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02-19-85 agenda f~G~s CITY OF RICHFIELD MINNESOTA Office of City Manager Council Letter No. 55 Agenda rebruary 19, 1985 Richfield City Council Members Richfield HRA Members Members Community Services Commission. Members Planning Commission Dear Council ar.d Commission Members: Ir.troductior. During 198, the issue of building some ~0 units of townhouses at Legion Lake Park was paramount. It was observed at this time that there was insufficient commur.icatior. between the city council, HRA, planning commission ar.d the ~ community services commission in terms of housing development adjacent to Legion Lake. There was r.o master play. for the use and development of Legion Lake Park ar.d the surrounding fringe area. At this time, the four aforementioned orgar.izatior.s along with city staff met jointly and agreed to first seek outside professional park planning assistance to assist city policymakers iCl dealing with the primary issue: should a housi:^.g project be built adjacent to Legion Lake Park or. land that had 'Deer, purchased by the HRA (four lots) as well as utilizing some adjacent city owned land? The park planr.ir.g consultants have prepared 'two park development concepts for presentation to the next joi^t m~eti^g (2-19-85) of the city council, the HRA, planning commission and the cemmur.ity services commission.. City staff has compiled and analyzed a great deal of information.. Attached to this letter are the following exhibits: ii 1. 1/29/85 memc Kraf~ to Cartwright en~.,itled Elderly Rental Housing-1985; 2. 2/11/85 memo Palmborg to Kraft entitled "Data Relevant to 2/13/85 Legion Lake staff meeting ar.d 2/~4 City Council/Plans^.l ::g l,OmmlSSiOn 'tl2et_:^.g a:':d, 3. 2/13/85 memo entitled "Background or. `Deed for Park and Open Space." -2- Messrs. Fondrick, Kraft ar.d Cartwright have reviewed the information and have formulated cor.clusior.s and a recommended strategy. Conclusions The management team of the Directors of Community Services ar.d Development plus the city manager have met almost weekly for the past several months to: (1) identify the issues for the future development of Legion Lake; (2) to select the most important type of housing need that exists for new construction; (3) to review alternative housing sites; (4) to examine the need for additional park and open space sites, (5) to consider alter- native park and open. space sites, if any; and, (6) to prepare a strategy to meet both housing ar.d park ar.d open space needs. The conclusions reached are: 1. The issue of whether housing should be built on land that could be acquired for park property is the most important issue. 2. T'ne type of housing that can best meet the city objective of attracting families to Richfield is to provide alternative housing for the empty nesters. The most important unmet need is rental housing oppor- tunities for the elderly with incomes that are lower t'nar. persons purchasing condominium units at either Lake Shore Drive or Woodlake Point. As empty nesters in Richfield move to alternative types of housing, it frees up sir_gle family homes for younger families. Also, approximately 400 single family homes are cn the real estate market ir. Richfield during a typical year. This turnover could help meet the needs of younger families seeking starter homes, provided that suitable fir.ar.cir.g mechanisms can be found . Richfield, if legally ar.d legislatively possible, could assist young families seeking cwnership housing by issuing single family mortgage bonds which could provide below market rate mortgage interest rates to eligible families (criteria to be determined). _3_ 3. A senior citizen housi.^.g project could be built at Legior. Lake. On the other hand, there are other possible sites in Richfield if the city council, planning commission, and the HRA make the necessary financial and political commitments to subsidize and promote this housing (i.e. land writedown., mortgage interest rate assistance, zoning, amer.dmer.ts to the comprehensive plan.) . In reviewing a proposal from one interested developer of elderly housing, the city staff learned that a feasible project from that developer's perspective would require at a minimum a commitment to construct at least 125 to 130 units. Rents with an interest rate reduction program (I.R.R.P.) from the City of Richfield would average $565/month for a or.e-bedroom ar.d $670/month for a two-bedroom apartment. The density would be ir. the neighbor'nood of 33 ur:its to the acre (Coach Homes project is 15 units/acre and Lake Shore Drive is 32 units per acre for comparative purposes). This project, 125 to 175 units, would result in the construction of a seven or eight story building. Such a project at Legion Lake would represent a dramatic departure in the scale of buildings constructed in this area of t'ne city. A smaller project of 40 to 50 units could also be built at Legior. Lake, but either the city would have to provide a greater level of subsidy or accept higher priced dwelling units. There are alternative sites for elderly housing if the city will :Hake the commitment to this housing goal. ?ossible sites include: . (a) Bridgeman's, (56th St. at raham) (b) Opda1 (64th Street at Lyndale) (c) ILN study area (76th, I~9~, Lyndale) (d) Cedar liquor store site (airport noise zone) (e) 66th Street OetWeen Senn ~Ve:^.Ue and ~erXeS AVe;':U2 (f) church ar_d school sites (g) other possible sites along I49!