your family, or friends done in a Ramsey County park, facility, or program?...... 4 4. Where are you going, what are you doing, and when? ...... 17 5. What are you seeing? Hearing? ...... 28 3. Who else is there?...... 38 4. What do you love about this? How does it make you feel? ...... 45 5. What's different from today? ...... 54 6. How did those changes happen? Who shaped the decisions? ...... 64 7. What are 2-3 key actions we can take together to get these changes started? ...... 72
21st Century Vision Implementation: Demographics: Home ZIP code Page 1 1. Demographics: Home ZIP code This question was required for online survey respondents and requested for virtual participants. The map below shows the 660 valid ZIP codes provided except for 7 in the Albert Lea area south of Ramsey County near the Iowa border. See interactive map link here.
21st Century Vision Implementation: Demographics: Home ZIP code Page 2 2. Demographics: Race, ethnicity Responses to these questions were optional. To date, 650 have responded to race and 628 to ethnicity.
Race of Engagement Participants
American Indian or Alaska Native 5
Asian or Asian American 115
Black or African American 22
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 1
Other (please specify) 36
White or Caucasian 471
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
Hispanic / Latino / Latinx
Yes 17
No 611
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
21st Century Vision Implementation: Demographics: Race, ethnicity Page 3 3. (Warm-up question) In the last few years, what have you, your family, or friends done in a Ramsey County park, facility, or program? This question was asked almost exclusively in the online survey.
21st Century Vision Implementation: (Warm-up question) In the last few years, what have you, your family, or friends done in a Ramsey County park, facility, or program? Page 4 (Warm-up question) In the last few years, what have you, your family, or friends done in a Ramsey County park, facility, or program?
• Attend festivals • dog park • went swimming • beach • dog park • Bike riding, hiking and walking on • biking • Dog park the paved and unpacked trails • Checked out the river • Fire pit bonfire sign ups • Biking • Connected to nature • had a picnic • Biking • cross country skied • Hosted family gatherings • bird watching, wildlife observation, • cross country skiing • Lots of walks! walking/hiking • cross-country skied • Medallion hunting • Birding, hiking • Dog park • Picnic • Cross country ski, hike, bike, swim, • Dog walking • Picnic and exploring in wooded paddle, playgrounds • Fishing at twin lakes areas, skipping rocks, looking for • Had a picnic • Golf - Ponds leaves and wildlife • Hiked • had a picnic, went for a run, played • picnic, meet friends • hiked in dog park at the playground • picnics • hiked, dog walking, picnic, exercise, • Hike • played on playground equipment, meet friends to walk, enjoy the • Hike picnic areas color/nature • Just hung out, went swimming. • Ride bikes on trails • Hiking, sledding, ice skating, picnic, • Kids park • Run playground • photography • running • hiking/walking • Picnic • Running • hiking/walks • picnic • sailed small boat, swimming • I enjoy the fact that there is park • Played a park • Skated at ice rinks land, that not everything is • Played at parks/beaches • Sledding developed. • Rode bikes • snowshoe • Lots of picnics! • Skied on Paths • snowshoed • Mountain bike • sledding/skating • Swim • Picnic • Sliding, skating, hockey, nature • Took class • Picnic walks at tamarack • use dog parks (mostly Battle Creek • Picnic • swim Dog Park) • Picnic • Swimming • Used the tennis courts • Picnic at all 65 picnic tables at c • Walked and used playground • Visited with friends park- few use • Walked dogs • Volunteered to maintain trails • Picnic, hiking, bird watching • Walking and skiing • Walk • Played at a playground • Walking and skiing • walk and bike through parks • Played golf • walking paths, ice arenas • walk and bike through parks • Played hockey • We go to lake Phalen during the • Walked & Biked Paths • playground summer • Walked the lake • Playground • Went ice skating biked • Walking • rented a bldg however due to • Biking • We go to at least 3 different COVID was cancelled • Birding playgrounds • rented a bldg however due to • Birding • Went for a walk COVID was cancelled • • Cross country skiing • Went hiking Rented a shelter for bbq • • dog park • went sledding, went ice skating ride my bike • ski, hike, bird watch, fish, bike ride
21st Century Vision Implementation: (Warm-up question) In the last few years, what have you, your family, or friends done in a Ramsey County park, facility, or program? Page 5 • take walks with dogs Tamarack Nature Center. • Bike riding, hiking and walking on • taken a walk • Attended a Summer camp & the paved and unpacked trails • Tamarack preschool Halloween program • Bike, hike, garden, sledding, tennis • Took a bike ride • Attended Area Performance • bike, ski, hike • Took a long hike Events-music, drama, etc. • bike, walk • Took a walk • Attended events • biked • took a walk • attended graduation parties in • biked • Took a walk rented shelters • biked • took a walk and rode bikes • Attended homeschool classes at • Biked • took a walk, went geocaching, went TNC • Biked swimming at Lake Johanna • Attended Tamarack Nature Center • biked • Took walks, Nordic skiing Program • Biked • Took walks, Nordic skiing • basketball games • biked • Walk • basketball, tennis • biked • Walk • battle creek BBQ, Vento bike trail • Biked Battle Creek • walk • Battle Creek bike path • Biked on the paved trails • walk bike • Battle Creek Dog Park • biking • Walk, dog, exercise, fitness • Battle Creek dog park • Biking • Walk, swim, ponder, Thai Chi, boat, • Beach • Biking hike, explore, sledding, ice skating, • beach • biking snow shoeing • beaches, • Biking • walk/hike • bicycle • Biking • Walk/hike with my dog and • Bicycle • Biking occasionally with family members • Bicycle and walk the Bruce Vento • Biking • Walked Trail • Biking • Walked • bicycling • biking • walked • Bike • Biking • Walking • bike • biking • Walking • Bike • Biking • Walking • Bike • Biking • Walking / Hiking • bike • Biking • walking, biking • Bike • Biking • Walks • Bike • Biking • Walks, sledding, took grandkids to • Bike • Biking playground • Bike • Biking • We take at least a weekly walk in • Bike • Biking one Ramsey County Park or nature • bike on trails • Biking area • bike paths • Biking • went paddling! • Bike ride • Biking • went to nature centers, beaches • Bike ride • biking • Winter sampler activities • Bike ride • Biking along River corridor • Adventures with kids • bike ride, dog walk cross country • Biking in the parks • advocated with Friends of Island skiing • Biking in the parks Lake, Inc. for park improvements • Bike rides • Biking on road and off road • Attend festivals • Bike rides • Biking, walking, picnic!!!, • Attended a program through • Bike riding on the Gateway Trail celebration, youth community
21st Century Vision Implementation: (Warm-up question) In the last few years, what have you, your family, or friends done in a Ramsey County park, facility, or program? Page 6 engaging, don’t have knowledge that this • Cross country skiing • bird watched survey is available to change the • cross country skiing • Bird watched course of what community parks • Cross country skiing • bird watching can look like in the future and what • cross country skiing • Bird watching, picnics can represent the entire population • cross country skiing and biking • bird watching, wildlife observation, of Ramsey county. How are • Cross County Skied walking/hiking geriatric people able to take this • cross-country skied • Bird/animal watched survey when there’s limited ability • Cross-country skiing • Birding or knowledge or access to this • cross-country skiing survey. You’re reaching out to • Birding • Cycling, Cyclocross & Mountain mostly middle-aged white families. • Birding, hiking Bike Biased input. Please do better in • birdwatching • Daily dog park visits reaching out. I didn’t even know • birdwatching, nature photography, • Daily dog park visits to Battle Creek this survey was available or this family walks, picnics Dog Park plan for “change” was occurring • Birthday party • Daily walks in battle creek dog park until I accidentally stumbled across • Birthday party • the link on Facebook. Again, please Daily walks in Snail Lake park, also • boat do better. Thank you snowshoeing and skiing. • • Boat and ice fishing • Como Park offerings: lake walk, Daily walks, bike rides to Kohler • Boat launch Como Town, conservatory, events Meadows Park and played at park • with our kids Boat launches on lake • Connected to nature • • did kids skiing program Boating • consulted with park staff on prairie • • Boating restoration project Dig park • • Boating • Cross country ski Discovery Hollow and Garden • • Boating • Cross country ski Dog park • • Boating • Cross Country Ski Dog park • • Boating • Cross Country Ski Dog park • • Boating • Cross country ski Dog park • • Boating and Picnicking • Cross country ski Dog park • • Botanized • Cross Country Ski Dog Park • • broomball • Cross country ski Dog park • • Brought my dogs to the dog park, • Cross country ski, hike, bike, swim, Dog park • Walking with and without dogs paddle, playgrounds Dog park • • Canoeing on lake Phalen & • Cross country skied Dog park • connected waterways • cross country skied Dog park • • CC Ski, MT Bike, Dog Park, Running • Cross country skied Dog park • Trails, Beaches • Cross country skied Dog park • • Checked out the river • Cross country skied Dog park • • Church Service • cross country skied Dog park • • Community engagement means • Cross country skied once, Dog park also having a survey represent the snowshoed a few times, boated, • Dog Park diverse population, with 90% being kayaked • Dog Park white who filled out the survey so • cross country skiing • Dog Park far, how does that represent the • Cross Country Skiing • dog park diverse population of Ramsey • Cross Country Skiing • dog park county. Please do better. Go to • cross country skiing • dog park Hmong village, mail surveys, go to • • Dog park frog town, reach out to people who Cross Country Skiing
21st Century Vision Implementation: (Warm-up question) In the last few years, what have you, your family, or friends done in a Ramsey County park, facility, or program? Page 7 • Dog park • Family Picnic love. This course will be dearly • Dog park 3-5 times per week • Family picnics missed after the 2021 season. This • Dog park at Rice Creek & Battle • Family walks course was instrumental in being Creek CC • Fire pit bonfire sign ups able to golf during the 2020 • Dog park daily • fish pandemic. • Dog park rice creek • fish • Golfing at The Ponds of Battle • dog park visits • Fish Creek • Dog park! • Fish, walk, and picnic • Golfing at The Ponds of Battle • Dog park, walking • Fished Creek • Dog park. • Fishing • Golfing in the past • Dog park; wildlife watching; dog • fishing • Golfing, geocaching, ice skating walking; biking • Fishing and swimming • Gone fishing • Dog parks • Fishing at twin lakes • gone for bike rides • dog parks - many • Forest bathing • Gone on a bike ride • Dog Play • Frequent walks • gone to dog parks • Dog walk • Frog and Toad Survey • Got hit by a car • Dog walking • Geocached • Grad party • Dog walking • Geocaching • Group events • Dog walking • Go to dog parks • Had a family picnic • dog walks • Go to the dog park • had a graduation party • Dog walks, biking, kayaking, hiking, • Golf • Had a picnic playground, picnic • Golf • Had a picnic • Dog walks, bird watching, ice • Golf • Had a picnic skating, play soccer in the fields, • Golf • Had a picnic tennis • Golf • Had a picnic • dog walks/hiking • Golf • had a picnic • Downhill skiing, ice skating at • Golf • Had a picnic date in a summer arenas, golf, trails for running • Golf evening • • Driven around/through parks • Golf had a picnic, went for a run, played • Driven through as an escape from • Golf at the playground • pandemic claustrophobia • Golf - Ponds had a picnic. • • Eat • Golf at the Ponds at Battle Creek had family picnic • • Enjoyed exploring nature in the • Golf, dog park, county park had work meeting • woods and at the beach • Golfed at RC golf courses. Had written, produced, directed, • starred, for 14 consecutive years Enjoyed nature watching • Golfed at the Ponds • (2001 - 2014) on the stage at Como Enjoyed Tamarack and other • Golfed at The Ponds Park Lakeside Pavilion! playgrounds • Golfing • • haven't been there yet but looking Enjoyment of park • Golfing • forward to taking walks and seeing Exercise Classes at recreation • Golfing at Ponds of Battle creek birds and learning how to building with beautiful pollinator gardens • snowshoe Explored Discovery Hollow and abundant wildlife unlike other • Held a memorial service/picnic • Family gatherings county golf course plus a dynamic • hike • Family party well-loved golf course as PBC! • Hike • Family picnic Please keep this beloved 9-hole golf • • Family picnic course gem, a course all ages and Hike • • family picnic diverse backgrounds of people Hike • hike
21st Century Vision Implementation: (Warm-up question) In the last few years, what have you, your family, or friends done in a Ramsey County park, facility, or program? Page 8 • Hike • hiking • Ice fishing • Hike • Hiking • Ice skating • Hike • hiking • Ice skating • Hike • Hiking • Ice skating • Hike • hiking • Ice skating, picnic, playgrounds • Hike • Hiking • identify native plants • Hike, picnic, mountain bike, cross- • Hiking on trails at Battle Creek • In the winter during the pandemic, country ski • hiking sledding walking with and we went out to different parks to • Hiked without dogs walk and be outside. • hiked • Hiking, fishing, bird watching, • Jogged, walked, had meetings with • Hiked mushroom hunting friends, church events, a • Hiked • Hiking, sledding, ice skating, picnic, • jogging • hiked playground • Just hung out, went swimming. • hiked • hiking, used the water park, BBQ's, • Kayak • Hiked fishing, swimming • Kayak • Hiked • Hiking, walking, biking, sledding • kayak, paddleboard • Hiked • hiking/walking • Kayak/paddleboard • Hiked • hiking/walking • kayaked • hiked • hiking/walking • Kayaked and paddle boarded • Hiked • hiking/walks • Kayaking • Hiked • Honestly, with limited family living • Kayaking • Hiked locally, I have not done anything at • Kayaking • Hiked and climbed pine trees Ramsey County park facilities • kayaking • hiked in dog park • Hosted family gatherings • kayaking • Hiked trails • I am one of the stewards for the • Kayaking canoeing • Hiked trails Battle Creek dog park • Kayaking Rice Creek • hiked, dog walking, picnic, exercise, • I and my family took numerous • Kids park meet friends to walk, enjoy the walks. I am a runner and have run • Lakes color/nature on multiple trails. My family did • Lots of picnics! • hiked, preferably with the dogs some snowshoeing. I've done some • lots of walks • hiked, preferably with the dogs nature photography. • Lots of walks! • • Hiked, walked, and biked I enjoy the fact that there is park • Made out with my girlfriends in the • Hiked, walked, snowshoed land, that not everything is Parking Lots at Como Park! developed. • Hiked/ran nearly every day • made use of the dog park a lot • I walk almost every day and have • Hikes, cross country skiing • many hours of birdwatching, enjoyed Fish Creek, Carver Lake • Hiking snowshoed, sketched and painted, and Battle Creek parks & preserves • Hiking • Many walks • I walk my dogs at Battle Creek dog • Hiking • Many walks, bike rides park twice a day every day. • Hiking • Medallion hunt • I walk Villa Park daily • Hiking • Medallion hunt • I walk Villa Park daily • Hiking • Medallion hunt • I’m a St Paul resident who lives • Hiking • Medallion hunting near, and uses Como Park almost • • Met family Hiking daily. I’m barely aware of Ramsey • Met up with friends to chat • hiking county parks, which I’ve visited • • hiking seldom, if ever. Mini golf and treasure hunts (gnomes, cavemen, medallions, • Hiking • Ice Fishing
21st Century Vision Implementation: (Warm-up question) In the last few years, what have you, your family, or friends done in a Ramsey County park, facility, or program? Page 9 etc.) • Photo walk areas, skipping rocks, looking for • mostly used walking paths • Photography leaves and wildlife • Mountain Bike • Photography • Picnic and took Grandchildren to • Mountain bike • photography park • Mountain bike • Picked Mushrooms • Picnic at all 65 picnic tables at c • Mountain bike • picnic park- few use • Mountain Bike- a lot • Picnic • Picnic in a rental pavilion • mountain biked • Picnic • Picnic, hiking, bird watching • Mountain Biked • Picnic • picnic, meet friends • Mountain Biking • Picnic • Picnic, swimming, sledding, cross • Mountain biking • picnic country skiing • Mountain biking • Picnic • Picnic, walking, playgrounds, • Mountain biking • Picnic swimming/splashing, nature walk, • mountain biking • picnic forest school, sledding, ice skating • Mountain biking at Battle Creek • picnic • picnic, walks Regional Park; road biking on St. • Picnic • Picnic: hiked lake Phalen multiple Paul Grand Round, through Phalen • Picnic times, biked the gateway to Phalen and Como regional parks; food, • Picnic and around the lake. • beverage and performances at • picnic picnics • Como Lakeside Pavilion • picnic Picnics • • Mtn bike • Picnic picnics • • Nature trails • picnic Picnics • • Nature walk • Picnic Picnics • • nature walk/play • Picnic Picnics • • nature walks • Picnic Picnics • • Nature walks, journaling, • Picnic Picnics • meditation • Picnic picnics • • nm • Picnic picnics • • Nordic Ski, roller ski • Picnic Picnics • • Nordic skiing • Picnic Picnics • • Nothing • Picnic Picnics • • Nothing, never visited • Picnic Picnics • • off leash dog area • Picnic Picnics • • off leash dog park • Picnic picnics • • Off leash dog parks • Picnic Picnics at Carver Lake pavilion • • open space to lay and through the • Picnic Picnics, attended graduation parties, skating frisbee • Picnic • • Picnics, playground, ice skate, roller Our family has two picnics per year. • Picnic skate One in spring and one at the end of • Picnic summer. • Picnics, using playgrounds • Picnic • Outdoor Church Service • Picnics, walks, sledding, swimming . • Picnic • Owl program . .and other family activities. • Picnic • Park walks • PINE Program • Picnic • Parks • pioneer press treasure hunt • Picnic • Participants in activities offered • Pioneer press treasure hunt • picnic through Tamarack NC and the • place to stop at a calming natural • Picnic and exploring in wooded HANC setting to have lunch on workdays.
