Scandia Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan by MSA Professional Services

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS City Council Christine Maefsky, Mayor Steve Kronmiller, City Council Member Michael Lubke, City Council Member Jerry Cusick, City Council Member Heather Benson, City Council Member Parks & Recreation Committee Terry Gorham, Chair Greg Zauner, Vice Chair Kimberly Johnson Thomas Hinz Dustin Hegland

Prepared by: This document was prepared by MSA Professional Services, Inc. with assistance from City Staff, the City Council, and the Parks & Recreation Committee of Scandia, Minnesota. Project No.: 10546007

CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction Scandia at a Glance Community Input Park and Trail Recommendations System Recommendations Implementation

01 05

CHAPTER 5: ANALYSIS OF NEEDS AND DEMANDS

CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS

CHAPTER 7: IMPLEMENTATION

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Plan Purpose Planning Process The Role of Parks, Recreation & Trails

CHAPTER 2: ABOUT SCANDIA

Local & Regional Context Transportation & Circulation Demographics Figure 1: Total Population Estimates, 2010-2040 Figure 2: Age Composition, 2020 Physical Character & Environmental Resources Relevant Planning Documents City-Owned Facilities Privately-Owned Facilities School Facilities State & Regional Facilities Current Community Initiatives

CHAPTER 4: GOALS & STRATEGIES Introduction Goals 1–5

Quantitative Analysis Figure 3: Park Acreage Surplus & Deficit Calculations Figure 4: Outdoor Facility Gap Calculations Geographic Analysis Qualitative Analysis Figure 5: “What parks and recreation amenities/ facilities do you currently use?” Regional & State Insights

Existing Park Facilities New Park Facilities Mobility Improvements Additional Recommendations

Tools & Mechanisms to Fund Implementation Plan Adoption & Amendments Action Plan

APPENDIX A: ENGAGEMENT FEEDBACK Input Survey Results Stakeholder Interviews Open House Comment Map

APPENDIX B: PARK & OPEN SPACE CLASSIFICATIONS APPENDIX C: ANALYSIS MAPS

Existing Parks and Trails Existing Park Facilities Existing Park Facilities (Downtown) Park Amenities Matrix Park Service Areas Potentially Underserved Areas Future Parks and Trails

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION The purpose of this document is to replace and build upon the 2006 Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space, and Recreation Plan. The recommendations listed in this Plan are intended to replace the policies highlighted in the “Parks and Recreation” chapter of Scandia’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan, in order to give City officials the most up-to-date recreational priorities when making budgeting and implementation decisions. Scandia’s new Parks, Trails, and Open Space Master Plan analyzes current and projected population changes, community feedback, geographical data, and existing conditions to generate overarching goals and objectives. Park and trail-specific recommendations then break these goals into actionable steps, bolstered by lists of funding opportunities and potential partnerships. In short, this document is a toolbox to aid the City of Scandia in enhancing its outdoor recreational opportunities for years to come.

SCANDIA AT A GLANCE The City of Scandia is located in northern Washington County and has a population of approximately 3,963 residents (2020 Census). More information about Scandia’s existing conditions can be found in Chapter 2 and Chapter 4. • Population is expected to grow 24% by 2040, or 1.2% annually. • Nearly three-quarters of Scandia residents are either youth (under 20 years) or retirement-age (over 55). • The community currently has 135 acres of City-

PLAN GOALS

Provide sufficient park and recreation opportunities to meet current and future recreational needs in the City of Scandia.

Ensure that all Scandia residents have safe access to quality parks and recreation facilities.

owned parkland and open space (34 acres per 1,000 residents), which is well above average for comparably-sized communities. William O’Brien State Park and Big Marine Park Reserve contribute even more acreage. • 32 miles of on-road cycling routes throughout Scandia. • 18.25 cumulative miles of hiking trails within City-owned parkland, William O’Brien State Park, and Big Marine Park Reserve.

COMMUNITY INPUT Public engagement efforts included an online community survey and stakeholder interviews. The results are discussed at length in Chapter 4 and Appendix A, but the following overarching themes emerged: • Enhance the community’s existing amenities before adding new parks: replace aging playground equipment, add restroom facilities, and maintain baseball fields. • Develop the Scandia Community Center into a destination for community recreation and gathering. • Expand existing racket sports opportunities by creating pickleball courts. • Increase trail safety for cyclists and pedestrians through off-street or protected bike paths, safe crossings, and designated walking paths. • Add recreational programming options for residents of all ages, especially young children and seniors. • Enhance wayfinding throughout Scandia’s parks, trails, and roads. • Cultivate natural wildlife areas in undeveloped Cityowned parkland.

Enhance connectivity and accessibility between Scandia’s parks and between adjacent communities.

Preserve the historical, cultural, and environmental significance of Scandia’s existing green space.

Ensure that ongoing park improvements and future system expansion are financially sustainable.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PARK RECOMMENDATIONS All recommendations can be found in Chapter 5. The following recommendations have been identified as the highest-priority items:

Greater Scandia • Secure the remaining funding to implement the Gateway Trail extension from William O’Brien State Park to downtown Scandia. • Construct a local trail connection between the Ozark Ave N/209th St N convergence and the new Gateway Trail connection. • Fulfill the Tourism Committee’s vision for cohesive City signage – both welcome signs and wayfinding. • Convert wide shoulders on major roadways, such as Highway 97 and Highway 95, into marked bike trails. • Work with MNDOT and Washington County to acquire the rights-of-way necessary to convert wide shoulders to bike lanes. • Increase visibility of existing cycling routes (Dala, Bone Lake, Big Marine, and Sand Lake Family Routes) by posting trail map throughout Scandia and installing color-coded trail markers. • Repair, maintain, and promote the bike path along St. Croix Trail N, between William O’Brien State Park and Crabtree’s Garden Gate.

• Develop a connection between downtown Scandia and the Gateway Trail, which is anticipated to extend north towards Scandia. • Assist the Scandia Heritage Alliance in implementing its vision for the Water Tower Barn - Scandia Arts & Heritage Center. • Install a walking trail/boardwalk around the wetland behind the Scandia Community Center building, connecting to the Water Tower Barn site. • Convert the existing tennis courts at Scandia Community Center into a multi-use racket sports area by painting four pickleball courts perpendicular to the tennis courts and acquiring moveable pickleball nets. • Repair/refinish the southwest corner of the racket sports area at Scandia Community Center. • Revamp Wind in the Pine Preserve’s primary trail entrance (off of St. Croix Trail N) with new information kiosk and detailed trail map. SYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS • Replace rink boards at Leonard Wojtowicz • Expand recreational programming for seniors and Skating Park. young children (e.g. social walking/hiking groups, • Add an unpaved walking trail, picnic table, and pickleball clubs, group workout classes, afterpark identification signage to Liten Park. school educational activities, and sports leagues). • Make existing maintenance reporting system more visible on City website and at physical points TRAIL RECOMMENDATIONS around the community. • Amend the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to highlight Downtown Scandia the goals and recommendations from this • Install a safe crossing between Gammelgården document in its “Parks and Recreation” chapter. and the Scandia Community Center. • Extend sidewalk along eastern edge of Olinda Trail to South Ball Field site, expanding walkability IMPLEMENTATION from the ball field (or future Arts and Heritage Center facility) to downtown Scandia. Pave a • Implementation strategies include identifying/ applying for grants administered by the MN DNR*, path connecting this sidewalk to the Community collaborating with local volunteer programs, and Center parking lot. working with State agencies to receive additional • Install a safe school crossing at the intersection of funding. Hwy 97 and Olinda Trail. • Create a trail from Ozark Avenue N and Ozark *See pages 57-58 for a list of potential grant Court to sidewalks on Olinda Trail and Oakhill opportunities. Road to the elementary school.

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION PLAN PURPOSE When people talk about the places they love in a community, parks are typically at the top of the list. Green space is essential to the physical, economic, environmental, and social health of cities and residents. The purpose of this document is to replace and build upon the 2006 Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space, and Recreation Plan. The recommendations listed in this Plan are intended to replace those highlighted in the “Parks and Recreation” chapter of Scandia’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan, in order to give City officials the most up-to-date recreational priorities when making budgeting and implementation decisions. The planning process included reaching out to community members for their insight on their observations and experiences with Scandia’s parks and trails, as well as what they would like to see in the future.

Specifically, this document provides: • Information regarding demographic trends. • An inventory of existing park and recreational facilities. • An analysis of parkland and recreational needs and demands. • General policy direction regarding park, recreation, open space, bicycle, and pedestrian facility planning and maintenance. • Recommendations for new and improving existing park, bicycle and pedestrian facilities. • Implementation strategies. This plan identifies conceptual locations and recommendations for different types of parks, trails, natural areas, and recreational facilities. In nearly every case, more detailed planning, engineering, study, budgeting, and discussions will be necessary before decisions are made to actually acquire land or construct recreational facilities.

Peaceful seating area behind Hay Lake School

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

INTRODUCTION PLANNING PROCESS

Recreation, bicycle, and pedestrian planning are essential components of long-range community planning in Scandia. Currently, the City has a Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space, and Recreation Plan that was adopted in 2006, as well as a Comprehensive Trails Master Plan that was approved in 2011. Scandia’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan (adopted in 2019) also lays out future goals and objectives for its parks and trails system based on the findings of the previous two documents. Early in the planning process, Scandia facilitated an online community survey to gather citizen feedback on desired park, trail, and recreational facilities. The process also included a public open house with interactive stations that allowed residents to voice their opinions on their own time. This meeting was held to obtain input from residents and surrounding communities on desired park and recreation improvements (Refer to Appendix A for survey results and Chapter 4 for a summary of the public open house). A public hearing was also held prior to plan adoption. This plan was developed following the Guidelines for the Development of Local Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans of the 2020-2024 Minnesota Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) created by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR). The plan’s content and format have been tailored to fit the needs of Scandia.

THE ROLE OF PARKS, RECREATION, & TRAILS The benefits of parks extend far beyond providing designated recreational spaces. Green space contributes to the physical and mental health of individuals and provide public safety, environmental, economic and social equity benefits to our communities. Recently, parks have come to the forefront of public health discussions due to COVID-19. The pandemic has put parks in the spotlight as more people seek them out as natural refuges from the virus. It is important to remember the benefits parks provide to the communities they serve, which include the following:

City of Scandia, Minnesota

Belonging Public parks are a unique amenity because they have the potential to be accessible to anyone in the community, regardless of age, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, race or ethnicity. We often find that disparities exist in the distribution and quality of parks and recreation amenities. However, many parks and recreation departments across the U.S. are now rethinking how to engage and provide benefits to residents who do not currently have access to parks. If parks can be more inclusive, they have the potential to function as a nucleus of neighborhood activity, where residents can gather for social events, recreational activities, and meetings about local issues, increasing social interaction and creating an overall sense of community. Community Health According to the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA), when individuals use green spaces, they have fewer health issues, improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and reduced stress—which leads to a lower incidence of depression and a greater ability to face problems. According to a report by the NRPA titled “The Economic Impact of Parks,”“Diabetic individuals taking 30-minute walks in a green space experienced lower blood glucose levels than spending the same amount of time doing physical activity in other settings. Thirty minutes of walking in nature resulted in larger drops in blood glucose than three hours of cycling indoors.” Ecological Health While parks, forests and trails provide opportunities to improve the health of residents, they also contribute to the greater ecological health of the City. Parks are often tied together with environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, floodplains, surface waters, or significant woodlands, which can include trails. These areas provide food and shelter for local wildlife and natural stormwater retention. Individual parks can provide important “rooms” of natural resource activity; however, they become even more functional when they can be linked together

INTRODUCTION by environmental corridors, or “hallways.” Wildlife, plants, and water all depend on the ability to move freely within the environment from room to room. Economic Prosperity Leisure time is an important component of everyone’s lifestyle and increasingly people are choosing locations to live based on quality-of-life factors such as recreational amenities. The ability to retain or attract new residents has direct economic benefits to the City. For this reason, having a great park and trail system contributes directly to economic development.

Impact of COVID-19 With COVID-19 we are seeing increased usage of trails and parks that are prompting us to redesign common areas and improving pedestrian and bicycle flow to maintain social distancing. Along with the design of park and recreation spaces, we are anticipating that the way in which parks are funded is going to shift—there will likely be a more diverse set of funding sources and partnerships for park and recreation projects. A final anticipated impact is the fact that parks and recreation departments are going to be prioritizing health, equity, and social justice in parks and programming.

According to a study completed by the National Recreation and Parks Association and George Mason University, 72% of the 70 communities studied use parks and recreation images in their economic development materials. The study notes that parks and recreation contribute to economic development through business attraction, business retention and expansion, and talent attraction. In addition, if a park system is designed with connections to regional destinations, it can serve to bring in additional visitors. This additional tourism can be a significant benefit to local businesses. The City’s plan will align with regional and State plans to promote outdoor recreation in the greater area. Connections Connecting parks and recreational facilities to each other and the general population via trails is important to encourage safe, alternative modes of transportation. These paths can provide an important alternate means of traveling for those who prefer to bike for health or environmental reasons and for those who lack other means of transportation due to age, income, or disability. Shared-use paths also provide important connections to public transit. According to the National Household Travel Survey conducted by the Federal Highway Administration, 85% of transit trips begin and end with walking and nearly one in six walking trips is made for the purpose of accessing public transit.

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

CHAPTER 2 ABOUT SCANDIA

ABOUT SCANDIA LOCAL & REGIONAL CONTEXT The City of Scandia, Minnesota is located in northern Washington County, within the boundaries of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. It is bordered to the north by Franconia and Chisago Lakes, to the west by Forest Lake, and to the south by May and Marine on Saint Croix. To the east is the St. Croix River, which forms the boundary between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Scandia is about 33 miles from St. Paul, 40 miles from Minneapolis, and 138 miles from Duluth.

TRANSPORTATION & CIRCULATION There are two State Highways within the City. The first is State Hwy 95, which runs 125 miles northsouth from Lakeland to St. Cloud. Within Scandia, this stretch of highway is known as the St. Croix Scenic Byway. The second is State Hwy 97, which runs eastwest through Scandia, connecting Hwy 95 to I-35, a major interstate that stretches from Larendo, Texas to Duluth and intersects with numerous other crosscountry routes. Dala horse in front of the Gammelgården building in downtown Scandia

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

ABOUT SCANDIA DEMOGRAPHICS This section describes some of the historic demographic trends for Scandia as they pertain to population, age composition, housing, and school enrollment. This includes data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), which is reported as a rolling average over a five-year period. Because ACS data points are only estimates and contain a margin of error, they may not always represent conditions as accurately as Census data. However, data is generally more reliable at the State and County levels. Population According to the U.S. Census, Scandia’s total population was 3,984 in 2020. Metropolitan Council data shows that Scandia is expected to add an additional 966 residents between 2020 and 2040, representing a 24% increase over a 20 year period, or 1.2% annual growth. This is illustrated in Figure 1 below. Improvements to parklands and facilities will be necessary to continue meeting the needs of Scandia’s population. Age Composition Age composition is an important consideration in park and recreational planning, as needs and desires of individuals will vary based on their interests and physical abilities. Figure 2 summarizes the age composition of Scandia’s population in 2020 (ACS). Nearly a third of the population (29.3%) is considered youth (less than 20 years old), with another 42.3%

made up of retirement-age residents (55+). This number is projected to grow as the Baby Boomer population continues to age, matching trends seen across the nation. Scandia’s median age is 47.2, an increase from 45 in 2010 and above the current State median (38.1). Race and Ethnicity Based on 2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates, the majority of Scandia’s population is white (98.1%), followed by “some other race” (0.7%), persons of two or more races (0.6%), American Indian and Alaska Native (0.4%), and Black or African American (0.2%). Approximately 1.3% of the population is Hispanic or Latino. Compared to 2010 ACS Estimates, there has been a 1% decrease in white residents; persons of two or more races increased 0.4% and those identifying as “some other race” increased 0.4% during this time period. Households Based on 2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates, there are approximately 1,490 households in the City, 24.2% of which include at least one child under 18 years. The total number of households is up 76 since 2010; however, the number of households with children has decreased 8.4% in the same time period. The average household size in 2020 was 2.75 individuals, which is about equal to 2010 estimates (2.77). If Scandia follows nationwide trends, this number could continue to decrease as a result of smaller family sizes, increases in life expectancy, and increases in single-person households.