~ (h) Trestman/Big Wheel site on Lyndale u. Legior Lake is the last large open space in the community. Or_ce this site is developed, the re- maining possibili~ies for park expansion are limited to. -4- (a) acquiring single family homes adjacent to existing neighborhood parks; (b) acquiring a church or school site (entire site or the open space portion of the site), or, (c) obtaining acceptable land at Fort Snelling Legion Lake Park contains 109 acres. The consultants have analyzed the uses possible as follows: 62 acres for storm water ponding 19 acres for water plant and swimming pool and ice arena 17 acres available for development 10 acres with poor soils (outside ponding area) The national standards for parkland for a community and the realistic standards for park and open. space for Richfield were reported upon in 1970 by Brauer and Associates, a park planning consultant. National P & R Local Standards Standards Year Population 20 Acres/1000 12 Acres/1000 1985 37,000 740 acres 444 acres 1970 47,000 940 acres 564 acres What does Richfield have in parks and open space? It depends upon whether the golf course ar.d the wetlands required for storm water por.dir.g are included. The golf course contains 200 acres of leased 1ar.d.. The amount of wetlands already committed for storm water ponding is 220 acres. The airport lard is leased for a 20-year period. Exter.sior.s to this lease are anticipated. Richfield park ar.d open space breaks dawn as follows: 230 acres park use 220 acres wetlands 200 acres leased golf course 650 acres Strategy The management team recommends, based upon the conclusions discussed above, that the Richfield City Council, HRA, Planning Commission ar.d Comur.ity Services Commission jointly commit to simultaneously achieving these three goals: . -5- 1. To select an alternative housing site and commit the necessary financing, including subsidies, to develop a senior citizen. rental housing project of 125 to 150 or more units; 2. To develop Legion. Lake Park exclusively for park and open space uses; 3. To amend the comprehensive plan and adopt a long term goal to acquire all, or as much as possible, of the remaining privately held properties on the east side of Portland Avenue between the Crosstown Highway ar.d 66th Street. If Richfield car. make these financial , plar.r.ir.g and political committments, the community has a "win-win" solution to the issues of housing and park development. ~-e-s.pectfu~~yj' ~mitted , <~Z L~~ ~ /John G. .Cart nigh-~ City Ma-r.ager JGC/eja • - DATE: January 29, 1985 T0: John Cartwright l FROM: Dennis Kraft~l~~'? W SUBJECT: Elderly Rental Housing - 1985 This memo discusses. the needs of Richfield's elderly and the opportunity to initiate programs in 1985 to meet those needs. There appears to be an opportunity in 1985 for modest cost elderly rental housing at Legion Lake. .As t'ne following narrative will suggest, tt~e needs of Richfield's elderly change very little from year to year. However, the opportunity to meet those needs changes every year. Needs Assessment Richfield residents and those outside Richfield find Richfield a desireous place to live. 1) Modest cost elderly rental: -Presently 1~J4 elderly households receive rent assistance from the HRA in apartments. -149 elderly households receive rent assistance at Richfield Towers -45 elderly hcuseholds have been or. the ~iRA waiting list since spring, 1984. No new applications will. be accepted befcre mid-198b because the wait is too lcng . \ ~..~t,~,, -280 elderly households are on a waiting list at "Richfield ' , Towers With a 3 to 5 year wait for unit turnover, new applications are not being taken. -260 elderly households are or. a waiting list at "Knox Landing" (a Bloomington housing project very close to Richfield). Knox Landing has a 4 year wait. -100 elderly households are on a waiting list at "South Haven" (an Edina housing project very close to Richfield). Minimal V ~V f~'. vacancies are anticipated in this project completed in 1983• -Richfield is considered a "priority community" by HUD for Section 8/Sectior, 202 rent assistance for elderly (C~ 2) Elderly Ownership: _ -Elderly may remain in existing homes. There are more than 1300 primarily elderly, single occupant house'olds in single ~ ~ ~~~~~s . ' f family housing . _ l -Lakeshore Drive and Wcodlake Point are housing alternatives for meeting the needs of middle to upper income elderly households. -The 92 townhouse units at Coach I:omes cn 6bth Street provide a "no children. allowed" age mixed housing community of younger professional and empty nestor middle to upper income person households. ASSESSMENT CF RiCHFIELD's ELDERLY HCUSIi~tG DEVELOPMENT 1881 -Coach Hanes completed, 92 units for mixed ages, no children allowed 1982 -Proposal submitted to fund b0 units of Section $/2O2 elderly housing at Lincoln Hills. However, available funds allocated to ot'r~ers as a result of compet.tive pro ject ranking with ~ participating cosr~cnunities. ~ - ~ ~ 1983.=Lakeshore Drive completed, 178 units in LHN for persons ~5 years of age or older.. 198 -h'oodlake Point, marketing of 157 units in LHN for persons 55 years of age or older begins (construction start in 1985) A 1985 Gpportunity for i~;odest Cost Elderly Rental Housing An experienced development team is interested in initiating the development of modest cost elderly rental housing in 1985. T'ney envisicn a modest cost rental project combined with a Section 8/Section 202 project if the following resources can be provided. -A site, owned by the City or HRA, which is environmentaly sound, has good access to transportation C and shopping, and can support 130 to 175 units of housing. r.~j~~~~' -Industrial Development Eond financing that allows the development of rental housing at the lowest interest rate. !I -Tax Increments that may be utilized to reduce mcnthly rents to a more affordable level without the sale cf general obligation tax increment bonds. -Selection by HUD as a recepient of Section 8/Section 202 rent assistance and development funds. Because of ecorcmic conditions and availability of prcgrams and lard, Richfield has not had an opportunity to provide needed modest cost rental housing alternatives for the elderly. lne opportunity to meet t'ris need is availabe in 1985. A brief discussion of each of the important resources follows: ~I T~:e Site: The Portland Avenue Development Area (PADA) at Legion Lake and the Cedar Liquor Store site are the only sites large enough to 'I Y G J i . ~ l,~ support this type of development. Loth are underdeveloped (important when considering the value of tax increment for rent assistance) and under City or HRA control (important for Section 8/Section 202 financing). The Legion Lake PfiDA site