21st Century Vision Implementation: (Warm-up question) In the last few years, what have you, your family, or friends done in a Ramsey County park, facility, or program? Page 10 • Play golf • Playgrounds • Ski • Play on playgrounds • Playing in ponds • ski • Play tennis • Pollinator Program • ski, hike, bird watch, fish, bike ride • Playdates/Visiting a playground • Put on triathlons. • ski, hike, mountain bike, hang out • Played a park • Ran and enjoy day • Played at a playground • Ran through several trails several • Skied • Played at a playground times weekly, took walks, • Skied • Played at BC water park and • rec activities • skied playground • Relax • Skied Battle Creek • played at park • rented a bldg however due to • Skied on home groomed ski trail on • Played at parks/beaches COVID was cancelled Como lake • played at playground • Rented a shelter for bbq • Skied on Paths • Played at the playground • Rented equipment • skied, sledded • Played baseball • rented facility for large family • skiing • Played golf gatherings • skiing • Played golf • Rented space for large picnic • Skiing • Played golf weekly or multiple events • skiing times per week • Reserved picnic shelter for Girl • skiing • Played hockey Scouts event • Skiing on XC ski trails and mountain • Played hockey • Rice creek regional dog park biking in battle creek park, bicycling • Played on park • Ride bikes on trails on city trials, • played on playground equipment, • ride my bike • Skiing, hiking, used playgrounds, picnic areas • road biked golfed • Played with the dog • Rode bikes • Skiing, x-skiing, sledding • playground • Romantic walks • Sled • Playground • Run • Sled/snowshoe • Playground • Run • Sledding • playground • Run • sledding • playground • Run • sledding • playground • Run, hike • Sledding • Playground • Run/walk • sledding • Playground • Running • Sledding • Playground • running • Sledding • Playground • Running • sledding • playground • running and biking • Sledding • Playground • sailed small boat, swimming • Sledding • Playground and parks with picnics • Sat in parks and read. • sledding • playground equipment • Sat in the park and people watch • sledding • Playground time • seen too many invasive trees and • Sledding • Playground use shrubs • sledding • Playground, baseball fields, • several walks weekly, snowshoeing, • Sledding walking, ice skating, basketball, skiing, biking, fishing, picnics, • Sledding sledding, swimming canoeing, swimming, • Sledding • playgrounds • Skate with family of 5 on Como lake • Sledding • Playgrounds • Skated at ice rinks • Sledding • Playgrounds • Ski • Sledding
21st Century Vision Implementation: (Warm-up question) In the last few years, what have you, your family, or friends done in a Ramsey County park, facility, or program? Page 11 • Sledding • Swam Lake Josephine • Taking pictures and sightseeing • Sledding • Swim • Tamarack Nature Center • Sledding • Swim • Tamarack preschool • Sledding and ice skating • Swim • Took a bike ride • Sledding, hiked, explored, picnic, • Swim • Took a family class animal hunting with our littlest for • swim • Took a long hike tracks • swim, paddle board • Took a walk • Sledding, Ice skating • swimming • Took a walk • sledding/skating • Swimming • Took a walk • Sliding, skating, hockey, nature • Swimming • Took a walk walks at tamarack • Swimming • Took a walk • Small group meetings, mom group • Swimming • Took a walk meetings, play dates, picnics, hikes, • Swimming • took a walk bike trails • swimming • Took a walk • Snail Lake swimming and park • Swimming • took a walk • Snowshoe • Swimming • Took a walk • Snowshoe • Swimming beach • Took a walk • Snowshoe • Swimming, canoeing, and • Took a walk • Snowshoe picnicking • Took a walk • Snowshoe • Swimming, canoeing, fishing, • Took a walk • Snowshoe commuting • Took a walk • snowshoe • Swimming, soccer, kite flying • Took a walk • snowshoe • swimming/playground areas • took a walk • Snowshoed • Swinging • Took a walk • snowshoed • Swinging • Took a walk • snowshoeing • Swinging • Took a walk • Snowshoeing • Swinging • took a walk • Snowshoeing • Swinging • Took a walk • Snowshoeing • Swinging • took a walk and rode bikes • Snowshoeing • Swinging • Took a walk at TNC • Snowshoeing • Swinging • Took a walk to see the fall leaves • Snowshoeing • Swinging • Took a walk with family • Snowshoeing • Take a walk and night sky viewing • took a walk, played disc golf • Social work gathering • Take a walk daily • took a walk, went geocaching, went • Spend time at lakes and parks • Take many walks along the park swimming at Lake Johanna • Spent the day with family trails and sidewalks • Took a walk. • Staff Meetings at Pavilions • Take my dog for a walk almost • Took class • Stand up paddle boarding, every day • Took dogs to dogs to park playgrounds, beaches, hockey at ice • Take walks • Took long walks, biked on regional arenas • Take walks daily; if not weekly trails, went birding, went cross • Summer camp at Tamarack • take walks with dogs country skiing, went hiking • Summer camps • Taken a walk • Took many walks, runs, bike rides • Sunday Drive • Taken a walk • Took my dog to the dog park • Swam and waded at a beach, • taken a walk • Took picnics (bird/deer watching) rollerbladed on trails, picnic with • Taken many walks in Battle Creek • Took so many family hikes family parks • Took the dog to the park
21st Century Vision Implementation: (Warm-up question) In the last few years, what have you, your family, or friends done in a Ramsey County park, facility, or program? Page 12 • Took walks skiing, sledding • Walk • Took walks • visited and walked at Tamarack • Walk • Took walks Nature Center • walk • Took walks, Nordic skiing • Visited Como Park, zoo & • Walk • Took walks, Nordic skiing Conservatory • Walk • Top Spin games among friends and • Visited Discovery Hollow • Walk family • Visited dog park • Walk • trail run • Visited dog park • Walk • trail run • Visited playgrounds • walk • Trail Running, hiking • Visited the dog park • Walk • Trash pickup • Visited with friends • Walk a lot in parks! • tried winter sampler (snowshoe, • visiting dog parks • Walk and bike and ski trails at kicksled, cross country ski, and • Visitors dog park Battle Creek sledding) • Volunteer for Bills park clean up in • Walk and Bike ride and roller • Use Battle Creek Dog Park often. spring and fall skating • use dog parks (mostly Battle Creek • Volunteer invasive species control, • walk and bike through parks Dog Park) maple syrup ping, education • walk and bike through parks • Use the dog parks daily. • Volunteered • Walk and run • Used Battle Creek dog park • Volunteered for natural resource • Walk around Phalen Lake regularly • used boat landing benefits • walk bike • Used boat launch • Volunteered to maintain trails • walk my dog at Rice Creek North • Used kayak at lakes and boat • Walk Regional park daily landings • walk • Walk on paths • Used playgrounds • Walk • Walk on trails • Used the beach once a week in • Walk • walk on trails summer. • Walk • Walk the nature trail at Keller Lake • Used the beach/swam • Walk during the spring, summer & fall • Used the bike trails often. • Walk • Walk with family and or friends and • Used the dog park • walk or dog • used the library • Walk • Walk, bike on trails, swimming at • Used the Off-Leash Dog areas • Walk beaches, basketball • Used the playgrounds. The new • Walk • Walk, bike, wildlife watching, swim Battle Creek Regional Park • Walk • Walk, bike, xc ski, swim, birding playground and Discovery Hollow • Walk • Walk, dog, exercise, fitness play area are now our favorites. • Walk • Walk, Hike • Used the practice facility at The • Walk • Walk, picnic, sledding, classes, art Ponds (both the driving range & • Walk show, attended parties, putting green) • walk • walk, run • Used the tennis courts • Walk • Walk, swim, ponder, Thai Chi, boat, • Used the trails year-round • Walk hike, explore, sledding, ice skating, • Used to take the sled dogs out with • Walk snowshoeing my sled. • Walk • Walk/bike • Utilized programming at Tamarack • Walk • Walk/hike Nature Center • Walk • Walk/Hike • Visit Battle Creek dog park • Walk • Walk/hike • Visit dog park (daily!) • Walk • Walk/hike • Visit Tamarac-kids area, hiking,
21st Century Vision Implementation: (Warm-up question) In the last few years, what have you, your family, or friends done in a Ramsey County park, facility, or program? Page 13 • Walk/hike • Walked the dog • Walking • Walk/hike • Walked the lake • walking • Walk/hike • Walked the trails • walking • Walk/Hike • Walked the trails • Walking • Walk/hike • Walked through the parks and • Walking • walk/hike trails. • Walking • Walk/hike with my dog and • Walked to parks • Walking occasionally with family members • Walked trails, walk dogs on trails, • Walking • walked visited 3 dog parks with off leash • Walking • Walked dogs • Walking / Hiking • walked • Walked, biked, picked up colorful • Walking and biking trails • Walked leaves from ground • Walking and skiing • walked • walked, taken photos, removed • Walking and skiing • Walked invasive species • Walking in parks • walked • walked/hiked • Walking in the parks • walked • Walked/hiked trails • Walking lakes • Walked • Walking • Walking on natural trials, not • Walked • walking asphalt or cement pavement, is an • Walked • Walking escape in nature. • Walked • Walking • walking paths, ice arenas • walked • Walking • Walking the dog; playing at the • walked • Walking park with kids on the playground • Walked • Walking and fields; ultimate frisbee and • Walked • walking volleyball • walked • Walking • Walking the trails • Walked & Biked Paths • Walking • Walking the trails • Walked a trail • Walking • walking trails • Walked alone in the trails • walking • Walking trails • walked and biked the trails • Walking • Walking trails, picnic areas • Walked and used playground • Walking • walking with and without dogs • Walked BC trails • walking • walking, bike riding, playgrounds • Walked dog • Walking • Walking, biking • Walked dog • Walking • walking, biking • Walked dogs • Walking • Walking, biking. • Walked dogs • Walking • Walking, boating (canoe and • Walked dogs at dog parks • Walking kayak), dog park use • Walked in a park. Played golf many • Walking • walking, fishing, swimming, and times at the Ponds at Battle Creek • Walking playing and Keller • Walking • Walking, geocaching, picnics, • Walked in parks • Walking celebrating Indigenous Peoples day • walked in the parks with and • Walking at Mounds without a dog • Walking • Walking, hiking, bicycling, • Walked in trails • Walking snowshoeing • Walked on trails • Walking • walking, hiking, biking • Walked on trails • Walking • Walking, hiking, bonfire • Walked our dog • Walking • Walking, jogging around the Jewel
21st Century Vision Implementation: (Warm-up question) In the last few years, what have you, your family, or friends done in a Ramsey County park, facility, or program? Page 14 of Saint Paul, Como Lake! • walks/hikes • Went Sledding • Walking, Running, Running with • watched Birds, hiked in natural • Went sledding Stroller, Picnic/Grilling, Swimming, trails, watched wildlife • went sledding at Como Park Paddle boarding, canoeing, • Watching my kids play baseball, • Went sledding, cross-country kayaking, sledding, snowshoeing, basketball... skiing, and snowshoeing rented pavilion, volleyball • watching nature • Went sledding, walked dog, played • Walking, sledding, picnics, recently • Waterworks, walking at battle on playground, swam at beach took advantage of the winter creek parks • went sledding, went ice skating samplers • We are seniors. We have enjoyed • went swimming • walking, snow shoeing, summer walking in many parks in the • went swimming day camp, cross country skiing county, especially during the • went swimming • Walking, yoga pandemic. • Went to a dog park • Walking/Hiking • We discovered a new county park • Went to a park • Walking/hiking with kids and dog (Tony Schmidt Regional Park). It • Went to beach • Walks was a great discovery. • went to nature centers, beaches • walks • We go to at least 3 different • went to the beach • Walks playgrounds • Went to the park, hiked, skied, • Walks • We go to lake Phalen during the sledding, walked the dog, picnic, • Walks summer frisbee • Walks • We go to the dog park at rice creek • We've been snowshoeing • Walks every day weather is decent • We've hiked, had BBQs, fishing, • Walks • We like to hike family gatherings, swim, sledding • Walks • We take at least a weekly walk in and played at the playgrounds. • walks one Ramsey County Park or nature • We've taken many walks, had • Walks area picnics, sat in the park to watch • Walks • We tried kick-sledding and skiing fireworks for July 4th, watched • walks with dog (several times a for the first time with the Winter birds, and went sledding week) Sampler program. • When for a walk • WALKS WITH DOG! regular trails • We walk our dogs daily in Ramsey • Wildlife watching and off-leash parks county parks • Winter fun days • walks with family (occasional) • Went biking • Winter fun days • walks with human • Went birdwatching • Winter fun days • Walks, hikes, nature hikes • Went birdwatching and hiking • Winter sampler activities • walks, hikes, skiing, snow shoeing, • Went for a walk • Winter Sampler at Kelly Park canoeing, fishing, biking, picnics, • Went for a walk • xc ski • Walks, played at playgrounds • Went for a walk • XC Ski • Walks, played at playgrounds • Went for a walk • xc ski • Walks, played at playgrounds • Went for a walk with my parents • Xc ski • Walks, sledding, took grandkids to • Went golfing • Xc ski playground • Went Golfing • Xc ski at Battle Creek E and W • walks, snow shoeing, skating, • Went golfing • xc skied skiing, biking, fishing, picnics, • Went hiking • XC skied swimming • Went ice skating • X-country skiing • Walks, walks and walks during the • Went ice skating • X-country skiing pandemic especially. We live across • Went on walks • X-country skiing the street of east entrance to • went paddling! • X-Country Skiing @ Tamarack NC Crosby Farm Regional Park • Went sledding
21st Century Vision Implementation: (Warm-up question) In the last few years, what have you, your family, or friends done in a Ramsey County park, facility, or program? Page 15 • XX skiing • Yes, I go for walks daily at different • Yes. Rice Creek dog park. • yes parks.
21st Century Vision Implementation: (Warm-up question) In the last few years, what have you, your family, or friends done in a Ramsey County park, facility, or program? Page 16 4. Where are you going, what are you doing, and when?
21st Century Vision Implementation: Where are you going, what are you doing, and when? Page 17 Vision: A dynamic, community-centered system that provides opportunities for our ever-changing community to engage with inclusive and welcoming parks and recreation sites and programming.
Thinking about yourself, family, and friends in Ramsey County parks, facilities, and programs… Where are you going, what are you doing, and when?
• A big group indoor space that can • Attending one of many cultural • bird watching have special events festivals happening around the • bird watching • A family picnic, reunions, to county year-round. • Boat Fishing evenings encourage the use of the facilities • Aztec dancing or dancing • Boating and parks • Battle Creek Dog park with my two • boating and fishing with family • A park circulator shuttle takes dogs • Camping in a camper cabin within people to the park from around the • Battle Creek Watershed -- streams Ramsey County! city and hills. Walking with my wife and • canoeing • A place to Hike, enjoyment of the imagining hills from Hmong villages • canoeing scenery back in Laos --very nostalgic. • Canoeing and kayaking with family • A safe place to make friends • BBQ- Hanging out with friends and • Canoeing on the lakes in summer • Able to walk/bike to park facilities family • canoeing with our family wherever our home is - on the • Beaches, hiking, picnics, • CC-skiing in the winter evenings, weekends, and days off. playgrounds, SUP in the summer • Climbing through elaborate tunnels • Access to facilities, access to • Beaching and slides with my children at a drinking fountains and water to • Beaching playground like chutes and ladders wash your hands and feet, • Beaver Lake park • All the things I said before that we • Bicycling connected trails, Bruce • Covered picnic tables, good parking already do in the parks. Vento extended north of I-694 to • cross country skiing in the woods • All year round I am walking my dog make more connections • Culturally specific programming, and taking her to dog parks. • Bikeways with no pedestrian, on youth involvement in decision • Any season, my son and I enjoy own path making. Relevant program fishing. • biking offerings. Indoor and outdoor • Archery • biking programming. • Archery • Biking • Demonstration gardens where the • At the dog park • Biking all around Ramsey County on community is learning with Parks • at the tree house play area (for kids paved paths staff and with each other. and adults) • Biking along greenways • Development at Battle Creek • At wintertime I like to go on the top • Biking and Hiking Regional Park - take advantage of of the frozen lake • Biking and Hiking unique offerings. • Attending a unique community • Biking on a trail, getting up to • Different ways to garden or event. speed and pushing myself outdoor celebrations • Attending an art exhibit inside one physically • Dog park of the parks facilities. • biking on single track dirt trails • Dog park and walking trails • Attending community events - • biking on the off-road trails • Dog park, mountain hiking concerts in the park, movie in the • biking on trails with my family • Dog parks with access to potable park, book reading, etc. • Biking with kids (trails off-road for water and good garbage • Attending festivals/family events non-traffic safety) maintenance • Attending festivals/family events • Biking with my family at • Dog walk • Attending free programming in the summertime. • Dogs at off leash dog parks and all parks all over Ramsey County with • Biking, either on roads guilt-free or of the above my family and friends. on trails guilt-free. • dynamic welcoming places
21st Century Vision Implementation: Where are you going, what are you doing, and when? Page 18 • Early morning bird walk during summer • Going skiing and walking winter spring migration • Fishing and kayaking and walking in trails • Enjoying beautiful scenic views of summer • Going swimming with my family the waterways and river from • Fishing at an event or program. who are in town for the weekend battle creek from a nature setting • Fishing in the summer with friends • going to a sport complex to watch in the wilderness, not with asphalt • Fishing off docks my kids play trails or pavement • fishing summer and winter • going to beaches, ice arenas • Enjoying my time in reading • Fishing the lake with my spouse • going to beaches, ice arenas gardens that represent different • Fishing with
21st Century Vision Implementation: Where are you going, what are you doing, and when? Page 19 • Hiking at Battle Creek Park White Bear Lake and it is connected to prep our food for the week from • Hiking in the early mornings in all with Hardwood Trail. In addition, a local food suppliers with low seasons at Regional Parks. clear link exists to bike from Lake packaging. In the winter or during • Hiking in the spring Links Trail to Vento Trail. bad weather the market moves to • hiking in the woods, trails • I am biking the trails. an alternative location inside so • Hiking on an off-leash dog trail • I am biking through natural areas, that it is still accessible. • Hiking or walking both winter and • I am birdwatching in new areas • I am hiking and cross-country skiing summer with habitats that attract birds at • I am hiking with friends and a • Hiking the trails in Spring Summer risk because of loss of habitat due beautiful natural path. and Fall. Cross country ski in to climate and development. • I am in a conservatory filled with Winter. Swimming at beaches, • I am canoeing with family. indigenous plants and trees while biking on trails. Will be golfing. • I am cloud watching and not getting its cold outside (thinking about the • Hiking with my dog on trails ticks Como Park conservatory but • hiking with my wife, looking at • I am cross country skiing focusing on MN's past) birds & wildlife • I am cross country skiing on a • I am invited to join a county • Hiking, playgrounds in the spring. course with man-made snow community garden group where we Hiking, playing in the fall. • I am cross country skiing on real, tend to our seasonal crops and • Hiking, safe spaces to explore the not man-made snow share knowledge on gardening, parks • I am Cross Country Skiing, nutrition and sustainability. At the • Hitting tennis balls or volleyballs Mountain biking, Ice Skating, end of the season we provide extra against a return wall Winter Mountain Biking. Nature food to shelters and vulnerable • hockey - playing or watching in an watching populations. • arena • I am engaged with getting kids I am kayaking on the lake • • Husband or friends are kayaking outside in all seasons. I am kayaking on waterways that the river and lakes in late afternoon • I am enjoying a walk around a lake are easily accessible to older adults. or sometimes a weekday or at sunset. • I am looking for expansion of all Saturday • I am enjoying the return of Ramsey County bike trails and • I am at Battle Creek dog park, and Bobolinks at the grasslands ongoing maintenance to existing there are lots of obstacles for the adjacent to Battle Creek bike trails. dogs to do agility courses • I am enjoying wild spaces, seeing • I am mountain biking on new trails throughout the park. And there’s a wildlife and hearing nature. • I am Nordic skiing all winter long in bathing station pause station we • I am fishing in clean areas St. Paul. can spray the mud off our dogs • I am fishing off a dock at a lake. • I am NOT at Pigs Eye Lake parkland before getting into the car. And • I am going for a walk through the • I am paddle boarding on a lake with across the street the rebuilt the park to get exercise. friends. water park so that older kids have • I am going on evening walks with • I am playing pickleball. I am more to do they have basketball my parents so they can enjoy snowshoeing. hoops in the water and a large pool nature and plants and streams • I am playing rec hockey with to play volleyball in the water a • I am going to new nature centers HockeyFinder with my friends and really cool miniature golf course and new parks or parks with family. • I am at the dog park at dawn with extended trails. • I am retired and walking on trails or friends. • I am going to watch native birds in snowshoeing, in parks that have • I am bicycling in off road areas their habitats. swing able to accommodate adults, • I am biking and hiking on trails • I am golfing at the ponds of Battle I would use swing sets • I am biking on a mountain bike trail Creek • I am riding my bike system within a park • I am grocery shopping with my • I am riding my bike on regional • I am biking on the newly extended husband at county farmers market trails Bruce Vento Regional trail through where I can find most items I need • I am running and walking with
21st Century Vision Implementation: Where are you going, what are you doing, and when? Page 20 friends on regional trails • I am walking the trails year around • I usually go sit under the trees and • I am running the trails. • I am walking the trails year-round. I look at the beavers building their • I am skiing at Battle Creek am kayaking in the summer. housing in the lake • I am sledding and skiing. • I am walking through the woods • I walk my dog (on leash) • I am snowshoeing during a candlelit • I am walking, or biking on trails. • I walk the trails mornings in hike • I am watching my grandchildren summer and afternoons in the • I am swimming in clean lakes play in the playground. winter 3 days a week, fish on the • I am taking a lunch break hike • I am watching Swans. lake a couple times a summer, take during work • I am xc skiing with husband, boat ride 5 times a summer. • I am taking a walk with my dogs daughters, and friends on • I walk, I'd like to ice skate but around the lake early in the dedicated groomed classic trails outdoors morning during the summer near Roseville. • I watch my dog run freely as she • I am taking kids to learn from a • I cross country ski at battle Creek enjoys the dog park naturalist. east • I went ice fishing with my dad • I am taking my dog to a dog park • I don’t go to the park at wintertime, • I went to play soccer and volleyball • I am taking my grandchildren to a I have asthma with my youth group during playground • I enjoy going for walks in forests. summer evening • I am teaching my granddaughter to • I go for a run with my friends • I went to rent a boat with my friend golf at the Ponds at Battle Creek • I go on walks at nature preserves at summertime • I am there with urban youths in the that are free of litter • I will be hiking, biking and wildlife parks and there is a lot of learning. • I go to the park with my siblings watching • I am trying archery with my and I’m just making sure my • I will walk on trails. daughter siblings are safe. • I would love to be attending an • I am walking and bike riding with • I golf at the ponds at Battle Creek 5 outdoor concert or festival on park my husband and friends. times a week, my wife plays 3 times grounds. Especially cultural events • I am walking at a Nature center a week most weeks. that attract people from many • I am walking daily and have long • I haven’t been to park so long but, communities together. retired whenever I go to park all I do was • I/the family is enjoying free/low- • I am walking in nature with my grill some BBQ and relaxing and cost amenities i.e., fitness classes, family. The spaces I am around are sometimes play with water. xx skis, etc. interactive, accessible and near my • I hope I am kayaking and paddle • I/the family is enjoying free/low- house. boarding more cost amenities i.e., fitness classes, • I am walking near the recently • I hope I will be walking on trails, xx skis, etc. added former Corrections property resting on a bench, maybe • I’m attending a party in a pavilion and viewing rare birds such as the picnicking. I am 79 yrs. old now. • I’m biking trails Bobolink and Kestrel. • I like to drive around the park • I’m building forts in the woods with • I am walking on a trail with native • I like to play 9 holes of golf with my my kids plants surrounding me kids. • I’m cross-country skiing • I am walking on a trail. • I like walking in warm weather and • I’m cross-country skiing on a • I am walking on a trail. in cold weather. I can be alone, or weekend afternoon in the winter • I am walking on the winter trails. with my husband, or with friends. I • I’m enjoying more nature • I am walking on the winter trails. like looking at the native plants and programs. • I am walking on the winter trails. trees. • I’m going to a cabin with my family, Ramsey county has closed my • I take my grandparents out to go or camping favorite trail to walkers, made it a look at flowers, lake and getting • I’m guiding forest therapy walks. cross-country skiing trail only. some fresh air • I’m hanging out with my family and • I am walking on trails • I use my hammock to go read and friends at the park BBQ/picnic • I am walking the trails year around sleep under the trees • I’m hanging out with my friends,