Figure 1: Total Population Estimates, 2010-2040 Source: Scandia’s 2019 Comprehensive Plan

Figure 2: Age Composition, 2020 Source: 2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates 4,950

5,000

Total Population

4,630 4,500

4,000

4,260 3,936 3,692

3,500

3,000

2000

2010

2020 (Est.)

Year

City of Scandia, Minnesota

2030 (Est.)

2040 (Est.)

Age

Total

Percentage

0 to 9

574

13.8%

10 to 19

641

15.5%

20 to 34

298

7.2%

35 to 54

872

21.1%

55 to 74

1410

34.1%

75+ Median

340

8.2% 47.2

ABOUT SCANDIA PHYSICAL CHARACTER AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES Water Resources Scandia’s eastern boundary is flanked by the St. Croix River, which also separates Wisconsin and Minnesota. The City’s riverfront contains recreational opportunities such as campgrounds, boat landings, and marked and unmarked hiking trails. Rustrum Wildlife Management Area, a series of islands within Scandia’s limits, is an emergent vegetation marsh that cultivates wildlife populations for conservation and hunting purposes. Scandia also has multiple lakes, some of which featuring public boat launches; the largest lakes are Big Marine Lake and Bone Lake. Topography and Soils According to a 2000 study conducted by the Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota DNR, and the Minnesota Geological Survey, Scandia contains at least 62 acres of dolostone, as well as sand and gravel deposits of moderate, good, and/or excellent quality. Most of Scandia is relatively flat with steep bluffs along the St. Croix riverfront. Wildlife A 2004 analysis conducted by the Minnesota DNR determined that Scandia contains multiple regionally significant areas of outstanding, high, and moderate ecological quality. Areas of outstanding quality are primarily concentrated around Big Marine Lake, William O’Brien State Park, and the St. Croix riverfront. These designations indicate where intact native plant and animal communities occur, which are unique and irreplaceable on a national basis and within the ecoregion. Most notable and visible are the game species found in Scandia’s Wildlife Management Areas and Scientific and Natural Areas, including deer, small game, waterfowl, and turkey. To protect nesting birds, fish nurseries, and furbearers, Bone Lake is designated a seasonal Slow, No Wake Area by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. During periods of high water, watercraft must travel at slow, no-wake speed within 300 feet of Bone Lake’s shoreline. Year-round public access continues, with an emphasis on non-motorized boats that cause less disturbance to this valuable habitat.

Minnesota GreenStep Scandia is a Minnesota GreenStep City, which is a voluntary challenge, assistance, and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. The free program is based upon a menu of 29 optional best practices. Each best practice can be implemented at three different levels from a list of four to either specific actions. The different categories the best practices fall under are Buildings, Land Use, Transportation, Environmental Managment, and Economic and Community Development.

RELEVANT PLANNING DOCUMENTS City of Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan Adopted in 2019, this Plan guides the desired development patterns for the City over the comprehensive planning period. It also gives guidance to accommodate projected population, household, and employment growth; the projected land needed to serve residential, business, and industrial uses in the City; and the City’s agricultural and natural resource base. Its “Parks and Trails” chapter summarizes initiatives laid out in the 2006 Parks, Trails, Open Space, and Recreation Plan; the 2011 Comprehensive Trails Master Plan Report; and relevant local, County, and State initiatives. New Scandia Township’s Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space, and Recreation Plan Adopted in 2006, this Plan is the most recent document specifically dedicated to Scandia’s green infrastructure. It includes an evaluation of the existing parks and trails system, summaries of public and stakeholder input, planning priorities to meet current and future recreational needs, and implementation strategies. Included in this Plan are thorough lists of issues, opportunities, and priorities that formed the foundation for this new document. Scandia Comprehensive Trails Master Plan Report Adopted in 2011, this Plan details the development of connections between Scandia’s parks and regional trails. It also summarizes community input regarding safe walking and biking routes to schools and other notable locations.

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

ABOUT SCANDIA Big Marine Park Reserve Master Plan Developed by Washington County in 2010, this document guides future development within the Big Marine Park Reserve (located in Scandia’s southwestern corner) through phased implementation plans. Planning efforts focus on balancing park programming desires with preserving the native landscape and sensitive habitat areas. Thrive MSP 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan The Metropolitan Council’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan calls out the Glacial Hills Regional Trail search corridor (which connects to William O’Brien State Park, southeast of downtown Scandia) and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, which runs along Scandia’s eastern boundary.

CITY-OWNED FACILITIES The following contains information about Cityowned parks, trails, and recreational programs. Specific recommendations for each park are found in Chapter 5. The park classifications used in this plan are modified definitions used by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), described in Appendix B. The map with Scandia’s existing parks and trails can be found on page 14 and in Appendix C.

Tennis courts and picnic tables at the Scandia Community Center

City of Scandia, Minnesota

Neighborhood Parks Neighborhood parks are areas for multiple – and sometimes intensive – recreational activities such as field games, court games, crafts, playground equipment, gathering, and more. Desirable size is between 3 and 10 acres. Hay Lake Park Located in southern Scandia at the intersection of Old Marine Trail and Olinda Trail North, this park contains an open-air picnic shelter (with electrical hook-ups), grills, and a parking lot. It is also adjacent to the Hay Lake School Museum and the Swedish Settler’s Monument. Lilleskogen Park Located at the corner of Highway 97 and Oakhill Road, just northeast of downtown Scandia, this park has a winding trail through the woods around a small pond. Adjacent to the trailhead is Scandia’s Veteran’s Memorial. Liten Park Acquired by the City in 2020, this 4.5 acre parcel off of Orwell Ave N is slated to gain an unpaved walking trail, park signage, and a picnic table. The City and the parcel’s neighbors agree that the park should stay as natural and undeveloped as possible. Community Parks Community parks are intended to serve many neighborhoods and usually contain natural areas,

ABOUT SCANDIA water features, trails, recreational facilities, and/or picnic areas. Desirable size is between 3 and 10 acres. Scandia Community Center Located on Olinda Trail North, at the base of the slope on which downtown Scandia is situated, this 18-acre site contains a playground and tennis courts. The Community Center building houses City offices, a banquet hall with kitchen facilities, meeting rooms, and restrooms. Wind in the Pines Preserve Sharing a border with Falls Creek SNA, this parcel is comprised mainly of old growth forest and prairie land. Volunteers maintain its few trails for pedestrian use, and there is a small dirt parking lot at the front trailhead. Special Use Parks Special use parks are areas for specialized or singlepurpose recreational activities, such as golf courses, nature centers, skate parks, and ball diamonds. Leonard Wojtowicz Skating Park Sharing a parking lot with the Scandia Community Center, this lighted permanent skating rink is utilized year-round. In winter, it is open for public ice skating and hockey games; in the summer, skateboard ramps and rails are installed to create a temporary skatepark. The adjacent warming house is open yearround (bathrooms are open in the summer), with an adjacent bicycle maintenance station located near the building’s north entrance.

Big Marine Trail is a 13-mile loop that wraps around Big Marine Lake, located southeast of downtown. The Scandia/Marine Trail (also 13 miles) runs between downtown Scandia and William O’Brien State Park; it also connects to the Big Marine Trail and the neighboring community of Marine on Saint Croix. The Bone Lake Trail is a 10-mile route that offers multiple smaller loops across Scandia’s northern half. In recent years, the City has been looking to expand the Gateway State Trail within its borders; this multiuse trail currently runs 18 miles from St. Paul to Pine Point Regional Park, just north of Stillwater. In total, there are about 32 miles of on-street cycling paths within City limits. There are also approximately 1.25 miles of hiking trails within City-owned parkland, primarily located within Wind in the Pines Preserve.

PRIVATELY-OWNED FACILITIES While privately-owned facilities may be open to the general public, the City has no control over its maintenance or usage. Barton Johnson Memorial Park Adjacent to the Gammelgarden Museum and across Olinda Trail from the Scandia Community Center, this private community park contains a tennis court, playground, gazebo, ball diamond, and picnic tables.

SCHOOL FACILITIES

Scandia T-Ball Field & South Ball Field Both located south of downtown Scandia, these ball diamonds are equipped with backstops, benches, and dirt parking lots.

Schools can also fulfill local park needs in communities, as they provide many of the same facilities found in neighborhood parks like playground equipment and athletic fields.

Wayne Erickson Memorial Ball Park Located directly north of downtown Scandia on Olinda Trail, this site contains a lighted ball diamond, bleachers, a playground, a concession stand, and a dirt parking lot.

The only school within Scandia’s borders is Scandia Elementary, which is part of the Forest Lake School District. This district also serves Forest Lake, Marine on Saint Croix, Wyoming, and many other adjacent communities. Scandia Elementary’s grounds contain ball diamonds, a black top court, and playground equipment.

Trails The “Existing Parks and Trails” map on page 14 illustrates Scandia’s existing on-street cycling routes, originally developed by Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails. The City contains numerous bike routes and bikeable connections to other communities. The

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

ABOUT SCANDIA RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMING

STATE & REGIONAL FACILITIES

Recreational activities for both adults and children are offered by Forest Lake and Chisago Lakes School Districts through the “Community Education” program. The program offers a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including athletic teams, creative arts classes, music groups, business and finance workshops, and early childhood and parenting classes.

State and regional parks offer a wide range of opportunities for recreation, gathering, and enjoying nature. While Scandia residents benefit from the following parks and preserves, the City plays no role in their development, operation, or maintenance. The Parks and Recreation division of the Minnesota DNR manages state parks; the Metropolitan Council oversees the development of regional parks and in Scandia, the Parks division of Washington County implements and operates them.

Scandia’s Parks and Recreation Committee also leads recreational programs and community events throughout the year, including the following: • Youth skating classes (“Learn to Skate” and “Pleasure Skating”); • Arts in the Park; • Yoga & Tai Chi; • Vinterfest; • Partnerships with Taco Daze, Gammelgården, Farmers Market, and Scandia Marine Lions.

Picnic tables at William O’Brien State Park

William O’Brien State Park Located in southeast Scandia along the St. Croix River, this state park offers plenty of walking/cross country skiing trails, camping locations, canoeing and fishing opportunities, and educational programs. There are also rentable camper cabins and a Visitor Center. Big Marine Park Reserve Located partially in southwest Scandia, this land was selected as a regional facility because of its excellent natural resource quality, including its ground moraine and wetland wildlife habitat. While most of its land is set aside for preservation and protection, there are still recreational opportunities like walking trails, playground equipment, and a swimming beach. Falls Creek Scientific Natural Area Marked by steep terrain and abundant flora and fauna, this SNA is considered one of the most diverse natural areas in Washington County. While there are no maintained trails or facilities, visitors can still hike, snowshoe, and watch wildlife. Crystal Spring Scientific and Natural Area Similar to Falls Creek, this SNA has no maintained trails or recreational facilities, but still offers hiking and wildlife watching opportunities. Visitors are advised to stay away from cliffs and steep slopes in this park, as the plant communities are sensitive to disturbance. Rustrum Wildlife Management Area Located on a series of islands in the St. Croix River, this WMA is only accessible by water and offers wildlife observation and hunting opportunities.

City of Scandia, Minnesota

ABOUT SCANDIA CURRENT COMMUNITY INITIATIVES Water Tower Barn – Scandia Arts & Heritage Center The Scandia Heritage Alliance, in collaboration with the architecture firm Rylaur, has envisioned a community gathering site that will utilize and restore Scandia’s previously-dismantled nineteenth-century Water Tower Barn. The proposed site will replace the South Ball Field (off Olinda Trail N, just south of downtown Scandia) and will contain an event space within the Water Tower Barn, an outdoor amphitheater, splash pad, seasonal café, and parking lot. Rylaur also developed a conceptual Master Plan for the area surrounding the proposed Scandia Arts &

Heritage Center site. This plan involves constructing a boardwalk around the adjacent wetland, connecting the site to the Scandia Community Center. The plan also envisions a longer-term goal to expand the Community Center directly east to Oakhill Road N; this would require the City to acquire abutting residential parcels as they become vacant. While development has not yet begun on this project, the Scandia Arts & Heritage Center plan seeks to integrate these proposed ideas by advocating for the construction of the boardwalk and better connecting this cultural resource to the rest of Scandia’s recreational network. Source: Peter Hilger, Rylaur

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

ABOUT SCANDIA Gateway Trail Expansion to Scandia The Gateway Trail is an 18-mile multi-use trail that runs from St. Paul to Pine Point Regional Park – four miles northwest of the City of Stillwater and ten miles south of Scandia. According to the DNR, the Trail is a popular cycling destination and sees over 125,000 visitors each year. Currently, Scandia’s largest parks and trails project is the expansion of the Gateway Trail from William O’Brien State Park to downtown.

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Trail route following secured private land easement (red dashed line)

City of Scandia, Minnesota

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Scandia’s current implementation plan is illustrated by the red dotted line and blue dot in the map at right. For the 2024 fiscal year, the Gateway Trail expansion has received a Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) recommendation from the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF), contributing about $2,689,000 to fund this segment from downtown Scandia to the proposed Oakhill Road tunnel. However, the City of Scandia needs to secure additional non-state funding for project construction and preparation. The south trail connection between Oakhill Road and William O’Brien State Park will be planned and implemented at a later date.

The map at right illustrates the planned route for the Gateway Trail extension. The trail will extend directly north from William O’Brien State Park (exact location to be determined within the next few years), running through a tunnel underneath Oakhill Road N and connecting to a trailhead parking lot next to Meister’s Bar and Grill in downtown Scandia. The DNR will own the trail through easements across private property; it will also operate the extension as a State Trail. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Proposed future connector path (not part of Gateway Trail)

The 2007 Park Master Plan for William O’Brien State Park included a corridor for the Gateway Trail to extend through the park. In 2017, the State of Minnesota acquired the final linkage for connecting the Gateway Trail from Marine on St. Croix through William O’Brien State Park to Scandia.

Trailhead adjacent to Meister’s Bar and Grill

Tunnel under Oakhill Road N Proposed trail segment (not part of City’s current project or cost estimate) Trail route and trailhead location within William O’Brien State Park: TBD

Proposed Gateway Trail Extension Route Sources: MN DNR, Gateway to Scandia

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Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

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Data Sources: Metropolitan Council City of Scandia 2006 Master Park Plan Minnesota Geospatial Commons

Big Marine Park Reserve (currently open to public)

William O’Brien State Park

Hay Lake Park

Liten Park

Scandia T-Ball Field

Scandia Community Center

9 Leonard Wojtowicz Skating Park

8 South Ball Field

7 Barton Johnson Memorial Park

6 Lilleskogen Park

5 Wayne Erickson Memorial Ball Park

4 Crystal Spring SNA

3 Wind in the Pines Preserve

2 Falls Creek SNA

Central Greenway Regional Trail Search Corridor

City Boundary

Undeveloped Parkland

Big Marine Park Reserve Intended Boundary

Existing Parks

• • Boat Landings

Sand Lake Family Route

Big Marine Route

Dala Route

Bone Lake Route

CITY OF SCANDIA WASHINGTON COUNTY, MN

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

EXISTING PARKS AND TRAILS

CHAPTER 3 GOALS & STRATEGIES

GOALS & STRATEGIES INTRODUCTION Goals and strategies play a crucial role in this Plan, as they provide written guidance for implementation by City staff, City officials, the community, and regional partners in recreation. Goals are presented here as desired outcomes. Strategies include both actions and policy rules to achieve these goals.

GOAL 1: Provide sufficient park and recreation opportunities to meet current and future recreational needs in the City of Scandia.

Strategies • Prioritize the enhancement and development of Scandia’s centralized parks, such as Scandia Community Center, over more remote parks with fewer amenities. • Across all of the City’s parks, prioritize maintaining existing amenities over adding new amenities. • Develop and maintain dedicated facilities for sporting activities, such as fields and courts. • Participate in regional park/trail planning initiatives, including the Washington County Parks Department, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

GOAL 2: Ensure that all Scandia residents have safe access to quality parks and recreation facilities.

Strategies • Encourage ongoing citizen participation in the planning and development of park and open space facilities. • Provide ADA-compliant, barrier-free access in all new or improved park facilities, play areas, and sports field areas. • Increase number of safe crossings near park facilities and in downtown Scandia. • Continue to pursue a variety of City/school/

sports organization development projects to help expand community outdoor recreational opportunities in a cost-effective manner. • Offer appropriate and engaging recreational opportunities for all age groups.

GOAL 3: Enhance connectivity and accessibility between Scandia’s parks and between adjacent communities.