is preferable because it is larger, has a more appealing environment,is further away from the airport, and therefore more acceptable for housing and closer to shopping and car~nunity services. IDB's In 1985, Congress will again consider eliminating IDB IS f1`~. financing. T'ne threat is much greater than in .1s~$~. Cne alternative to elimination would be the severe restriction of IDB issuance for multi-unit rental housing. Canmunties with projects in the first half of 1985 will be most successful at avoiding restrictions unless restrictions are retroactive. This financing assistance tool would be utilized with the modest cost rental portion of the. program. Tax Increment: During 1885 a provision cf `~Iirnesota Statute allows tax increment to be utilized to reduce interest rates on new housing project financing and therefore rents. This development tool "sunsets" at the end of the year. Tax increment generated from a development site, particularly if underutilized, can be utilized for making rental units more affordable rather than paying project costs related t.o acquisition, relocation, and clearance. T'nis tool would i be utilized with the modest cost rental portion of tre I~ program. Section 8/Section 202: April i5, 1985 is the deadline for submitting a prrposal that competes for these HUD funds. HUD considers Richfield a priority community for allocating this financing assistance. The development team must demonstrate site control by April 1, 1985. Approximately 50 units of housing for the elderly could be created fran a competitive proposal. A competitive .proposal. means the site is appealing and close to services and transportation. , $Ummar y Richfield has a need for modest cost elderly housing. From year to h I, year t e opportunity to meet this need varies. During 1985, particularly the first quarter, Richfield has the opportunity to initiate the development of II modest cost rental housing for the elderly. • • • •DATE: February 11, 1985 . ,TO: Dennis .Kraft FROM:. Bruce C. Palmborg SUBJECT: Data Relevant to Feb. 13, Legion Lake Staff Meeting Relates to Cartwright Memo of 2/4 and City. Council/Planning Carte. Agenda 2/4 1). Data related to modest cost elderly rental housing: -235 (not 153 as noted in Feb. 4 memo to Kraft from Cartwri ht elderl households receive ection assistance in S 8 z g Y Richfield -Of the 86 elderly households presently receiving. Section 8 assistance fran the HRA:-(this is a correction fran the previous no. of 104) -the income range is $2.,388 to $10,769 -the average incane is approximately $5,700 -The maximum income allowable to participate in the Section 8 program for elderly is: 1 person - $11,500 2 persons- $13,100 (this limit also applies to Section 202 housing-elderly pay up to 30% of incane for rent) -Maximum rent levels for Section 8 Existing Elderly:. ~ ' Efficiency - $328 1 bedroom - $388 (rent includes utilities) -Maximum rent levels for Section 202 New Construction: Walkup type unit $368 2 to 4 story w/elevator $422 High rise $479 (rent includes utilities) . 2) Rent Survey: Source: Richfield Source: Apart. Guide Apart. Guide Max.. Allowable HRA Lease Agent Quarterly (Nov.84) Vacancy rate Existing Section (mostly smaller - Report (mostly larger (see note 8 "Fair Market Buildings) Buildings) Below) Rents" 1 bed. $370 $381 .76~ vacancy $388 2 bed. $460 $463 .63~ vacancy $451 3 bed. $600 $537 no vacancies $554 4 bed. $675 not available not available $611 ' ~ (NOTE: A vacancy rate of 6% is considered a normal market fluctuation in rental housing according to Metropolitan Council. The above numbers do not include. utilities) 3) Anticipated Rent levels, Market Plaza Occupancy Fali, 1986) one bedroan $446 to $595 two bedroan $b82 to $715 4) Of the 1300 Single person households in single family homes there are: 23 male, 154 female, aged 60 to 64 62 male, 259 female, aged 65 to 74 43 male, 159 female, aged 75 plus Sub 128 572 • Total - 700 elderly single person households in single family homes - 5) Data related to modest cost family rental housing, Section 8 ~ ' -The 328 sma11 families seeking rent assistance has been updated to 3fi 1 -Cf the 3bi small families waiting to participate: -The incane range if .$3,120 to $14,380 -The average income is approximately $7,200 -Of the 35 large families waiting to participate: -The income range is $5,352 to $15,800 -The average income is approximately $8,400 -The maximi.~n income allowable to participate in the Section 8 program for families is: 2 person $13,100 ° 3 person $14,750 4 person $16,400 5 person $17,700 6 person $19,000 7 Person $20,350 $ person $21,650 6) Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (l~.b~ A) Assistance Programs: MIz'FA has 17 programs ranging fran financing of f first time hanebuyer housing and housing rehabilitation to special needs programs for housing Indians and developmentally disabled. MhFA also has a limited amount of funds for loans and loan insurance for experimental types of housing production programs. There are 5 programs that benefit Richfield housing groups, all of ~~ich we already participate in: 1) Sin le Family N:ort / ~ , g gage Loan Program - 1985 availability to be r W1UT~'Dc~Wai announced in March, 1585. l 2) Herne Energy Loan Program - funds available at Richfield Bank & Trust • 3) Herne Improvement Loan Program - funds available at Richfield Sank & Trust. 