21st Century Vision Implementation: Where are you going, what are you doing, and when? Page 21 family is having a BBQ at the park photography skills. • International festivals, food trucks, • I’m kayaking on the lake early in • I'm going swimming with my family celebrations! the morning at the beach • Introducing my kids to golf • I’m mountain biking/fat biking with • I'm going to an outdoor meeting of • Joining a group bike with my family my family year-round. the local community led park and riding the trails using a bike • I’m swimming in a clean lake steering group. checked out at the park. • I’m taking my daughter to the • I'm hiking with my wife, birding • kayaking beach and playground with her with friends. • Kayaking and canoeing friends. • I'm ice skating on a large skate trail • Kayaking and paddle boarding on • I’m taking my dog for a walk on on a lake. the lakes and rivers Rice Creek Trail, and f do bring the • I'm learning from other community • Kayaking with my dog winter months, the trail is free of members • Kids snow and ice. And with the short • I'm meeting family and friends at • Kids getting natural enrichment days, it has lighting. nature areas to eat and socialize at that the parent doesn’t have to • I’m walking along the lake looking a picnic table, throw frisbees and provide - learning, appreciating for a good spot to shore fish get outdoor exercise and exposure. nature, education, activities, camps • I’m walking in my local park with • I'm meeting my family for a grill • learning to mountain bike with kids fun stations for working out. out, then nature walk • looking at native plants • I’m walking in the woods safely. • I'm meeting up with other • Looking for some friendship • I’m walking on a winter trail community interest groups for an • Lots of walking with friends for • I’m walking on a wooded trail, my evening hike. exercise family picnicking in the summer • I'm Nordic training with friends • Make available access to winter • I’m with my dogs in a large fenced • I'm playing disc golf. I'm also taking trails or activities in leash-free park. lessons/classes at parks. • Meeting up with friends at a new • Ice skate on top of the frozen lake • I'm riding bicycle in summer nature center within Battle Creek. with my brother weather • More biking trails! • Ice skating on a long path of • I'm riding my bike on a trail that • More equipment rentals - maintained ice that circumvents a safely connects multiple parks. affordable or free (bikes, skates, lake • I'm skiing and snowshoeing when skis) • Ice skating, cross country, skiing, snow permits • More inclusive classes to be able to hiking, biking, • I'm skiing on regularly groomed and learn how to do activities • I'm attending events, parties and well-marked ski trails. • More walking trails programming in the park buildings • I'm taking my son to the driving • More winter walking trails that are and pavilions. range at the ponds at Battle Creek not converted to x-country skiing • I'm biking on trails. I'm also having so he can learn the game • Mountain biking family picnics. • I'm trying snowshoeing! • Mountain biking trails • I'm bird watching the eagle nest at • I'm trying snowshoeing! • mountain biking with friends Keller Lake • I'm walking on the many great trails • Mountain biking with friends and • I'm cross-country skiing at Battle • I'm walking on the trails year-round my kids on evenings and weekends Creek with my family • I'm walking outdoors day/evening • Movies in the park • I'm enjoying being out in nature all seasons. • Mtn biking single track in the during all 4 seasons. • In particular, using a clean woods and prairies with friends • I'm enjoying being out in nature bathroom whenever and wherever • My children are participating in during all 4 seasons. we take a child. nature activities • I'm fishing off my kayak • In the early evening • My children are participating in the • I'm getting year-around exercise by • Instead of the newest concept park, summer junior program at the walking/snowshoeing on nature we are enjoying well-maintained, Ponds at Battle Creek golf course. trails. I'm deepening my nature efficient facilities, night, or day. • My children, husband, and I are all
21st Century Vision Implementation: Where are you going, what are you doing, and when? Page 22 golfing at the Ponds at Battle Creek. • My family is kayaking on the lake • My grandkids are snowshoeing on a • My dad, husband, and I are • My family is kayaking through a beautiful, sunny winter day snowshoeing on winter trails waterway • My husband and I are biking in the • My dog like to jump in the lake to • My family is snowshoeing on the afternoons before dark. catch the ball trails • My husband and I are cross country • My dogs and I are walking leash • My family is swimming, paddle skiing less and having fun all year. boarding or canoeing, while having • My husband and I are enjoying • My dogs and I are walking the trails a picnic for the afternoon. biking on the trails • My family and friends are skiing on • My family is taking a fall hike. • My husband and I are kayak fishing groomed ski trails • My family is taking long bike rides in the summer • My family and I are exploring Rice that pass through a couple of parks • My husband and I bring our kayaks Lake Regional Park, fishing and • My family is walking or biking trails to the park lakes and paddle for grilling food • My fiancé and I go bike riding on relaxation. • My family and I are finding places in nice days in the summer • My kids and I are mountain biking nature to hike and to see mother • My friend and I are enjoying nature • My kids and I are using the nature (birds, butterflies, native • My friend and I are walking a trail expanded mountain bike courses in veg, etc.). having conversation in the fall the northern part of the county • My family and I are going for an • My friends and I are cross country followed by a picnic and playing on afternoon hike or bike ride and skiing a playground. picking food from a food forest of • My friends and I are cross country • My kids and I are using the fruit trees and berry bushes. skiing on winter trails expanded mountain bike courses in • My family and I are going on walks • My friends and I are meeting for a the northern part of the county on well-maintained trails hike around a cool park with water followed by a picnic and playing on • My family and I are hiking on features. Along the lake we can a playground. strenuous hiking trails through learn about carbon sequestration • My kids and I are using the trails for beautiful natural areas in the fall from the natural growing fields walking and biking all year around and spring • My friends and I are meeting for a • My kids and I are visiting the • My family and I are learning about hike around a cool park with water playground. nature from a naturalist. features. Along the lake we can • My kids and I are walking through a • My family and I are looking for learn about carbon sequestration park that has many different types pollinators. from the natural growing fields of sports being played, and • My family and I are skiing on • My friends and I golf 3-5 times a wayfinding signage in a multitude groomed trails week and sit on the patio for drinks of languages. • My family and I are sledding and and food at the ponds at Battle • My kids are attending a variety of skating in beautiful natural areas Creek free programs hosted by the park • My family and I are using volleyball • My girlfriends and I golf in the • My kids are going on playgrounds nets summer on a ladies league at the that are safe for all children • My family are walking on the trails Ponds • My kids are going on playgrounds and swimming in the lake • My girls are at hockey practice that are safe for all children • My family goes for walks at Battle (every day) with their friends. • My kids are learning to golf in kids Creek park. • My grandkids and I are admiring program at the Ponds • My family is cross country skiing on the native plants. • My kids are learning to play golf at trails • My grandkids are canoeing various a course, they play hockey in the • My family is doing a quick cross- lakes and streams. winter country ski • My grandkids are jumping around • My kids are participating in the • My family is enjoying the winter in the splash pad Pond youth golf program, rec. opportunities at Battle Creek • My grandkids are skating for free in experiencing golf with the diverse park an arena patrons that currently use the
21st Century Vision Implementation: Where are you going, what are you doing, and when? Page 23 course. trails enjoying the winter season • Playing at the dog park • my kids are swimming, tubing, and • Nothing we don't do now. The • Playing at the nature playground playing basketball and softball with parks are inclusive • playing hockey at the outdoor rink friends • Off leash dog park use, farmer’s • playing on playground equipment • My kids skating market • playing on playground equipment • My mother went for a walk, but I • On warm days, my mother and I • Playing tennis and pickle ball usually skateboarding next to her. enjoy walking through parks. My • Playing tennis with my friends • My partner and I are playing tennis family often gathers in parks for • Playing volleyball, pickleball and in the fall. picnics. frisbee with friends and family • My partner and I are playing tennis • Our family is enjoying a walk. • Playing with grandchildren. in the fall. • Our family is enjoying a walk. • Practicing my archery skills with my • My partner and I are skiing. • Our family is hosting a social husband • My son and I go to open skate or gathering. • Programming opportunities open hockey • Our family is hosting a social increased. New faces trying new • My son is biking at the bike park gathering. things. • My son is biking at the bike park • Our family spends the summer • Reading in the park. • My son is fishing during the hiking the trails in battle creek and • Renting a stand-up paddle board summer on a weekend evening we consider the park such an asset that is at a reasonable price so that • My son is fishing, i am walking,..my that we don't consider moving out all may have a chance to partake daughter is a lifeguard of the city. • Renting bicycles and scooter • My son is skating at hockey • Packing foods to go eat at park to • Riding a bike from town to town practice. increase my appetite • Riding a bike from town to town • My spouse and I are waking our • Paddling a canoe or swimming in • Riding bike dog on park trails in winter and clear uncrowded lakes • Riding bike • summer Paddling and using boat launches • Riding bike in park • My wife and I are biking from one friendly for car topped watercraft • riding bikes • park to the next on well-maintained Parking my car at a trailhead / park • riding bikes parking lot to ride my bike bike trails • Riding bikes on trails in spring • • My wife and I are enjoying a beer Participating in public events, through fall music, discussions, or tours. garden at a park like in Munich. • Riding on safe trails • • participating in triathlon. My wife and I are enjoying couples • Riding on safe trails • Pavilions, sledding, crosses country, League at the ponds at Battle Creek • Roller skating in a dedicated • hiking, snowboarding, My wife and I are walking on the outdoor rink with friends and • trails picnic grounds- fireplaces in winter family • • My wife and I are xc skiing on well- Picnicking • Roller skating! • maintained trails that are not Picnicking • Roller-skate with my cousin trampled by people walking down • Picnicking and relaxing near a lake, • Running and biking on trails with the middle of the trail golfing my kids • My work team and I are renting • Picnics • Same as I did 5 years ago, I would canoes and life jackets for a • Picnics not change paddling staff meeting in the • Picnics • Security First morning. • picnics on weekends & evenings • See all kinds of people in the park: • Nature Center classes, camp • Picnics with family/grandchildren young people, moms - seating to be • Night markets or activities • Plan to walk and jog around the able to see people, but be able to • Non-traditional Minnesotan trails of the different parks observe and appreciate. outdoor activity that Minnesotans • Playground time with grandchildren • Shaded playgrounds to enjoy in the can learn about • Playground with my son summer heat • Nordic and skate skiing on groomed • Playgrounds • Skating
21st Century Vision Implementation: Where are you going, what are you doing, and when? Page 24 • Skating and play with the sand. • Using a bathroom at the park • Skating and biking on the trails • Take my kids out for a walk to stop • Using a bathroom at the park • Skating at Aldrich with friends playing video game and gets some • Using the bike trails. • skating indoors - renting skates exercise • using the open spaces for a variety • skating on ponds, lakes • Taking a romantic walk in the of games • skating on the lakes spring with significant other, and • Using the parks year round • skating on the lakes other couples. • Using the parks year round • skiing • Taking a walk around the lakes or • Visit dog parks. • skiing on trails • Visiting the dog parks! • Skiing in one of many cross-country • Taking dog to dog park in Spring, • visiting the nature centers, trails ski areas available Summer, and Fall and outdoors • Skiing in one of many cross-country • taking dog to dog parks almost • visiting the nature centers, trails ski areas available daily and outdoors • skiing on beautiful trails • Taking my dog for socializing at RC • Visiting the waterpark with my kids, • skiing on man-made snow trails OLDA. The park has a small dog friends and family regularly • Skiing, sledding in the winter area, lighting, heated pavilion. • Walk around and point out • • Sledding in the winter Taking my dog to the dog park horticulture. • • Sledding/ice skating Taking my great grandkids on • Walk at the dog park • Sledding/ice skating nature walks • Walk on trails • • Snow shoeing, live outdoor music Taking my kids sledding in the • walking winter • snowshoe/snow-walks with family • Walking • in winter Teens are there swimming • Walking • • Snowshoeing in woodland setting tending the community wild foods/ • Walking native food forest • Some part of the park reminds me • Walking • of Thailand The arenas have shifted to highest • walking best use - not just ice, but ball • Still going to the dog park • walking sports and games that we have • Still meditating and journaling • Walking never seen before. while listening to nature and quiet • Walking a trail • The park has special events all around me. • Walking along paved trails featuring different cultural foods • Stop this insanity. • Walking and biking with kids and • the problem with being a single • Stopping at a food truck (not a dog, twice a day, every day senior citizen is that I don't always restaurant) to eat and have a beer. • walking around lakes feel included so i hope in five years • Stopping at ponds, the forest and • Walking at the trails and talking to there are more activities designed prairies to look for wildlife. my partner about our days to keep seniors active even if we • Students able to get out in quiet • have mobility issues Walking dogs on trails in the spring with nature - as a stress reliever through fall • There are events and activities for • Summer daytime canoeing • us to explore and try new things. Walking dogs, picnicking, and • Swimming and chilling at the beach fishing • this is a dumb question, and I don't • • swimming at the beaches know how to answer it Walking in the Battle Creek Park, • picnicking, cross-country skiing. Swimming in the lakes • trail biking- asphalt, not mountain • • Walking in the dog park Swimming in the summer • trail hiking • • Walking in the park Swimming with my dog at a dog • Trail Running an event at the park beach • walking in the summer, parks are • Trail with stops for strength and • like large and not crowded Swimming, indoor walking track weight exercise • • Walking in the winter to get Swinging, fishing, boating, • Try to walk on trails playgrounds, volleyball exercise and fresh air • Tuj lub • Take my daughter to playground – • Walking my dog at Battle Creek • Use open picnic areas
21st Century Vision Implementation: Where are you going, what are you doing, and when? Page 25 • Walking my dog at the off-leash various cultures of Ramsey County. and paddling on Rice Creek park • Walking, jogging, taking • We are riding our bike on bike trails • walking my dog, enjoying off-leash photographs, enjoying nature in • We are visiting playgrounds, areas the parks year-around. beaches, and dog parks • Walking my dogs on trails • Walking/ running • We are walking at lake Vadnais. • Walking my dogs on trails • Walking/hiking for 3-5 miles at Walking our dogs. • Walking on paths and noticing the least. • We are walking in winter (on lack of buckthorn and other • walking/hiking various trails in the plowed trails) invasive species system, enjoying the outdoors. • We are walking our dogs to the dog • Walking on the trails Long Lake & Rice Creek most likely park • Walking on the trails • Watching birds as I walk • We enjoy sledding, ice skating, and • Walking on the trails • Watching group performances in swimming, splash pads • Walking on the trails the park or amphitheater. • We go hiking on the natural trails • Walking on the winter trails (example: Gervais Park --extends and can ski in the winter. • Walking on trails year-round back to the elementary school • We go swimming • Walking on trails year-round. nearby. Have seen signs along the • We have access to a variety of • Walking or biking on trails. trails with information about plants natural habitat, including the • Walking or biking on trails. and trees, animals that live in the grasslands between Battle Creek • Walking or biking the trails area. Behind the school, there is a Park and the Correctional Facility place for dance or musical groups • Walking paths near water features • We hike year-round on trails to practice.) • Walking the dog • we host graduation gatherings in • Watching our kids play baseball at a • Walking the trails with my dogs one of the picnic areas with local park • Walking the trails with my dogs shelters/kitchens • Watching our kids play hockey at a • • Walking trails We ride mountain bikes at battle local arena • walking trails Creek. We use the water park and • Watching puppet shows, playground at battle Creek • Walking trails entertainment in the parks • We walk at Battle Creek park 5-6 • walking trails • Water activities, dog activities times a week with our dog. • Walking trails • Water aerobic • We walk on trails • walking trails • water/boat usage • We will be walking the trails, • Walking trails • We are biking around white bear fishing, skating, and enjoying the • Walking trails lake parks with our grandchildren. • Walking trails year-round in • We are canoeing on Keller Lake. Biking around lake trails preserve • We are canoeing on lakes • We're able to access natural and • Walking Villa Park trails daily • We are going boating and fishing native spaces that help us connect • walking with dog on white bear and snail with nature and feel separated • walking with family • We are going to known local parks, from city/suburban living spaces. • Walking with family in nature playgrounds and gyms • We're bringing the dog to the • walking with friends & dogs on • We are hanging out on the summer family picnic. weekends & evenings promenade at Como Lake. We • winter activities - having fun while • walking with friends in a nearby don’t need to buy over-priced food being warm park from the restaurant to have access • Winter evening skiing • Walking with my dog after work to the promenade. And that • Working with other people to • walking with my friends during all includes being able to sit on the restore native habitat season promenade with our leashed pets. • Xc skiing through pine stands, deep • Walking with my girlfriends through • We are joining classes for canoeing, breath of fresh air different cultures, booths of arts/crafts, nature education • XC skiing with family at Battle Creek different cultures representing • We are renting a kayak or canoe Regional Park
21st Century Vision Implementation: Where are you going, what are you doing, and when? Page 26 • XC skiing, hiking, biking, paddling, swimming with my family and • Your format, don’t fix what isn’t swimming with my family and friends broke friends • X-country skiing • XC skiing, hiking, biking, paddling, • X-country skiing
21st Century Vision Implementation: Where are you going, what are you doing, and when? Page 27 5. What are you seeing? Hearing? This question was asked primarily in the online survey.
21st Century Vision Implementation: What are you seeing? Hearing? Page 28 Vision: A dynamic, community-centered system that provides opportunities for our ever-changing community to engage with inclusive and welcoming parks and recreation sites and programming.
Thinking about yourself, family, and friends in Ramsey County parks, facilities, and programs… What are you seeing, hearing?
• A diversity of bird song, and a • Birds and wildlife of birds, wildflowers, trees, ducks, diversity of people enjoying nature • Birds and wildlife swans, muskrat, beaver, • A fish jumping and the ripples • Birds, animals • Deer, Turkey, racoon, fox, all kinds spreading • Birds are chirping and people of birds, wildflowers, trees, ducks, • A lack of litter, a clean space walking in nature swans, muskrat, beaver, • A lot more people fishing • Birds chirping • Dependent on the experience you • A party post-race with friends. • Birds, animals seek. Want solitude in nature as • Abundant wildlife and restored • Birds, bees, squirrels, frogs, wildlife well as active areas. Not all high native communities in general. dollar investments. • Access to paved trails in the snow, • Birds, frogs, insects, and other • Different languages • Access to water INSIDE all dog nature sounds • Different languages and music from parks. • birds, frogs, insects, and other all parts of the world. Smiling faces, • All the above nature sounds laughter, joy. • All wildlife! Deer, fox, coyote, • Butterflies • Dog’s barking eagles, owls • Butterflies, bees, and mosquito • Dogs • An increase in security or the sound • Dogs feeling that the parks are secured • Change of seasons, trees and plants • Dogs having a good time and safe • Change of seasons, trees and plants • Duck eggs • Appropriate lighting at dusk. Flat • Children laughing and playing • Ducks poop everywhere at the surfaces to prevent falls. • children laughing, people talking, grass and the beach • Art and artifacts of different bird sounds, frog croaking • Eagles. cultures (example: traditional • Clean and welcoming spaces, • Education about clean lakes and Hmong woven basket) on display in where you can hear birds and ponds, harms that cause wildlife. parks spaces and facilities. Different people Programming in the parks to learn ways to attract visitors to a facility • Clean facilities about environmental topics and that they wouldn’t have known • clean healthy water flowing issues. about. • clean healthy water flowing • Ensuring a safe surrounding and • Art and statues embedded in parks • Communities participating in environment spaces and facilities. Hearing others diverse, year-round programming • Everyone around me has their own admire the artistry and designs. and activities offered. re-useable bag. You see neighbors • Babies duck follow their mother • Community events like fundraise, and many other familiar faces and crossing the road religion event for baptism, easter stop to say Hi. There is live music • Beautiful birds sound eggs hunting, cultural event, playing, food trucks, and beer and • Being surrounded by nature birthday party, graduation party coffee stands. • Bikers • community use • Everything I heard is the same as • Bikers • Culturally relevant activities to before • Bird’s nest attracting more people to come out • Expressions of joy and • Birds to the parks and programming. exhilarations, laughter • Birds • Cyclists • Extensive use, enjoyment, free • Birds • Cyclists access, well-kept facilities, • birds • Deer appropriate lighting throughout the parks. • Birds and nature creatures no frogs • Deer, Turkey, racoon, fox, all kinds
21st Century Vision Implementation: What are you seeing? Hearing? Page 29 • Families grilling or getting together • Hearing nature sounds and seeing • I am seeing lots of wildlife, • Families walking with dogs lots of people enjoying the trails including endangered species. • Fish jumping • Hopefully seeing native wildlife and • I am seeing many diverse sport • Friends and neighbors less non-native species court systems • Friends and neighbors watching • Hopefully, I'm not seeing a lot of • I am seeing more their kids with us hikers on the dedicated cross handicapped/disability options for • Friends laughing country ski trail, but I feel like it's a kids and adults • friends sledding and skiing and lost cause. • I am seeing more pollinators. walking • I also see a lot of broken glass in • I am seeing other people walking as • Friends, birds, frogs, insects the parking lot well, taking in the beautiful • frogs • I always see one guy who run surroundings. • Frogs in the spring are awesome without shoes at Phalen Regional • I am seeing safe crossings for peds • Gang shootings Park and cycling with clear painted and • Garbage running over bins • I am hearing families chatting but it signed intersections followed by • Gardens, meditative spaces, public is mostly quiet - maybe hearing adequate parking at trailheads. art, playground equipment, fire local music or artists with a Native • I am seeing swimmers, lifeguards, circles and grills, picnic benches background others • Gentle water, wind, etc. • I am hearing less toad noise and paddleboards/kayaks/canoes. • Going into the water on the beach more birds chirping on regional • I am smelling less goose poo at the or somewhere on the lake trails beaches • • Good habitat: Healthy forests, I am hearing music, kids are • I am with high school teams with native prairies and wetlands, fewer laughing and some are crying parent cheering mowed areas because they don’t want to leave • I can hear the frogs and owls. • Green energy, EV charging station, the playground. • I do not hear city sounds! • more bathrooms I am hearing nature sounds and • I don't see a lot of eroded • Group of youth were playing maybe water running - not hearing landscape from bikes volleyball, children were play tag, traffic • I don't see a lot of eroded • some adults are playing golf I am hearing that The Ponds at landscape from bikes • Happy people Battle Creek is closing. This will be • I don't see encroachment into the devastating to myself and friends. It • Healthy woodlands and prairies. parks from neighboring landowners is the only course that is lady • Hear and see Birds • I don't see encroachment into the friendly and is diverse in the • hear nature sounds- creeks and parks from neighboring landowners county. waterfalls • I don't see large groups of people • I am hoping that I am hearing birds • Hear R&B, jazz, blues music at a • I enjoy seeing lakes clear of algae and frogs as well as other Nature facility. Indoors in an arena and invasive weeds Sounds. • Hearing birds • I have heard rumors that the golf • I am seeing a lot of mosquitos • Hearing birds and critters course is closing and that the • I am seeing diversity in the • Hearing birds, animals, wind, water, county is investing millions of population utilizing the parks skis on snow, paddles in lakes, dollars in a snow making machine. • I am seeing ice lanterns and lights bikes on trails. Just a terrible decision on both hanging from trees, hearing others • hearing kids fronts that shows to me where the talking softly. commissioners heads are. • Hearing kids laughing • I am seeing lots of undeveloped, • I hear & see birds, frogs, turtles, • Hearing lots of languages being natural landscape in the regional butterflies & more spoken parks • I hear / see wildlife and birds in • Hearing my golf girlfriends chatting • I am seeing lots of undeveloped, varying areas of sun / shade / & laughing on the course natural landscape in the regional meadows / wetlands • hearing nature sounds parks • I hear and see animals and birds. • hearing nature sounds