Strategies • Improve wayfinding within and around trails to allow easier navigation of trail system, as well as increase visibility of trailheads. • Continue to plan and implement school connection trails throughout Scandia. • Continue to expand Scandia’s network of interconnected, non-motorized trails to promote connectivity between parks, neighborhoods, and public amenities.

GOAL 4: Preserve the historical,

cultural, and environmental significance of Scandia’s existing green space.

Strategies • Continue working with the Scandia Heritage Alliance to assist in the implementation of its Scandia Arts and Heritage (Water Tower Barn) project. • Protect Scandia’s scenic beauty and natural resources by cultivating a system of parks, trails, and open spaces that respect natural terrain and preserve native ecosystems. • Provide undeveloped open spaces that assist in the conservation of ecologically sensitive areas. • Coordinate local efforts with other public agencies and private partners to protect valuable natural resources through donations, procurement of easements, acquisitions, and purchase of development rights; make these lands available for passive recreation where appropriate. Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

GOALS & STRATEGIES • Manage vegetation in natural areas by removing and controlling non-native, invasive spaces. • Ensure adequate funding for ongoing maintenance of City monuments and historically-significant structures.

GOAL 5: Ensure that ongoing

park improvements and future system expansion are financially sustainable.

Strategies • Utilize the “Grant Opportunities” table on pages 57-58 as a resource for funding solutions to recreational needs; update regularly as new funding sources become available. • Establish process for identifying, writing, and championing grant applications. • Identify park/recreational projects to be incorporated into the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP). • Leverage local and regional partnerships for funding specific opportunities.

Barton Johnson Memorial Park

COMPLYING WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT The ADA, enacted in 1990, clearly states the right of equal access for persons to local government services, including parks. On September 15, 2010 the Department of Justice published revised final regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act. The 2010 Standards included new provisions for accessible design for recreational facilities such as playgrounds, swimming pools, fishing and golf facilities. Any new recreational facilities designed, constructed, or shaped after March 15, 2012 are subject to the 2010 Standards. Any alteration (not simple maintenance, but something that changes the way the site is used) must make the element altered accessible and must create an accessible path of travel through the site or facility to that element. There are some fundamental differences in how accessibility in the outdoors is accommodated compared to indoors or the built environment. While restrooms, shelters, interpretive centers, and parking lots, for example, need to follow detailed ADA guidelines, other improvements such as trails or swimming beach areas, for example, do not necessarily need to follow indoor or built environment ramp grades or surfacing requirements. A good rule of thumb for the City to follow is that anything constructed must not make the outdoor experience anymore difficult than what occurs naturally. Mother Nature does not have to comply with ADA, but the city does. The New England ADA Center is a good resource to use and offers checklists to evaluate accessibility at existing park facilities. The fillable checklist forms can be found here: http://www.adachecklist.org/checklist. html#rec

City of Scandia, Minnesota

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Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

CHAPTER 4 ANALYSIS OF NEEDS & DEMANDS

ANALYSIS OF NEEDS & DEMANDS INTRODUCTION This chapter presents an analysis of how well the City’s existing park and recreation facilities satisfy current needs. The adequacy of the City’s existing parks and recreation system is evaluated using the following methods: • Quantitative Analysis - A comparison of existing parkland acreage and population projections versus park and recreational agencies across the U.S., including a review of the amount of parkland available to City residents. • Geographic Analysis - An analysis of the geographic distribution of park facilities within the City. • Qualitative Analysis - A summary of public input regarding City parks and recreational facilities gathered through the community survey, open house, and feedback from community organizations that use the City’s parks and trails. • Regional & State Insights - A summary of the demand trends in recreational amenities at the regional and state level.

QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS An analysis of existing recreational land area is provided to determine if the recreational needs of current residents are being met. This analysis is limited to an evaluation of City-owned parkland; it does not include trails, school facilities, or privatelyowned green space.

Park Acreage Level of Service Level of service analysis is a standard evaluation of park acreage across most park agencies. Level of service is calculated as total acres of parkland provided per 1,000 residents. Over two decades ago, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) developed a set of standards for the amount of parkland a community should strive to obtain. Recently, NRPA has shifted away from the use of park standards because there is no single set of standards that accommodates the uniqueness of each community across the country. Instead, NRPA now collects information from Parks and Recreation departments around the U.S., including residents per park, budgets, staffing, and park amenities. This data is organized by jurisdiction size so that communities of similar sizes can see metrics typical of their peers. Scandia currently has 135 acres of City-owned parkland and undeveloped open space, or 34 acres per 1,000 residents based on the 2020 population of 3,984 (U.S. Census). If undeveloped open space is excluded from this calculation, Scandia offers about 26.6 acres per 1,000 residents. According to NRPA’s 2022 Agency Performance Review, for agencies with populations under 20,000, the lower quartile is 5.2 acres and the upper quartile is 21.7 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. Scandia is well above this range, offering a high level of acreage service even if these undeveloped parcels are not converted to parkland. Figure 3 summarizes the current and projected supply and demand for total parkland acreage based on the City’s population and NRPA’s upper quartile limit of 21.7 acres per 1,000 residents. Population projections from 2020-2040 were taken from

Figure 3: Park Acreage Surplus & Deficit Calculations

Total Park Acreage Surplus/Deficit (in acres) Year

2020

2025

2030

2035

2040

Population

4,260

4,445

4,630

4,790

4,950

Total Supply (acres)

106.0

Demand (21.7 acres/1,000)

92.4

96.5

100.5

103.9

107.4

Surplus (21.7 acres/1,000)

13.6

9.5

5.5

2.1

-1.4

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

ANALYSIS OF NEEDS & DEMANDS Scandia’s Comprehensive Plan (adopted in 2019), so estimated numbers may not reflect Scandia’s exact population. The total supply of parkland used in the table’s calculation reflects the current amount of usable, dedicated recreation green space in Scandia – 106 acres – and thus excludes the City’s 19 acres of undeveloped land.

residents per facility (from the 2022 NRPA Agency Performance Review). Based on these calculations, there are gaps in City-owned sports facilities (basketball courts, rectangular multi-use fields, and pickleball courts) and community amenities like dog parks, swimming pools, and community gardens.

If the City aims to maintain its current service level of 21.7 acres per 1,000 residents with its existing parkland, it will continue to have a surplus through the year 2035. Developing open space into parkland will be necessary starting in 2040 in order to maintain this standard. Since the City already owns undeveloped land, these parcels can be developed before 2040 to anticipate and accommodate Scandia’s rising population. While the City may wish to acquire additional parkland, doing so is not necessary to maintain this specific metric.

Indoor recreation opportunities are also important, especially considering Minnesota’s winter months, when it can be challenging or less desireable for people to go to local parks and trails. Currently, the City does not manage any indoor recreation facilities; however, Leonard Wojtowicz Skating Park (adjacent to the Community Center) has a warming house for ice skating visitors in the winter. The City partners with the Forest Lake and Chisago Lakes School Districts for community education programming (e.g. health and wellness classes, arts and crafts tutorials, and day trips), which provides recreational opportunities throughout the year.

Recreation Facilities Figure 4 compares the suggested number of outdoor facilities in each category to the current number of facilities in Scandia. The suggested number was calculated by taking Scandia’s 2022 population (3,984) and dividing it by the median number of

Data from NRPA’s 2022 Agency Performance Review shows that 64% of all agencies nationwide have recreation centers, 60% have community centers, 41% have senior centers, and 31% have nature centers. Scandia has a community center, which houses City staff offices and a senior center.

Figure 4: Outdoor Facility Gap Calculations National R ecreation and Park Association Metrics Outdoor Park and R ecreation Facilities Median Number of R esidents P er F acility (<20,000 R esidents) P laygrounds B asketball C ourts (full-size) B all Diamonds Tennis C ourts R ectangular F ields Dog P arks S wimming P ools C ommunity Gardens S kate P arks R egulation 18-Hole Golf C ourses Driving R ange S tations Ice R inks P ickleball C ourts

City of Scandia, Minnesota

1,986 7,403 3,107 2,723 4,362 11,100 8,627 8,773 11,100 9,183 5,055 16,887 3,446

Number S uggested B ased on P opulation of 3,984 (2020 US C ensus)

E xisting P ublic F acilities

2.0 0.5 1.3 1.5 0.9 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.8 0.2 1.2

2.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 -

Gap (E xtra)

0.0 0.5 (1.7) (0.5) 0.9 0.4 0.5 0.5 (0.6) 0.4 (0.2) (0.8) 1.2

ANALYSIS OF NEEDS & DEMANDS Trails In its 2011 Comprehensive Trails Master Plan, the City recognizes around 32 miles of on-road cycling routes. Additionally, there are approximately 1.25 miles of hiking trails within City-owned parkland. NRPA’s 2022 Agency Performance Review shows that in communities with under 20,000 residents, the median mileage of maintained trails is 3.0 miles; the lower quartile is 2.0 miles and the upper quartile is 10.0. In other words, most communities of this size have between two and ten miles of trails, with three miles being the most common. While Scandia only has 1.25 miles of City-maintained trails, residents also have access to approximately 17 miles of seasonal hiking trails at Big Marine Park Reserve and William O’Brien State Park, which are both located within Scandia’s city limits.

GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS Park Proximity The location of parks in relation to Scandia’s residents is an important indicator of how well existing facilities are dispersed throughout the community. NRPA, in partnership with the Trust for Public Land and the Urban Land Institute, promotes the 10-Minute Walk Campaign (https://10minutewalk.org) which advocates for “a great park within a 10-minute walk of every person, in every neighborhood, in every city across America.” Using the 10-Minute Walk as a guiding principal, the Park Service Areas map (Appendix C) indicates approximate areas of the City that are within a tenminute walk of a park (approximately 0.5 miles), as well as a five-minute walk (approximately 0.25 miles). Based on the 10-Minute Walk metric, the residents near downtown Scandia are well-served by parks and recreational amenities. The east side of Scandia has multiple natural areas with hiking trails, although they are not easily accessible to pedestrians. Most residents in Scandia’s western half cannot walk to a park; the Big Marine bike route offers enhanced connectivity to Big Marine Park Reserve and downtown Scandia, but residents between Scandia Trail N and Bone Lake are largely isolated from recreational opportunities.

Facility Distribution An analysis of the distribution of specific amenities within the parks was also performed. The Park Facilities Distribution Map (Appendix C) shows: • Child-oriented amenities are concentrated in downtown Scandia, with the Scandia Community Center and Wayne Erickson Memorial Ball Park containing the only City-owned playgrounds. • There are no designated basketball courts or soccer fields – City-owned or otherwise – in Scandia. • There are few group gathering spaces in Scandia’s parks. Hay Lake Park is the only park with a pavilion and a few parks within downtown Scandia have picnic tables. • The City-owned parks outside of downtown – Tomteskogen Park and Wind in the Pines Preserve – only offer hiking trails as recreational opportunities. • Every park in Scandia has a parking lot, making it easy for residents to commute to recreational opportunities but potentially discouraging nonmotorized forms of transportation.

QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS Community Input Survey As part of the planning process, a survey was distributed to gauge residents’ preferences, opinions, and feedback on the City’s park facilities and recreational programs. In total, the survey received 101 responses. 32% of respondents said that they use Scandia’s park system weekly and another 28% said they use the parks monthly. About half of respondents reported having two individuals in their household, with age 61 and older being the largest age group represented. Compared to Scandia’s population, those between the ages of 31 and 61 were under-represented in this collection of survey responses. General Use Overall, survey respondents reported using the Scandia Community Center most often (64%); the next most-favored parks were William O’Brien State Park (49%) and Big Marine Park Reserve (41%). Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

ANALYSIS OF NEEDS & DEMANDS The most-frequently used recreational amenities in Scandia were pickleball courts (49%) – currently, the City only has tennis courts outfitted with painted pickleball boundary lines and lowered nets – playgrounds (35%), and benches/picnic tables (33%). Figure 5 further outlines current amenity and facility usage within Scandia. Park Improvements and Additions While specific park recommendations are outlined in Chapter 5, a few general suggestions emerged regarding park improvements. Top answers included updating and maintaining playground equipment in all parks, adding more restroom facilities – either permanent or portable – and adding fitness stations to parks or trails. Multiple respondents also suggested cultivating natural wildlife areas in Cityowned parkland, such as pollinator gardens and prairie pockets. When asked to indicate their interest level on new potential park amenities, the majority of respondents expressed interest in pickleball courts and additional walking/biking trails. Additionally, a majority of respondents expressed disinterest in a disc golf course, dog park, soccer/football field, and splash pad. Since young families and families with small children were under-represented by this survey, these conclusions may be skewed to the recreational needs of adults and seniors.

Trails 29% of respondents reported using Scandia’s cycling trails weekly and another 22% reported using them monthly. Of the people that use these trails, 25% use the Big Marine Route most often; the next mostpopular route is the Dala Route at 15%. When asked where to prioritize additional trail connectivity within Scandia, many respondents suggested connections to the Gateway Trail – the DNR-operated trail that currently runs between St. Paul and Stillwater with intentions to expand. Many also suggested routes between downtown Scandia and Bone Lake, William O’Brien State Park, and Big Marine Park Reserve; since there are already routes to each of these locations, more could be done to make them accessible, safe, and visible. Safety was a primary concern across most responses. Respondents reported feeling the most unsafe on marked, on-street bike trails (compared to protected on-street, off-street, and nature trails); many said that City roads’ shoulders are narrow and motorists often drive too fast. While Scandia’s roads are the most appropriate location for new and/or improved bike trails due to the City’s rural nature, more safety precautions are necessary to encourage consistent usage of these spaces.

Figure 5: “What parks and recreation amenities/facilities do you currently use?” City of Scandia Parks Master Plan Survey Other I do not use amenities or facilities Benches/Picnic Tables Skate Park Pickleball Courts Tennis Courts Open Fields (football, soccer, etc.) Baseball/Softball Fields Picnic Shelters Playgrounds 0

City of Scandia, Minnesota

ANALYSIS OF NEEDS & DEMANDS Stakeholder Interviews Over the course of two weeks, ten stakeholders were interviewed to gather addition information on specific aspects of Scandia’s parks and recreational amenities, as well as other current community initiatives that may influence the recommendations outlined in this plan. The chart below summarizes feedback themes that emerged in relation to Scandia’s green space’s strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. The following organizations and entities were represented by these stakeholder interviews: • Bone Lake Association • Cycling Scandia • Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails • Gateway Trail Committee • Scandia Economic Development Authority • Scandia Elementary School • Scandia Heritage Alliance • Scandia Marine Lions Club • Scandia Tourism Committee • William O’Brien State Park

Open House On October 19th, 2022, an open house event was held at the Scandia Community Center to display the project’s progress. Attendees were able to see the synthesized input survey results, draft goals and strategies, and preliminary recommendations for each park. In total, about 30-40 people attended this meeting. The map in Appendix A compiles all written feedback from the event, including new trails drawn during the trail ideation activity.

STATE AND REGIONAL INSIGHTS Each of Scandia’s planning documents, including this Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan, must align with the objectives and policies of regional planning documents. Any amendment to Scandia’s Comprehensive Plan, including the text changes proposed in Chapter 5, must be reviewed by the Metropolitan Council for compliance with its overarching initiatives.

Summary of Stakeholder Interview Feedback Each bullet point summarizes feedback that emerged multiple times throughout the stakeholder interview process.

Strengths

Weaknesses/Threats

Opportunities

• City is culturally saturated and has a pleasant rural atmosphere. • Trail system is easy to navigate. • Wind in the Pines is a highquality natural area. • Rural roads make beautiful cycling routes.

• High speed limit along Highway 97 threatens pedestrians and cyclists. • Invasive plant species on public and private property. • Current baseball fields are ill-maintained and underutilized. • Lack of activities for most age groups; lack of outdoor winter activities. • Risk of outsiders barring current residents from new amenities (too touristy). • Recreational amenities need maintenance.

• More recreational programming, especially for seniors and kids. • Development of Cityowned parcels into parks/ conservation areas. • Enhanced wayfinding and identification signage around Scandia. • Community Center can be a great community gathering place with lots of amenities. • Collaborate with recreational organizations in other communities. • Continue to attract out-oftown cycling groups.