4) Rehabilitation Loan Program -funds available at tre HRA 5) Accessory Apartment Demostration Program - funds available at Metropolitan Council. A sixth program, Multifamily Housing Development Program, provides financing assistance for multifamily rental housing development. Funding reservations were last made in Late 1984 for 18 projects scattered throughout the state. The future funding of this program is unknown according to M~-.rA representatives. • February 13, 1985 BACKGROUND ON NEED FOR PARK AND OPEN SPACE The majority of park and open space in Richfield consists of land with water retention requirements, land donated either by developers or private parties and generally was not acquired through any long-range plan for acquisition and development. In .the 1950's Richfield was a rapidly developing community with emphasis on construction of housing following the war. There were lots of young families and the population was growing. According to a 1860 Richfield Parks Planning Report by the_ firm of Nason, Law, Tderman & Knight, Inc., site planners, community planners and engineers, Recreational facilities are vital to modern urban living because of the dontribution they make to the mental and ' physical well being of the people. Park and playground facilities that were once thought of as luxuries are now cansidered essential to the welfare of the citizens. . The character of the existing facilities in the Village indicates that the citizens of Richfield are aware of and appreciate the values inherent in good recreational areas. Background on Need for Park and Open Space February 13, 1985 J Page 2 The report goes on to speak of the requirements of the citizens, often related to age groups. Pre-school and school age children were thought to make extensive use of school grounds and facilities. The recreational interests of. adults are general and were thought to "range from competitive games to attractive landscaped areas for passive recreation. ."It becomes apparent that the recreational requirements of Richfield's population . include many diverse facilities and su'ostantial space." Standards for recreational facilities ware discussed in tre 1g60 report including this commentary: Community parks provide special facilities for the entire village. The special facilities wculd include lakes with facilities for water sports, beaches, swimming pools, open space for games and sports, developed picnic areas, and areas of special landscape interest. The community park should have adequate parking and good access from thorough- fares . ~ Background on Need for Park and Open Space February 13, 1985 Page 3 The population continued to grow in the 1960's and attention was directed toward development of park and open space. The municipal outdoor swimming pool was constructed. A strong desire was expressed for a golf. course. Work began on the Wood Lake Nature Interpretive Center. The commitment to a strong park and open space program continued. A point facilities agreement was reached between the school district-and the,. now, city to place responsibility with the city incorporating a III sharing of facilities.. A Richfield Park System Analysis was II', I conducted bq Brauer and Associates, Inc. in 19b9. The introduction states All too frequently the "systems approach" to planning park and open space has not been thought of until too late. Its not too late in Richfield, but time is short. .With some additional critical land acquisition and definition of new policies for development, the foundation is laid for a good system of parks in Richfield. We urge that you complete acquisition immediately and proceed with development of new parks and redevelopment of old parks as rapidly as possible so that the "now" generation can benefit from adequate Ili park-facilities soon. Background on iVeed for Park and Open Space February 13, 1985 Page 4 In the summary of the 1g6g analysis, it was noted that in Richfield, "total park area to population ratio is about two- thirds of the Minneapolis figure and only a little more than one- third of the present ratio in the two suburban communities compared." A copy of the Summary Findings is attached as Exhibit A. The summary recommendations were: ~ n ; 1. Additional park lands should be acgLir~d by purchase or lease to bring the total area to at least 600 acres, or a projected ratio of about 12 acres per thousand future population. 2. The entire system must be given ornamental par'. character. Ground forms, water features, and plant material should be added in significant quantity and quality. The concern for care and maintenance of "the park beautiful" must • precede and follow the investment. 3. Recreation facilities must be effctively assimilated into the ornamental park area rather than overpowering it. Large-scale, competitive field game areas should be concentrated in large sites apart from adjacent residential development. , .Background on Need for Park and Open Space February 13, 1985 Page 5 . 4. Specific plans for acquisition, development and redevelopment be authorized immediately for the following sites.: I, a. Redevelopment of An Existing Park - a "showcase" example of the "new look" - First Priority - Roosevelt Park .Second Priority - Lincoln Park Third Priority - Augsburg Park t b. Acquisition - Design - Development of a "new" Park - First Priority - Legion Lake Second Priority - Taft Park Expansion Third Priority - Ri chfield La'_~e 5. Commitment for utilitization of :~etropolitan Airports Commission properties should be pursued and established as soon as long-range airport plans are determined. 6. Play Environments should be developed rather than groups of play things. I Background on Need for Park and Open Space February 13, 1985 Page 6 It was noted in the Specific Findings of the 19b9 Analysis that, in terms of park area, the recommended standard was 20 . acres of park land per 1000 people. In Richfield, this was an important factor because there Teas and still is little remaining open space for future park development. Because of the lack of available space, the analysis went on to indicate that through acquisition by purchase or lease, Richfield could realize about . 