21st Century Vision Implementation: What are you seeing? Hearing? Page 30 • I hear birds • I hear cars splashing) • I hear birds • I hear children • I hear nature sounds. • I hear birds and frogs and other • I hear children and birds • I hear nature sounds. nature sounds as well as people • I hear children and birds • I hear only the sounds of nature talking. • I hear children laughing and • I hear only the sounds of nature • I hear birds and other nature parents talking while looking on. when I'm hiking. sounds • I hear children playing • I hear other dogs and their people. • I hear birds and see wildlife. • I hear children playing We make new friends. • I hear birds and see wildlife. • I hear children playing • I hear other families • I hear birds and see wildlife. • I hear children playing, laughing • I hear other families • I hear birds and see wildlife. and learning • I hear other families • I hear birds and squirrels rustling • I hear conversation between • I hear people cheering their nearby passing walkers/bikers grandkids at an event • I hear birds chirping • I hear dogs • I hear people laughing and see • I hear birds chirping, friends • I hear families enjoying people relaxing and having a good chatting, children laughing programming. time. • I hear birds singing • I hear friends talking and laughing • I hear people speak different • I hear birds singing during and after rounds of golf languages • I hear birds singing • I hear frogs and all animals in the • I hear people speaking various • I hear birds singing and crickets lake, boats, nice homes clean languages. I hear music at an chirping. Leaves crunching bathrooms outdoor concert or play. • I hear Birds singing and Frogs • I hear frogs, birds and laughter • I hear ppl laughing and having fun. I chirping. • I hear frogs. hear birds, leaves rustling • I hear birds, breeze, laughing. • I hear kids laughing and yelling and • I hear silence. • I hear birds, frogs and other nature having fun • I hear teens and young adults sounds • I hear kids shouting playing frisbee and volleyball. • I hear birds, insects, frogs, • I hear laughter • I hear the canoeing quietly slipping chipmunks, and I get to see many • I hear laughter, music, wind, water. through the water of them. I see people picking up • I hear live music • I hear the Kestrels calling as they their trash and pet waste, and the • I hear live music are nest building. I hear the containers for these are never • I hear lots of birds. I love bird Bobolinks singing their sweet overflowing. Trash is regularly watching. tinkling sound. I hear Spring removed so cans are never • I hear lots of birds. I love bird Peepers and Leopard Frogs. I spy a overflowing. Restrooms are clean. watching. Fox. Three restroom equity for females, • I hear lots of nature sounds, see • I hear the leaves rustling. an often-overlooked factor in which lots of animals, trees, and wildlife. • I hear the soothing sound of water. males can use toilets and urinals • I hear many dogs enjoying the dog • I hear the soothing sound of water. quickly but women have to wait park • I hear the sounds of nature longer to use a toilet because • I hear many languages on the trials including birds and frogs women don't have the luxury of • I hear music from local musicians • I hear the sounds of nature, and using a urinal, they need more • I hear my kids laughing as they play not the hum and noise of traffic toilets than a male population. I'd all sports, in one place • I hear the sounds of nature. like to see solar generators on the • I hear my kids say, “let’s play 9 • I hear the sounds of nature. restrooms and other structures. holes!” • I hear the sounds of water. • I hear birds, see clean water, • I hear nature • I hear the sounds of wildlife. rabbits, fish, squirrels, snakes, • I hear nature all around me as I fish • I hear the voices of new friends I frogs, butterflies. • I hear nature sounds (animals, meet from the league that I would • I hear birdsong and insect buzzing wind, rustling leaves, water have otherwise never have known
21st Century Vision Implementation: What are you seeing? Hearing? Page 31 • I hear the wind. • I see a habitat fit for native parks • I hear turkeys and waterfowl and mammals, amphibians and birds. • I see deer, birds, rabbits. It's loons • I see a lot of kids sledding at the hill beautiful! • I hear water lapping by the battle Creek school • I see diverse people enjoying the • I hear water running • I see a lot of people walking on the parks. • I hear water. ski trails and the county not • I see dogs running and playing and • I heard the sounds of nature when I enforcing that ordinance hear dogs barking and birds singing am in the woods • I see a variety of plants & hopefully • I see fishes, ducks, squirrels, • I hope I am hearing running water no invasive species bevers, and birds in the wind through the leaves on • I see a variety of wildlife in a • I see flowers and trees many trees natural habitat. • I see kids frolicking around a • I hope I am seeing people • I see all kinds of wildlife and hear playground swimming in clean lakes lots of birds. • I see little to no trash at the park. • I keep my child aware and safe • I see all sorts of nature including • I see lots of families and elderly out because larger animals are making deer on the backside of the golf walking a comeback. course • I see lots of fellow outdoor people • I know there may be a bathroom • I see all the wildlife on the golf enjoying the trails, beaches and nearby. course. river • I like to go wet up my feet at the • I see an occasional eagle fly • I see lots of people from all beach on summertime overhead. backgrounds sharing in the park • I like to look at the waves of the • I see and hear all kinds of birds and • I see lots of trees and I hear lots of lake see lots of local flowers and insects birds and other nature sounds. • I look and find deer turkeys rabbits • I see and hear birds, animals, and • I see lots of wildflowers, butterflies birds non-invasive plants. and bees • I may see a group picnicking. I may • I see beautiful green grass, wildlife, • I see many families enjoying nature see people dancing to music. wildflowers, birds, butterflies • I See many families enjoying the • I may see water, hear voices of • I see beautiful snow on the trails. waterpark of all different ages. children and adults, birds, slapping • I see BIPOC families doing various • I see many friends at the dog park. of water on small boats. I see other activities • I see many native plants and adults and children walking and • I see BIPOC families doing various natural areas. playing. activities • I see many of my friends also roller • I need multiple experiences • I see birds skating • I notice plastics on the side of the • I see birds • I see many people enjoy walking trail and I have noticed a buckthorn • I see birds and bugs, I hear children around the lakes. problem screaming • I see many people • I play golf with the friends I’ve • I see bunch of kids having fun walking/sledding/skiing. made at the Ponds at Battle Creek • I see Chinese people celebrated the • I see miles of ski trail! golf course. new year at park with many • I see more areas filled with native • I see a big open green space where activities like paddle boat racing, plants than turfgrass. I can smell nature and traditional dragon dance • I see most all of my friends biking • I see a diverse set of people (age, • I see clean and safe beaches on regional trails ethnicity, ability) enjoying the area. • I see clean water and parents • I see most of my friends walking on • I see a great deal of golfers the past teaching their children how to fish. regional trails two years at the ponds at Battle • I see clean water with fish, frogs, • I see my family enjoying each other Creek. It is the most diverse golf egrets, butterflies and playing on the playground, course I have played. • I see coyotes, deer, and other swimming, playing games • I see a great number of people wildlife, and hear birds. • I see my friends at the ski course. walking in the summer and winter. • I see cultural programs, concerts at • I see my kids gaining confidence as
21st Century Vision Implementation: What are you seeing? Hearing? Page 32 they learn something new. A sport • I see smiling faces • If we take our grandchildren, we that will be with them for life. • I see some elder picking vegetable will hear them. • i see my neighbors (young, old and and flower • I'm having a conversation with my in between) • I see sun reflecting off water, ducks friends on the golf course. The • I see native people hosted the swimming in the lake, glimpse of women's league I'm a part of is event wearing their traditional deer off the trail unlike any available at a public clothing, playing their music and • I see the most beautiful little golf course. drum course and many people enjoying • I'm hearing a combination of quiet • I see native trees and plants and it. when outdoors and other areas pollinator friendly gardens • I see the most culturally diverse people having fun. • I see native trees and plants and group of people on a Golf Course • I'm hearing birds, chorus frogs and pollinator friendly gardens and using the driving range at the other nature sounds all around the • I see nature photographers ponds as compared to any other area. • I see nature, natural surroundings course I've been on in my 51 years • I'm hearing the sounds of kids • I see neighbors and young new • I see the ski trail being well-used, laughing families hear people greeting one another, • I'm hearing/seeing birds and small • I see opportunities to try new and don't see hikers on the trail. wildlife things (archery and the tools that • I see trees, birds, and nature • I'm seeing a beautiful natural go with it, for example) - programs • I see trees, natural forest, hear scenery with only light that teach me birds. impact/development to support • I see other families swimming and • I see water gardens and pollinator low impact people use. fishing friendly plants • I'm seeing and hearing the sights • I see other people enjoying nature • I see wildflowers, trees, eagles' and sounds of a natural but I don’t feel like it’s crowded or nests. environment, uninterrupted by like I can’t find a place to enjoy the • I see wildlife and beautiful noise or incompatible human quiet of nature greenery. activities such as mountain biking. • I see other people enjoying the • I see young parents watching their • I'm seeing friends and family while trails. kids play in the sandy beaches. picnicking, hiking or biking. • I see other people, birds, wildlife, • I swim in cool clear water • I'm seeing lots of people using the wind, leaves rustling • I would hope to see other seniors. I parks. • i see owls, deer, turkeys, prairie am glad there are activities for • In early morning, the quiet. Nature grasses and wildflowers families but hope to see other at its best with no interruptions of • I see people from different walks of senior citizen taking nature classes outside noises. life coming together to play golf. I or on bird walks and hear • In some places, I hear children sense worry and stress melting • I would love to see bee nests laughing & asking questions away as they are swinging clubs on • I’m alone on the trail because the • In the afternoons, children enjoying that beautiful green space. park is big enough for that to be the beauty of nature, asking • I see people of all backgrounds possible. questions and hoping I can still using the full golf range at the • I’m alone on the trail because the remember the answers. Ponds (this happens now) park is big enough for that to be • In the evening, because the park • I see people playing games on fields possible. police know to kick out the party and courts. • I’m seeing and hearing the sights goers, the peace and solitude of an • I see people respectfully enjoying and sounds of a natural evening sunset. the outdoor space. environment, uninterrupted by • Informational signs. • I see recycling and compost bins noise or incompatible human • Insect, bird, and frog sounds maintained all year. activities such as mountain biking. • insects • I see restored prairie and other • I'd like to hear birds and see all • Interactive activity to learn more habitats. wildlife and see few people. about the park - history and/or
21st Century Vision Implementation: What are you seeing? Hearing? Page 33 plants • Listening to the birds and frogs to have outdoor music along • Invasive species diminished. while hiking. Seeing rabbits, deer, walking trails. Therapeutic and • is interesting because that allows turkeys reminds visitors of their homeland. the youth to have one on one • Listening to the birds and frogs • Music, vibrance, community and interaction with nature and while hiking. Seeing rabbits, deer, culture. hopefully be more invested. turkeys • My diversely able friends can join • It’s quiet so I can enjoy the sounds • listening to wildlife me easily of nature • Little kids, doggies – grill and • My family and friends are gathering • It's not crowded and everything is barbeque, takes – adult work out for sledding and a fire after clean place. • My family is participating in • It's quiet and peaceful • Looking around old trees outdoor classes • It's quiet, except for the birds • Looking for the swans at Sucker • Native species and some small, • It's very quiet - just the occasional Lake tended garden areas sound of another skier • Lots of families • Natural sounds and muted traffic • Kids are playing, planting and • lots of families noise learning about what they’re • Lots of frustration around the • Nature planting. Learning how to cultivate closing in combination with the • Nature the soil. investing in a snow making • Nature • Kids enjoying playing, learning machine. • Nature about nature • Lots of green in the summer and • Nature • kids enjoying playing, learning lots of wildlife • Nature and the sounds it produces. about nature • Lots of nature and animals Less traffic noise • Kids laughing • Lots of nature and animals • Nature is my priority. Preserving • kids laughing at the playgrounds, • lots of others skating and enjoying what we have and increasing increasing them with benches for rink nature areas/centers parents and toilet facilities. • Lots of people enjoying passive • nature is my priority. Preserving Incorporate nature education. recreation. what we have and increasing • Kids of all races playing together • lots of trees, water and natural nature areas/centers • Kids playing sounds • Nature sounds • Kids playing hockey • Loud and meeting lots of people • Nature sounds • Kids playing in the parks. • Love Battle Creek Dog Park • Nature sounds • Kids’ laughter. Using imagination • Love hearing birds, frogs, seeing • Nature sounds • Laughing and tired breathing with deer and otter • Nature sounds balls being volleyed • love the birds and other wildlife • Nature sounds • Laughing people • Love the peacefulness on the trails • Nature sounds • Laughter and listening to wildlife • Nature sounds and children • Leaves rustling • Love the sound of leaves scurrying laughing • Less traffic noise. Children having in fall • Nature sounds and children fun. Dogs barking. Nature sounds. • Love the sound of water rushing at laughing • Lighting in areas where it is dark Battle Creek • Nature sounds and relative quiet • Listening to bird calls • Many friends boating • Nature sounds--birds, frogs. There • listening to bird calls • Many other people and their dogs is low traffic noise. • Listening to frog calls after a rain, enjoying the parks. • nature watching seeing hawks and birds of prey in • More bike repair/air filling stations. • nature! an area where there's abundant • Most of my friends golf. My kids • No leaf blowers! food for them, a complete golf. • Not a lot of flowers and some grass ecosystem • Mushrooms with different colors disappear people put their mat on • Listening to nature and trees. • Music along the trails -- technology it and play volleyball on top of the
21st Century Vision Implementation: What are you seeing? Hearing? Page 34 grass radios • Seeing people smiling and enjoying • Not being totally isolated, but not • Representation from all of Ramsey themselves in a crowd County • Seeing preserved nature habitats • NOT car noises, a quiet space away • Restored habitat at Battle Creek and hearing birds from roads/bustle, etc. • rotating displays for public art • Seeing signs and organized trails • Open space for groups to spread • Runners and landmarks out • Safe space - not dangerous. If • Seeing snowmaking in progress! • Organized sports something happens be able to • Seeing snow-making in progress! • Other dogs connect to police quickly • Seeing squirrel running around and • Other friendly dogs • safe, clean recreation different kind of birds are flying, • Other people mountain biking and • same thing we hear now. and many ducks enjoying the lake. enjoying the natural setting • See and hear a sense of • Seeing the neighbor discovering the • Other people, nature sounds community. Students (primary park • Other walkers college) coming to learn about the • Seeing the parks in use and being • Other walkers environment. taken care of • Park is big enough to feel like away • See and hear nature • Seeing well-made facilities and from the busyness • See deer paths • Parks are recreational areas, not • see gardens • Sight-seeing mountains and hearing homeless camps • See many families enjoying the all the birds chirp, smell of trees • Parties waterpark of all different ages. • Solar panels and energy • Pedestrians • see native plants- less invasive conservation efforts. There is • Pedestrians plants like garlic mustard and education about garbage disposal. • People are participating in a wide buckthorn • Some kids are crying because they variety of activities, like walking, • See neighbors walking their dogs. still want to swim and play at the biking, running, picnicking, • See people enjoying open spaces playground, but time for them to attending a party or program. • See so many different people, all of go home • People do not feel safe right now them are doing their own fun. • Some park looks plain and bored with current crime rates. • See users of our parks are reflective • Some people are fishing for fun • people enjoying nature of our community, opportunity to • Some people are taking picture of • people enjoying nature engage. sunrise or sunset • people getting exercise & having • Seeing adults and children trying • Some people arguing fun new things and finding something • Sometimes peace and quiet • People greeting each other as they they really enjoy doing • sounds of birds pass. • Seeing beautiful landscape, trees, • Sounds of nature • people having fun and wildlife • Sounds of nature • People laughing • Seeing families together, groups of • Spending time with friends, • People smiling in nature kids practicing or learning how to watching nature, looking at plant • People walking, biking ski, mountain bike, swim, play life. • People were dancing volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, • Splashing water, people laughing • Picnicking and informal park use. softball, swimming lessons in the and talking. • Picnics lake or pool, dance lessons on the • Squirrels • Picnics, more hi-tech toys, foreign lawn, music in the park, movies in • Squirrels biting the woods languages the park. • Strong smell of the dirty lake and • • play areas and more Seeing joy on people's faces. dead fishes remote/natural areas People are laid back and relaxed. • Sun on landscape after a snowfall • • Quiet Seeing many others enjoying the or frost is gorgeous outdoors in all seasons. • Quiet • surrounded by nature - not • Seeing neighbors on the lake • Quiet nature - no traffic or loud everything is commercial/
21st Century Vision Implementation: What are you seeing? Hearing? Page 35 residential - plenty of green space community or land. Especially • We hear nature sounds. • Taking in nature from the parks, information honoring the native • We hear other bikers, xc skiers, and woodlands, birdwatching, listening tribal communities. hikers but not cars to the sounds of nature from • Throughout the trail there are • We hear pleasant social activity crickets, birds, frogs, seeing fish, various stopping points where I can noise. clean clear water ponds scan a barcode to find real-time • We hear pleasant social activity • Talk to beach people and updated information about the noise. Birds and nature creatures • Talk to beach people community or land. Especially no frogs • Talk to fishing people information honoring the native • We hear the crunch of snow • Talk to fishing people tribal communities. beneath our feet • The air smells great and it would be • tons of nature... • We hear the scrap, scrape, scrape alarming if a warning was issued to • Trash on streets of blades skimming across freshly avoid going outside due to air • Trees groomed ice. quality. • trees and natural settings; clear • We hear the sounds of beer garden • The beautiful landscapes lakes music, people celebrating and • The children are swimming • trees for shade/dappled sunlight singing and smell sausage and beer. • The parks filled with students like and sounds of wind rustling are my • We love listening to the birds and me fave frogs. We are always on the • the sounds of nature • Trees, prairie grasses, and hearing lookout for migrating loons (they • the sounds of nature the wind through the trees give me great joy!). • The sounds of nature on a golf • unmechanized nature! (no • We see families out skiing, snow course snowmobiles, power boats) shoeing and sledding. • The Vietnamese games at Phalen • Variety of birds and raptors • We see modern facilities and are so interesting. • Variety of natural features equipment. • The water of the lakes/rivers with interspersed with outdoor art • Being surrounded by nature trees, flowers and wildlife pieces • We see people respectfully • The winds blow • various types of trails using/sharing the park i.e., people • There are birds. I see clean lakes. I (bike/walk/hiking) using trash and recycling see lake and creek shores with less • Visiting with friends as I walk receptacles, kind and respectful fishing trash on the ground and no • Visitors speech, etc. lead sinkers. • Walking along water - lakes/rivers • Well lighted parking lots, more • There are sustainable elements at • Walking on trails to hear & see spaces all facilities such as solar panels, critters • Well-maintained paths windmills, water reuse elects. • Walking with friends • We're seeing birds and small • There is a community leader who is • Walking with friends creatures. an expert to learn from and invites • Watching many friends enjoying • We're seeing emerging flowers and me to join a Team's channel where the dog park signs of life we continue to build relationships • Watching the flowers and trees • Whistles, skates scraping on ice, and communicate in between • Water feature cheers of spectators. meetings. • Waterfall sounds • Wide diversity of people in casual • There is live music occasionally and • We feel safe--there are safeguards, conversation there are sounds of nature, but it's access to emergency call devices, • wildflower and pollinator gardens otherwise quiet. possibly motion-activated lighting • Wildlife • this question is not so good really in certain areas, first-aid call • Wildlife I see people being friendly • Throughout the trail there are stations. and laughter various stopping points where I can • We hear birds, frogs, and children • wind in the trees scan a barcode to find real-time laughing • With mother and family, we hear and updated information about the • We hear nature sounds. laughing children playing, blowing
21st Century Vision Implementation: What are you seeing? Hearing? Page 36 bubbles. We look for owls and other meditation, learning about the eagles. • YMCA youth programming can circle of life of the park, the idea _ • Woods, trails, water have the afterschool youth go out had about creation of a garden • Yes, children laughing, but also into the parks and have activities • Youth – teenagers engaging with nature and each designed around the park such as
21st Century Vision Implementation: What are you seeing? Hearing? Page 37 3. Who else is there?
21st Century Vision Implementation: Who else is there? Page 38 Vision: A dynamic, community-centered system that provides opportunities for our ever-changing community to engage with inclusive and welcoming parks and recreation sites and programming.
Thinking about yourself, family, and friends in Ramsey County parks, facilities, and programs…Who else is there?
• A diverse group of community • All ages of people all colors • Athletes members also enjoying a snack or • All ages of people all colors • Athletes taking some fruit home for later. • All ages of people doing different • Athletes • a diverse group of RC residents and activities. • Athletes of all shapes and sizes fellow park users • All ages, all abilities, all • Bands making music, dancers, • A diverse group of residents backgrounds. public artists, food vendors • A diverse group of school students • All ages, cross-section of the • Been there, done that with children on a field trip learning how to community. so unless they are my canoe. • All ages. Young and old grandchildren, I probably won’t • A diverse spread of people • All ages/abilities are able to access hang out at a kiddy pool all day to • A diversity of people are there from and enjoy watch children. Ha all cultures and backgrounds. • All demographics • Bikers • A few people • All families, kids, adults, elders • BIPOC families and individuals • A Lot more BIPOC folks • All genders • But still do things on your own • A Lot more BIPOC folks • All generations • Children • A lot of different people in small • all kinds of people - old, young, all • Children groups. colors and languages • Children • A variety of dog and bike loving • All kinds of people, including city • Children people. residents • Children • A very diverse subset of people • All races • Children • A very wide range of people - age, • All sorts of ppl: young old, single, • Children sex, races, nationalities families, big parties of ppl • Children • able to get outside on trails. Bikes • Alone • Children & adults and skateboards and the like • An adult with their dog or dogs • children and adults • ADA Accessibility • An increase in BIPOC using the • children and adults • Adults parks • Children children • Adults • and dynamic parks of today. • Children in playgrounds • Adults • Animals • children, adults, families, friends • Adults • anyone and neighbors of all ages and • adults • Artis abilities. • Adults fishing • At golf my family can all be • Children, children, children • Adults walking together outside getting exercise • Children, family, neighbors • Adults, children both young and safely during this pandemic. Lots of • Children, family, neighbors old. kids and diversity especially on the • Community leaders, artists, and • Adults, children, seniors, people driving range. gardeners. with disabilities, dogs, groups, • At jazz show, other adults, other • community use for all people celebrating. couples enjoying themselves. • Couples, children, youth, adult and • Afternoons, parents, teachers, • At the Ponds where I play golf - elder school children filling the area with everyone is there. Lots of kids. The • Couples, friends and families are laughter and community. Meeting ladies league as older and younger together enjoying the beer garden new friends. women from different ethnicities. • Create a culture of kindness in our • All ages The driving range is FULL of people parks to increase people’s • All ages and all backgrounds of different ages and races. experience.