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

ANALYSIS OF NEEDS & DEMANDS Minnesota Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), 2020-2024 The Minnesota SCORP includes four strategic initiatives, each with a set of strategies to provide further structure. These four initiatives provide statewide priorities for outdoor recreation: • Connect people and the outdoors. This priority will be accomplished by creating a welcoming environment through programming, special events, and partnerships. Emphasizing access, awareness, and quality is crucial. • Acquire land and create opportunities. This priority will be accomplished by focusing on strategic acquisitions, and development and redevelopment. • Take care of what we have. This priority will be accomplished by protecting the public’s investment in existing infrastructure and natural resources, and maintaining the quality of natural resources. • Coordinate among partners. This priority will be accomplished by ensuring enhanced, integrated, and accessible information for outdoor recreation users; enhanced coordination at the regional and site levels; enhanced coordination among the four legacy funds; and enhanced coordination with other agencies, organizations, and nonprofits. Regional Parks System Statement, 2022 This 2022 Statement from the Metropolitan Council identifies regional park issues that need to be addressed in the City of Scandia’s Comprehensive Plan. According to the Statement, there are no new regional parks planned in Washington County by 2040; however, Scandia now contains a portion of the Central Greenway Regional Trail Search Corridor extension, shown by the yellow line in the map on the following page. Regional trails are designated to connect regional parks and trails to one another.

City of Scandia, Minnesota

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

CHAPTER 5

RECOMMENDATIONS

RECOMMENDATIONS INTRODUCTION The analysis discussed in Chapter 4 reveals the need for improvements to existing facilities and additional trail connections. It should be noted that some of the recommendations may require cooperation with others, including (but not limited to) the citizens of Scandia, local civic and business associations, and State agencies. In nearly every case, more detailed planning, engineering, study, budgeting, and/ or discussion will be necessary before decisions are made to actually acquire land or construct recreational facilities. The recommendations of this plan are divided into four major sections: (1) existing park facilities; (2) new park facilities; (3) trail improvements; and (4) other improvements. Each recommendation was generated primarily through the community input survey; any suggestion that appeared more than once was noted and compared with the parks’ existing conditions and the City’s budget/capacity for implementation. Some recommendations, marked with an asterisk throughout this chapter, were taken from the 2006 Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space, and Recreation Master Plan. Throughout the input process, plan stakeholders expressed their preferences for the recommended improvement to Scandia’s recreational system. These preferences have been interpreted and sorted into high, medium, and low priority projects. The priority of each recommendation is noted within each table of recommendations. Due to budgetary constraints, it is unlikely that all recommendations within this chapter will be implemented and the priority level

provides future decision makers with a better guide for investing the City limited resources. Priority levels may shift as time passes, recommendations may cease to be applicable, and new recommendations may be formulated. The approximate timeframe for completion of each recommendation is also noted within each table of recommendations. The timeframe indicates an estimate of how long each project should take to complete once the implementation process has begun: immediate, short-term, and long-term.

EXISTING PARK FACILITIES The following pages contain spreads dedicated to each existing park in Scandia. Each spread includes general information, existing facilities, and recommendations for improvements to specific parks. Some of the recommendations identified for existing parks are carried forward from Scandia’s 2006 Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space, and Recreation Plan. The remaining recommendations reflect City staff, Parks and Recreation Committee, and public feedback obtained during the planning process. Most importantly, the City should prioritize continual maintenance of all existing parks, trails, and recreational facilities. While new amenities may attract residents at first, maintaining the safety, accessibility, and availability of existing amenities will ensure that these spaces are inviting and functional long-term.

Children’s Story Path in Lilleskogen Park

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

HAY LAKE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD PARK • 14001 OLD MARINE TRAIL N • 7 ACRES

EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE Open air shelter (w/ electricity)

Benches

Biking/walking trail

Parking lot

Grills

Portable toilets

Picnic tables

Bike fix-it station

RECOMMENDATIONS TIMEFRAME

PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

COST ESTIMATE

Install bike amenities (e.g. fix-it station, bike racks) close to Olinda Trail

Low

Immediate

<$5k

Install drinking fountain near pavilion

Low

Short-Term

$5k – $20k

RECOMMENDATION

City of Scandia, Minnesota

HAY LAKE PARK EXISTING AMENITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS

l rai T a

ind

d M ar il ra eT in

Recommendation: Bike Fix-It Station

N Grill Open-Air Shelter with Picnic Tables

Recommendation: Drinking Fountain Portable Toilet

Parking Lot

Biking/Walking Trailhead

100 Feet Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

LILLESKOGEN PARK NEIGHBORHOOD PARK • 14600 OAKHILL ROAD N • 8 ACRES

EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE Walking trail Benches Parking lot

Open-Air Pavilion

RECOMMENDATIONS TIMEFRAME

PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

COST ESTIMATE

Plant native vegetation along Scandia Trail N to screen Children’s Story Path from traffic

Medium

Short-Term

<$5k

Build open-air pavilion near trailhead

Medium

Short-Term

$5k – $20k

In partnership with the MN DNR and Scandia Elementary, develop a school forest

Medium

Immediate

<$5k

RECOMMENDATION

City of Scandia, Minnesota

LILLESKOGEN PARK EXISTING AMENITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendation: Additional Screening Vegetation Walking Trail with Benches

Scan

dia T rail N

Parking Lot

ll R

khi

Recommendation: Open-Air Pavilion

oad N Recommendation: Develop School Forest

100 Feet Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

LITEN PARK NEIGHBORHOOD PARK • ORWELL AVE N • 4.5 ACRES

EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE None

Unpaved Walking Path

RECOMMENDATIONS TIMEFRAME

PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

COST ESTIMATE

Add an unpaved walking trail and one picnic table

High

Immediate

<$5k

Add basic park identification signage

High

Immediate

<$5k

Medium

Long-Term

$5k – $20k

RECOMMENDATION

Invasive plant species removal

City of Scandia, Minnesota

LITEN PARK EXISTING AMENITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendation: Invasive Species Removal

Orwell Ave N

Recommendation: Park Signage

Recommendation: Unpaved Walking Trail and Picnic Table

100 Feet Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

TOMTESKOGEN PARK NEIGHBORHOOD PARK • 11770 238th STREET N • 26 ACRES

EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE Walking trail

Boardwalk bridge over wetland

RECOMMENDATIONS RECOMMENDATION Construct boardwalk/bridge over wetland - east to west across wetland and park area Develop small gravel parking lot with trail access along Lofton Ave N Improve walking trail edges with woodchips and clearing Add park identification signage

City of Scandia, Minnesota

TIMEFRAME

PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

COST ESTIMATE

Low

Long-Term

$100k+

Medium

Short-Term

$50k – $100k

Medium

Long-Term

$5k – $20k

Medium

Immediate

<$5k

TOMTESKOGEN PARK EXISTING AMENITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendation: Parking Area

Recommendation: Boardwalk/Bridge over Wetland

Walking Trail

Lofton Avenue N

Recommendation: Improve Definition of Walking Trail Edges

Recommendation: Park Identification Signage

100 Feet Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

SCANDIA COMMUNITY CENTER COMMUNITY PARK • 14727 209th STREET N • 18 ACRES

EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE Playground equipment

Picnic tables

Tennis/pickleball courts

Benches

Bike racks

Parking lot

RECOMMENDATIONS RECOMMENDATION Convert existing tennis courts into a multi-use racket sports area by painting four pickleball courts perpendicular to the tennis courts and acquiring moveable pickleball nets Repair/refinish the southwest corner of the racket sports area Add in-court benches Install a fitness station near the racket sports area and playground Work with the Scandia Heritage Alliance to install a walking trail/boardwalk around the wetland behind the Scandia Community Center building

City of Scandia, Minnesota

Adult fitness station

TIMEFRAME

PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

COST ESTIMATE

High

Immediate

$5k – $20k

High

Immediate

$5k – $20k

Medium

Immediate

<$5k

Medium

Short-Term

$5k – $20k

High

Long-Term

$100k+

SCANDIA COMMUNITY CENTER EXISTING AMENITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Olind a Trai

209th

St N

Parking Lot Recommendation: Fitness Station Playground Equipment Benches Bike Racks Picnic Tables Tennis/Pickleball Courts Recommendation: Convert Tennis Courts to Multi-Use Racket Sports Area Recommendation: In-Court Benches Recommendation: Walking Trail/Boardwalk Around Wetland

Recommendation: Repair southwest corner of courts

100 Feet Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

WIND IN THE PINES PRESERVE COMMUNITY PARK • 22199 ST. CROIX TRAIL N • 44 ACRES

EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE Hiking trails Parking lot

RECOMMENDATIONS

Trailhead kiosk

TIMEFRAME

PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

COST ESTIMATE

High

Short-Term

$5k – $20k

Add new entrance sign to St. Croix Trail N

Medium

Immediate

<$5k

Install trail markers along existing trails and directional signage at trail intersections

Medium

Immediate

<$5k

Replace natural log steps

Medium

Immediate

<$5k

Rebuild paths to be accessible for maintenance equipment

Medium

Long-Term

$20k – $50k

Low

Long-Term

$20k – $50k

RECOMMENDATION Revamp primary trail entrance (off of St. Croix Trail N) with new information kiosk and detailed trail map

Develop disc golf course

City of Scandia, Minnesota

WIND IN THE PINES PRESERVE EXISTING AMENITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendation: Install Trail Markers Recommendation: Replace Log Steps Recommendation: Make paths accessible for maintenance equipment Hiking Trails Recommendation: Disc Golf Course

Parking Lot Recommendation: Revamp Trail Entrance

ail N ix Tr

ro St. C

Recommendation: Add Entrance Sign to St. Croix Trail N

500 Feet Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

LEONARD WOJTOWICZ SKATING PARK SPECIAL PURPOSE PARK • 14727 209th STREET N • 1.5 ACRES

EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE Ice rink

Bike racks

Skate park

Portable toilet

Warming house (w/ restrooms and drinking fountain) Roller hockey in warmer months

RECOMMENDATIONS TIMEFRAME

PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

COST ESTIMATE

Replace rink boards

High

Immediate

$125k – $150k

Add goalie net in warmer months for roller hockey

Low

Immediate

<$5k

Medium

Short-Term

$20k – $50k

Add refrigeration system to existing rink

Low

Long-Term

$100k+

Install second boarded rink in current location of the seasonal, non-boarded rink

Low

Long-Term

$50k – $100k

RECOMMENDATION

Improve rink drainage

City of Scandia, Minnesota

LEONARD WOJTOWICZ SKATING PARK EXISTING AMENITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS

209th

Olind a Trai

Bike Racks

St N

Warming House/ Restrooms

Recommendation: Improve Rink Drainage

Portable Toilet

Recommendation: Refrigeration System

Drinking Fountain Recommendation: New Rink Boards

Recommendation: Install Second Boarded Rink

Recommendation: Goalie Net for Summer Hockey

Ice Rink/Skate Park

100 Feet Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

SCANDIA T-BALL FIELD SPECIAL PURPOSE PARK • 14849 OAKHILL ROAD N • 2.5 ACRES

EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE Ball diamond Parking lot Portable toilet Bleachers

RECOMMENDATIONS RECOMMENDATION Convert ball field to multi-use, open grass field by removing infield and benches (leave backstop)

City of Scandia, Minnesota

Grills and seating area

TIMEFRAME

PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

COST ESTIMATE

Medium

Short-Term

$5k – $20k

SCANDIA T-BALL FIELD EXISTING AMENITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Oak h i ll R oad N Portable Toilet Ball Diamond

Recommendation: Convert Ball Field to Grass Field

Parking Lot

N 0

100 Feet Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

SOUTH BALL FIELD SPECIAL PURPOSE PARK • 20835 OLINDA TRAIL N • 5 ACRES

EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE Ball diamond Parking lot Benches

RECOMMENDATIONS RECOMMENDATION Work with the Scandia Heritage Alliance to implement plan for the Scandia Arts and Heritage Center

City of Scandia, Minnesota

TIMEFRAME

PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

COST ESTIMATE

High

Long-Term

N/A

SOUTH BALL FIELD EXISTING AMENITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Benches

l Trai a d lin

Recommendation: Clear Site for Proposed Scandia Arts and Heritage Center Development

Parking Lot

Ball Diamond

100 Feet Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

WAYNE ERICKSON MEMORIAL BALL PARK SPECIAL PURPOSE PARK • 21398 OLINDA TRAIL N • 4.3 ACRES

EXISTING FACILITIES TYPE Ball diamond

Bleachers

Playground equipment

Picnic tables and benches

Concession stand

Parking lot

Grills

Accessible portable toilet with protection structure

RECOMMENDATIONS

TIMEFRAME

PRIORITY

Low-Med-High

Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

COST ESTIMATE

Replace or update existing playground

Low

Long-Term

$150k – $200k

Irrigate and level outfield

Low

Long-Term

$5k – $20k

Install portable toilets near concession stand

Medium

Immediate

<$5k

Expand parking area

Medium

Short-Term

$20k – $50k

Expand concession stand infrastructure

Medium

Short-Term

$5k – $20k

RECOMMENDATION

City of Scandia, Minnesota

WAYNE ERICKSON MEMORIAL BALL PARK EXISTING AMENITIES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Ball Diamond

Playground Equipment

Recommendation: Replace/Update Playground Equipment Recommendation: Irrigate/Level Outfield

Recommendation: Expand Concessions

Recommendation: Install Portable Toilets

Concession Stand Grills, Picnic Tables, Benches

Bleachers

Recommendation: Expand Parking Area Parking Area

100 Feet Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

SYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS NEW PARK FACILITIES As discussed in Chapter 4, additional parkland is not necessary to maintain Scandia’s current high level of service through 2040. The City should first utilize its resources to improve current recreational facilities to meet the needs of its existing (and growing) population. However, the service level calculation does not consider existing parks’ locations and density, meaning that it does not discern between many parks spread throughout the City or all parks condensed around the downtown area. Since much of Scandia’s green space consists primarily of small downtown parks and large isolated preserves, many residents do not have easy access to a local park. Additionally, many community input survey respondents indicated an interest in activating Cityowned parcels as dedicated recreational space.

The map below shows three City-owned parcels that could be considered for future park development: • Site A is a City-owned parcel on the corner of Oren Rd N and Olgilvie Ave N, north of downtown Scandia. It is relatively flat and devoid of trees or major obstructions. This could be a good location for a pollinator garden and/or a minimallydeveloped walking trail, such as mown grass or woodchips/engineered wood fiber. • Site B is a wooded City-owned parcel on the corner of Manning Trl N and Mayberry Trl N. There appears to already be a driveway access point off of Manning Trl N. • Site C is a wooded parcel off of Orwell Court N. According to neighborhood feedback, this parcel should remain as natural and undeveloped as possible.

City-owned parcels to be considered for future park development

B C

N 49

2 Miles

City of Scandia, Minnesota

SYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS MOBILITY IMPROVEMENTS Downtown Scandia The most common trail improvement suggestion was connecting downtown Scandia to the Gateway Trail, a DNR-operated multi-use trail connecting St. Paul to Stillwater, with intentions to expand northward. Discussions with City staff and stakeholders indicated that this expansion will lead to Scandia, but is currently in the early stages of planning. Moving forward, the City of Scandia should prioritize this trail connection, as well as plan a designated path leading from downtown to this new trailhead. Recommendations that align with the City’s current recreational needs from the 2011 Comprehensive Trails Master Plan have been incorporated into this plan document, and are denoted with an asterisk.

Additional mobility improvement recommendations within downtown Scandia include the following: • Fulfill the Scandia Arts and Heritage Center Master Plan’s vision to install a safe crossing between Gammelgården and the Scandia Community Center. • Extend sidewalk along eastern edge of Olinda Trail to South Ball Field site, expanding walkability from the ball field (or future Arts and Heritage Center facility) to downtown Scandia. Pave a path connecting this sidewalk to the Community Center parking lot.* • Install a safe school crossing at the intersection of Hwy 97 and Olinda Trail.* • Create a trail from Ozark Avenue N and Ozark Court to sidewalks on Olinda Trail and Oakhill Road to the elementary school.*

Downtown Scandia mobility improvement recommendations

Safe crossing at intersection of Hwy 97 and Olinda Trail

Trail from Ozark Avenue to City sidewalks

Safe Crossing between Gammelgården and Community Center Extend sidewalk along eastern edge of Olinda Trail to ball field, connect to Community Center

0.2 Miles Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

SYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS Greater Scandia Mobility improvements throughout greater Scandia include the following: • Establish trail connection between Scandia and the Gateway Trail (to be timed with development of the Gateway Trail).* • Secure non-state funding to supplement LCCMR grant to construct the Gateway Trail extension. The project has been recommended to receive $2,689,000 from the LCCMR and is very likely to be funded, but the City of Scandia will need to secure additional funding for project construction and preparation costs. • Construct a local trail connection between the Ozark Ave N/209th St N convergence and the new Gateway Trail connection. • Fulfill the Tourism Committee’s vision for cohesive City signage – both welcome signs and wayfinding. • Convert wide shoulders on major roadways, such as Highway 97 and Highway 95, into marked bike trails. Paint bicycle icons on these paths and green lanes across intersections. • Work with MNDOT and Washington County to acquire the rights-of-way necessary to convert shoulders to bike lanes. • Increase visibility of existing cycling routes (Dala, Bone Lake, Big Marine, and Sand Lake Family Routes). • Post the Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails’ Bike Trail Map throughout downtown Scandia and in City-owned parks. • Install color-coded trail markers along each route and ensure that these markers are friendly to those with a color vision deficiency.* • Repair, maintain, and promote the bike path along St. Croix Trail N, between William O’Brien State Park and Crabtree’s Garden Gate. • Create an off-road trail on Highway 97 in hightraffic areas.* The map on the following page illustrates the locations of these trail recommendations, including the location of the Regional Trail search corridor on Manning Trl N.