12 acres of park land per 1000 people. In .terms of culture, art and the arts, history and formal environment are important and must be included. Richfield has been able to preserve the natural amenities of Wood Lake and. some of Richfield Lake for conservation purposes. One finding was that "Reserve is a vital element in any system and must be provided for future changes, even in a community which has apparently reached full development." Reserve was defined in the analysis as the capacity of any park system to be flexible and allow for change, respond to increased demand, new needs, new opportunities and single breathing space. A park system is not unlike other .systems in that frequent or extended use to maximum limits will often cause a breakdown or failure. It is imperative that sufficient land area be set aside to accomodate extension or expansion as well as reinterpretation. ~ • A copy of the Specific Findings noted in the 1869 Parks Analysis is attached as Exhibit B. Background on Need for Park and Open Space February 13, 1985 Page 7 In addition to the summary recommendations, the specific recommendations included: 1. Immediate consideration should be given to steps which will stimulate public or private interests in the cultural elements of a park system (fountains, gardens, historic sites, facilities for performing arts). 2. The «ood Lake Conservation-Interpretive Center must be developed, managed and interpreted for the benefit of the community. 3. Character of future urban populations and their need for recreation and open space is bound to change. Reserve capacity is as necessary today as it ever was. 4. Development of recreation facilities must be assimilated within the ornamental park rather than becoming the dominant feature. Active competitive field games should be concentrated in large park areas to allow for adequate visual and physical separation from other park uses and ad3ac.e-nt residential development. 5. Maintenance of facilities and space require more commitment of the "Three M's" - manpower, machines, and _material. All three add up to thee-fourth "?'4" - money. Background on Need for Park and Open Space February 13, 1985 . Page 8 6. A-rearrangement of every park site will provide a better distribution of ornamental park elements but the fact that the open space opportunity has passed means that a well balanced system is not possible. 7. Early consideration should be given to the design anal development of ornamental, non-park, urban spaces to augment the ' park system, such as spaces in and around commercial centers, .and community buildings, possible pedestrian or bicycle paths, railroad and utility easement spaces, and vehicular parkways. 8. A joint (Richfield-Edina) development plan for an expanded Adams Hill Park should be pursued in the near future. g. A complete park program must be the focus of action and a complete program includes five factors, five "P's", in order of importance: ...first, PURPOSE. Why have parks at ali? Unless a definition, criteria, list of objctives, statement of policy, can be put forth, considered, and adopted, no one will ever know if the system succeeded or not PURPOSE can't be established by a consultant-it is a community responsibility! ....second, PERSOAINEL. People make things go, and Chats particularly true of anyting that proposes to serve people. Planning, administration, maintenance, and activity direction ,all require skilled, motivated and dedicated people! Background on Need for Park and Open Space. February 13> 1g85 Page 9 ...third,. PARTICIPATION. If the population to be served is not involved - if the program does not require participation. at every level, it is doomed to an early failure,.. or is raw material for reaction.! ...fourth, PROGRESSIQN ..of experiences, of participation, of facilities to meet new needs and requirements, as well as a progression of activities and.opportunities in recreation for the individual as well as the group. { .....fifth, PHYSICAL FACILITIES from basic site improvements all the way through formal gardens and fountains the "things" people need in order to use and enjoy parks and open spaces. In the 1970's the population of Richfield had reached its peak at about 47,000 and started to decline as the population aged. School buildings started to close. East Elementary School was razed. Woodlake Elementary School was razed. Central Elementary, Elliot Elementary, Lincoln Hills Elementary, Portland Elementary were all converted to other uses. Several reorganizations of public student "housing" took place. Cooperation between the city and the school district continued with construction of indoor pools, use of school facilities such as gymnasiums for city sponsored recreation activities and use of city facilities such as ballfields for school sponsored activitie Both city and school facilities began to experience ,"P:,~,.n_~.~~.as2d demands..due to_ expanded participation by girls and women, the addition of several new community activities such as February 43, 1985 Page 10 - youth basketball. cwmnastics_ vrn~th hQCkpv. v rn~th softball_ skating club, acid the emphasis on physical fitness became a password of the decade. In 1970 the commitment to a strong park and open space prog-ram placed authority for park and recreation with the city.. Tn 1970 city wide meetings were-held to determine the direction `of park acquisition, development and redevelopment in , Richfield. The citizenry at Iarge was invited, special intere t groups ranging from the League of Women Voters to Little League Baseball were invited, and everyone worked together to create a plan for the future. It was the concensus that the entire park system needed to be developed but neither the staff nor the citizens felt it economically feasible to sell a bond issue or receive the funds of the magnitude needed to do the system at one time. It was determined that a balanced approach would be used whereby a park was completely developed at one time rather than. have a particular element of a park, tennis courts for example, upgraded at one time in a number of parks. The park development objectives following these city wide meetings were: 1. To develop one community park to include a major picnicking area with outdoor grills, benches, tables, a park pavilion and lake area. Legion Lake was the selected site. r,GC;~toi Gtiiu v i:JC G .i:0i L'~ ~fl~ vpC! JJ:dC~ February 13, 1985 ..Page 1 'i 2. To fully develop two community playfield , one on the east and one on the west side of I-35W, to include lighted baseball-football field or softball-football field, at .least one additional ball field, lighted hockey and general skating areas, children's play area,- parking lot, tennis courts and park. building. Taft Park and Donaldson Park were the selected sites. 