21st Century Vision Implementation: Who else is there? Page 39 • Creating a culture of what the • Education and entertainment that • Families and pets outdoors means to allow for includes several languages. • Families are fun. Enjoy seeing picnic diverse energy at parks. • Elderly people reunions • depending on place...lots of kids • Elders are there. • Families at beaches, adults with or • Different cultures and diversity • Evening, as in the morning, quiet, without dogs. • Different languages relaxing wind down time. Others • Families introducing kids to • Different skill levels of activity who are looking for the same. outdoor activities. (from novice to experts) • Everybody is on an aging • Families like mine • Different types of cultures continuum. Walkers, strollers, • Families like mine displayed and honored wheelchairs, skateboards all have a • Families like ours out together. • Disabled people place in the parks. • Families of all sorts, mostly adults • diverse ages and races, mixed • Everyone on the lake, but kids on the beach. groups • Everyone - all ages, all people, the • Families, lots of people, children, • Diverse ages, ethnicities, economic community enjoying a shared green people with disabilities. groups. space • families, singles, black, white, Asian • diverse families • Everyone is there! • Family • Diverse families • Everyone! • Family, friends • diverse families • everyone! i like seeing the diversity • Fast paced activities • Diverse groups of people, but of ages, ethnicities, families vs • Father gives little one piggyback especially young people. Most singletons, etc. ride people rode bike or took public • everyone, spaces should be non- • Fellow Nature lovers enjoying the transit as there is not much space threatening and welcoming to all beauty of the natural world, its to park. cultures quiet nourishment to the soul. • Diverse groups of people, but • everyone, spaces should be • Few kids usually beach with people especially young people. Most nonthreatening and welcoming to who work 2 Nd shifts people rode bike or took public all cultures • Few kids usually beach with people transit as there is not much space • Families who work 2 Nd shifts to park. • Families • Fit people also running • Diverse park users, various age, • Families • Flexibility - changes according to race, religion, abilities, gender • Families needs (COVID is a good example) expressions, etc. • Families • For the winter hike, mostly adults • Diverse park users, various age, • Families and some older kids; friends, race, religion, abilities, gender • Families families, grandparents, couples. But expressions, etc. • Families not huge crowds of people. • Diverse people enjoying themselves • Families • Friends • Diverse people enjoying themselves • Families • Friends • Dog friendly people • Families • Friends - with supervision that’s not • Dog owners • Families directly related to you (safe to be • Dog owners • Families by self or unsupervised) • Dogs • families • Friends and family • Dogs • Families • Friends and family including • Dogs • families grandchildren • Dogs • Families • Friends I'm a senior now and most • Dogs • Families and children family members are grown and • Dogs • Families and individuals of all race moved away. • Dogs, puppy, and something cats and ethnicities are there • Friends, other dog owners • dumb question • Families and people of all ages, all • friends; people enjoying physical • Early morning solitude is nice � with smiles. activities
21st Century Vision Implementation: Who else is there? Page 40 • Gives us an opportunity to realize • I see ski teams from the area high • Just the birds, fish and aquatic that we all share the same schools animals and plants, with occasional aspirations. • I think we want to promote people at the start and end. • Grandkids, large families reunions, activities that include lots of • Kids extended different people • Kids • Groups of people learning about • I want it to be welcoming for • Kids and families nature. everyone. • Kids and families • Guided activities • I want it to look like the community • Kids and young people are there • Guided activities came out to recreate and not just • Kids from disenfranchised • Happy one demographic. backgrounds learning to swim, • Happy family walking and laughing • I would like to see people of varied paddle, and be water confident • Happy laughing children. demographic groups able to enjoy • kids learning new skills • Happy people the public grounds. I personally • Kids playing • Happy smiling neighbors don't like lots of shrieking children, • Kids programs are led by BIPOC • Happy smiling neighbors but they have a right to use the staff that are seasoned and been • have their own space (if possible) facilities. doing it for many years. This is the and walkers/runners have theirs. • I would love to see families, esp. norm, not unique. • High school students were running children. I also would love to see • Kids, families, adults, seniors - with their group. people of all colors and EVERYONE! • High school teams nationalities at the park. Maybe • Learners of all ages • Hopefully, no one else will be there some of the people would be • Lot of people and we will feel as if we are alone. playing together just by chance. • Lots of different age groups and • • Hopefully, other people will be I’m hoping people have pets and nationalities allowed to be around are being responsible enough to • Lots of different kids and families, clean up after them • I am hoping to see diversity in all mostly kids • people and relationships Ill reputed people • Lots of different people • • I don’t have a dog but I like walking Immersed in nature • Lots of different people • in dog parks to watch them play. In the park - There is a contingent • Lots of different people • I expect lots of diversity with of people, and it is representative • Lots of different people of ALL cultures. Food, games, languages I do not understand • Lots of different people music, and interaction is infectious. • I expect lots of diversity with • Lots of different people • Individuals, small groups and languages I do not understand • Lots of different people families • I see all ages with and without kids • Lots of different people • instructors who can teach you new • I see diversity • lots of different people things • I see employees of the park • Lots of different people • Intergenerational mixed ages • I see families, friends and animals • Lots of different people • It is a very culturally diverse group • I see families. • lots of different people including of patrons. • I see high school mountain biking children • It's a quiet hike, just me and my races • Lots of different people of all ages friends. A few people cross our • I see lifeguards and skill levels path, but we mostly observe • I see old couple looks so happy and • wildlife and plants. Lots of different people on the active courts • It's a quiet hike, just me and my • I see other people and pets. • friends. A few people cross our Lots of different people speaking • I see other people who look like me path, but we mostly observe different languages - they all feel • I see other people who look like me wildlife and plants. welcome in the space • • I see races • Just a few other adults, not lots of lots of different people with • I see ski races people different backgrounds • Lots of different people with room
21st Century Vision Implementation: Who else is there? Page 41 for everyone to spread out and go • Lots of people are fishing and their own thing. at their own pace barbecuing • Most spaces should be free or • Lots of different people, a good mix • Lots of people enjoying a walk inexpensive for those who can't of children, adults, and young folks. • Lots of people enjoying a walk afford it. • Lots of different people, all ages • Lots of people I know from my • Mostly adults and backgrounds, with many neighborhood or from my • Mostly adults languages spoken children’s schools • Mostly adults and families on the • Lots of different people, both • Lots of people of all abilities and water young and old. backgrounds • Mostly adults as I am aging and • Lots of different people, young and • Lots of people. Reflective of the appreciate being old. diversity of our communities. • Mostly adults but some children • Lots of different people. • lots of wildlife and native plants • Mostly adults in the parks I • Lots of different people. • lots of wildlife and native plants frequent • Lots of different people. • Love it when lots of families are out • Mostly adults like myself • Lots of different people. Children, together. That’s what kids need. • Mostly adults like myself teens, and adults. Diverse families • Many children • Mostly adults on the trails like my own. • many children and families who did • Mostly other adults • Lots of different people. I also love not access the parks previously • Mostly other adults going dancing to bands at outdoor • Many children and school groups • mostly single or 2 to 3 adults or kids venues. Mostly adults will be at • Many different people golf at The • Mother pushing a baby stroller these. I hope there are more Ponds of Battle Creek. • Multigenerational families together dancing opportunities. • Many families of different races • Music or food to help to meet new • lots of different people: children, and cultures. people adults, multi-gen families • Many people of ALL AGES AND • My children and my neighbors • lots of different people: those with BACKGROUNDS.. • My co-workers disabilities & from different • Many young people • my extended family can join us backgrounds • Maybe a few people seem in because parking is available • Lots of diverse communities sharing passing, otherwise just squirrels, • My family space rabbits, birds and other winter • My family • Lots of diverse families animals. • My family and friends • Lots of diverse golfers • Meet friends there sometimes. • My family and friends • Lots of diverse people from the • Members of the community within • My family and friends community Ramsey County. For example, I live • My family, friends and whoever • Lots of diversity - all ages and races in an area of a high concentration wants to participate • Lots of diversity - all ages and races of Somali, Hmong, API. So if/when • My family, other people and dogs. • Lots of diversity of people walking they feel comfortable/happy at a • My friends trails and playing golf at The Ponds park, then I'm happy. • My friends at Battle Creek. • mix of kids and adults • My friends and sometime my • Lots of dog owners • Mix of other dogs teacher • Lots of families with kids • mix of people but space to spread • My friends and their families • Lots of family similar to mine, kids, out • My friends and their family invited adults, and dogs • mixed adults, children, families me to eat with them when I pass by • Lots of kids • Mixture of ages • My friends, families, and strangers • Lots of kids • Mom, dad,
21st Century Vision Implementation: Who else is there? Page 42 • My kids • Other families and xc skiing. • My kids • Other families • people from the neighborhoods • My mom and dad • Other families and adults and high • people of all abilities • my neighbors school team skiers • People of all ages • My old parents are with me walking • Other families and children • people of all ages slowly because they’re getting old • Other families and children • People of all ages • My relatives, friends and families • Other families are there but it is not • People of all ages • Myself alone for fitness crowded. • People of all ages • Naturalists who can teach you • Other families are there. They are • People of all ages and backgrounds about the environment varied in size, age and structure. • People of all ages and ethnic • Naturalists who can teach you • Other families golfing. backgrounds. about the environment • Other families in my community • People of all ages and ethnic • Nature lovers like me • Other families in my community backgrounds. • Nature, family and friends • Other families in nature • People of all ages and ethnicities. • No one • Other families just like mine Families and groups of friends. • No one • Other family • People of all ages, but without • No racism/racist • Other humans being crowded • No racism/racist • Other kids • people of all ages, depending on • Nobody, I’m in the woods alone • Other parents and kids skating the activity • Nothing else/ need heated lots of • other seniors walking • people of all ages. window huge dome winter • other seniors walking • people of all colors restaurants or play area in the • Other walkers & families, all ages. • People of all cultures enjoying the winter looking like Hawaii • Other walkers. space • Occasionally I see a neighbor or • Other walkers. • People of all ethnicities and friend, most people keep to • others with an appreciation for cultures themselves nature and being outdoors • People of all ethnicities and • Often just me, sometimes other • others with an appreciation for cultures riders nature and being outdoors • People of all races, ages and • Older adults • Out with family abilities respectfully enjoying • Older adults • Outdoorsman nature with low impact activities • Older adults being brought outside • Outdoorsman like walking or snowshoeing with assistance, and young kids • Parents and their children • People of different races and getting to just have fun and be loud • People genders. • and wild in safe areas for them • People People of many different ethnic • Older men and some families • People exercising backgrounds are enjoying the gold course and range facilities at the • Older people, retired people • People from all different cultural Ponds • Other amazing dog owners backgrounds • People participating in silent sports. • Other animals • People from all racial and ethnic • • Other children are also there groups people representing the diversity/demographics of the area having fun • People from all walks of life. • People respectful of the rules • Other children are also there • People from many ethnic • having fun backgrounds People walking their dogs • • Other dog owners. • People from many ethnic People who are recovering- people • Other dog owners/walkers backgrounds who need an outlet. • • Other dogs • People from other county and People who enjoy the outdoors • • other families states People who speak the same • Other families • People from the city are also biking language as me • people who will talk to each other,
21st Century Vision Implementation: Who else is there? Page 43 meet new folks • Respectful families and people • The winter rec hills at Battle Creek • People with dogs walking with their leashed four- are full of kids • People with dogs legged friends • There are a lot of other families, • People with leashed dogs. • Respectful people with a lot of diversity. • People with other ethnic • Respectful people • There are adults like me, and also diversities. It would be nice if • Room for slow activities groups of school kids on a field trip something could be done to make • Rude people who think their • There are many families walking them recognized so that more mother will be coming to clean up and enjoying the trails people of their culture would visit after them • There are some people, but no the parks. I think they might feel • Safe lines or difficulty finding space. out of place, which is natural, • Same as now, a great mix of • There is no fear for personal safety, however, even a slight recognition cultures and families everyone is friendly and sober. would make them feel more • Same diverse groups that are in the • There is something for everyone wanted. inclusive here • People with pets • School children • There would be more diverse • People with physical mobility • Security communities in the parks. issues. People who use mass transit • security • Transportation to access different or any mode other than driving a • See #6 places and spaces to explore car solo to the park or rec area. • see another walker • Trash cans are maintained and • People working to restore native • see families skiing and skating pet's waste is picked up. habitat and cleaning up garbage • See families using grills not enough • Troubled youth and other pollutants grill spits • Various people are engaged in a • People working to restore native • See families using grills not enough variety of activities - walking, habitat and cleaning up garbage grill spits biking, running, photography, and other pollutants • Signs near plants in braille socializing, de-stressing, being • pets. • Some children mindful and/or just connecting • Photojournalist • Some couples were holding hands with nature. • Planning is being completed and and walking. • Visitors from far and wide led by diverse teams. • Spaces should be safe for everyone • Walking/hiking more with adults • Playful Dogs • Spaces should be safe for everyone • When I passed by some elderlies • playgrounds/picnics more with • Staff at RCP&R are diverse and were enjoying their slow walk with family/children inclusive. The "co-directors" of their cultural music on. • Presenters presenting beehives. represent minority groups that are • Wildlife Historian educating. Native vastly increasing in participation. • Wildlife American influence in a nod to the • summer different people • winter different people land. • Suspicious individuals • Women walking alone safely • Pups with the owners • Talking and hanging out with my • young adults engaging youth in • Pups with the owners friends outdoors • Quiet areas for relaxation and • teachers, guides, learners • Young families, elderly people, reflection and to observe wildlife • Teenagers hanging at the lake people from apartments, dog • Quiet people • the neighborhood gathers in these walkers • Relaxed spaces - all ages/races • Rental of ice fishing houses or • The people are all different and yet equipment are all like my family, the same as it • Respectful families and people is today and has been for all time. walking with their leashed four • The Ponds is full of kids learning the legged friends game of golf and the live lessons of • All people, kids, adults, elders hard work and honesty.
21st Century Vision Implementation: Who else is there? Page 44 4. What do you love about this? How does it make you feel?
21st Century Vision Implementation: What do you love about this? How does it make you feel? Page 45 Vision: A dynamic, community-centered system that provides opportunities for our ever-changing community to engage with inclusive and welcoming parks and recreation sites and programming.
Thinking about yourself, family, and friends in Ramsey County parks, facilities, and programs…What do you love about this? How does it make you feel?
• A park system - different parts of health of connections to it/ dependency the system have different features • being in nature • community and different types of recreation. • being in these spaces makes me • community • A sense of community and feel like part of the • Community respecting wildlife and the community/neighborhood • community integrity/belonging outdoors, keeping it clean and • Being outdoors in nature, looking at • Companionship with my dog owner natural water, plants and people gives me friends. Lots of space for my dogs • Ability to be outside a sense that I belong to socialize. • Ability to be outside and observing • Being outdoors, being in nature • connected other than my own • Being outside in nature • Connected • Access to trails makes me feel • Belonging • Connected good! • Belonging to my community • Connected to community • accessibility within Saint Paul city • bringing us close to nature brings • Connected to many community limits us closer together. members • Adding community gardens for • Brings you back to wholeness. • Connected to my loved ones who people that don’t have access to it. • Budget friendly activities are with me • Adding millions for a snow machine • Builds and strengthens community • Connected to nature is absolutely ridiculous. This will • Calm • Connected to nature in a positive add to a few hundred peoples’ • Calm way. wellbeing, meanwhile the golf • Calm and low stress. • Connected to nature in a positive course sees 25,000 plus people • Calm and low stress. way. each year. • Calm, happy, nourishing. • Connected to the world, lots of • After my walk I feel great! I see • Calm, happy, nourishing. nature and all kinds of people something new every time • Calm, peaceful, filled with joy and • Connected to the world, lots of • After my walk I feel great! I see connected to creation. nature and all kinds of people something new every time • Calm, peaceful, filled with joy and • Connection with neighbors and • Alive connected to creation. community. • Alive • Calm. Warm the of the sun, cool of • Content • All families, kids, adults, elders the shade. • Crisp fresh air and the burning of • ALL parks have diversity - not just • Calming, relax and having fun on thighs…little used winter muscles. "that" one for those folks. stressing day. • Different types of cultures • And golf • caring for what’s here for future displayed and honored • and there is growth in parks. generations • Diverse and so vibrant Conservation is important to • Clean and safe space to enjoy • Diverse and so vibrant Ramsey County. exercise and being outdoors • Do ever use outside but we have • Being able to access the woods is • Close our outdoor fitness’s - in Madison very healing. For me it is important • Close to home natural Wisconsin all indoor gyms go to the to keep a good portion of the land environments parks undeveloped to allow the space for • Close to nature • Do ever use outside but we have birds & wildlife to flourish. • Close to nature outdoor fitness’s - in Madison • Being active outdoors or being still • Close to nature Wisconsin all indoor gyms go to the in nature begins joy and good • closeness to nature, understanding parks
21st Century Vision Implementation: What do you love about this? How does it make you feel? Page 46 • Don’t have to pay, low on budget off leash in a safe designated dog these things no matter what our saving money area socioeconomic group. • During a pandemic to close this • Fresh air • Happy to be with family. place with no plan is head • Friends and family • healing, growing, peace, promise scratching. This is a place to get • Fulfilled • healthy outside and get exercise and • Fun • Healthy - out moving, exercising, socialization safely. • Fun and for mental health, the green • Encourages people to prioritize • Gives us an opportunity to realize space and the quiet balance in their lives. that we all share the same • Helps look forward to each season's • Engaged in my community which aspirations. uniqueness makes me feel connected • Go up and down the hills • Helps look forward to each season's • Enjoy being able to see many • Golfing with my kids makes all of us uniqueness different animals feel great! • Helps restore attention and lower • Enjoy being out of doors • Good seeing kids learning to play stress. • Environment hockey • Highlight of my day • Everybody is on an ageing • Good to relax and have peaceful • Hiking makes me feel free...leave continuum. Walkers, strollers, conversation your daily life at home!! wheelchairs, skateboards all have a • Good. Welcome. Proud of our • Hockey and ice sports are a classic place in the parks. community. Minnesota pastime, it’s a great • Excited • Grandkids, large families reunions, thing to do in the winter and our • excited for more extended urban communities could have • Experience nature within metro • Grateful for environmental some very talented skaters waiting • Experiencing nature stewardship. to make the national and global • Fantastic! • Great exercise, beautiful scenery stage. Makes me feel proud of • feel connected to nature and my and nature. Calming and exciting home and hopeful that our ice community • Great opportunity to open the sport traditions might live on in • feel exhilarated outdoors for all new and diverse groups of • Feel good • great to be able to get outside and residents. • feel peaceful & relaxed have a place to go in the city • Humanity • feel relaxed • Happy • Humans have taken way too much • feel relaxed • happy away from nature for leisure • Feeling valued. • Happy actives that harm nature like • Feeling very happy to share this • Happy playing sports, technology, and with my family. • Happy having pets. We need to work to give back to nature and we will get • Feels good to get exercise • Happy more in return. • Feels good to get outside and be • Happy • I also love the ability to find calm active • Happy spaces between the energetic • Feels good to get outside and be • Happy and peaceful bubbles. active • Happy dogs • I always feel better when I can be • Fenced in large and wooded with • Happy for the opportunity to be outside enjoying fresh air and small ponds. accessible for all nature • Flexibility - changes according to • Happy I can do more activities with • I am at peace knowing I can safely needs (COVID is a good example) my dog walk my parents so they can enjoy • Forest therapy is proven to uplift • Happy like now the last few decades of their lives our moods. • Happy like now • I am grateful for the work that • Free entrance • Happy that many people find value people before me and people of my • Freedom in this shared good generation did to create these • Freeing to let my well-trained dog • Happy that we are able to enjoy
21st Century Vision Implementation: What do you love about this? How does it make you feel? Page 47 spaces. • I feel encouraged and happy • I feel refreshed and unburdened • I am happy my dog can run around knowing there are accessible green and hopeful. in a big space spaces. • I feel refreshed by having people • I am happy that my community has • I feel good about being outside and around but not having to interact areas for these activities. enjoying nature. Also teaching my with them directly. • I am not afraid to go outside kids to appreciate being outdoors. • I feel safe • I am proud of our community and • I feel good being outside seeing • I feel safe and connected, loved. the earth we share. other families like ours. • I feel so nice to see the beauty of • I am relaxed • I feel great about the ability to bike nature • I am thrilled that snow-making is through parks and along the river • I feel strong and fit increasing the use of cross-country but also through the city. • I feel that ALL are valued, safe, ski trails. • I feel great to have an opportunity supported, and invited. • I am thrilled that snowmaking is to connect with nature not too far • I feel welcome increasing the use of cross-country from home • I get to see a part of nature that I ski trails. • I feel happy and calm with green wouldn't otherwise see just • I am welcomed and belong here. space and nature driving/biking through parts of the • I can get into nature thoroughly • I feel happy and excited to get to city. without having to drive too far the park • I have pride in my park and want to • I can ski without fearing for my • I feel happy and proud to live here bring my family and friends to the safety because there's no longer off because parks are a priority park. leash dogs and hikers on the trail • I feel happy seeing other people • I like seeing others having fun • I can't afford lots of equipment. outdoors fishing, but we do try to avoid Can equipment rental or free check • I feel happy seeing other people fishing at busy times. We are out be available outdoors looking for a peaceful time. • I enjoy feeling like I'm in a forest • I feel happy that others are • I like spending time outside with and no longer in the city enjoying nature family and ft • I enjoy hearing children playing and • I feel happy to have something • I like to be outdoors, I used to live laughing nearby that is freely available to on 13 wooded acres and I miss it • I enjoy people getting to use anyone who wants to get outside • I like to go cook and grill the meat outdoor spaces that are well cared for fun. with my friends and family for. • I feel healthy, connected to nature • I like to see many different of • I enjoy seeing picnic reunions at and my community, relaxed. flowers parks because they are usually an • I feel like I know my community • I love being in community with ethnic group, and it is great to see better others outside, people are always them enjoying the parks • I feel like I'm in nature in a great mood when enjoying • I enjoy seeing the seasonal changes • I feel like my tax money is being outdoor recreation • I feel a sense of peace and well spent • I love being outside in all kinds of belonging in the world when I am in • I feel lucky to live in an area that weather nature with other people values its environment. • I love exploring nature close to • I feel at home. It's my town. • I feel part of the community. home • I feel connected and safe in my • I feel part of the larger community • I love having a local, free place to community. of the cities. be where I can interact with people • I feel connected to my community • I feel peace from being in nature. in my community by having a local place to be active • I feel peaceful finding that quiet • I love hiking in Vadnais regional at spot to watch the birds and park, smelling the pone forest and • I feel connected with myself squirrels and other wildlife listening to the birds and frogs, • I feel curious about learning new • I feel proud of our commitment to seeing eagles flying overhead skills and meeting new people. our spaces • I love it that children and adults are
21st Century Vision Implementation: What do you love about this? How does it make you feel? Page 48 connected to nature foster a love of nature in children all care about • I love it that I can meet with • I love that dogs have a place to run • I love the accessibility and diversity. neighbors at parks, say hi to others where it feels like you’re in the • I love the accessibility of parks to all taking a walk woods, no fences in sight kinds of families • I love it that more people spend • I love that everyone feels welcome. • I love the accessibility of parks to all time outdoors • I love that I am learning and feel kinds of families • I love kids and their energy. They so included through an ongoing • I love the beautiful natural setting. enjoy the time they get to play at a platform. • I love the communal feel of a big playground • I love that I am learning and feel outdoor beer garden where people • I love meeting new people and this included through an ongoing can gather and have fun as a is a great safe place to do so. platform. broader community. • I love my weekly golf league, a • I love that I am moving and • I love the diversity of this area. chance to see my friends get exploring. I also love that I have a • I love the public investment in outside, enjoy a beautiful course great excuse to take a break to nature areas to preserve habitat, with biodiversity. learn about something new along and I like being able to get out into • I love nature the stopping points. This helps me nature. • I love nature and having my to stop and enjoy the outdoors. • I love the smells, sounds and sights community have many dedicated • I love that I am surrounded by of nature. areas for nature and physical others who are also avoiding • I love the water. Relaxed activity packaging and supporting the local • I love to be in nature • I love seeing golf as a sport which is economy. • I love to see people are being becoming more diverse and not • I love that it makes our lakes and respectful by cleaning up after just a place for old white men. My streams more accessible by having using the park grill and shutting kids won't know that's how golf use shared and low-cost rental down the fire and throwing their to be. resources available. I feel trash away. • I love seeing kids pushing appreciative that I don't have to • I love to see people are sharing themselves and taking risks and own a canoe to go paddling or space for the grill experimenting fishing for the day. • I need help and guided • I love seeing kids pushing • I love that it recognizes that our experiences. I want my kids to fish themselves and taking risks and leaders see the need to represent but need program or event staff to experimenting many cultures, ability levels and guide us. • I love seeing lots of different ages • I need nature and we have people out and about, but let's face • I love that it’s a place for people of beautiful places that we haven’t it - Minnesota is not the most all ages to enjoy developed. diverse place in the world so • I love that my kids are making new • I really enjoy seeing people out there's only so much you can do. friends and learning a new sport enjoying the recreational resource • I love seeing my community’s • I love that people are getting • I see families, friends and animals diversity and the way other outside and appreciating nature. • I usually bring an extra bag to pick cultures use the parks. • I love that Ramsey County has a up trash that I see especially plastic • I love seeing people appreciate vision that is intertwined to the • I usually bring an extra bag to pick both nature and winter, and be in towns and cities that it up trash that I see especially plastic awe at the glow of candlelight. encompasses. • I want other people of diverse • I love seeing people outdoors, • I love that the park has free background to feel comfortable in moving and enjoying themselves. entrance and free parking Ramsey County parks • I love seeing people spending time • I love that we have a space to let • I will be 83 in 5 years. Hopefully, I together, being active and enjoying the dogs run can still use the parks the sun. • I love the access my community has • I would like to feel safe doing the • I love that being out in nature will to something free and local that we activities
21st Century Vision Implementation: What do you love about this? How does it make you feel? Page 49 • I would like to feel welcomed ours (BIPOC) the county population • I would like to feel welcomed • It feels like Norman Rockwell • It seems the goal is to get rid of ice- • I would love that people have painting with more diversity. skating rinks and golf courses natural areas to go to relax, de- • It feels safe and welcoming. owned by the county. I beg that stress and calm down in nature. • It feels safe and welcoming. you just sell them if that is the plan • I would love that people have • It is GREAT! For one thing, it has to allow them to keep open. natural areas to go to socialize and educated me more about all the • It would be great if the county relax in nature. many different parks in Ramsey would break out of its bubble of • I would love to have the quiet but County that I was kind of aware of, arenas, beaches, and golf courses many don’t recognize this need. but not really. Now I am more so! and accepted that bikes can roll on • I’d like to think there could be Thank You! something other than blacktop. dedicated spaces for an adult quiet • It is nature amid city noise • It’s calming to listen to nature and space. • It is nature amid city noise. observe • I’m happy that I have facilities like • It is nice to see families out and • It's a coming together. this in my neighborhood about and enjoying the outdoors • It's a coming together. • I+C11:G31 would like to feel safe • It is refreshing to take in the sights • It's a safe and welcoming doing the activities and smells of the trees and plant community gathering space where I • If all this is possible it makes me life surrounding the trails. can meet my fellow community feel great! • It is refreshing, relaxing, and fun. members. • If this is around, I would feel good • It is refreshing, relaxing, and fun. • Its free, with free parking and about people in Ramsey County • It is very easy to access and free access! having access to natural areas to • It is wonderful to see the great • Its left wild! support good mental and physical crowds of people enjoying walks • It's really important for people to health. and picnics! be out in nature. Makes all of us • I'm almost always able to get to the • It is wonderful to spend time in feel better. park without a car. nature • just want to connect with nature • I'm glad the parks are actually for • It make me feel at peace with the and get outside more everyone. world. • Kids are seeing the diversity in the • I'm happy that the parks are well • It makes me feel adventurous and community. used, and I notice to see if the supported • Large tracts of natural habitat parks are also maintained well • It makes me feel calm and relaxed. restore my spirit. based on the amount of traffic they • It makes me feel connected with • less isolated--even during non- get. my community pandemic times, this was the case • Immersed in nature • It makes me feel free • Less stress • Inquisitive • It makes me feel good to see others • Lighted area safe for longer periods • invigorated and cool on a hot be in and respect nature • Like my tax dollars is being well summer day or wet and • It makes me feel good to see others spent the community. comfortable on a cold winter day. be in and respect nature • Like the exercise • It brings me great joy to see • It makes me feel healthy • Live beaching and the sunrise like children of all kinds, colors, and • It makes me feel hopeful and Shoreview shapes playing together. I also • It makes me feel relaxed -- and • Live river walk classes at waterpark receive much joy from seeing happy about being able to exercise at Como - why it’s closed is crazy- families having a good time, seeing in a nature setting went to one in Owatonna all last people of different backgrounds • It makes me happy to see lots of summer - feel strong and fit reach out to each other. people and their dogs enjoying • Live river walk classes at waterpark • It brings people together to be time outside. at Como - why it’s closed is crazy- active outside. • It makes me happy. went to one in Owatonna all last • It feels good to see families like • It makes me see the full breadth of summer - feel strong and fit
21st Century Vision Implementation: What do you love about this? How does it make you feel? Page 50 • Lots of family similar to mine, kids, • Makes use of scarce land resources cannot wait to go to the park. adults, and dogs for the nutritional value of the • Open inclusive environment • Lots of programming for adults, community. It makes me feel more • Open spaces feel peaceful & safe children, families to enjoy connected with the land and feels • Openness and wilderness up close • Lots of programming for adults, like more value is being provided by • other and keep areas clean. children, families to enjoy the Ramsey County forests than • Other families in nature • Love being in an area that feels like just untouched nature alone. • Other families just like mine the woods, with no bikes or joggers • Makes you feel valued (in the • Out with family or skiing around process) • Outdoor places get an immersion in • Love being in nature in a safe • Meeting new people, making new a multi-cultural community. beautiful place connections with RC users and RC • Outside. So good. • Love being outdoors all year round staff at events/programming. We • Parks and nature are calming for a • Love being outside all end up in parks for a common lot of us, allows me to unplug from • Love having places where lots of reason. daily life and the "busy-ness" of life people can be together • Mom, dad,
21st Century Vision Implementation: What do you love about this? How does it make you feel? Page 51 nature, getting fresh air and • Same as current, with more stuff • The park offers free water fountain exercise. • Same thing we feel now when to drink • People can gather together again. we're at the parks. • The parks offer something for • People, especially underserved, • Scared everyone to enjoy enjoying the natural world and • Seeing different people • the solitude feeling safe • Seeing newly established pollinator • the spaces where there is • Physical activity areas at parks makes me proud community • places to get away from noise & that my community is caring for our • the spaces where there is quiet crowds monarchs and bees • Therapeutic space • Protective - securing green spaces • seeing others enjoy the amenities • There are indoor facilities that offer adds so much to value, and once and spending time with a wide variety of programs that are they're gone, they're hard to get family/friends free or very affordable. back • sense of peace and prosperity • There are many ways to encourage • protects open land for use • Smell physical activities --playgrounds • Proud • So close to home and the ability to designed for children as well as • Proud - green spaces show a enjoy nature. exercise playgrounds for adults. dedication to people instead of just • Some parks are close by my house • There is a lot of excitement commerce • Sometime people offer free foods • There is community everywhere I • Proud of my community and drinks turn. • Proud that our public assets are • spending time with other people • There would be a feeling of a sense inclusive of the diverse needs of • Sports, and rentals so that kids can of ownership. the public. participate. • This decision to close the Ponds at • Provides a critical venue for • Stress levels decrease. Battle Creek is devastating to my physical, mental and spiritual • Sunshine...it makes me happy. family and friends. health Biking on trails...beautiful trees, • This is a good place to be and I’m • Quiet areas close to home flowers. glad I live here • Refreshed • surroundings and our neighbors. • This is good. Let's use the parks • Refreshed, restored, renewed, We help each wisely. calmed, de-stressed • Talk to random people • This is not a reality. I don’t really • Relaxed • Talking and hanging out with my understand what the vision is here. • relaxed and active friends It appears you’re throwing a bunch • Relaxed solitude • That people are appreciating being of stuff at a board, and say 5 to 10 • Relaxed, fortunate, healthy, lucky out in a less developed landscape nine years down the road this is • Relaxing, energizing, and • That people are appreciating being what it could be. I would like for opportunity to learn (interpretive out in a less developed landscape the board to come up with an displays). • That people are enjoying nature actual vision and plan and • Rental of ice fishing houses or • That people are enjoying nature articulate it in a way that doesn’t equipment • That we as a community of people seem so backhanded. I have lost all • River water moving my kayak is a care about our faith in Ramsey county over the party in a boat. I love having a • The cultural diversity seen at the course of the last couple years. • picnic on a sandy shore. So parks makes me glad I live in a togetherness relaxing. diverse community • Transportation to access different • Safe • The hiking trails continue to sustain places and spaces to explore • Safe me throughout the year. They are • trying new things physically • safe for kids i.e., off road, away my gym and my place of • Variety of experiences, not just one from traffic meditation, and extension of my purpose • Safe inviting home. I feel at peace when I'm • View • Safe inviting there. • Want people to feel welcomed and
21st Century Vision Implementation: What do you love about this? How does it make you feel? Page 52 a sense of belonging. this one world. • Welcome, safe, relaxed. • Warm • All people, kids, adults, elders • Welcoming to all • We love solitude. We love to be • we need more people to appreciate • When I do use a private vehicle, surrounded by nature, a part of nature and know that we all share motorized or human-powered, I nature. this one world. don't worry about where it is • we need more people to appreciate • We walk the talk parked. nature and know that we all share • Welcome • Zen
21st Century Vision Implementation: What do you love about this? How does it make you feel? Page 53 5. What's different from today?