City of Scandia, Minnesota

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS Recreational Programming Community input survey respondents and stakeholders both indicated insufficient recreational and/or enrichment programming for community members, namely for young children and seniors. For adults, consider offering the following activities or programs, as suggested by community members: • Social walking and hiking groups. • Birdwatching groups or classes. • Pickleball leagues and tournaments. • Group workout classes (e.g. yoga, pilates, zumba). For children, consider offering the following activities or programs, as suggested by community members: • After-school activities like art classes, speakers, study groups, or ice skating lessons. In the past, after-school skating lessons at Leonard Wojtowicz Skating Park was a popular program among Scandia households. • Sports leagues that utilize existing baseball fields and open green space. Maintenance Reporting Requests for maintenance of various parks facilities and trails appeared throughout this Plan writing process. Scandia already has a Service Request Form integrated into the Public Works page of its website (www.cityofscandia.com); however, it is not visible or easily accessible to most residents. The City should consider adding the Service Request form to the homepage of its website, as well as creating flyers with the link/QR code to post at parks around the City. This will ensure that the City is kept apprised of urgent maintenance needs as they appear. Marketing Strategies In order to bring community awareness to less-visited park facilities within the City, social media platforms could be utilized to advertise park improvements and upcoming on-site recreational programming. The City could consider holding organized hikes, yoga classes, birdwatching workshops, and other activities in each of its parks to encourage people to explore parks they wouldn’t normally visit.

l N

i Ma n n

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

N Tr l

170th

Big Marine Lake

Sc a

Bone Lake

Printed By: eherold, File: G:\10\10546\10546007\GIS\Scandia_1\Scandia_1.aprxS t N

T rl N

Sea Lake

Second Lake

O lin da Trl N

M a n ni ng T r O li nda Tr l N

rium

Trl N

Sc andia Trl N

S a i nt

Marine on St Croix

Greenburg Island

Riv

Cro

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William Obrien State Park

Copas

Otisville

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Print Date: 5/16/2023

Maxar, County of Polk, WI, Metropolitan Council, MetroGIS, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, USDA

Os t

Scandia

Cro i

Trl 0

0.2 0.5 Miles

Data Sources: Metropolitan Council City of Scandia 2006 Master Park Plan Minnesota Geospatial Commons

City Boundary

Undeveloped Parkland

Big Marine Park Reserve Intended Boundary

Existing Parks

Existing Routes

Proposed Roads for Future Trails

Proposed Trails

Proposed Safe Crossings

CITY OF SCANDIA WASHINGTON COUNTY, MN

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

FUTURE PARKS AND TRAILS

SYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS Comprehensive Plan Amendments Since the intention of this Master Plan document is to replace the existing 2006 Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space, and Recreation Plan, as well as update the priorities listed in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the latter should be amended to reflect the findings of this new document. The recommended textual changes are shown on the following pages. 2040 Comprehensive Plan, Parks and Recreation Chapter (pg. 55-70) In Section B (Existing Guiding Documents), replace the description of the 2006 Parks, Trails, Open Space, and Recreation Plan with the following description of this new Master Plan: The 2023 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan: In 2023, the City of Scandia completed and adopted the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan. This document describes the current state, and recommends improvements for, the City’s green spaces and recreational amenities. The Plan includes an analysis of the City’s current and projected demographic data, as well as a detailed inventory of Scandia’s parks (both City-owned and otherwise), trails, undeveloped parcels, recreational programming, and ongoing community initatives. Using public input gathered through an online survey and stakeholder interviews, these five goals were developed to inform the overarching vision of the Plan, and multiple strategies for each goal helped narrow this vision into actionable steps. Public input also aided in generating specific recommendations for each of Scandia’s parks and trails. The Plan document breaks up each of Scandia’s City-owned parks into separate spreads, which list existing amenities and recommended improvements, along with their general prioritization, cost estimate, and time frame for expected completion. Recommendations are also given for trails within downtown Scandia and throughout Scandia, additional recreational programming ideas, and potential empty lots for future development. The Implementation chapter lists various local and regional grant opportunities and steps for amending the document if necessary.

Replace Section G (Implementation) with the following text: G. Implementation The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan (2023) identified the following actions as high priorities for implementation: • Develop a connection between downtown Scandia and the Gateway Trail, which is anticipated to extend north towards Scandia. • Assist the Scandia Heritage Alliance in implementing its vision for the Water Tower Barn - Scandia Arts & Heritage Center. • Install a walking trail/boardwalk around the wetland behind the Scandia Community Center building, connecting to the Water Tower Barn site. • Convert the existing tennis courts at Scandia Community Center into a multi-use racket sports area by painting four pickleball courts perpendicular to the tennis courts and acquiring moveable pickleball nets. • Repair/refinish the southwest corner of the racket sports area at Scandia Community Center. • Revamp Wind in the Pine Preserve’s primary trail entrance (off of St. Croix Trail N) with new information kiosk and detailed trail map. • Replace rink boards at Leonard Wojtowicz Skating Park. • Add an unpaved walking trail, picnic table, and park identification signage to Liten Park.

City of Scandia, Minnesota

SYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS Replace Section A (Parks and Trails Goals and Objectives) with the following text: A. Parks and Trails Goals and Objectives The City established five goals for Parks and Trails in Scandia. These goals were developed from and are in support of the goals, policies, and strategies as identified in the 2023 Parks, Trails, and Open Space Master Plan. Goal: Provide sufficient park and recreation opportunities to meet current and future recreational needs in the City of Scandia. Objectives • Prioritize the enhancement and development of Scandia’s centralized parks, such as Scandia Community Center, over more remote parks with fewer amenities. • Across all of the City’s parks, prioritize maintaining existing amenities over adding new amenities. • Develop and maintain dedicated facilities for sporting activities, such as fields and courts. • Participate in regional park/trail planning initiatives, including the Washington County Parks Department, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. • Identify and apply for grants to help fund solutions to recreational needs. Goal: Ensure that all Scandia residents have safe access to quality parks and recreation facilities. Objectives • Encourage ongoing citizen participation in the planning and development of park and open space facilities. • Provide ADA-compliant, barrier-free access in all new or improved park facilities, play areas, and sports field areas. • Increase number of safe crossings near park facilities and in downtown Scandia. • Continue to pursue City/school/sports organization development projects to help expand community outdoor recreational opportunities in a cost-effective manner. • Offer appropriate and engaging recreational opportunities for all age groups. Goal: Enhance connectivity and accessibility between Scandia’s parks and between adjacent communities. Objectives • Improve wayfinding within and around the trail system, as well as increase visibility of trailheads. • Continue to plan and implement school connection trails throughout Scandia. • Continue to expand Scandia’s network of interconnected, non-motorized trails to promote connectivity between parks, neighborhoods, and public amenities. Goal: Preserve the historical, cultural, and environmental significance of Scandia’s existing green space. Objectives • Continue working with the Scandia Heritage Alliance to assist in the implementation of its Scandia Arts and Heritage (Water Tower Barn) project. • Protect Scandia’s scenic beauty and natural resources by cultivating a system of parks, trails, and open spaces that respect natural terrain and preserve native ecosystems. • Provide undeveloped open spaces that assist in the conservation of ecologically sensitive areas. • Coordinate local efforts with other public agencies and private partners to protect valuable natural resources through donations, procurement of easements, acquisitions, and purchase of development rights; make these lands available for passive recreation where appropriate. • Manage vegetation in natural areas by removing and controlling non-native, invasive spaces. • Ensure adequate funding for ongoing maintenance of City monuments and historically-significant structures. Goal: Ensure that ongoing park improvements and future system expansion are financially sustainable. Objectives • Utilize the “Grant Opportunities” table on pages 57-58 of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan as a resource for funding solutions to recreational needs; update regularly as new funding sources become available. • Establish process for identifying, writing, and championing grant applications. • Work closely with Scandia’s City Council to identify park/recreational projects to be incorporated into the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP). • Leverage local and regional partnerships for funding specific opportunities. Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

CHAPTER 6 IMPLEMENTATION

IMPLEMENTATION INTRODUCTION This chapter summarizes tools and mechanisms that the City can use to fund implementation of the park, trail, and open space recommendations discussed in Chapter 5. This chapter also outlines the process for plan adoption and plan amendments.

TOOLS AND MECHANISMS TO FUND IMPLEMENTATION As Scandia’s recreational amenities grow, the need to increase funding to meet the basic maintenance and operational costs also grows. While it is often difficult to fund major capital improvement projects all at once, there are a variety of funding sources to assist with up-front capital costs. Grant Programs An important source of funding is grant programs offered by county, state, and federal agencies. The table on the following pages provides a summary of common state and federal park and recreation grant programs. The table is not an exhaustive list of grant programs, but rather those that are typically used by jurisdictions to supplement acquisition and development of park and recreation areas. Other grant programs may exist and information regarding funding details shown in the table should be verified prior to seeking grant funding. Community Fundraising & Volunteer Groups Community groups and civic organizations are sometimes willing to organize fundraising efforts to assist with costs, programming, and upkeep. Organizations like Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails can help support specific parks on an ongoing basis. They may also be able to organize volunteer labor to assist with small development projects such as trail creation, maintenance, or playground installations. Local business and corporate support should also be sought. Both non-profit and for-profit organizations can be rewarded for their support with acknowledgment on a plaque or sign at the site. Professional Sports Foundations Scandia’s proximity to the Twin Cities offers the potential for the City to receive financial aid from professional sports teams to fund park improvement projects. Local teams like the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Wild both have community

foundations that fund improvements to kids’ sports facilities, often in the form of a matching program. More information can be found at www.mlb.com/ twins/community/fund/grants/fields-for-kids and www.nhl.com/wild/community/minnesota-wildfoundation. 501(c)3 Foundation The community could set up an endowment fund as an additional means of providing continual financial support for park acquisition and development. An endowment fund is a self-sustaining account in which assets are invested. The annual disbursement amount of the fund is a set percent of assets, generally smaller than the accrued interest amount, which allows the value of the fund and assets to grow over time. A park endowment fund can provide a means for residents to provide ongoing donations to the City’s park system with the certainty that the money donated will only be used for the advancement of recreation in the community. Gifts to an endowment fund are tax deductible under federal and state law. Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Scandia should work with MNDOT to include recommendations of this Plan and/ or future committees in annual updates of the Transportation Improvement Program, to facilitate access to federal and state funding support. In particular, the community should request that marked bike trail projects on major roadways get included in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), as these trails will help safely connect Scandia to neighboring communities. Minnesota Bonding Bill State agencies and local municipalities can request funding for public infastructure projects through Minnesota’s bonding, or capital investments, bill. The primary purpose of these General Obligation (G.O.) bonds is to aquire or improve fixed assests such as land and buildings. To qualify, projects must be pubically owned, serve a public purpose and mature in no more than 20 years. The Legislature operates on a 2-year cycle, the bonding bill typically developed in even years. However, there is no requirement that it be passed in even years only. The bonding bill requires a 3/5th supermajority in the State Senate and House of Representatives to be signed into law by the Governor. Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

IMPLEMENTATION Funding Programs

Maximum Award

Application Due Date

Granting Agency

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) - https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/aboutdnr/lawcon/index.html The Land and Water Conservation Fund is a federal and state grant program that aims to improve the health of American citizens through planning, acquiring, and developing land- and water-based outdoor recreation facilities. The LWCF in Minnesota supports both state and local grant programs, with each getting 50% of federal appropriations. Local projects are funded via the following two programs: Natural and Scenic Areas Grant Program Provides matching grants to local units of government and school districts for up to 50% the cost of acquisition of natural and scenic areas. Eligible projects include fee title and/or permanent easement acquisitions. Funding priorities for this program are detailed in the State Outdoor Recreation Program (SCORP), including: endangered and threatened species protection, outstanding geological or physiographic features, water quality protection, high-quality scenic areas, and more.

$500,000

March 31

MN DNR

Outdoor Recreation Grant Program Provides matching grants to local units of government and school districts for up to 50% the cost of acquisition, development, and/or redevelopment of local parks and recreation areas. Only one park may be included in an application; however, more than one application can be submitted. This program can fund the development/ redevelopment of internal park trails, picnic shelters, playgrounds, athletic facilities, boat accesses, fishing piers, swimming beaches, and campgrounds.

$300,000

March 31

MN DNR

Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grant Program - https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/habitat/cpl/index.html Funds conservation projects that restore, enhance, or protect forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitats for wildlife in Minnesota. Reimbursable matching grants are provided by the Outdoor Heritage Fund. 10% of matching funds from a non-state source is required to encourage community partnerships.

$500,000

Changes each year. See website for more information.

MN DNR

Changes each year. See website for more information.

MN DNR

No Child Left Inside Program - https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/no‐child‐grants/index.html In 2019, the Minnesota Legislature created the No Child Left Inside Grant Program to create outdoor environmental, ecological, and other natural resource-based education and recreation programs for youth. $900,000 in additional funds was provided by the legislature in 2021 and more is expected to be announced in following years.

City of Scandia, Minnesota

No limit

IMPLEMENTATION Funding Programs

Maximum Award

Application Due Date

Granting Agency

Federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP) - https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/recreation/trails_federal.html Provides funds to states to develop, maintain, and rehabilitate recreational trails and related facilities; projects that promote environmental awareness and safety education pertaining to the use of recreational trails are also eligible. Trails can be both motorized and non-motorized. Funding is provided by the Federal Highway Trust Fund. Equipment grants require a 25% secured match, and a 25% cash or in-kind match for eligible elements of the project proposal is required.

$150,000 for trails; $75,000 for equipment

February 24

MN DNR

Local Trails Connection Program - https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/recreation/trails_local.html Assists local governments in developing relatively short trail linkages between desirable locations and places where people live; the program does not fund the development of significant new trails. Funding was provided by “In Lieu Of” lottery proceeds. Grants are reimburseable up to 75% of eligible project costs, and a non-state cash match of at least 25% is required.

$250,000

March 31

MN DNR

Safe Routes to School Program - http://www.dot.state.mn.us/saferoutes/grants-funding.html Funds capital projects that make school routes safer and more accessible, such as school site improvements, pedestrian facilities, bicycle facilities, traffic calming and crossing improvements. The federal Safe Routes to School program was replaced with the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) in 2012, but the Minnesota State Legislature created a state-wide program in 2012 modeled after the federal program.

Varies Depending on Grant Type

Changes each year. See website for more information.

MN DOT

State Park Road Account Program (SPRA) - https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/recreation/parkroads/index.html Helps local governments improve access to public recreation facilities (state parks, outdoor recreation units, public lakes, rivers & state campgrounds) by providing financial assistance to improve county state-aid, county, township and city roads. Costs for construction and right-ofway acquisition are reimbursable for up to 100% of eligible costs; engineering costs are not reimbursable.

$4,000,000 available state-wide

November 1

MN DNR

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ADOPTION & AMENDMENTS

PARK IMPROVEMENT PLAN

This plan will be adopted following the procedures highlighted below:

Some of the recommended improvements in Chapter 5 will require a large budget and robust design process to implement. The following are steps that the City should take to complete these projects:

Park & Recreation Advisory Committee Recommendation Scandia’s Park & Recreation Advisory Committee shall meet to review the plan and pass a motion to recommend adoption of the plan. Planning Commission Meeting & Public Hearing Prior to adoption, Scandia’s Planning Commission is required to hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed plan. A notice should be published up to 30 days before a public hearing that contains, at minimum, the following: • The date, time and location of the hearing. • A summary of the proposed plan or plan amendment. • The local government staff who may be contacted for additional information. • How to obtain a copy of the proposed plan before the hearing. • A method for submitting written comments. Once the public hearing has concluded, the Planning Commission shall discuss the plan and pass a motion to recommend adoption of the plan to the City Council. Plan Adoption This plan and any future amendments will become City policy when the City Council passes, by a majority vote, a resolution to adopt. The City Council may choose to revise the plan after it has been recommended by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and Planning Commission, and after any potential public hearing. Plan Amendment vs. Plan Update Amendments can be made at any time, but the City should not amend the plan more than once per year. A common recommended approach is to establish a consistent annual schedule for consideration of minor plan amendments.