3. To fully develop three neighborhood park .playgrounds in a constellation approach to include a park shelter, lighted general skating and hockey rinks, at least one baseball-softball field, children't play area and path system. Christian Park, Monroe-Fairwood Park and Augsburg Park were the selected-sites.. . Roosevelt Park was added. to this list shortly after the city- wide meetings. Agreements were entered into for the creation of master .plans for the sites determined and budget estimations were made. About this time the economic picture took a drastic turn and it became quickly apparent that such a major undertaking for redevelopment of the park system was not financially possible. The determination was made to develop the community playfields, using federal grant monies, known as the Legacy of Parks program, which was first introduced in President Nixon's State ~I_ - ---of----thee-Unien- message in--1974. Guidelines for -the program became available in late 1971 and in early 1972 application for funding was made. The direction .for. park development in Richfield had now been determined: 1) proceed wit,~,,,,~.eu_elopm.ent of a complete • Dct::,.~i Ot.ia'1Q Oii :~c.'li 1.vi i 8Y'fi $rtu lJp~ri Juai~ { February 13, 1985 • ° Page 12 park area as funding becomes available, 2) begin with community playfields in an attempt to reduce the problems of major activities in neighborhood parks which are surrounded by residential development.,. 3) systematically continue through the entire park system and 4) realize there will probably never be an end to .park development or redevelopment, that it will be a dynamic process attempting to meet the ever changing needs and circumstances of the community. , -The 1970's saw completion of the Wood Lake Nature Center, construction of the Ice Arena, development of Taft Park, Donaldson Park, New Ford Town Park, Augsburg Park, Roosevelt Park, Christian Park, Fremont Park. and the start of construction at Rich Acres Golf Course.. To date, in the 1980's, development has taken place at Adams Hill Park, Monroe/Fairwood Park, Rich Acres Park, Richfield Lake and Memorial Park, Several major neighborhood parks remain to be developed as do certain mini or pocket parks. .Legion Lake, once the high priority for park development and destined to be the community park of Richfield, is currently under study and preparations are being made of a master concept plan. What has happened in the 25 years between 1960 and 1985? ...The commitment to a strong park system remains. The concep t of parks, recreation and-open space is an essentia~ service of the community much like police and fire protection. ~ac~grouna on ~aaed for ~=arri and ~p2n apace. ~ February 13, 1985 Page 13 ...Sources of funding for park redevelopment has been in constant flux. Revenues from. municipal. liquor store operations continue to be strong, but not enough to afford redevelopment of a park every year due to today's economic picture. Outside funding sources come and go. The Legacy of Parks program no longer exists, but the Land and Water Conservation Act was one of several replacement programs although the future of federal funding for park purposes is dismal. The Community Development Block Grant federally funded program at one time afforded an opportunity for park development, and although the program still exists, the guidelines have changed substantially and do not permit park construction in Richfield any longer. The federally funded General Revenue Sharing program is fairly discretionary, but the future of that program is also questionable. State funding for park development has also undergone changes. Richfield continues to take advantage of funding programs for park development whenever possible. ...Cooperation with other agencies remains strong. As advised, Adams Hill Park was developed in cooperation between Richfield and Edina. A lease arrangement has been reached with the i~etro olitan Air orts Commission MAC er P P ( ) p mittin _ _ _ g _ _ - construction of Richfield's Rich Acres Golf Course. With the exception of the municipal outdoor swimming pool, the golf course has been the only park, recreation and open space r facility to be funded with the use o~ a bond issue. Sackaround or, ;iced for Pars and Open Space , February 13, 1985 ~ Page 14 ...Richfield population has reached its peak in the 1g70's and began to~decline in the 1g80's. It is anticipated that families with. young children may return to the community, but the total population will never again reach its all time high . of almost 50,000 people. By and large, Richfield is an aging community with the majority of its population in the adult range of 18-54.The sheer demand for adult size spaces is currently difficult, if not impossible, to meet. With the , closing of the school facilities,~large indoor spaces such as gymnasiums are at a preminum. Major athletic complexes such as Taft Park and Donaldson Park are in heavy demand. Every effort is made to keep highly organized activities suc:~ as athletics in community playfields, but the demand is becoming greater, perhaps due to the increase in participation by girls and women, the expansion of youth programs and the emphasis on and interest in physical fitness. ...Efforts have been made to increase the ornamental and . cultural aspects of the community ar~d to involve private interests in these aspects of the park system. The civic plaza at 66th Street and Lyndale Avenue is an example of this endeavor. ...Community members of all ages have the opportunity to be involved in the park system. Entire neighborhoods are invited to participate in design of neighborhood parks. The Community Services Advisory Commission provides an "at large" representation of the community for the design, development, operation and maintenance of the park and open space system. bac:~grou~,a ors s`aeeci for nark ana. Open. Space February 13, 1985 Page 15 - ...A systematic approach. to park development has-.been determined. and following insofar as possible. ,With the