21st Century Vision Implementation: What's different from today? Page 54 Vision: A dynamic, community-centered system that provides opportunities for our ever-changing community to engage with inclusive and welcoming parks and recreation sites and programming.
Thinking about yourself, family, and friends in Ramsey County parks, facilities, and programs…What’s different from today?
• A bike park technologically advanced, solar Don’t need protection of • A bike park panels, going green homogeneous community. • A designated dog beach where we • Basic needs such as housing are • Children are having new activities can swim together secured. outdoors • A lot less invasive plants • Better access • Clean restroom • A more connected partnership with • Better access • Clean up lakes to boat and fish. organizations who have a passion • better access for those who can't • Clean water and places to put to their specialty drive ashore for having a picnic lunch or • A safe place to play and have family • Better behaved people swimming get togethers. • Better behaved people • Cleaner • Abundant wildlife, fauna, flora, • Better conditions • Cleaner beaches community gardens, • Better lighting • cleaner parks with easier parking • access by some form of transit • Better lighting • cleaner water • access is easy for everyone • Better maps of trails posted at the • Cleaner water and air, scattered • access to more people - maybe bus park with, perhaps, mile markers so benches along the trails are a nice transportation to and from parks at runners and walkers can calculate feature certain times distance • Cleaner, better maintained, less • Activities • Better security geese! • ADA nationally states that RCP&R • better security • community led decision making has the best systems in place for a • Bike racks and security. • Community participation diverse disables community. • Bike rentals at very very low to no • Community's cleanup day, classes • Added mountain bike trails cost for kids for kids for a variety of sports, • African American and Hmong • bike trails are fully connected for fishing and include our elderly in American kids are also out xc skiing limited to no on-road riding these activities with kids for good and biking • Bike trails connect poorer health, maybe partner with a • All families, kids, adults, elders communities in St Paul with the nursing home and the parks. • All kinds of people feel safe and river trails and parks. • Connection between trails comfortable being alone in these • Biking trails or mountain biking • Connection to the workforce of peaceful, beautiful parks. • BIPOC people living in joy parks & recreation • All of the greenways are connected. • BIPOC people living in joy • Creating a brave space (beyond • All OLDA's have water for dogs, • bird watching area in summer safe) where it feels like home drinking and washing - just like Rice • Boat rentals • Currently they don't allow Creek has • Boat rentals snowshoeing at the Ponds in the • All people getting along, no loud • Building for hosting ski events... winter, but it would be a great music • can’t imagine cause some people’s spot. Much of Battle Creek is either • All people, kids, adults, elders ideas are wild and if they have the paved of cross-country trails in the • All the dog parks have access to backing, they get what they want winter. water inside the parks. • Change in scenery • Different languages being spoken • Amphitheaters so that parks and • Check, Why do all the Black kids sit and signs in different languages community orgs and residents can together in the cafeteria book for • Different levels of disparities - host a plethora of programming. reference. Different ethnic and age accessible by transportation - • Architectural designs are groups intermingle seamlessly. connection and/or pathways
21st Century Vision Implementation: What's different from today? Page 55 between schools and parks, and services and amenities the parks • happy sounds balanced with quiet connections between other parks offer. spaces (physically and academically) • everyone is welcome, everyone is • haven't been there yet because I've • Different people or leaders be comfortable being there been busy working and now am consulted to develop new events • Everything around the scenes. avoiding crowds because of Covid. and new spaces • Everything is labeled in the Also, so many things require online • Different types of cultures different languages the park registration and while I have a displayed and honored visitors use. laptop issued by my job and I am • Different types of food and cultural • Expanded dog park, larger size and trying to learn how to use a events. more areas, ample parking smartphone with no customer • diverse staff representation in • Expanded trail systems service backup, i would hope there parks ( see staff folks out and about • Facilities are totally accessible to could be quiet spots for people - can ask questions/ be welcomed- handicapped individuals who want to connect with nature with some sort of identification) • Families enjoying mn as well as spots where children can • Diversity growing • Families having events in pavilions be noisy and no one cares • Dog park is less eroded. Trails are and using water features • Hiking trails in the winter!!!! not being created every 25' apart. • family classes/programs/activities • Hope it's the same • Dog parks provided water and bags at wider time availability • Hopefully more people taking for the dogs • Few doing anything getting boring advantage of the parks • Don't know • Few lake or trail patios • hopefully not over built and rear • Drones are allowed • fewer invasive plants done is still useful • dumb question • fewer invasive species • Hopefully there's not a pandemic - • Easier to book a tee time. • Fewer people as they are spread it's hard to think ahead to what • Easier to know that these resources out on more trails normal will look like. exist, perhaps better signage or • Floating in an inner tube at the • Hopefully, much is the same advertising campaign. beach is allowed. I like when • Hopefully, their fears won't ruin it • Easy access to hiking and biking beaches don’t have lifeguards for the rest of us trails that are well maintained because I can do this., • I am limited on where I can • Education about nature and • Free (or greatly reduced) mini-golf mountain bike, courses have not learning what is around us and how range so that kids and families can been developed in this area we can preserve it. play together. • I am limited on where I can ski due • Elementary to college students and • Free programming and opportunity to the weather learners of all ages are learning in to try new and different things. • I am not scared that developers are parks spaces • Free Wi-Fi for remote working and going to turn open spaces into • Emphasis on cleaning up after students gated communities with enjoying the parks—less garbage • Friends and family McMansions. that needs to be cleaned up • Garbage cans are emptied in a • I am seeing a park that is less • Enlist non-profits to bring timely manner (sorry, sometimes manicured and more natural - the programming to parks the trash is overflowing at the park) green short grass is great but there • Environmental pollution (air, water, • Grandkids, large families reunions, is so much of it and it costs a lot to land) has not increased extended maintain • • Equipment rental would be nice • Greater diversity of people & I am seeing more green houses or • Equipment to participate in families conservatories, maybe a activities that require it available • Greater Multiuse areas community garden • and no or low cost to all • Groups have adopted portions of I am seeing more parks with • Equipment to pick up garbage as the park and aim to beautify and or different languages being used and you walk. reintroduce native species above naming the park something other • Everyone is more aware of all the what the county is able to do than an English word
21st Century Vision Implementation: What's different from today? Page 56 • I can access it in a way that doesn't kayak, paddle board and canoe engage. require I drive a car and park my • I see old people going on walks • If the golf course is shut down, car at my destination. together and being active many of my friends will go • I cannot hear cars. • I see people being active elsewhere. • I don't know what it will look like. I • I see people biked/bused/took the • I'm seeing areas that are specially have lived here for 38 years and I train here. developed for introductory love the • I see well maintained parks open to experiences for families. Families • I don't know what kind of all. have ways to learn how to interact programming is offered. The vision • I see well maintained parks open to with nature. There are ways of statement is vague. all. helping people understand how to • I feel that I am a part of something • I want to enjoy nature and see use the dog parks. Currently (not 5 through community organization more trees be growing. I want to years in the future) parks, including • I have a baby and meet other hear the quiet and wonderful the dog park are getting increased parents for activities sounds of nature. usage with no help in • I have only heard of candlelit hikes • I will probably move. I do not care understanding how to act. There at the state level, so if they are for urban sprawl, too many people. are increased incidents of bad already happening in the county, I really enjoy the open spaces in human and canine behavior. So in they're not advertised well enough. Ramsey County. the future it is desirable to have • I hear different languages being • I would feel more safe -- not things in place to help people learn. spoken distracted / anxious about my • improved neighborhood access • I hear lots of birds and see lots of safety while walking alone • In five years I hope I’m a better little critters around the lake • I would like more shore fishing or golfer � • I hope programming and areas with piers available • Island Lake County park has a cross- fees are accessible to all. • I would like to see no trash at parks country ski trail, a boardwalk across • I hope that as more people come to and boat ramps. People unloading the lake, nature activities for enjoy the parks, they appreciate boats should put recycle containers children in the two adjacent the beauty of the parks and want to in recycle bin and trash in trash bin. elementary schools, a nature help maintain them. In 2020 I see bags of cans and education program and/or center, • I imagine longer fishing docks bottles in the trash because people bird houses in the park, more • I imagine maybe there are more don’t take time after unloading the erosion control and shoreline nonwhite folks enjoying the parks. boat. remediation on the lake • I see active people enjoying the • I would like to see worm containers • It bothers me if people don’t clean outdoors. There are more, well and fish line in garbage, not left at up after their dogs or picnics. maintained trails and opportunities shore. I would like the sale of lead • It doesn't serve just a very small, • I see families, friends and animals weights outlawed very niche group of people (i.e. golf • I see greater participation and • I would love to see even more kids course). That initial need can exist, activities representing all of our from all walks of life learning golf but it MUST serve more than one cultures, even if I don't initially • I would love to see people who purpose if the people who use the recognize/relate to those activities. have not interacted with peoples facility is still a very niche group of It might spark my curiosity! who do not look like themselves people. • I see more beautiful flowers/ interact with others who are • It looks like a beautiful little 9-hole gardens / sculptures different. golf course. • I see more minority people • I would recommend the county • It sounds like I will have to find a • I see more porta potties where I'm leaders getting out and recognizing different place to golf with my kids. parked. that what they think they're For some reason the county • I see more shoreline that is suitable proposing is already happening. decided to close the best 9-hole for fishing • I’m getting information and golf course in the state! • • I see more water access for my updates about events and how to It’s very similar to what I remember
21st Century Vision Implementation: What's different from today? Page 57 it being, but hopefully even more to get to • More environmental groups young families continue to frequent • massive volunteering base involved this course. • Many small signs identifying things • More events and activities • It's not different! It's still the and telling history • more facilities beautiful golf course! • Mire security around our car park. • More families. Parks and trails have • Keep the golf course in the south • mobile services at park locations to been extended or connected to region close to me, it’s affordable better serve new Americans. other existing parks. • Lakes are not overtaken by invasive • mobile services: school assistance, • more free skate times - because weeds due to help with monitoring and even some mobile dentistry there will be more people. the boat launch and cleaning of occurs in some metro areas. • More guided activities boats etc. • Modern playground equipment • More guided activities • Large groups congregating together • Modern playground equipment • More handicapped access are welcome and accepted (a post • Mom, dad,
21st Century Vision Implementation: What's different from today? Page 58 types, watch for types of scat, ideas and access to them • More trails for walking and biking for adults who may not know how • More picnics • More trails more wildlife to start that conversation with their • more places and days to use free • More trails more wildlife child. snowshoes (and other winter gear) • more trails/better maintained • More non-white people feel • More prairie, less lawn/grass • More trash clean-up comfortable using the facilities. • More public restrooms • more trees More people are appreciating the • more public scholarships for arena • More trees native plants and trees. Trash cans and golf course use or resident • more trees are never overflowing. discounts • More variety in activities and • more of the same • More racially and ethnically diverse programming. • More off-road bike trails, this is families in parks, from inner city. • More variety in age, race, and something my kids love to do • More racially diverse park users ethnicity • more off-road mountain biking • More recreational opportunities • More variety of native plants, options like at Battle Creek in the northern insects and animals • more open green spaces half of the county • More variety of sports (high and • more opportunities to explore new • More residents enjoying spaces low impact) that is representative and different activities. • More restroom stops of different cultures that • More opportunities to race • More safe areas communities play in their throughout the summer season. • More Security cultures/home countries. • More outdoor concerts for dancing • More signs of direction and park • More visibility of parks/trails. Is • More park kind rules there a way to include plants from • more parks • more sites making snow as climate other cultures. Path in Washington • More parks and green space change brings new challenges County included poetry by • More parks connected by trails? • More ski areas incarcerated women along the trail • More people • More ski areas -- it was uplifting and connected me • More people • More ski trails, maybe providing an to learn more about incarcerated • More people opportunity for clubs women. • More people and more diversity of • More smiles • More walking paths people using the system (ages, • More snowshoeing options • More walking paths sizes, backgrounds, socioeconomic • More spaces designed for different • More water quality education status, abilities, etc.) cultures and demographics - • More welcome signage in multiple • More people are using the fishing, community gardens, paved languages in parking areas to outdoors in a wide variety of paths for the differently abled and welcome residents and visitors activities. the aging • More wildlife and prairie • more people having 1st park • More sports facilities to meet rising grass/perennials experiences demand, and leagues that cater to • More wildlife and prairie • More people invested in our parks Sunday participants--Sunday non- grass/perennials through volunteering participants (avoiding choice • Most of the "development" has • More people out between sports and worship). taken place in the country parks • More people patriciate to help • More tennis and pickle ball courts which have less areas of natural clean up the park • More time together as a areas to preserve. • More people putting input to make community • Much Bigger parks with lots of the park looks cleaner and prettier • More trails people • More people using the space • More trails • My family and friends • More people with kids are enjoying • More trails and more connections • My friends, families, and strangers the woods at places like battle between them to make the • My mom and dad creek adventure even easier to access • My relatives, friends and families • More pickleball/volleyball courts • more trails connecting parks • N/A
21st Century Vision Implementation: What's different from today? Page 59 • NATIONAL Park and Rec and dynamic for anyone who wants • Parks spaces are not only green organizations are quoting and using to use them spaces. Some spaces have become our examples as what the nation • Nothing needs to change places for residents to call home. should be doing. • Nothing needs to change • People are happy, children laughing • Native plants are prioritized over • OLDA's have a fenced in playground • People are learning together turfgrass, with turf given specific area for kids • People are primarily getting places rather than being the • options for rentals groceries and resources from local default. • Or kids, or lose animals. sources. Local markets are more • Natural planting and less lawn • Organics recycling containers at convenient for the public than a big • Nature, family and friends parks box store. • Nature/naturalist programs are • Organized sports (golf, hockey, etc.) • People are primarily getting offered at all sites, multiple times a have a more diverse group of groceries and resources from local month. young participants that connect sources. Local markets are more • Naturescapes and public lands are with one another via sports. convenient for the public than a big actually being put to use to feed • Other families in nature box store. community members, and teach • Other families just like mine • People are SHARING trails during self-sufficiency in growing food • Out with family the winter months. There is plenty sustainably. It looks similar to a • Outdoor water area like splash pad of room for everyone to enjoy the regular forest but the trees and or community pool in north park without being threatened by bushes produce food that is used Ramsey county skiers by residents and pruning and • Park advocates are available to • People are smiling and happy and management is done by volunteer introduce people to new ways to open and accepting to all. residents or students learning engage with the resources. • People don’t have to wear masks in about horticulture/permaculture. • park services are provided in community • NO Buckthorn anywhere!! connection (holistically) with other • People don't call cops • No covid!! county services • People from different races and • No facemasks • Park staff are actively interacting communities are interacting in • No Gangs and encouraging visitors to try natural, organic ways. Not "forced". • No one feels out of place or like different activities • people of all ages and ethnicities they don't belong. The skies are • Parks & Rec staff are present in the feel safe and welcomed in nature clean and clear. parks with programming for those • People of all ages would be • No trash around new to the area or for families with welcome. • No trash around children • People put things in recyclable • No trash in park areas • Parks are better signed but still containers. • No troubled youth smoking pot in natural. • People relaxing and having fun parks • parks are easier to find and access, • People take notice that the county • No unsupervised children even without a vehicle is taking action for improving and • Non-motorized recreation on • Parks are lauded as the quality of adding trail infrastructure! sucker and Vadnais lakes. life powerhouses that they are! • People take notice that the county • Not a lot of activity to do during the This is accomplished equitably and is taking action for improving and wintertime and too cold in connection to other RC services adding trail infrastructure! • Not so many pet restrictions! — • Parks are recognized as the solution • People will take ownership - if rules are confusing. Why pets on to community issues someone drops something, the west side of Vadnais and sucker, (homelessness, education next person will pick it up. but not on east side?? disparities) • People working in community • nothing • Parks engaging with partners like gardens to feed people • nothing Eastside Athletics organization. • Plants and shoreline are completely • Nothing - the parks are inclusive • Parks growing restored
21st Century Vision Implementation: What's different from today? Page 60 • Playgrounds and facilities built with • Show good example to other after maintained and not so full of cultural considerations. using park stuff sediment as to barely move • programmed outdoor events. • Signs with explanations of what you between lakes • Public safety don't harass Black are seeing • The dedicated groomed ski trails youth • Smells of grilled food are only for skiers. Hikers have their • Public transit makes it easy to • Snow making so the season starts own trails. There's no conflicts access all county parks earlier • The difference is not shocking, but • Ramsey county trails are seamless • Snowmaking is happening PLEASING. "Of course there are with city of Saint Paul trails and • Snow-making is happening more diverse families". That is state trails. • Snowshoes, skis and other what this region is about. This is • Rather, what is the same? equipment is offered for free or what everyone wants. Maintains a balance between reduced cost rentals, so all • The dog parks are maintained by designated activity areas and residents can appreciate the paid staff instead of volunteers and natural trails, etc. outdoors, and activities that a are kept clean. • Reading gardens where people history of only being for the • The entrances are more accessible gather individually or as groups, privileged. • The equipment has been updated learning, sharing, and building • So quiet during the wintertime • The grasslands and other native community with each other. • Solar power for park buildings and habitats are further restored. • Recycling bins &trash available athletic fields Prairie plants such as Puccoon and • Rental of ice fishing houses or • some art in smaller parks Lupine are blooming. equipment • some dog parks but not to the • The grounds are kept clean, there • Restoration of native plant exclusion of other activities are waste receptacles available and communities (fencing precluding other uses) not overflowing • Restored prairie. • Someone somehow will have • The NAACP is having a national • Rural and Urban dwellers are figured out how to deal with algae outdoor festival in Ramsey County. playing and singing together. They on lake without chemicals They have heard about the leave transformed and have new • Spaces for teenagers, elderly, participation and positive friends. people with disabilities experiences. Folks from all over MN • Rusty patch Bumble bees are flying • Still clean attend. nearby. Monarchs are flitting. • Stop with the general listening • The natural landscape of the • Safe sessions and select key initiatives regional parks has been preserved. • Same as before and involve the people with the • The new trees have matured; there • Same but only with a small dog passion is a nice amount of shade in the park area • Talking and hanging out with my summer. • Same look friends • The park close early due to covid • Seeing kids explore their minds, • Tamarack--- way better trail • The park looks cleaner having kids pursue their talents and markings needed as it gets • The park police will be people of dreams. confusing - need trail markers on color. • seeing lots of other families on the the trails themselves, so when you • The parking lots are safe trails choose a route, you know you're on • The parking lots are semi busy • Seeing more people using the space the one you intended. during the winter! • seeing people be active • Technology that incorporates • The parks are more accessible • Seeing variety of people, all ages learning • The Ponds is open, the county and abilities, who feel safe and • Technology that incorporates commissioners realize their public enjoy the parks. learning courses are providing an • self-guided walks & learning • Teens have a place they can safely opportunity for a diverse set of opportunities get together, cost free. residence to learn and enjoy the • Sense of shared community • The channels between lakes are game of golf
21st Century Vision Implementation: What's different from today? Page 61 • The regional parks have not been • There are more outdoor facilities about the spaces I’m in. (example: I developed with a lot of buildings, for healthy, socially distanced visited the Maplewood Nature play areas, etc. activities as needed Center and they have signage • The safety of our county around • There are more people who look about the land, plants as I walk our parks needs to be a priority. It like me through nature.) is getting to the point where we do • There are more programs and • There is snowmaking at Battle not feel safe even going for walks events Creek that extends the season. at the park. Vehicles are being • There are more staff reflecting the • There should be better taken at gunpoint quite frequently. population working at the park. communication about this. What is being done about this? • There are native plants there • There will be more people biking on • The trails are better maintained in • There are opportunities to learn trails the winter to avoid slippery about the natural environment • Those without bikes have a place conditions within the parks. where they can rent one for the • The trails are wider, to better • There are snowmaking capabilities, day. Same with canoes and kayaks handle 2-way traffic so that I don't have to worry about • thoughtful year round use of golf • The trees mature. The ones that poor snow conditions courses once golfed there as children are • there is a consistency between • tons of biodiversity/ wildlife. No now there with their kids. signage at parks so I know what to invasive species. • The water quality of ponds is expect • Too many people are fishing and improved • There is a good system for park- not a lot of fishes • The winter area at Battle Creek isn't maintenance (e.g., trash, volunteer • Too much land at comin- our built yet. Right now it's just one "maintain a park" assistance). revenue goes to Roseville downhill sledding hill and they • There is a greater diversity of • Trails are in excellent shape don't make snow. people present. • trails are well developed • There are available bags for • There is better access to lakes and • trails are well maintained collecting rivers for putting kayaks in the • Trails that don't flood • There are cultural games, activities water. • Trails will start getting crowded and artifacts that reminds my • There is information about the • transit options to and from sites family of their homeland. area. Visitors gain knowledge and with promotion of mass transit as a • There are fewer recreational and history of the land, wildlife and normal way to access sites, for more natural areas. animals that call this space home. example bus schedules and links • There are kayaks, bikes, xc skis to • There is less trash • Transportation to access different use. • There is less trash places and spaces to explore • There are lifeguards/staff in parks • There is more activity and • Trash pick up by volunteers on a to welcome people. exploration happening around the regular basis • There are more activities in the Mississippi River and Rice Creek, • Trash pickup by volunteers on a parks to choose from, including including an MSP-STP connected regular basis concerts, art events, etc. (To attract greenway bikeway over the • Trimmer trees, more colorful people who aren't into outdoor Mississippi River, maybe even the flowers sports/activities.) Ford dam is gone and restored to • Unfortunately, the County has • There are more birds, more trees, rapids and kayaking competitions restricted a premier walking trail to more people interacting with are happening on the river. cross-country skiing only. Shame on nature. • There is more lighting for safety you! • There are more birds, more trees, • There is mountain biking in the • Universal design more people interacting with northern half of the county. • Unsure, I imagine there are nature. • There is programming in changes to continue to engage and • There are more flowers and community, not just in parks spaces be inclusive for all pollinators • There is signage and information • Use of technology to allow
21st Century Vision Implementation: What's different from today? Page 62 residents to access information in a there are more natural areas for is not encouraging. variety of languages including way public use. • Yoga for kids at the lake finding. • What's different is that there is • You cannot lessen the number of • Visitors are immersed in nature greater signage, education and activities my family and friends and • waste for the time you ran out and inclusiveness to encourage more I are currently doing. By closing need one. usage. down golf courses and ice-skating • Water is clear and clean. • When more people go to the park, I rinks you are absolutely driving my • Water levels down (in Sn feel safer family and friends away from the Lk/Vadnais pk) • Wildife, but I see on Nextdoor county. • Water spigot for the dogs people are afraid of the coyotes • You could make a big circle that • We have to wear mask which have always been here along connects parks around the county • Welcome atmosphere for all. with the deer and turkeys and they :) I can rent a canoe and canoe on • Well maintained winter trails for complain about them eating their the spot without delivering a runs and walks plants. rented canoe. All of the parks are • What I'm seeing is that there is • Wildlife feels comfortable in the connected with safe routes and more public environmental parks, too. trails. education to encourage Ramsey • winter fat biking! • You would save a lot of youth from County citizens to get out more • With what I am hearing there will being labeled “at risk,” you would often to natural areas. be nothing. This plan to remove see less kids being killed. • What's different from today is that park land (golf course) for housing
21st Century Vision Implementation: What's different from today? Page 63 6. How did those changes happen? Who shaped the decisions? This question was asked primarily in the online survey.