City of Scandia, Minnesota

1. Concept Development: Identify community needs, site issues, and possible design solutions. This Master Plan aligns with this stage as it provides preliminary/high-level ideas for park improvements based on community feedback. 2. Survey: Instrumental in determining the physical conditions of the park property, such as topography, property lines, and existing infrastructure. 3. Environmental Assessment: Determine natural processes and conditions that may be interrupted by human intervention, such as soil and groundwater quality, erosion, and water flow direction. 4. Design Process - Pre-design/Cost Estimating: Identify space requirement issues, constraints and opportunities of the proposed site, and cost versus budget. - Schematic Design: Develop threedimensional concept(s) to solve identified issue. - Final Design: Narrow possible schematic designs to one implementable design. 5. Specifications and Bidding: Identify specific materials, construction methods, and contractors to complete the project. 6. Construction/Construction Administration: Implementation of project and on-site work to ensure that project is moving smoothly.

ACTION PLAN The Park and Recreation Advisory Committee has prioritized certain recommendations for each park in Scandia. These are explored park-by-park in Chapter 5. The table on the following pages lists these improvements to provide easy access to desired improvements by park and potential funding opportunities.

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Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

ACTION PLAN

Note on funding: The “Potential for Funding” and “Potential Public Funding Sources” columns are not comprehensive and can be subject to change as grant programs change and Scandia’s implementation needs become more concrete. Some projects may only be eligible for funding when packaged with other, system-wide campaigns; others may only be eligible if there is an ADA compliance component. Additionally, this table does not list private funding sources such as foundations, sponsorships, private organization grants, etc. Further research towards funding strategies should be completed before moving forward with any park or trail improvement project.

IMMEDIATE PARK RECOMMENDATIONS

Timeframe Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

Priority Low-Medium-High

Park Name

Recommendation

Cost Estimate

Potential for Funding

Potential Public Funding Sources

Comments

I.1

Immediate

High

Liten Park

Add an unpaved walking trail and one picnic table

<$5k

I.2

Immediate

High

Liten Park

Add basic park identification signage

<$5k

I.3

Immediate

High

Scandia Community Center

Convert existing tennis courts into a multi-use racket sports area by painting four pickleball courts perpendicular to the tennis courts and acquiring moveable pickleball nets

$5k – $20k

LWCF

I.4

Immediate

High

Scandia Community Center

Repair/refinish the southwest corner of the racket sports area $5k – $20k

LWCF

I.5

Immediate

High

Leonard Wojtowicz Skating Park

Replace rink boards

$125k-$150k

I.6

Immediate

Medium

Lilleskogen Park

In partnership with the MN DNR and Scandia Elementary, develop a school forest

<$5k

I.7

Immediate

Medium

Tomteskogen Park

Add park identification signage

<$5k

I.8

Immediate

Medium

Scandia Community Center

Add in-court benches to racket sports area

<$5k

I.9

Immediate

Medium

Wind in the Pines Preserve

Add new entrance sign to St. Croix Trail N

<$5k

Could be eligible for wayfinding grant when packaged with systemwide wayfinding

I.10

Immediate

Medium

Wind in the Pines Preserve

Install trail markers along existing trails and directional signage at trail intersections

<$5k

Could be eligible for wayfinding grant when packaged with systemwide wayfinding

I.11

Immediate

Medium

Wind in the Pines Preserve

Replace natural log steps

<$5k

I.12

Immediate

Medium

Wayne Erickson Memorial Ball Park

Install portable toilets near concession stand

<$5k

I.13

Immediate

Low

Hay Lake Park

Install bike amenities (e.g. fix-it station, bike racks) close to Olinda Trail

<$5k

I.14

Immediate

Low

Leonard Wojtowicz Skating Park

Add goalie net in warmer months for roller hockey

<$5k

City of Scandia, Minnesota

LWCF, CPL Could be eligible for wayfinding grant when packaged with systemwide wayfinding

Funding unlikely for maintenance MN DNR, No Child Left Inside Could be eligible for wayfinding grant when packaged with systemwide wayfinding LWCF

Funding unlikely for maintenance

SHORT-TERM PARK RECOMMENDATIONS

Timeframe Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

Priority Low-Medium-High

Park Name

Recommendation

Cost Estimate

Potential for Funding

Potential Public Funding Sources

Comments

ST.1

Short-Term

High

Wind in the Pines Preserve

Revamp primary trail entrance (off of St. Croix Trail N) with new information kiosk and detailed trail map

$5k – $20k

Could be eligible for wayfinding grant when packaged with systemwide wayfinding

ST.2

Short-Term

Medium

Lilleskogen Park

Plant native vegetation along Scandia Trail N to screen Children’s Story Path from traffic

<$5k

LWCF

ST.3

Short-Term

Medium

Lilleskogen Park

Build open-air pavilion near trailhead

$5k – $20k

LWCF

ST.4

Short-Term

Medium

Tomteskogen Park

Develop small gravel parking lot with trail access along Lofton Ave N

$50k – $100k

Unlikely

ST.5

Short-Term

Medium

Scandia Community Center

Install a fitness station near the racket sports area and playground

$5k – $20k

ST.6

Short-Term

Medium

Leonard Wojtowicz Skating Park

Improve rink drainage

$20k – $50k

ST.7

Short-Term

Medium

Scandia T-Ball Field

Convert ball field to multi-use, open grass field by removing infield and benches (leave backstop)

$5k – $20k

ST.8

Short-Term

Medium

Wayne Erickson Memorial Ball Park

Expand parking area

$20k – $50k

If expansion is to be ADA accessible, could be eligible for funding

ST.9

Short-Term

Medium

Wayne Erickson Memorial Ball Park

Expand concession stand infrastructure

$5k – $20k

If expansion is to be ADA accessible, could be eligible for funding

ST.10

Short-Term

Low

Hay Lake Park

Install drinking fountain near pavilion

$5k – $20k

If ADA accessible, could be eligible for funding

LWCF

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

LONG-TERM PARK RECOMMENDATIONS #

Timeframe Immediate (0-2 Years) Short-Term (2-5 Years) Long-Term (5+ Years)

Priority Low-Medium-High

Park Name

Recommendation

Cost Estimate

Potential for Funding

Potential Public Funding Sources

LT.1

Long-Term

High

Scandia Community Center

Work with the Scandia Heritage Alliance to install a walking trail/boardwalk around the wetland behind the Scandia Community Center building

$100k+

LWCF, RTP

LT.2

Long-Term

High

South Ball Field

Work with the Scandia Heritage Alliance to implement plan for the Scandia Arts and Heritage Center

N/A

LT.3

Long-Term

Medium

Liten Park

Invasive species removal

$5k – $20k

CPL

LT.4

Long-Term

Medium

Tomteskogen Park

Improve walking trail edges with woodchips and clearing

$5k – $20k

LWCF

LT.5

Long-Term

Medium

Wind in the Pines Preserve

Rebuild paths to be accessible for maintenance equipment

$20k – $50k

LT.6

Long-Term

Low

Tomteskogen Park

Construct boardwalk/bridge over wetland - east to west across wetland and park area

$100k+

LWCF, RTP

LT.7

Long-Term

Low

Wind in the Pines Preserve

Develop disc golf course

$20k – $50k

LWCF

LT.8

Long-Term

Low

Leonard Wojtowicz Skating Park

Add refrigeration system to existing rink

$100k+

LT.9

Long-Term

Low

Leonard Wojtowicz Skating Park

Install second boarded rink in current location of the seasonal, non-boarded rink

$50k – $100k

LT.10

Long-Term

Low

Wayne Erickson Memorial Ball Park

Replace or update existing playground

$150k – $200k

LT.11

Long-Term

Low

Wayne Erickson Memorial Ball Park

Irrigate and level outfield

$5k – $20k

City of Scandia, Minnesota

LWCF

Comments

City does not need to contribute dollars to implement this recommendatio n

TRAIL RECOMMENDATIONS #

Priority Low-Medium-High

T.1

High

Downtown Scandia

Install a safe crossing between Gammelgården and the Scandia Community Center

Safe Routes to School

T.2

High

Downtown Scandia

Install a safe school crossing at the intersection of Hwy 97 and Olinda Trail

Safe Routes to School

Local Trails Connection Program

Location

Recommendation

Potential for Funding

Establish trail connection between Scandia and the Gateway Trail (to be timed with development of the Gateway Trail)* *Secure non-state funding to supplement LCCMR grant to construct the Gateway Trail extension. The project has been recommended to receive $2,269,000 from the LCCMR and is very likely to be funded, but the City of Scandia will still need approximately $281,000 in non-state funding for project construction and preparation costs.

T.3

High

Greater Scandia

T.4

High

Greater Scandia

Post the Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails’ Bike Trail Map throughout downtown Scandia and in City-owned parks.

Potential Public Funding Sources

T.5

Medium

Downtown Scandia

Extend sidewalk along eastern edge of Olinda Trail to South Ball Field site, expanding walkability from the ball field (or future Arts and Heritage Center) to downtown Scandia. Pave a path connecting the new sidewalk on Olinda Trail to the Community Center parking lot

T.6

Medium

Greater Scandia

Convert wide shoulders on major roadways, such as Highway 97 and Highway 95, into marked bike trails

T.7

Medium

Greater Scandia

Paint bicycle icons onto bike paths and green lanes across major intersections.

T.8

Medium

Greater Scandia

Work with MNDOT and Washington County to acquire the rights-of-way necessary to convert shoulders to bike lanes

T.9

Medium

Greater Scandia

Install color-coded trail markers along each route and ensure that these markers are friendly to those with a color vision deficiency

T.10

Medium

Greater Scandia

Repair, maintain, and promote the bike path along St. Croix Trail N, between William O’Brien State Park and Crabtree’s Garden Gate

RTP, Local Trails Connection Program

T.11

Low

Downtown Scandia

Create a trail along Ozark Avenue N and Ozark Court to sidewalks on Olinda Trail and Oakhill Road to the elementary school

Safe Routes to School

T.12

Low

Greater Scandia

Construct a local trail connection between the Ozark Ave N/209th St N convergence and the new Gateway Trail connection.

Local Trails Connection Program

T.13

Low

Greater Scandia

Develop cohesive City signage – both welcome signs and wayfinding

T.14

Low

Greater Scandia

Create an off-road trail on Highway 97 in high-traffic areas

Comments

Could be eligible for wayfinding grant when packaged with systemwide wayfinding SPRA Could be eligible for wayfinding grant when packaged with systemwide wayfinding

Could be eligible for wayfinding grant when packaged with systemwide wayfinding RTP, SPRA

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

APPENDIX A ENGAGEMENT FEEDBACK

INPUT SURVEY RESULTS

Which park(s) are most in need of improvement and why? • Hay Lake. I think it is the perfect place for a soccer field. • Ice rink needs new boards. Wayne Erickson field needs irrigation and leveling of the outfield. Wind in the Pines was developed with dangerous trails that cannot be maintained. • Scandia community center—facilities not bad, but could use updating for playground. Backboard added to tennis court for solo play/practice • Barton Johnson could use new updated safe equipment • don’t know, since I’m not familiar with all of them • All playgrounds could use an update. Especially the ones at Scandia community center and Wayne Erickson • Tennis courts could use some TLC • Olinda t ball park! • They could use some porta potty’s • Scandia community center play ground • Pickleball courts at the community center. Need to add capacity and make them more pickleball friendly. • Tennis courts could be improved with new surface and markings to add more pickleball play area and allowing the tennis players a better surface to play. Other improvements such as bench seating in the area might be a consideration. The current area is basically a band-aid for pickleball and is made to just get by using the 2 tennis courts. The bare bones facility and limited space is scaring people away due to wait times to play. The premise of “If you build it, they will come” is a reality with Pickleball growing exponentially in the area. This same analogy is relative to building an new playground in Scandia that parents will need to drive their kids to. With other courts in surrounding areas filling up, people are looking for alternate places to play. You can’t think of just the residents of Scandia with this facility. You have to see this as a bridge to make Scandia a destination that you’ve been trying to promote versus being a drive through community it currently is. • Pickleball courts - they’re sloped and could cause issues. • Pickleball and tennis courts need to be reconfigured to 4 courts for additional players and tournaments. • Scandia Community Center’s pickleball courts. Why? Because, the interest is growing. Four PB courts would accomodate the present population of players. I play three times per week and have not seen tennis players. An immediate resolution is four portable nets with courts lined for “four doubles” PB players. And a backboard with horizontal strip hung from the fence to help train new players I hope this helps. • Pickleball courts. Need more. • Could use dedicated pickleball courts, or expanded tennis courts set up for pickleball. • We have more pickleball players than you have courts. It would be nice if more courts could be added. • Pickleball courts are in bad need of repair. The cracks make them dangerous for play. • Big Marine, it would be nice to have the bathrooms open more often. • None • Pickleball courts. Fenway in Forest Lake has gotten very busy with wait times. Would be wonderful if there were other options closer to home. It would draw in a great crowd that could also support local businesses. Having lighted courts for evening play would be HUGE!!! • The pickle ball courts need improvement. Right now courts are difficult to navigate out of bound ball,And court has definite low spots that are not level • The Pickleball/Tennis courts need to be leveled and cracks repaired. The space needs partitions between courts because the ball travels far from the court during play. • pickleball courts • Need dedicated pickleball courts because of many players here. • 6 Pickleball designated courts with resurfacing . This area would be used more often if the courts were improved. We currently bypass Scandia and go to Forest Lake because they have better courts .

• Pickleball courts! Forest Lake has wonderful courts that make the game more fun. If you have the courts you will see growth in use. 6 courts would seem a good size. Courtside benches would be a great addition as well. I play twice a week from April to winter. • The tennis/pickleball courts need resurfacing and redesign to make room for the number of people using the courts at the same time. • Tennis courts and the pickleball courts are in need of repair. The tennis court have many cracks on it and can make it difficult to play on. • Lilleskogen Park - needs more native shrubs, trees, and wildflowers along the paths. Right now it is rather barren and there’s not much privacy when you walk the trail along Highway 97. It would be nice if it felt more like an “escape” within the city and a resource/teaching reference with a variety of native plants. Scandia Community Center - add more native plants either in the existing areas around signs or in gardens and/or replace some areas of sod with prairie. Do prairie pockets around the community center - especially in areas that aren’t used by residents or events. The park that it is at the corner of Olgilvie and Oren Road - add benches, a picnic table or two, hammock stands, and a pathway mowed through the prairie that was established many years ago. Work with Prairie Restorations to continue to expand the number of wildflowers and native grasses that are there, plus add some native shrubs and maybe some native trees too. There’s a lot of potential here!” • Scandia Tennis/Pickleball area. • 1. The signage at Wind in The Pines needs improvement. The trails are not well marked and people often go off the correct route which injures plants and causes erosion. 2. The pickleball courts need improvement. First of all, it would be great if they were dedicated pickleball courts (not tennis courts - which I have not seen a single person use in over a year). Secondly, there is a need for more. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the US. Two courts are insufficient. Often there is a wait to play and because of that people go elsewhere. It would also be an inexpensive option to add a practice board where newer players could work on their own to improve their game. • Scandia Community Center pickle ball courts. There should be more courts designated for pickle ball as it is the up and coming new activity for all ages. • Wind in the Pines • My husband plays pickleball and they need things improved some. The courts do need some TLC and with that, it could be the door to creating a great space for both pickleball players and tennis players. He seems to wish more players could play as they have limited play area with 2 courts. I do like the idea that he’s closer to home versus driving to the “nice courts” in Forest Lake and other surrounding communities. I also would like the city to maintain the tennis courts better as he’s been there cleaning it before people show up. • additional pickleball courts for tournaments • Pickleball - bare minimum we need courtside benches. Real pickleball courts like Forest Lake would be ideal. 4 to 6 pickleball courts would get a ton of use from April- October. • More skate parks everywhere • Playground Equipment all of them • Gammelgarden - weedy + bees • Community Center • None. Reduce our tax assessment • Tennis courts • Pickleball courts • Pickleball! • more pickleball courts • Would love to see some pickleball courts in Scandia so we can come up & play w/ our friends in Marine! • Lilleksogen needs more trees, especially along the north side. You can hear and see the trucks as they speed by. It’s scary to have my grandchildren walk along that path when the highway is such easy access. It also need shade and picnic tables along the west side.