exception of Legion Lake and Lincoln Park, development strategy proposed in the 1869 park system analysis has been followed. ...Richfield was essentially developed 25 years ago. Efforts have-been made in the last 15 years to acquire parcels for park purposes as they become available through tax forfeiture or the open market.. The majority of .purchases have been . adjacent to Legion Lake. Open space opportunities continue to be limited as is noted with the inquires made by the ' public for purchase of various parcels in the city such as may exist in current park areas such as Wood Lake Nature Center, Sheridan Park or Roosevelt Park. ...Despite the efforts to retain existing park lands and increase. open space holdings wr~enever possible, the total acreage is limited. There are three major land parcels in the Richfield park system. The golf course, approximately 200 acres, is on land leased from the MAC and has strict guidelines as to the development possible on the acreage. Wood Lake Nature Center, approximately 150 acres, has about 75~ of the total acreage as wetland. The golf course and the nature center are .special interest park and open space sites. Legion Lake, earmarked to become the community park of Richfield with approximately 100 acres, currently has about 60~ wetland. Taft Park, approximately 30 acres of leased 1"and and 10 acres of "owned" chfie R ld land for a .tota.l-_:Qf abov..t.. 4.0--acres, .includes Mother's Lake, about 15-- Sac ground on weed zor r~ar~ and Open Space February 13, 19$5 ~ ` Page 16 acres in size and the only true "lake" in the community. Richfield Lake is approximately 35 acres in size and is almost completely wetland. Donaldson Park is about.24 acre in size and is one of the park sites without water retainage requirements. Augsburg Park, approximately 20 acres, includes a holding pond of about five acres. Roosevelt Park is another park site without water retainage requirements and is about 13 acres in size. Adams Hi11 Park, about 12 acres, and. Christian Park, about 11 acres, also have water retainage requirements. The remainder of the park sites are :less than 10 acres, several having less than one acre of land. While a certain amount of wetland and water area is desirable in a kpark system, the other requirements of a system such as pavilions, athletic facilities, ornamental and cultural features, parking, and open space for general, unprogrammed use are severely restricted if the water and wetland demands become too great. If the goal is indeed 20 acres per 1000 people, the 198:5 population estimate of 37,000 would indicate a park and open space requirement of 740 acres. All-sites inclusive. of leased land and wetland provide only about 650 acres at the present time in Richfield. If 12 acres of park land per 1000 people were used for calculation: purposes, the park and open space requirement would be 444 acres. The question remains whether. all wetlands and special program acreage should be included in the calculations of .reaching park and open space needs. A graphic representation%of Richfield park and open space is attached in Exhibit C. Da~'iL~,r cuncl on fuzed ~ for nark ana Gpen Space February 13, 1985 Page 17 Attachments:. Exhibit A - Summary Findings, 1969 Richfield Parks Analysis Exhibit B - Specific Findings, 1969 Richfield Parks Analysis Exhibit C - Graphic Representation Park and Open Space . Notes; 1. Exhibit C will need to be completed.. Will include information related to wetland acreage, other acreage, total.- - acreage, leased/owned, special interest site notations. II 2. Check whether special interest sites included in 1g6g ~ Park Analysis commentary on "goal" of 12 acres per 1000 people. 3. Verify information for Exhibit C. Specific comments on water requirements for the following may be discussed further: Adams Hill Park Sheridan Park Wood Lake Nature Center Richfield Lake Legion Lake Augsburg Park Taft Park Christian Park :aus~,~i v!.:iu Vt. iu~c'.i lUi i hi ti a;1G v~~tl ,7r.eC s February 13, 1985 Page 18 4. Adult requests not currently being met: Softball Soccer .Bandy Picnic pavilions (large groups) Large indoor spaces (.gyms, theatre, etc.) 5. Problems to be potentially discussed: Monroe/Fairwood ballfields Airport ballfields Backyard/public space conflicts - . , - ~ F ~ Y FI~r~I1dGS ~ ~ t ...7 . : . ulati on . ~-ratt o ^i s about tti~o- _ o . _ a to aT f. ar.k' a`re P P ~ ~ - p Tot ' ;,third (Z/3) `~of.: the. Minneapolis figure and only a ~ s~ - - 3 of-,the present ~ ri little more than one-th_i rd (I;f ) P _ ra~tzo in the two suburban communities Gom aced . Z.~ Mostsuburban 'syst.-ems T~gnore `the cuTtiiraT objective, _ - an-d- Richfi eT d ~ s--no exception The recent preser- - _ ; - _ nation of.-an historic farmstead (~8arthoTome~N House) . _ r and: the ex.i stence of a .small wi i d _ 11 ~ an. school. Pr~perty~ fanwer :,ga.rden, funtendect.) , 4arer_. cracks _ i n the waT T ~ -•s:. _ , ` ~ - 'bitt.nat .enough 'to regzs~ter,on our .systems analysis ,,~~f V 2rw~a x; Ott 4 i 3 me~~ntal- ' as~~ ects~ ofy"suburbanyry~.parks a-re aT so _~,T,. _ . 3.. -The orna P ,i ~~-~o~e.rl.aake~s ' but i'rr' Ric.hfield,::ornamentatfion barely ? `'#~4 ~ -exists, `-being one-sixth - .(1/6) of tfiat_in the i; t - =M.n.neapoTi-ssystem and .less than half- of that found.... ,^,~~y in- the least oi• the twa suburban .systems compared ~ ~ ~ r. 3 = 4~ -.Ge~ograptiical -'-ittstr~ibuton `of~~,.facilities is good,. - ~:-.._ornamental_ _.-and ~ conservation Telements are concen- h ~'trated ~i n a ,few 1`arg.e.~ parks mostly i rr the north 4and ~ ~ ~ , f;~ north central regions of the city - p` Park si tes_. are fr.agmented~~ and scattered, a-fact ~ ~ " ` -~.~~which reduces t.he-~~ `effect, `and value of the total _ - ~ _ ~ F stem.. im act .u on..;the- community.. ~ 6: t4ost parks, and all community w~1de areas are'easlTy _ ~ s~ - 'accessi bl e_;- b.y:, means ~~of ,ahe collector and arterial _ ~ 'street system wTthi n the city - - _ _ _ _ ~ _ F.. . _ ~ _ C? r -y - _ < _ _ - s'a? ~ - ~ - I - - ; - - . C - - - - x y. t , - ~ ~ _ t ~ u - . - - _ . . - ~ s~ . - _ - ~ - - _ 1 . ~ ~ ~•i i i~\ `~t f,. - ~ ~ 4. ~'i: • ~ P j - . BRAUER & ASSJCIATES, It~;C. ,~F - - - ~ ` i r~y _ ~q i ; - - ~ ` ~'U~~1h1ARY ~ECOhli~i~~lr~a i 1ar~s - - ; - ~ ~ 1-:...Additional parklands should be acquired by purchase - ' ~ - or Lease. to.,brinQ the total area to at~ least 600 acres,:". or a projected ratio or atiouz i'L a'cres per. N.