21st Century Vision Implementation: How did those changes happen? Who shaped the decisions? Page 64 Vision: A dynamic, community-centered system that provides opportunities for our ever-changing community to engage with inclusive and welcoming parks and recreation sites and programming.
Thinking about yourself, family, and friends in Ramsey County parks, facilities, and programs…How did those changes happen? Who shaped the decisions?
• A lot of actions to make it happen. parks to races allows more people community? community shaped the vision and to experience the parks. • Community government and community • Build more greenways • Community leadership made it happen. • Building and maintain sports courts • Community action or neighborhood • A nonpartisan equitable group of • Business leaders’ donations for action residents improvements • Community and Government • A strong-willed person that runs • buy more land for parks • community and government things • By Ramsey County parks listening making bold and brave decisions. • Accountability from patrons to what people want when • Community and organization • Additional trail connections added, attending a park. involvement and dedicated trails on some roads • By received feedback and surveys • Community awareness of options • All families, kids, adults, elders from the community that exist • All of us. There should be input • Change brought about by the • Community engagement to get from the community. citizens who attend the parks and behind ideas • An idea board on the website, easy, leadership and those who put out • Community funding simple. Volunteer coordinators promotional rhetoric. • Community funding through the park board • Changes happen because youth get • Community input • Any Ramsey county residents involved. Elders are strong • Community input worked together to make decisions advocators, too. • Community input • Appropriate funding • Changes happened because • community input, like this survey. • Appropriate funding politicians didn't listen to their • Community involvement of varying • appropriate use of Legacy monies constituents. Too many people demographics in guiding future for natural resources moved in and the open spaces planning • ask communities who don't have went away. • Community leaders good access how to increase access • Citizens • Community leaders and organizers • ask for volunteers to build trails • Citizens working closely with Parks and Rec (MORC) • Citizens • Community meetings, virtually and • Ask the kids - they are your future. • Citizens in-person plus online surveys Tune into see what they COULD be • citizens' desire for Nature based • Community members doing in 5 years. parks • community members • Assertive surveillance to ensure • City • Community members respect of others and the park • City and county officials • Community members and • Audubon and other environmental • City Council volunteers organizations • City Council • Community organizations • available financing • City leaders and community leaders • community outreach and • Better investment and organization • City, MORC involvement (cleanup etc.) of volunteers • Civic governance with help of • Community residents connect with • BIPOC and immigrant communities elected or public employees to common interests where represented in advertising navigate decision making • Community residents who want to • BIPOC community • Civil unrest. preserve the natural resources. • Board funding • Collaboration with community • community support • Board recognizing opening up the • Communication throughout the • Community surveys determined
21st Century Vision Implementation: How did those changes happen? Who shaped the decisions? Page 65 needs neighborhoods surrounding the • Dog lovers • Community users and local park. • Doing things that affect the partnerships • County, city, state, and private ecosystem • Community volunteers groups work together to make • Donation from the people who use • Community volunteers snowmaking a reality. the park and wanting to improve it • Community was involved. Leaders • Courageous leadership to tackle • don't sell park land advocated. the sometimes (unreadable). • Drop-in classes to help people learn • Community would have a voice at • Covid shaped the boredom new ways to be in nature the table to make decisions to bring • Created opportunities to solicit • During winter it gets dark early and changes through the Board of proposal from the community/non- people cannot see when running Commissioners and Parks & Rec profits and walking, will like to get more department. • Current leadership to understand stress light in the parks • Comprehensive community role in standing beside • Elders, people with disabilities, engagement and needs assessment communities that are artists and local businesspeople all • Concerned citizens underrepresented had a voice. • Concerned citizens and park natural • decisions shaped by Ramsey • Enforcement. The county sheriff in resource staff. County, State bonding, donors, and Dakota county patrols cross • Consolidation and coordinated park volunteers country ski trails. Ramsey county and trail systems with other • Decisions should be made by sheriff should too. And enforce counties and cities people with the experience and skiing on ski only trails • Construct more nature education in this field with input • Engage proactively with the KGSK playgrounds. from citizens Save Our Lakes Initiative and help • Could be climate and also people • Decisions were made by the maintain the treasure that is the • County taxpayers who pay dearly for parks Phalen chain of lakes • County and complainants funding • Engage the community in master • County board • Decisions were not based on senior planning. • County board needs only • Engaged BIPOC communities • County executives and boards have • Define clear expectations for • engaging families in the to be committed first of all to parks community engagement, move neighborhoods, but also those who and nature and its growth. They away from just counting people. are NOT local to any of the services, have to be willing to give up on state the need "hire" organizations how can they access countywide always developing. to deliver recreational options? • county improved trail maintenance • Different cultural and ethnic • Engaging people on what they want and grooming leaders in these decision-making to have • County managers worked to keep spaces • engaging volunteers to plant flora funding for the facilities • Different people and leaders to be • Everyone • County park and rec staff making brought onto the team to help • Everyone of all ages. Both county changes drive the work forward workers and volunteers • County parks and rec, perhaps • Different types of cultures • Exchange programs between focus groups of community displayed and honored communities, where programs members • Districts teach kids about tuj lub and also ice • County resources were re- • Districts skating. Philanthropic donations prioritized • Diverse residents, businesses are provide skate and equipment • County staff and partnerships with aware of programs and services rentals for communities that can't local city officials and staff parks has to offer. afford it. Crime diversion programs • County staff enacted the plans that • Diverse voices were heard and include a requirement for students were shaped by feedback from followed. People championed to participate in organized sports as people especially in the efforts. part of their probation. Decisions
21st Century Vision Implementation: How did those changes happen? Who shaped the decisions? Page 66 are shaped by the community who • Grants access parks now (to understand is not currently using the resource • Groups like Wild Ones and native why) to make it more accessible, as well plant societies supported the • Increased parental involvement as the coaches and sports change to more native plants. with youth. organizations that run the events. • groups. Funding given by • Information was available in • expanding hours for programming corporations different languages to accommodate working families • Honest open dialogue and outreach • Input from less-vocal users were • Feedback from the user to BIPOC families/people considered • First step is to check in with the • Hopefully these changes were • Investment in trails and xc ski community where this will be influenced by ideas from the centers and snow making located to make sure it will be of communities • it's all in the plan - make it action use. The decisions should be • Hopefully, some well-informed • It's life shaped by the community with the managers. Sometimes the public, • Key component to move forward help of a third party so no one is but too many cooks spoil the broth. livelihood influenced. • Hopefully, these changes were • key player: Friends of Island Lake, a • Focus on research / community influenced by ideas from the local 501(c)(3) organization needs communities • Kids, young adults, seniors/elders • Focused use of tax dollars • How to get diverse families in the are involved and engaged in • forward vision park - P&R connect with families in decision making. • Foundations like the City of Lakes shelters. Parents and kids have • Land use decisions --developers, Loppet extending xc ski outreach to access to those services. district councils, environmental poor communities • I don’t know how this happened. I councils • free equipment and camps or don’t know who made this terrible • Leadership with passion for active group lessons for new activities decision. It makes no sense at all. outdoor activities • Friends and family • I don’t know who make the • Learn barriers to use, learn about • Fund the maintenance of the decisions. cultures and what's important to facilities • I don’t know. them. Include them in the decision- • Funding- programs etc.... that pay • I have no idea. making process. for all of the parks budget. You • I see families, friends and animals • Led by the park department with can’t have such wonderful, • I shaped the decision with my input • led by visionaries maintained hiking trails and nature today • Likes virtual town halls. areas without the money coming • I think that currently the loudest • listen to people’s requests from somewhere. I want to enjoy voices get heard. It would be great • Local community feels ownership both. to find a way to hear from the of their local parks • Funding was provided for quieter folks. I really don't know • Local government development of more natural how we could educate people • Local pamphlets going to the areas. before they use the parks but one residents to mail back their • Get politicians who support law way would be to work with schools opinions/votes and order & get kids on board. • local residents continued • Get the naturalists involved. • Identifying court locations and advocating for improvements • Give more opinion on what you available land • Lots of family similar to mine, kids, think especially the public • Implement changes for areas using adults, and dogs • Good landscaping decisions in 2020 master plan, engage public and all • Mail surveys to Ramsey Co have led to beautiful surroundings staff. residents? - include info/surveys that put families at ease naturally. • Implementing universal design with prop tax statements? • Gradual growth and learning • in our community. • major reduction in weeds, algae • Grandkids, large families reunions, • Includes those who are active park • Maybe there could be some extended goers now and those who don't activities/ easy competitions, or
21st Century Vision Implementation: How did those changes happen? Who shaped the decisions? Page 67 presentations for people of have their stolen land returned and officials, public safety officials, park different backgrounds and colors. restored to pre-European habitat users, the community. • Me and my family sharing our • Native plants and animals given the • Park employee who has to clean up experiences with others, inviting ability to thrive by people being after park users them to join us? respectful of their homes. • Parks and Rec worked with MORC • Modeled after chutes and ladders • Naturalists and biologists. to create those trails park • Nature, family and friends • Parks department sends out call for • Modeled after successful canoe • Nature/biology mentorships volunteers to accomplish various rental programs • Nearby community has a say in tasks. Volunteers awarded for • Modeled after successful outdoor changes specific number of hours by skating rinks • Need to redesign indoor parks property tax coupons, gift cards to • Mom, dad,
21st Century Vision Implementation: How did those changes happen? Who shaped the decisions? Page 68 explained to the public ongoing review • Residents and the parks dept • People in the community • Public pressure wanted to connect all residents to • People respond. What are the • Ramsey and Hennepin Counties, their county parks and worked with concerns/needs of those who don’t Minneapolis and Saint Paul worked local transit to make those attend? together to leverage relationships connections. • People that created buildings and with the railroads and other • Residents of RC I hope how they are made infrastructure owners to execute • Residents who live in our • People who appreciate the need construction of a greenway bridge, community. for open natural areas biking and paddling communities • Resource investment and support • People who care about the park. provided input with a plan to make • Rich people • People who enjoy the peace of biking and paddling programs for • Science based decisions nature. urban youth more accessible. • See who lives in the area of the • People who live in the • Ramsey County created close park and ask the community (by neighborhood participate in park partnerships to make local survey) what to name it. Maybe activities and decisions. suppliers more accessible speak to a few elders in the • People who live nearby the parks • Ramsey County created close community and see what they think and those who travel to them by partnerships to make local it could be called and then have the car but would like to ride bikes or suppliers more accessible community take a survey. walk. • Ramsey County fences off a small • Shaped from community feedback, • People who love nature dog area maybe work with local school • People who work hard to keep • Ramsey County working more with groups or sports orgs what little natural areas we have the community to put their input • shifted from expensive hockey natural and not developed • RC facilities • People whose taxes help pay for • RC • snow-making capabilities were the upkeep of the parks. • Recognizing parks can be space to implemented at Battle Creek • Perhaps involving ethnic groups to heal from noise pollution or other • So quit spending on new, non- get input on what they need for issues in the community and help evidence based social programs their culture. with other health concerns and invest in parks and keep it free • Plan for different uses in different • Reduced barriers to use, ex public for everyone areas. transportation to Tamarack, • Some leaders • Planning for enough picnic tables to outreach where people live • Some parks don’t have enough accommodate population growth. • reduced COVID transmission information and no interesting • Please stop these false ideas. The • Reinforcement that this is an thing to do parks are dynamic and inclusive to investment in our community • Someone smart enough to actually all those who want to use them. • Reinforcement that this is an see the beauty of the Ponds golf • Police and Mayor investment in our community course and how so many people of • politicians and people power • Rental of ice fishing houses or all ages and backgrounds enjoy it. • Presentations to interested public equipment • Someone who truly understands • Private business • Representative of county that this isn't just about golf. • Private business • Representative of county • Sports court • Professional designers, hire people • Residents - voting for people who • Strong leadership to do this so it gets done right. support parks and green spaces • Support quality of life law • professional staff (legal, planners, • Residents and park employees and enforcement designers, ecologists) elected officials • Supported key organizations to • proper decisions made for all • Residents and the parks dept start something, make progress • Public input realized nature programs were only • Surveys such as this, but not • Public input serving some (mostly white) county everyone will know this survey • public input to public officials, residents and spoke out. exists
21st Century Vision Implementation: How did those changes happen? Who shaped the decisions? Page 69 • Talk to the different populations in they've made a mistake plans to install permanent food the community to ask for specific • The county plots in parks throughout the words in different languages and • the County park staff listened and county. Food is gleaned by visitors, for pronunciation of those words so responded. or harvested more intensively and we can all learn. • The county worked to dismantle distributed for school food • Talking and hanging out with my white supremacy programs or hunger relief. friends • The county worked to dismantle • These changes happened because • Taxes funded the improvements white supremacy Ramsey County partnered with • the board creates a rental office • The dig owners who have been more stakeholders to generate out- • The changes happen because more wanting one for a very long time at of-the-box ideas to create and open people are using the parks rice creek these spaces. • The changes happened because • The funding was available to • These decisions were shaped by these ideas were given higher maintain the parks and hire staff. Ramsey County, regional and state priority in Ramsey County • The golf course reopened after stakeholders. operations. closing in 2020. • They designer of the park • the city advertises rentals • The government • They do not seem to care for the • the city prioritizes the parks • The government made a plan masses. To give themselves a raise • The commissioners it appears has a incorporating listen sessions and while cutting expenses is curious to vision that they believe will get feedback. me them re-elected. • The group supporting parts has a • They include the public (as in this • The community strong advocate at the state level survey) and make sure there is • the community and city for funding and big picture good communication. I think mapped/completed trails decisions. people here value nature and parks • The community and county board • The legislature bonds for the so much. They want to be part of decided to save some money on Winter rec area. the process. fertilizer and manicuring the lawn • The members of the community • Things can stay the same and put that money in educational shaped those decisions. • Those changes came about with programs. The grass no longer • The people! Not just a select few action from our representatives being manicured has been specially decision makers. and swift planning selected (near roads or corners of • The politicians did their job. • Those changes happen because the parks) to become a prairie and • The public, but we can't do it people starting to complain about natural flower area which is great without property tax money not having enough space to use the for pollinators. • The Ramsey County Commissioners benches and grill. • The community and funding were come to their senses and keep this • Those who benefit the most from provided to create these spaces for treasure of a golf course for South the parks. biking and cross-country skiing Maplewood and Ramsey county for • Through Ramsey County planning • The community and the leadership their constituents in the area to and funding. Hopefully with input of the parks and rec department, continue to use from the community. All people, responding to community • The squeaky wheel. kids, adults, elders feedback. • The surrounding community • Through Ramsey County planning • The community supported this • The teachers and funding. Hopefully with input diverse course (one of the most • The U of M CFANS, SPH, and from the community. • diverse I’ve seen as a person of Humphrey Public Policy programs, Tired of the status quo same things color who golfs). Ramsey County, community garden • Trails updated for changing water • The community weighing in groups, hunger relief partners, and levels • The community weighing in community members near park • Transportation to access different • The country commissioners listen sites came together and identified places and spaces to explore to the golf patrons and realize suitable sites and management • Vadnais water district.
21st Century Vision Implementation: How did those changes happen? Who shaped the decisions? Page 70 • Volunteerism volunteers interesting facts for community • Volunteers • Working together to clean up and engagement. • Volunteers restore our city lakes. • Would like more police cameras in • Welcoming environments • Working with diversity and all parks • Whoever reads this will hopefully inclusion experts, university • Would like people to be more enact beautiful changes to better professors, and other community towards actions that are being the elderly people who may fear experts to discover and display made. walking or enjoying daily activities interesting facts for community • wow are you looking for kudos for outside engagement. stuff that hasn't happened? • with help from the current users as • Working with diversity and • You? well as reaching out to other inclusion experts, university • Zero tolerance for law breakers Ramsey county residents professors, and other community • With the help of MORC and experts to discover and display
21st Century Vision Implementation: How did those changes happen? Who shaped the decisions? Page 71 7. What are 2-3 key actions we can take together to get these changes started?
21st Century Vision Implementation: What are 2-3 key actions we can take together to get these changes started? Page 72 Vision: A dynamic, community-centered system that provides opportunities for our ever-changing community to engage with inclusive and welcoming parks and recreation sites and programming.
Thinking about yourself, family, and friends in Ramsey County parks, facilities, and programs… What are 2-3 key actions we can take together to get these changes started?