~ ~ r ~ _ nousand future population. . - y i s ~ - - ~ 2 The en s stem ti re must be given ornamental park - character.. Ground forms, water. features, and plant,:. _ - _ ~ materia`T should ~e added., in .significant quantit Y~ ' ~ and qualii;y The concern for care .and maintenance - - of "the park beautiful" must precede and follow _the..~ ' i nvestme.nt - _ f- ~ ~ : _ - - `'3`. Recreation facilit,zes~must`~lbe-` effective) assimila ' - ted .into the: ornamental park, area ratherY~than over-: powering it .-..~Carge-sca.le,~~= competitive field game. ' _ areas shoal"d ~be concentrated: in: large sites apart--~:: from adjacent residential development - - - 5 4. ~~S'pecificplans far acquisition; development and re- ' development~be .authorized immediately far the_fol- - lowi sites: - - - _ a. -~R.edevelopment ,of ~Ar, Existing Park-~''a "s~howc.ase" example of the.."new look" r 1 _ _ - - First Priorit - y Roosevelt Park... - =Second Priority'- = Lincoln 'Park . - Thy rd Priority - A`agshur~ Park•':'- _ - - ~ b. Acauis-~tion - Design -Develoament of; a "'new"~~-J - - - - Park - FirsYt P - - rioritY Legions Fake . - - Second Priority .Taft Park Expansion _ _ _ ~ - ~ Third Priority - :Richfield Lake - 5: ,Commitment sor uti 1 i Zati on of Pietropol i tan. Airports ~ Commission` properties should be` pursued .and estab=:-. 1 i shed as soon as long-range.~~-airport plans are determined. . _ 6. Play Environments should be developed rather thane` ' groups of play things. . ' r 4 ` - 'i ' 6~`~ ~ BRAUER & ASSOCIATES, INC. v ~ - ~ ~ , - t.. . - - - ~ - - - - R -1000 -PEOPLE _ PARK ACRES PE T . PARK AREA 0 . 3y 5 -6 12 ,'1.5 T 8 21 .~24 ~ i - ~1 Rt;chf z:~eT d' s - total.- perk area - 1 i i ~ - i ..:i i ~ i ~ +i , falls ' below:.the recommended ~ - - - ~ . - standard of 20" acres of park - RICHFIELD ~ 8.5 ` . ~ - j i r F~ .land "per 1000 people ';,This M_Ir~-NEAPOLIS X11.8 .~s :an:.~:lmportant `f"acto~r..be- ~COP~IMUNLTY A . ~2T~_1 2Z caul a there i s 1 i tt1~e remain-_ .COMMUNITY B - ~ - ~ - -ing' open space- for :future _ r park development. - ~ _ . _ ~ S' _ s OF.- TOTAL. AREA ~i _ - , ' _ - - . 2 C~.LTURE. - w 1 ~ _ _ _ j s Most. .suburban-~ park, pSans Tg- ~ 1 .3% ` _ t r Wore ~ the. cu.lturaT _ :eTeme~nts ~ MINNEAPOLIS _ ::af;a complete. park;:.-'ays~te~r. R.ICt,'FIELD Q.O.% :.Art and the. arts_,.-_Fii~stary .and ;..COMMUNITY A . 0.0% Y~~: j-:formaT .enviro;nment are' zmpar" 'CO.MMUNITY B. 0.0% _ ~ ~ taut and must be ~ nc1 uded ~ - - 'F ( t T y~ ~ ~1 { _ ~ _ + } ~ i` o OF TOTfiL AREA ~ 3. OR~NAMENTATI,OyN - _ _ 0 5 10 T5 20 25. 30 35 _ _ Ri chfi eTd ~~.devotes- only- 8.4% ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ of their .park land to ornamen- ~ - ~ 30-.0 % tation as compared to 30%. of .MINNEAPOLIS - ~ the Mi nneapoT i s system.` In- ~ `RICHFIELD 1 5.Op " 'crease in the .percent of ar- - - ~ COMMUNITY A ~ 12.3% ~ _ namentation provides a amore ~ 1b.Z% - _ ~3 COMMUNITY 8 enhancing park character. - . i - - j t _ - ~ ~ ~ - _ < } _ ~ XA Z . - - - w - _ - i~4. • ~r i 2.2 ? f: BRAUER & ASSOCIATES, INC.. V a.y . --t-. L .t - _ TOTAL AREA - f . . 7 ' : - _ _ _ ; 0 L0 ZO 30 40- - 50- - - - t 1 ~ 1 . l 4. CONSERVATIOtJ - . , - = MINNEAPOLIS f -3~7.9~ Fartunatel~y Richfie]d has been - RIC.~tFIELD - ab]e -_,to preserve the natural COMMISNi _ 5I'Oa ~ . TY A - _ ameni ti es of .Wood' .-take and ~ COMMtlP~ITY B ~ 36 . g~ some of Richfi - 53..2 f e1d Lake Y r~ t < fr y - r f "1 - - _ r3 ~ ~ ~ yc ' S - - ~ '~4 v-je~ .,e y x ~I4 4 - ` ~ ~ - OF -TOTAL AREA ,'~~4 - ~ Y _ by R f - _ .1.T#-- 5. RESERVE= ~ . v ~ 0 5. ZO X15 . Z0 .,s ~ _ a - - i_ Reserve is~.a v~-tat e]ement ~n MINN-EAFOLIS ~ Z.7Q - - ~ w~,'>: - any .system and _.;must' .be -pro `_::RiCHFIELD - - - - ~ vi ded for future changes, "even ``°Z0. 9~ ~ ~ ' i n a communi ty -"which :has . a -60MMUNITY A- - ~ 10: I o ' .~K,:~ p arent3 COMMU~tITY 8 - ~ p y reached fu]] develop - - ~s v _ ~ - _ } ~ a ~ i - 3 .~u.^ ~ s - - b 7Sb~-'y s J y SKr t ~ - .t-_ -r-. - r . ~ - • . - _ t ,2 _ _ ~ OF TOTAL AREA >~~x~ t .Q 1o Zo - 30 ~0 - - o. RECREATION - ,j x . Recreation has l ong ~._been - the ~ - - - - - J`p uric e] ement and i s: in_ some MINNEAPOLIS ~ 27 3 0 ~ suburban communi ties.... as much RICNFIEID s SOA of the total system.-::-In ~-_-COt~9MUNITY A - - I ZZ.So ~ :j• jchfie]d, a reasonab]eratio - - - 3g•6° ~ as_ been maintained, COMMUNITY B ~ 13.3 0 - { ~,A- ~ _ '9~• t - _ ~ RA!!ER & ASSOCIATES, INC. il E 'd~ w . • i ~ 7. MAiNTE1VAP~CE - - E,.. _ _ • - _ _ _ _ ~S S ~ .Park rsia.~ntenance and administration facilities are not • ~~ocated in park areas. 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J .;i •::::::...L•::.: - r...: i ~ .r. ??:rr .r. .v r _ - ii r:: - ::r:i .i •~>i....Y..7 ~'''~S .LM . ~ 1 L...•.:.:.....:: :Y i v •iiii••r a' :L.•..i .1.; •:•t ' }'Y a ...v L _ i - . > - r - . - _ ..s . _ - _ -l .t - _ - - t _ ..G _ - - _ • - _ s ~ . _ . -n ~ - - is - - ~ - _ - a :I. ' BRAUER & ASSOCIATES, LNC. 24 . t ~ - S'k~.3...~ ~ . ' - - - _ . . 9 PARK S.iTES - - - ~ _ _ - . _ The total park.~s~te must ha.ve~ functional relationship - wZth~rt to .,prevent the scattering of elements. . a~ _ - - ~ ~ - ~ _ 'n r y ~yyf~l4~,.,1H C 4 _ 1 Q ACCESS. ~ ~ r f:. s ' ' 7',c^n -Even though ~Iriters~tate ~35W Bisects the city into two ~ ~Y~'~~ ~~separate areas the city faczl~ties are easily accessible.: - y y ~ Y = ~l lYEICHBORHflOQ PARKS _ ~ ~ j ~Neighbo`rhao~ parks ~a~re nht ~strategTCall~y 'located within.;~~ _ ~_~resf~ential. neighborhoods, ,physically, and probably _ 4y'~~ r soci o1 ogi caTly as we11 ~j _ r ~ _ .1 i aid' ~+j as _ f ~ - R ~x r 1f t tr y.r. ~t t~. S _ a r. L`~~~: _ _ ;y r :i s' - . - - Vii. ~ _ _ ~ _ 3 ~ SY~ ~ ~ _ 4 - _ fti - - _ > . ~ J - 9 J j . l .i..:. c.: ' .r _ ' . . _ - ' y. 3. - _ . ' n _ F:'+.' - a _ i.~ BRAUER & ASSOCIATcS, iNC. 4