• $ what they would like to do in the specific about anything and seems • 24/7 open park with a lot of light parks, what their vision is. more like fluff. on at night • Ask for volunteers • Be respectful to each other • A ladies learn to golf clinic to • ask for volunteers • Be welcoming in parks instead of interest more women from all • Ask for volunteers for habitat fearful of others. backgrounds to join the fun restoration • Better funding • access is easy for everyone • Ask for volunteers for habitat • Better maintenance of ice-free • Acknowledge what’s missing now. restoration parking and sidewalk areas for • Actively search for key members • Ask for volunteers on the website. winter use. from different community groups. • Ask hard questions and be ok with • Better surveillance in parking lots Ask who should be at the table who tough choices to make sure a • board that can make the proper isn't represented. diverse set of recreation options is decisions • Activities/sports representing available to support our • Budget $$ for playground different cultures -- engage with community. improvements/updates these communities • Ask people waiting for public • buy more land for parks • ADA nationally states that RCP&R transit what they wish for in parks • Call the park recreation and give has the best systems in place for a • Ask youth in the community (12-19- out more feedback diverse disables community. year-olds) what they want from • Cameras and signs to educate • Add more bathrooms their parks. They are the future recycling properly • Add more native plants. supporters of the park system • change attitudes about who "owns" • Adjust the budget • Asking BIPOC youth what they want county parks (whole county vs • Advertising on billboards, bus from county parks n rec. immediate neighboring property stops, and commercials on TV. • Asking for input in different owners) • Advertising what’s offered at the languages • Citizens must be willing to spend parks • asses the need for upgrades- the money for the good of all. • Advertising what’s offered at the tables, grills • City Council parks • Authorize the parks department • Clean up after ourselves and our • Advocate for more resources and provide funding to restore pets • All families, kids, adults, elders natural spaces. Reduce the • Cleaner water • All people, kids, adults, elders development footprint. • Come up with an actual plan before • allocate funds for improvements • awareness of all the parks have to marching forward and closing down • Also community engagement - offer the courses and rinks. online • Be involved in decision-making • Comes out of people’s taxes • And also about the wildlife and • Be involved in decision-making • Comfortable and easy path for protect the wildlife and the forests • Be more specific in your questions. disabled people to access • Ask business experts in the Dream mode is nice but that • Communicate a cleaner park starts targeted recreational segments and doesn’t get response from the with each of us, with me. ask them to volunteer to help or neighbors who live all the time next • Communicate and ask questions to give advice. to the park. Let’s pick a specific those directly impacted by a new • Ask community members for ideas park you’re starting with and get (or remodeled) park and needs, ideas for that. This dream • Communicate opportunities to • Ask diverse community members fulfillment survey isn’t being volunteer in parks.
21st Century Vision Implementation: What are 2-3 key actions we can take together to get these changes started? Page 73 • Communicate, communicate, • Cut stuff that is not being used or is • Don't do a lot of development in communicate. underutilized, so that your budget the Regional Parks • Communication is better spent • don't restrict trails to only one • Community • Decide on exact locations activity, such as cross-country • Community input • Design with accessibility to all in skiing. • community led decision making mind. • don't sell park land • Community meeting • Designate an area of a lake (long • Draw up plans and visions • community member/driven goals lake?) to place signs and a fence • Dredge the channel between • Community visioning sessions, and rope course Gervais and Kohlman lake especially focused on communities • Designate land areas throughout • Earth day 2022 install natural who have been underserved. the county and find community plantings with the partnerships • Consider a fundraiser or donation experts to lead and organize the • Earth day 2022 install natural drive to acquire more winter people. Advertise through normal plantings with the partnerships equipment. channels. • Educate people in taking care of • Continue soliciting input from • Designate parks for single track to the environment community be created • Educate the community on how to • Continue to identify partners and • Designed mtn bike trails use trails properly find champions. • Develop a reasonable set of rules to • Educate the people. Put up come • Continue to keep revenue allow safe and respectful drone manner so that people can perhaps generating recreational spaces operation take a flyer at different points on open. • develop plans walking trails, or take one racks at • continue with snow-making • develop plans buildings at the parks. Also, with implementation plans • Different types of cultures the advent of technology, we can • Continued upkeep and care displayed and honored reach people by technology, just • Control the buckthorn • Districts call for volunteer action in like how you reached me with this • Coordinate aquatic weed the parks, form groups for specific survey! Good Luck and Success! treatments with KGSK Save Our things in the parks, i.e., pick up • education Lakes Initiative trash, maintain bike trails, staff an • Education about nature and realize • county driven goals (which align in information kiosk on heavy use its value is far greater than money purpose) days. and material goods. • County involvement with MORC • diverse staff representation in • Education, changing our lifestyle: • Create a local volunteer base for parks (see staff folks out and about reduce pollution and waste each park - can ask questions/ be welcomed- • Embrace diversity • create a regional park and trail with some sort of identification) • Empty trash bins organization to cover all parks and • Do large amounts of human- • encourage community involvement cities and state centered design. Ask people what with community functions; use • create activities that are fun and they feel and see in parks and how community members to do the attract different community they use them. work- build, clean up, restore members • Do most built development in the • Encourage folks to get out of the • Create bike lanes on roads Country Parks house • Create bike lanes on roads • Do not change, you are serving the • Encourage participate from • create individual park "Friends" • Doggy bags. particular user groups the county groups • Don’t close The Ponds knows are missing from the table. • Create more opportunities for • Don’t wait and get overly political— • encourage restaurants, beer young families of color to enjoy the take actions gardens, bike and xc ski shops to amazing game of golf. • Donate if needed locate in parks and on trails • create safe environments • Don’t close The Ponds at Battle • Encouraging field trips and • Crime prevention by county Creek programs in nature that connection
21st Century Vision Implementation: What are 2-3 key actions we can take together to get these changes started? Page 74 people naming rights for pavilions? making • Enforce laws Something like that. • forward vision and a commitment • Enforce noise ordinances. • Facilitate public transportation to for world class parks • engage communities with schools parks • Foster partnerships with schools that will use facility • Family outings at parks • Friends and family • Engage community members • Feel included and love the • Fund public transportation so • Engage more with county staff who designed. Some streetlights in everyone has the opportunity to live near and regularly use their places that can get really dark. easily visit Regional Parks. local county parks. They are both • Fill out more surveys • Funding employee and citizen and have a • Fill out survey • Funding more vested interest (maybe?) in • Find a key contact person to • Funding. working towards a common goal - strategize and build these • Gather artists, growers, crafters, from both angles. partnerships with above etc. in a central location where • Enjoy nature • Find a leader who can champion people can gather and access • Enjoy the simple things that Nature the vision goods. has to offer. • Find out how that looks to them. • Geocaching - allow more caches • Equity conversation can come to a Grassroots up. What does it look • Get input from the park neighbors. place of healing (holistic wellbeing) like to diverse communities? Do they have certain needs or • Establish a rollout plan and adhere • Find park and green space deserts concerns? to deadlines and plan more parks • Get kids from the neighborhoods • Establish partnership with key non- • Find space to create mountain bike around parks into the parks. profits trails • Get more people interested • everyone is welcome, everyone is • Find youth groups like Girl Scouts • Get neighbors to voice support comfortable being there who will monitor trash in the parks • Get rid of some red tape. • Examine your holes in service and monitor the cleanliness of • Get the community involved to locations, who is not using the restrooms. increase buy-in parks and why. • Finding high density areas without • Get together some round table • execution of plans safe/walkable access to trails meetings of people that use each • Expand communication with the • Fishing for fun only, not for eating park. public about what opportunities • Fix the trail system that is • Go into schools and find out what exist (various park "levels" intro underwater in Snail/Vadnais. It’s from a child's perspective would today was enlightening) criminal nothing has been done in make the parks more accessible • Expand free rental, many families years. and appealing are low income (free lunch eligible) • Fix the water drainage problem • Golf at The Ponds and can't afford their own • Flags of the ethnicity • Good question. Letter to editor? equipment or are new to the • Focus on what is needed/wanted Discussion with Ramsey county country and never experienced by most board?? what Ramsey county has to offer. • Follow the rules of the parks • Grandkids, large families reunions, • Expand hours arena are open. • For large, regional parks, extended • Expand Nature programming to interactive, electronic maps and • group decision-making underserved groups. pathways to attractions, etc. • Group meetings online • Expand parking (e.g., Long Lake • For skiing, form something like • Group meetings online Regional Park) to new or secondary what the Loppet org does but have • Grow with the technology through entrance points into the parks. it be Ramsey focused parks and recreation • Explore creative ways to enhance • For those that have limited family - • Guided walks funding (because improvements what is the attraction to go to • Have a park person officially cost money) by allowing those with different events? assigned to promote amenities and the means to do so to have, maybe, • forward thinking and decision good behavior on social media.
21st Century Vision Implementation: What are 2-3 key actions we can take together to get these changes started? Page 75 • Have an "interested in helping" have questions or suggestion • In force noise ordinances. sign-up • I see families, friends and animals • Include diverse partners at the • Have events to recognize the grief • Identify a certain radius around table we are experiencing in a these parks and conduct • increase and promote winter community that kills black men. mailings/surveys of residents recreation Have these events all over the within a given radius. • increase awareness of trail system metro area. • Identify parks that are under used • Increase community decision • Have events to recognize the grief or declining in use or close to making we are experiencing in a populations that will benefit most • increase maintenance funding for community that kills black men. from increased park use. trails Have these events all over the • Identify priorities and approve • Increase wildlife habitat by using metro area. funds less mowing/chemicals in the • have free introductory classes or • Identify that outdoors offers parks. programs on a recurring, professional opportunities. • individual actions predictable basis that matches Communicate to our residents the • Indoor spaces like Como bus/transit schedules opportunities that exist for Conservatory • Have more music/musicians playing employment and careers in • Indoor winter parks and if possible - of all ages and levels of recreation. restaurants with views performance talents. • If Ramsey County is absolutely • Inform people when we see • Have Ramsey County focus on going to sell out for additional tax something wrong they did infrastructure base, let the course stay open until • Informing residents of the • Have signs telling how we can the point when the excavators amenities and options available. identify invasive species and who to come in to flatten the land for • Input on trail locations contact. housing. The last thing we need in • Install more signs to direct user • Having a calendar of the activity Ramsey County is another Golf groups to appropriate trails they have in the park and the Course like Hillcrest that is now just • institute a fee for the dog park screen slideshow of the history of growing tumbleweeds at what used system to be a beautiful course. I know the park. • Interdepartmental collaboration. • that's not a Ramsey County owned Having siren sound when • Interview the people who are at property but let's make sure this something big happen the parks on any given day. Don't property at the ponds of Battle • Help clean up the park just rely on e-surveys. Creek doesn't look like that in five • Help keep parks clean and safe • invest in city centered parks for years • Hiring more BIPOC serenity and prosperity • If there isn't already an event • Host community members and • Invite leaders into process and ask planning committee, with both invite leaders in the park spaces them to advocate for resources to county staff and community • I can access it in a way that doesn't make the changes. members, form one. require I drive a car and park my • Invite mixed race groups to give • implement the plan! car at my destination. public demonstrations in the parks: • Improve communication strategies • I don’t know. dance groups, drum corps, martial so that more parts of the diverse • I go to the rec centers, how do I arts, music groups, actors doing communities receive county know about the larger parks further short plays, comedians information. Current out to experience nature, etc. • Invite some of the wonderful communication efforts are minimal • i guess I’m not really sure - some nonprofit groups like We Win to and really seem to serve the volunteer organization already bring folks out to the parks? informed. happens at my nearest park but i • Invite them to the table. • improve public transit options! think some county-level additions • Involve communities of color and • improve water quality would be helpful underrepresented groups • improve wayfinding • I not sure who to reach out to if I • It doesn't serve just a very small,
21st Century Vision Implementation: What are 2-3 key actions we can take together to get these changes started? Page 76 very niche group of people (i.e., scaring most people now. • Look at what other park systems do golf course). That initial need can • Keep up the great work! like Three Rivers exist, but it MUST serve more than • Keep with parks upkeep • Look at which parks are being used one purpose if the people who use • Leaders who care about the and then examine the why and how the facility is still a very niche group CLIMATE • Look for additional opportunities to of people. • leadership recreate. Not every park has to • It will be nice to see a bamboo little • legislation where required have all the activities, but Battle house with Karen traditional • less pesticides/herbicides Creek shouldn’t be the only water clothing, little space look like farm • Leverage lottery funds for projects feature/mountain biking location. with cows and buffalo. • lighting expansion (we have such • Look to local native plant societies • It Would be really Cool to do short days in the long winters) to be partners in converting Something Like A Light Show in • Like it the way it is. turfgrass to native plants. Phalen Park During Winter Time So • list. Find ways to promote • Lots of family similar to mine, kids, More People Would Go To The Park neighborhood pride. adults, and dogs • It’s mostly free • Listen better to your public • Mailed leaflets/pamphlets • It’s mostly free • listen to all • Maintain for using trails and • Iterative process - willing to try new • Listen to people. facilities things on a trial basis, learn and • listen to the people I know that is • Maintain healthy trees, etc. for improve what your website says but I don't animals. • Join and volunteer in youth groups really hear much. Just see the • Maintain nature • Join clubs to help plant trees and changes • Maintain open spaces. flowers • Listen to the people regarding the • maintain what we have, the trails in • Just give the go ahead give me an Ponds. particular area, some fencing and let me get • Listen to the people. In my • Maintenance park volunteers to put the area up observation more often than not • make hockey self-supported under Ramsey County supervision these surveys are lip service to • Make it accessible for everyone • Keep golf courses and arenas open make people think they have a say (abilities, cost, proximity, to generate money for all of the and the powers that be do what transportation) playgrounds and trail systems. they want anyway • Make more public trails • Keep parks clean • Listen to those volunteers • Make more public trails • Keep the golf course and find a way • listening and taking actions • Make parks accessible to all. Get to keep driving it to be the key • listening seminars with local information out vulnerable people place for diversity and kids as it has residents and cultures who don't use the been for me and my friends and • Local citizens are PROUD and boast parks. Outreach and include them family. about our parks - they have all in your future planning. • keep the parks clean been there many times. • make parks activities more • Keep the Ponds open • Local leaders who aren’t in it for accessible • Keep The Ponds open profit • Make sure all members of the • Keep the ponds open and make it a • Long- term Funding/investment community are involved in change - priority to keep prices low so more • look at successful examples like do not rely on those with privilege families of lower income and Van Cortland park in the Bronx as and power (white people) to make diversity have a place to go. Adding to how to encourage budding all the changes on behalf of the low-income housing between a naturalists, this survey is a good entire community. correctional facility and shooting idea, and advocate with voters for • Make things safer in our county. range is just laughable and the money to bring the plans into • Mask up shameful. being • massive volunteering base • Keep up the current parks and • Look at the demographics and how • Maybe have news programs ensure safety. Car backings are that might change in the future. regularly feature a park and the
21st Century Vision Implementation: What are 2-3 key actions we can take together to get these changes started? Page 77 amenities available? • More trash cans • Openness and kindness and • Meaningful, sustained relationship • more volunteering opportunities compassion to our neighbors and building with groups who are not • More winter heated outdoor those we meet outside likely to be the dominant voices in restaurants in parks • Opportunity to bring the community-outreach listening • More winter heated outdoor community in to help make sessions. restaurants in parks decisions to move forward • Meditation center • More youth programs • Organize "meet the park" • Meet with athletes for their input. • Move beyond the meetings and get excursions to get people to try • Meet with Nature center changes made! activities they wouldn't normally employees to see what is needed • Multiple modes of input gathering start for improvements both in the parks and at other • Other families in nature • Model for our children the change places near the parks (like grocery • Other families just like mine we want to see. or drug stores) to find out who uses • Out with family • Mom, dad,
21st Century Vision Implementation: What are 2-3 key actions we can take together to get these changes started? Page 78 partners for resources and widely used in the community. businesses. Not all natural/rec expertise. • Prioritize funding equity initiatives areas have to be huge. • Partner with health care sector to in the Parks. Partner with municipal • Reach out to drone pilot groups in work together in creating healthy parks as well to ensure alignment in the area to establish best practices communities equity strategies across the larger for safety and enjoyment of the • Partner with RCCF to start natural park system (regardless of park space by all (including drone plantings. jurisdiction.) Be a leader in pilots) • Partner with schools, nursing wayfinding! • Remember to maintain the parks, homes, sports clubs, local police • Promote outdoor and nature keep that as part of the plan departments to build relationships appreciation. because that takes money too. with communities like mountain • promote the parks to all groups of • Rental of ice fishing houses or biking with kids, etc. people equipment • Pass laws and ordinances that help • Protect the corrections grasslands • Reopen the golf course and keep enforce our duty to nature and and Ponds golf course from my parks in the south side open make it easier to punish those who development. • Reopen the Ponds at Battle Creek litter • Provide dedicated funding for • Report crime • Perhaps setting up committees engagement and innovation • Report people who don’t clean up involving residents for discussion. • provide funding to support after using park facilities Hold community events to get the partnerships, set-up a model • Representation on the workforce vision out (fun events that include • Provide guided opportunities for • Representative input committees - families), public to participate balance of those near parks and • Persons do follow thru • Provide soft programming to those who are not, and age/race • Pick up trash, make the parks clean interest others in Nature. representation by not littering • Public meetings to take about a • Request for more security guards • Place high priority on access to vision. or police, so parents will feel more outdoor spaces • Publicize public meetings better safer • Plan scavenger hunts/challenges to • Put parks in under-served areas. • Research how White Bear Lake get people to the different parks • Put up the code and the website, created there dog beach • Plan to expand with MORC gather facts • Research successful models • Plan trails and help them get made. • raise additional funding required • Residents who are choosing to use • Plan well • Ramsey County can work to better the facilities as provided • Plant more trees advertise parks & rec activities and • Robust volunteer program aimed at • Planting more flower that would residents who use RC parks (like my engaging groups last year around family) can encourage others to • Rural and Urban dwellers are • PLEASE please do everything to not join in. I didn't know about half the playing and singing together. They make any changes. opportunities that were shown in leave transformed and have new • Police your video. That information needs friends. • Police in parks to be better spread out to the • Safe, welcoming environment of • poll parents at WIC clinics about community. like people needs for kids (swimming lessons • Ramsey County has the ability — • Safety in parking lots-fulltime etc.) GO working cameras • pop-up surveys of actual park users • Ramsey County Probation can use • Safety, safety, safety. Actually listen • preserve the grasslands between Sentence to Serve to eradicate the to your constituents. Battle Creek Park and the Invasive buckthorn. • Save areas for those who want Correctional Facility and include • RC can identify ways and places to silence. them in the Park strengthen current natural areas • School visits to talk with students • Prioritize dog park maintenance and opportunities, perhaps through about what they would like to see and upkeep because they are getting input from RC citizens and in a park, what are their favorite
21st Century Vision Implementation: What are 2-3 key actions we can take together to get these changes started? Page 79 activities, what does their 'dream' parks and gauge their interest in • there is a consistency between park look like, etc. volunteering signage at parks so I know what to • Schools and businesses can sponsor • stay informed expect events • Stop building structures and trails, • Think about new, non-traditional • Schools organizing programs at the enhance the natural areas. partners (community orgs, parks • Stop promoting sports and focus on businesses, etc.). • Seek out input from doing something far more • This is excessive!!! underrepresented communities productive and rewarding instead • This questionnaire is a good start. • Seeking funding like restoring nature or having • time and materials • Send out specific information and community gardens • To be community-centered, ask for feedback. • Study usage of existing facilities volunteer opportunities are • Sending out letters to Ramsey and amenities to find possible parts expanded, marketed and some key county homes for ideas. Not to retire to make room for new volunteer spots made available everyone sees this from Facebook. spaces that are welcoming to only to RC citizens/businesses. RC • Seniors have no transportation to everyone citizens/businesses should state or fed parks and list the go • Summer year round have/get/receive greater benefits fishing program • Summer year-round. because we're paying for these • Share the ideas/concepts widely • support local residents committed things with our taxes. with all communities to improving the parks • to remove invasive plants • Sharing ideas • Support these groups to outline • tons of biodiversity/ wildlife. No • Show diversity in representatives their needs and jointly define invasive species. • sketched proposed layouts of any action items. Follow through with • Trade/cultural program exchange changes these communities program to help engage • Smaller parks for specific purposes • surveys communities in space we (courts) or trail connections • Surveys can collect data • Transportation to access different • Solicit a tax-free contribution • Surveys such as this are a good idea places and spaces to explore toward OLDAs for people who can • Talk or join to someone who listens • True engagement across the board afford it and would choose to to concerns or suggestions not to just check the box. donate to see improvements made • Talk to my children how to stay • Try not to ruin good ideas with • Solid volunteer base to support the clean and health negative 'what if' scenarios. parks and heighten community • Talk to people while they are using • Understand the demographics ownership. facilities to gather input surrounding the park and observing • Sponsor some classes • Talking and hanging out with my what they need to bring to • Start by brainstorming 10-15 friends supplement what the park is different activities you can do this • Targeted programs for BIPOC currently missing. summer & fall, then let the • Tear up grass areas that are not • Understand the history of all areas community provide input (and used (boulevard) • Understand the needs of diverse potentially other ideas as well), • The difference is not shocking, but abilities and consider them now not then execute on those ideas PLEASING. "Of course there are as an afterthought • Start small and work with race more diverse families". That is • Universal design directors who have successfully what this region is about. This is • update master plans produced races in particular parks what everyone wants. • Use ecologists to conserve, protect the opportunity to add an event. • The NAACP is having a national and restore the natural resource • Start snow making at Battle Creek outdoor festival in Ramsey County. base of the parks Park They have heard about the • Use Legacy parks and trails funds • Station people at parks to survey participation and positive for natural resources individuals to see what they want experiences. Folks from all over MN • User commitment to help other to experience when they visit the attend. users in need
21st Century Vision Implementation: What are 2-3 key actions we can take together to get these changes started? Page 80 • Vending machine for water and • We can be respectful of each transportation to parks, provide no health food and drinks other's spaces cost options for transportation, • Visit • We can be respectful of each facility use and participation in • Visit the dog parks to see what other's spaces events. would be needed for • We can hold town halls to hear • Work together toward common improvements to area, if any; $$ from the community more on what goals. for dog park maintenance and they want • Work with Healthy Communities improvements to nature areas • We can take care of nature by not team in Public Health and others to • visit the parks destroying it when we see it scope a reasonable sized plan for a • Volunteer • we have been asked for input in the food forest and start planting. Will • Volunteer opportunities, of a past & the results seem to be all take three or four years before it couple hours over the map. Most people want becomes productive so start a pilot • Volunteer time to pick up the trash amenities & see that as now and document the results for at the park improvement. Others think more more insight in years to come! • Volunteer to help parks signs & rules help. I think that any • Work with other agencies DNR, city • Volunteers action steps should include clear and state to find projects. • Volunteers can be funded focus on maintaining the integrity if • Work with other organizations that • Vote the natural resources and helping are committed to making more • Vote to keep The Ponds open people understand how they can livable cities through bike • voting help with that. lanes/paths. • • • We all need nature Welcome sign at the entrance with Work with Ramsey county sheriff on patrolling skiing only trails • We can all make it a point not to different languages • litter Work to improve public
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