What additional amenities or recreational opportunities would you like to see in Scandia’s park system? • Outdoor drinking fountains. • A splash pad would not only draw in residents but from other nearby communities as well. It would need to be located in the downtown area. • Community Swimming Pool • cross country ski trails • Lights at pickle ball courts. And more courts. Additional small hockey rink • I’ve brought it up before, but apparently it was ignored. I would like to see a workout./exercise equipment setup like next to the road at the apartments across from the Forest Lake High School. It wouldn’t take up much room and could be available to seniors or disabled people as well as all ages .Possibly in the Park down from the school and within walking distance of the senior housing? There really isn’t much available for that for people in Scandia or at any of our parks. • More trails. Bike trails. • More bike trails. Riding on Manning is dangerous, especially for children. • Wading pool or splash pad would be great. More public access to lakes for fishing canoes swimming etc. More bike lanes. Would love to have a bike path along Olinda so folks in the north end of town could safely bike to parks and the farmers market. We love to bike there but it’s so treacherous on Olinda. • More bike trails. Seems like a perfect place for a frisbee golf course. • Newer park equipment • Bike trails and walking paths, people are walking and biking on the shoulder of roads that are 55mph! Scandia is way behind other communities all around us when it comes to keeping the bike riders safe. People would get out and walk more if there were paths along the roads. • Dedicated Pickleball courts, current ones aren’t that appealing and consequently don’t draw many people. Don’t want to spend most of my time chasing balls. • More trails to get off road while walking. • There are plenty of parks in Scandia at this time that are rarely used. Especially when you have a majority of us living on 5 acre lots or live a distance from facilities. Put the energy into the existing areas before grasping at new areas that are really not needed in my mind. • More paths next to roads. Traffic getting to be to much to rely on the shoulder. • Biking and hiking trails. • Horse shoes • We bike, hike and kayak so trails and access areas are most important to us. Tennis and pickle ball would also be of interest. • More pickleball courts. • None • Overall the parks are kept up well. • Separate Pickleball courts. • Continuing to advance Pickleball courts • more hiking trails • Lights on courts, windbreakers. • Considering all the hunting opportunities in the area, it would be nice to have a place to practice archery. It doesnt have to be fancy or expensive, just a few targets and a designated place where it’s legal to shoot your bow w/o a disruption to others. • Additional Pickleball courts to accommodate more people; we are seeing 10 to 15 people 3 or 4 times a week on the current courts. Some wind screens would be helpful in controlling wind speeds, and a simple backboard for practice. • Agility dog park - have agility equipment for dogs to use. There is nothing like this in northern Washington County. See a video of one an Eagle Scout did: https://youtu.be/XBwM-x2ZNaU Adult exercise equipment along a trail. There’s lots of kid equipment, but nothing for adults in the area.

A bike park: https://www.woodburymn.gov/446/Carver-Lake-Bike-Park Hammock stands by themselves and/or in groups: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/18/dd/ bb/18ddbb6ee3c517fdcede700794495271.jpg Japanese or Chinese garden. Again, there’s nothing like this in our area. It doesn’t have to be huge...just another place and cultural experience for residents/visitors. Look at Kew Gardens natural areas: https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-in-the-gardens/natural-area . Install bug hotels (to attract and provide a home for beneficial insects) & natural log trails. Plant endangered and/or rare NATIVE trees throughout the area. Please do NOT waste money or natural resources (water) on a splash pad. • Would love to see the Pickleball area improve. Have played there but it’s minimally attractive. Played with some of the regulars there and loved the people but hard to stay motivated with size and condition. Forest Lake and others just have better facilities. It would be great to be more engaged with Scandia. • 1. A dog park. 2. A few picnic tables somewhere near the Scandia Grocery - in the heart of town for bikers. A lot of people come to Scandia to ride the beautiful roads and many stop at the store for refreshments but the town is just not set up in a welcoming manner for them to sit and eat a sandwich or snack. • More courts designed espscially for pickle ball • Being able to hike in William O’Brien during winter - additional/wider path for hikers • Trails rock. I’m a biker. • I am not interested in the community spending money to attract people from forest lake or other places to our Parks it doesn’t seem right... When I skate it’s hard to even get on the ice because there are so many kids there from forest lake. • A shaded area and better seating would be nice when I go watch the participants play at the tennis courts. They could possibly have some benches within the court area too. They bring folding chairs now. I really don’t go to any parks within Scandia. Our 5 acre home area is our park. • Improvement in bike trail marking especially on County roads. • More skate parks • splash pad • Disc golf course or two • a soccer field with two goals and some nice grass so people can play or practice • I would love to see a soccer field in Scandia • Soccer • walking trails and/or biking trails. • We would love to see a mountain bike trail and a bike pump track. Mankato has both and they are excellent, elk river has a great mountain bike trail. There are a lot of bikers in the area and it would draw in many people, too. • A hockey net on the half of the skate park where there are no jumps could open it up for roller hockey • Disc golf and soccer field • Pickleball courts • pickleball! Mountain bike single track. • More pickleball courts • Additional hiking/bicycling opportunities • More pickleball and a disc golf in one of the parks. • I think we have more than enough, possibly more than taxpayers can afford

How interested are you in the following park amenities?

Ice Skating Rinks Picnic Areas Bike Amenities (bike racks, etc.) Walking/Biking Trails Archery Range Splash Pad Soccer/Football Fields Pickleball Courts Dog Park Disc Golf Course 0

10 Very Interested

Moderately Interested

Not Interested

N/A

100

Please rank how safe you feel on each type of trail.

Nature Trail

Off-Street/Separated

Protected On-Street

Marked On-Street

0 Very Safe

20 Moderately Safe

Unsafe

No Opinion

80 N/A

100

Where would you like to see more trail connectivity within Scandia or between Scandia and surrounding communities? • Between trails and between parks. • A trail system through the downtown area would be fun and also serve the local businesses potentially. • connection to Gateway Trail • Connecting William o brien trails and gateway trails • I was on the Park & Recs group over 20 years ago and there still hasn’t been any movement on what we were trying to do way back then. My suggestion is quit doing surveys and act on what people have been telling you for years. Maybe quit taking the cash instead of giving up the land for the trails and of losing any chance of having connecting trails, like other counties do, • Between Scandia and the Gateway Trail, and also to major trails to the north. • From our neighborhood to a trail system that is not a highway. • Connectivity from north end to main part of town, especially on Olinda. Connection to lakes. Bike Connection to William O Brien from north. • Connection to the state park. • Bike trail to connect with Gateway Trail. • Olinda, 97, Manning and 95 • between Scandia and William O Brian, and between Scandia and Big Mairne Park • Within Scandia. • Get the bikes of the roads. Our smaller city roads are dangerous for bike trails. ie Sand Lake trail system. Roads without shoulders are not cool. • Bone Lake to downtown Scandia. • A path connection between Scandia Center and William O’Brien would be great. • Gateway! • Nowhere. Take care of your residential streets. And NOT just in the City Center • Connectivity from Hwy 97 north to 240th Street - riding a bicycle on Hwy 95 to get to surrounding streets/neighborhoods is dangerous. Traffic along 95 travels much too fast and the breakdown lane is too narrow, especially with the rumble strips. • I walk/hike, so it’s not so important that the trails are connected. I would rather see the trails developed within parks - so they are accessible, smooth/easy to walk (no roots in the paths or other tripping hazards), have native plants around them, and are safe. • Probably impossible to get bikes off the roadways but that would be a start. • 1. This seems elementary, but would it be possible to get a trail (not highway 97) to connect downtown Scandia with the Scandia Plaza? 2. A bike trail that connects to the Gateway or at least to William O’Brien. • Sure • Scandia to William O’Brien, to river valley trails • I’m not sure what the need is. It won’t bring any money into Scandia because people on bikes don’t go out to dinner , they don’t buy gas, and they don’t even buy any food, a snack at most. I would like to see Scandia spend money on hiking trails and such: like that within the community , not so focused on bringing other people here. all the bikers going through my neighborhood right now are from Minneapolis and St Paul on the weekends, and they bring their entitled attitude with them I don’t see why we would bend over for them. • We walk our dog on our local city street that is small and has no curb. Scary as people drive by faster than they should but we choose not to drive any distance. Would maybe consider Wind in the Pines but you won’t let us bring our dog for a walk. Absolutely would not use a dog park. Just more trouble there. • Forest Lake • yes • woods

• Interested in bike trails • Connect to William Obrien • Nowhere • Connection with Gateway Trail • Yes - north and south east • Scandia to William o Brian, or scandia to big marine park. • Stillwater, Chisago • All parks connected to each other and to William O’Brien • Yes! to + from Marine and/or William O’Brien • Scandia & Forest Lake • Yes • Bome lake Park (Tomteskogen) • Not necessary

What do you think are the three most important things for the City to consider when strategically planning for the future of its parks?

Please share any additional thoughts you have about parks, trails, and outdoor recreation opportunities in the City of Scandia. • It might be nice to have a map of all the trails outside the community center. • I feel the City should not be adding any more amenities or parks until the current parks and amenities have been brought up to higher standards with ADA accessibility. Then the thought of park, trail, or amenity expansion should be brought forward. • We really enjoy using the tennis courts and playgrounds! • I think that having public electric vehicle charging stations would attract people to use Scandia’s outdoor recreation opportunities. • We love the parks and trails. It would be awesome to be able to get to the parks on bikes more safely. Upgrades to playgrounds need to happen for safety reasons. More gardens in the parks. Community orchard. Volunteer opportunities. • We need to look and parks and natural spaces as our first line of defense in our communities against climate change. Invasive species are one of greatest threats to biodiversity. I believe a focus should be on habitat restoration of our existing spaces and increasing resilience. • Public restrooms are important to have for all parks • Pickleball will draw more people into the community and keep our residents from having to go elsewhere • The ice rink/skateboard park is the only thing for older children to do. It seems that most cities focus on parks that gear towards younger children. It is a common problem in small towns that there isn’t anything for older children to do. Adding Equipment or activities for teenagers might help the community. • With the growing popularity of Pickleball and local interest, need to improve the facility at the community center to attract more play and to provide more courts. Chisago and Forest Lake courts are often full - an upgrade to the Scandia courts would draw more people to the courts. • Many trails and nature parks are not a big priority in our household. As stated, I live in the country already. I have 5 acres with plenty of room to entertain, grill or have peace. I do walk the roadways near me instead of traveling to Wind in the Pines or other parks developed. Granted, the roads are not as safe as I’d like, but don’t feel I need to drive somewhere to take the dog for a walk. Our road has many walkers on it proving the trails are not a priority to most if you have to drive to them. Thanks for asking for input on these issues and continuing the discussions. • I really enjoy the ice rinks!! • I have never heard of these trails. Perhaps more advertising and articles about these trails and locations is needed. • I think developing out parks like Big Marine with better hiking trails would be great. Creating a biking path to William O’Brien would be fantastic. • Please add more pickleball courts • Scandia is trying to be a big city on our tax dollars. Scandia is little. Keep perspective leaders. • Thank you for listening to the citizens! • It seems that there is a lot of money being planned for the current playground at the Community Center, however, I rarely see any children using this area. The skating rink/park seems busy with hockey, but not friendly for general skating. • Look carefully at the age of people in the community & how you are meeting their needs. Schools have play equipment & many of the parks in Scandia have equipment for kids. There is literally nothing for adults in this community except for walking & biking. As residents age, how are you helping them stay active, fit, & engaged in the community? In addition to developing parks, & trails - please consider having outdoor adult rec programs - especially for 55+ year olds. Offer naturalist programs, birdwatching groups, pickleball games, arts/nature programming, &/or walking/hiking groups. There are so many opportunities to build a sense of community & connection through nature. Maybe it is time to create a job for someone who could develop a robust schedule of parks & rec programs for Scandia. This would be the position’s focus - not an addition to existing staff. You would be investing in Scandia & its residents, & ensuring that people want to continue to live here into retirement. • Scandia is a quiet town not thought of much. Making some small improvements may help your economy if more people had a destination. Me being a pickleball player has seen the growth of the sport and see others looking for a place to play. • It has been scientifically proven that spending time outdoors is important for your health. The City should be proactively thinking about how to provide spaces that encourage and support this essential activity for all citizens of all ages and capabilities.

• I drive 16 miles ( I live in Hugo) to play pickleball at your park. I think many more would come if those courts were designed for the sport that so many people are playing today. • Survey collected by paper copy - respondent skipped selecting an answer for “How often do you utilize Scandia’s parks and/or recreation facilities?” but wrote in “Now & then Playground when grandkids here” • Third most important thing - ongoing maintenance - paying for it • I would like to see our Park improvement plans be done with volunteers. If people really want improvements, they will volunteer to do it and it’ll save us money. Throwing money at a park doesn’t mean a park will be successful it only means it will be costly. • As stated, we really don’t utilize any of the parks in Scandia. We go watch some ball games at the lighted field and my husband is now playing pickleball. Many of the other parks are a bit excessive with where we live. Our dog runs within our 5 acres and we relax on our deck or front yard with friends versus meeting at another location in Scandia. • New pickleball courts would be a gem in the town. It’s a very social game, so benefits are more than just fitness. It would be a great gathering place. • Would like to see may paved. • Entered by Staff from printed survey (note, participant placed four check marks next to Ice Skating Rinks to the question how interested are you in the following park amenities and an extreme circle next to Skate Park in the response to ‘Which parks and recreation amenities/facilities do you currently use?’ • The parks committee has done a great job at making sure Scandia has great parks without going overboard, I appreciate all their hard work • a public soccer field • Scandia, live within your means so I can live within mine • Could the Scandia school also have a walking path open to all? • While I like pickle ball, don’t want to lose the tennis courts. • Our family all play soccer and would like to see a soccer field at Hay Lake, even if it wasn’t regulation size field or goals. • Pickleball!! • Put in Horse Trails (hand drawn large smiley face) • We are not yet Scandia residents (moving to the city at the end of September). Answers reflect our anticipated usage of the parks. • I would like to have more safe walking trails through the woods.

STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS Representative from Scandia Elementary October 20th, 2022 1. What is your/your organization’s connection to Scandia’s parks and trails? What do you know about our project? • Admin assistant: planning, organization • 3 kids; often go hiking and go to the parks (Whispering Pines, park off of Quarry Road) 2. What are the strengths of Scandia’s park and recreation system? • Trails are easy to navigate, well-marked (easy to tell if you’re in private property) • School uses Gammelgarden for end-of-year field day - Equipment needs maintenance, causes injuries 3. Are there any park improvements or maintenance items that need to be completed to better meet your organization’s needs? • Not many trash receptacles on trails 4. What recreational programs are needed the most? What age groups? • Will bus kids down to Community Center after school for ice skating lessons - “has been a hit in the past” - Kids have to supply their own skates • Would love to see more after-school activities like art classes, speakers, etc. • Kids that are more involved in their community show more ownership, are more respectful, etc. 5. During the next 5-10 years, what should be the top priorities for the city in regards to parks, recreation, and trails? • Community already does a great job – good hiking trails • Consider engaging kids more in hiking – holiday-sponsored events, geocaching • Kids went to Interstate State Park to go hiking but field trips are hard to plan 6. Is there anything else we should know about city’s parks, recreation and trails that we haven’t already discussed? • All school-owned green spaces are rentable; organizations have to cover their own insurance - Can’t really use grounds during school hours • Safe Routes to School - School is located on busy road with high speed limit - 50 mph through school zone - School proposed speed limit change but didn’t go anywhere - Some parks are within walking distance but they aren’t safe to walk to • Scandia is having turnover in demographic – lots of young families - Usually utilize own property - Parks aren’t usually busy - School enrollment has increased a lot recently

Representative from Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails October 28th, 2022 • •

•

Previously on Parks and Rec Committee, part of previous Master Planning effort Org around since 2008, primarily focus on trail issues/natural areas/Wind in the Pines - ~$30,000 grant for restoration work at Wind in the Pines - Installed butterfly garden at Lilleskogen - Prairie installation in Swensen neighborhood (Ogelby and Oran) Two neighborhood plots near Hay Lake Park – east side (invasive removal) and west side (could be restored for pollinator area) - Gateway Trail: helping to get funding

1. What are the strengths of Scandia’s park and recreation system? • Lots of recreational opportunities • Wind in the Pines – very high quality natural area in Washington County - Needs further protection and management • Quite a lot of undeveloped land – potential for additional parks • Hay Lake – pavilion is great gathering spot • Lilleskogen – great asset - Wetland is getting restored 2. Are there any park improvements or maintenance items that need to be completed to better meet your organization’s needs? • Funding stream is limited – should have more dedicated funding stream • Invasive species control - Comes down to money - Educating landowners about species and offering resources - State grants will only work on protected land, not private property • Wind in the Pines needs a Natural Area Management Plan – talk to Friends about developing that, although Karen doesn’t have much time 3. What recreational programs are needed the most? What age groups? • Biggest demographic: people over 50, so more recreational programs are necessary - Tai chi, walking club, Zumba - Not many places to walk without having to drive somewhere else – better trail system throughout City that connects parks • Northwest quadrant doesn’t have parks and trails 4. During the next 5-10 years, what should be the top priorities for the city in regards to parks, recreation, and trails? • Prioritizing existing parks/trails rather than new ones • Education surrounding invasive species • Pollinator plantings – mowing schedules, lots of neighborhood plots • Wind in the Pines – keep it undeveloped - Definitely needs new entrance/map - Trail markers/directional signs in past have been removed or destroyed - Replace/maintain natural log steps • Consider swingsets for adults with developmental disabilities

5. Is there anything else we should know about city’s parks, recreation and trails that we haven’t already discussed? • Lilleskogen – open air pavilion could obstruct view, maybe change wording to gazebo • Tomteskogen – would cyclists use bike amenities? Park isn’t very usable since it’s mainly wetland • Hay Lake – mowed area could be used for pollinator planting • Community Center – surprise about water tower barn project additions

Representative from Scandia Marine Lions Club October 21th, 2022 1. What is your/your organization’s connection to Scandia’s parks and trails? What do you know about our project? • Hay Lake Park – no further conversations about expansion/adding new amenities • Terry (parks and rec board) is a member of the Lions 2. What are the strengths of Scandia’s park and recreation system? • Pickleball tournaments • Parks and rec have lots of ideas – new playground at Community Center (ADA accessible) 3. Are there any park improvements or maintenance items that need to be completed to better meet your organization’s needs? • Very few walking trails around Olinda Trl, very busy road • More city property set aside for parks and rec • Dog park – not all houses in the area have acreage 4. What recreational programs are needed the most? What age groups? • Quilting club, eating healthy club • City of Marine has a folk school (making wreaths, painting pictures, wax cupboard cloth) • Community Center should be expanded for more programming, places for people to meet 5. During the next 5-10 years, what should be the top priorities for the city in regards to parks, recreation, and trails? 6. Is there anything else we should know about city’s parks, recreation and trails that we haven’t already discussed?

Representative from Bone Lake Association October 19th, 2022 1. What is your/your organization’s connection to Scandia’s parks and trails? What do you know about our project? • Lived on south end of Bone Lake for 11 years, president of Bone Lake Association • Wife likes to bike 2. What are the strengths of Scandia’s park and recreation system? 3. Are there any park improvements or maintenance items that need to be completed to better meet your organization’s needs? • Signage - Lilleskogen: map of trail near war memorial 4. What recreational programs are needed the most? What age groups? • Not much going on for older people - Consider organized hikes? - Fishing contests on Big Marine 5. During the next 5-10 years, what should be the top priorities for the city in regards to parks, recreation, and trails? • Promote Wind in the Pines and Log House Landing - Organized excursion/parks trail 6. Is there anything else we should know about city’s parks, recreation and trails that we haven’t already discussed? • People want to keep Bone Lake natural/not crowded Tomteskogen: • East part: beaten-down trail from 4-wheelers/walking, narrow part surrounded by private property • West part: Bone Lake Association members went in and laid woodchips/cleared sticks, short walking loop, adjacent to boat access - Chips scattered/covered in fallen leaves - Mosquitos make walk pretty uncomfortable in summer • Talks about constructing bridge between east and west - Personal opinion: waste of taxpayer money, how many people would actually use it? • No signage, no city-owned parking for park (boat access lot is run by DNR) - Sign would have to go somewhere away from DNR property What would you do with $500,000? • Good walking trail – current walking trails are very short • Fishing pier (but not on Bone Lake)

Representative from Water Tower Barn Project October 24th, 2022 •

• • • • • •

Opportunity for new linkages/improvements - Gateway Trail – how does that connect to municipal center of City? - Opportunity to make great central park - Wanted water tower to connect to great park system Ball fields are hot button – people want them even if they don’t use them - South Ball Field was already really underutilized Existing Community Center park doesn’t seem adequate for population growth Drainage at southeast ball field isn’t great, consider improving parking City currently moving towards installing crosswalk in front of Gammelgarden Wetland is higher quality than expected Consider infrastructure for food truck?

How to leverage bike routes? • Mistake communities make: don’t adequately separate cyclists and pedestrians - Gateway Trail and City paths should be segregated - Bridge across wetland should be wide enough • E-bikes are a hazard on these sorts of trails; people go way too fast What was public reaction to this Master Plan? Did expansion go through public input? • Approval of project dependent on whether it could connect well – park expansion would make water tower asset more impactful • Not sure what relevant homeowners think of expansion • Trail and boardwalk around wetland is completely separate project from water tower barn

Representative from Cycling Scandia October 19th, 2022 1. What is your/your organization’s connection to Scandia’s parks and trails? What do you know about our project? • Have lived here for 28 years • Cycling Scandia has worked to expand trails around the City, all coming back to Community Center - Ridership slowed down since pandemic, slowly adding more rides/events - Cyclists often start downtown and go north/south/west or over to Wisconsin 2. What are the strengths of Scandia’s park and recreation system? • Beautiful routes, geographically structured area based on Driftless events 3. Are there any park improvements or maintenance items that need to be completed to better meet your organization’s needs? 4. What recreational programs are needed the most? What age groups? 5. During the next 5-10 years, what should be the top priorities for the city in regards to parks, recreation, and trails?

6. Is there anything else we should know about city’s parks, recreation and trails that we haven’t already discussed? • A lot of groups cycle through Scandia – lots of structured rides go through the City - Engage other organizations around the area – see what parks they ride to and what resources they need - Lots of groups that go down Hwy 4, through downtown, into Big Marine • Lots of people interested in off-road mountain bike routes – no legal mountain biking trails - Explore feasible sites among City-owned parkland

Representative from Scandia Heritage Alliance and Tourism Committee October 17th, 2022 • •

• • • •

Scandia is immigrant-based and environmentally-focused Small park off of Orwell Rd, on lake but no water access - Currently undeveloped - Neighbors want exercise equipment and/or pollinator path - Exercise path – see Forest Lake near apartment complex - May need indent for parking No park in Scandia has playground equipment for older kids More winter activities – snowshoeing routes More appropriate activities for specific age groups – playground equipment for older kids, walking paths/exercise stations Tourism Committee has asked for funding for new welcome/wayfinding signage, City Council has said yes but they haven’t gotten the money yet

Representative from EDA and Tourism Committee October 19th, 2022 1. What is your/your organization’s connection to Scandia’s parks and trails? What do you know about our project? • Live on Big Marine Lake, have a small grandchild so new/better parks would be great • Have seen lots of demand for walking, hiking, biking 2. What are the strengths of Scandia’s park and recreation system? 3. Are there any park improvements or maintenance items that need to be completed to better meet your organization’s needs? 4. What recreational programs are needed the most? What age groups? • Where do young kids go to play other than Big Marine Lake park? 5. During the next 5-10 years, what should be the top priorities for the city in regards to parks, recreation, and trails? • Safe connectivity • Maintain existing parks – new parks won’ be maintained either • Add restrooms to parks

6. Is there anything else we should know about city’s parks, recreation and trails that we haven’t already discussed? • From EDA/tourism perspective - Community would benefit from grants/State funding - Utilities/sewer limits increasing density that would increase grants - Everyone wants to revitalize the City but not become a new Stillwater/Woodbury - In need of more community services - Gammelgarden is treated like a public park – people visit but don’t donate

Representative from Scandia Heritage Alliance October 17th, 2022 •

• • •

•

• • • • •

•

Architect put together a plan during the Water Barn project - City should have in long-range plan: obtain triangle of houses near Community Center so that park city-owned land can be expanded - Soccer/lacrosse fields - Expand bike trails City will own the Water Barn property Currently in conceptual stage, working with historical architect, redevelopment deal with City of Scandia to raise funds within five years - Have raised $600,000, didn’t pass levy LCCMR funding for Gateway Trail connection – Lisa Fillipy (instrumental in getting legislative support for project) - $2.5 million to build it – portion from downtown Scandia to Oak Hill Rd (most expensive bc of underground tunnel and change curvature of road) Key thing for parks plan: recognizing location of Gateway Trail and how it connects to downtown Scandia - Paved boardwalk around wetland near community center; create plan for FORMAL connection between this boardwalk and the Gateway Trail trailhead - PRC/Scandia Heritage Alliance joint-funding project City has agreed to install a sidewalk along Olinda Trail to Water Barn site Gammelgarden has to install sidewalk to proposed crosswalk on Olinda Trl, need to touch base with church since they own the property Money in the City’s CIP budget for the Water Barn site amphitheater Cyclists love biking through Scandia, love the wide shoulders - Routes are moreso “suggested bike route” – not a designated biking path with signs Very difficult to bike the community with kids, dangerous crossing Hwy 97 - See about Safe Routes to School funding – Forest Lake funding has already gotten funding – better crosswalk across 97, 4 way stop sign at Olinda is perfect place since cars are already slowing down, trail through Lilleskogen that connects to road leading into school - More paved roads from one side of 97 to the other - Bike path from 95/97 to Marine, has fallen out of disrepair, consider connecting to Gateway Trail People are frustrated that there aren’t more sidewalks in downtown - Proposed trail in Master plan that connects downtown to industrial park

•

Downtown Scandia needs more parking at the top of the hill - Landlocked property downtown that would be perfect for small parking lot – owner is willing to sell

•

Baseball field at Gammegarden – church would love for city to maintain that field - After the South Ball Field is replaced by the Water Barn, City should move over to maintaining Gammegarden field and use that primarily for reservations Currently no little league teams in Scandia Plenty of baseball fields, no other fields for other sports

• •

Representative from DNR and William O’Brien State Park October 18th, 2022 •

•

Job is primarily concerned with: - River access, camping, skiing, hiking - Helping surrounding communities economically – restaurants, finding food to cook at park, entertainment Biggest patron groups at William O’Brien State Park - Twin Cities metro folks looking for something close but remote - Northern Minnesotans on way down to Twin Cities - People in between homes utilizing campgrounds - Traveling nurses looking for somewhere close/temporary/cheap to live William O’Brien future improvement projects - Day use improvements – beach, day buildings – ADA compliant funding, bidding out this coming March - Lower unit closed for next two years - Water access – most people come to William O’Brien since water access point at Log House Landing - Displaces fishers, duck hunters, boaters Cyclists - Most cyclists prefer to utilize road shoulders but not bike trails because there are bumps – won’t enter William O’Brien even if there is a connection - Marine already has a paved family trail to ice cream shop – many people gravitate there instead of Scandia - Scandia-bound bike trail ends at Crabtree’s - Different cyclist groups recreate differently (road bikers, mountain bikers, families, people in varying degrees of fitness) Recreation in Scandia - Not much demand for a large open sports field - Smaller baseball field on Oakhill Rd is never used for baseball, just fetch with dogs - People aren’t really utilizing the open green spaces for specific sports - more for picnicking - General upkeep needed – baseball fields aren’t maintained well (people looking elsewhere), tennis courts are cracking - People are accustomed to traveling out of town for sports leagues, not much demand in Scandia

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OPEN HOUSE COMMENT MAP Written Feedback Drawn-In Trails Existing Trails Proposed Trails Existing Parks City Boundary

Get rid of invasive species, less blacktop

No snowmo route to downtow

da Be proactive in preserving open space; consider population 25-50 years from now

Tear up sod & allow to rewild

obile o wn

Incorporation of recreation programs into goals and strategies

Create a protected bike trail between Highway 97 and 246th - off Highway 95

Gateway Connect William connection O'Brien trail north? to businesses

World's largest ala horse

less concrete and blacktop, more natural surfaces

Utilize undeveloped parkland for offroad trails Add unobtrusive indications that I'm not trespassing on private property

Trail along 95 to William poorly maintained

Fewer mowed lawns

Maxar

APPENDIX B

PARKS & OPEN SPACE CLASSIFICATIONS

NRPA CLASSIFICATIONS

Mini - Parks

Typically on a small lot (1/4 acre) and located within a residential neighborhood. Usually have one facility and benches. - Desirable size - 2 acres or less - Acres/1,000 population: .25 to .5 - Service Area: 1/8 to 1/4 mile radius

Neighborhood Playgrounds

Serve the needs of children 5-15 years old by providing open fields, courts, shelter facilities, and play areas. Should be within walking distance. - Desirable size - 2-4 acres - Acres/1,000 population: 0.5 - 1.5 acres - Service Area: 1/4 to 1/3 mile radius

Neighborhood Parks

Provide open space for all ages and enhance the overall environment. A natural, walkable location is ideal for this type, and they usually have tables, benches, paths, and lights. - Desirable size - 3-7 acres - Acres/1,000 population: 5.0 -8.0 acres - Service Area: 1 to 2 mile radius

Community Play-Fields

The definitions used in this plan are modified definitions used by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). They are used to classify parks within existing recreation systems and to guide plans for the future. They begin with the smallest and most localized parks to the largest parks with the most amenities. Neighborhood and community parks are normally provided by municipalities. Larger recreation areas, such as preserves and wildlife management areas, are normally provided by larger units of government or private enterprise.

Serve the active needs of several neighborhoods. Usually include more than parks, such as a pool, community center, and fields for sporting events. - Desirable size - 5 or more acres (15-40) - Acres/1,000 population: 5.0 -8.0 acres - Service Area: 1 to 2 mile radius

Community Parks

Intended to serve many neighborhoods. Tend to have woods, water features, trails, and picnic areas. Should be determined by the size of the population. - Desirable size - 3-7 acres - Acres/1,000 population: 5.0 -8.0 acres - Service Area: 1 to 2 mile radius

Special Purpose Parks

Created to take advantage of a natural or unusual feature, or to preserve areas and provide recreation. Golf courses, marinas, and skate parks could be categorized as this type. - Desirable size - varies on function - Acres/1,000 population: varies on function - Service Area: varies on function

Reservation & Preserves

Usually located outside of the urban area and include large tracts of land that have limited development. Usually provided by state, federal or county governments. - Desirable size - varies on function - Acres/1,000 population: varies on function - Service Area: varies on function

Greenbelts

Almost the same characteristics as the reservation or preserve; however, they may be used to shape urban development. Could connect parks within an urban area. - Desirable size - varies on function - Acres/1,000 population: varies on function - Service Area: varies on function

Waysides, Welcome Centers, Historic Markers

NRPA CLASSIFICATIONS

Special purpose parks designed to serve motorists and boost the tourist industry. Size and location depends on natural features. - Desirable size - varies on function - Acres/1,000 population: varies on function - Service Area: varies on function

APPENDIX C ANALYSIS MAPS

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Big Marine Lake

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Bone Lake

Long Lake

Sea Lake

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Sc andia Trl N

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Marine on St Croix

Greenburg Island

William Obrien State Park

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Otisville

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St C

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Print Date: 5/16/2023

Maxar, County of Polk, WI, Metropolitan Council, MetroGIS, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, USDA

3 13

5 Scandia 6 7

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M an ni ng T rl

Second Lake

Trl

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O li n da Trl N

O li n da T rl N

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Tomteskogen Park

0.3 0.5 Miles

Data Sources: Metropolitan Council City of Scandia 2006 Master Park Plan Minnesota Geospatial Commons

Big Marine Park Reserve (currently open to public)

William O’Brien State Park

Hay Lake Park

Liten Park

Scandia T-Ball Field

Scandia Community Center

9 Leonard Wojtowicz Skating Park

8 South Ball Field

7 Barton Johnson Memorial Park

6 Lilleskogen Park

5 Wayne Erickson Memorial Ball Park

4 Crystal Spring SNA

3 Wind in the Pines Preserve

2 Falls Creek SNA

Central Greenway Regional Trail Search Corridor

City Boundary

Undeveloped Parkland

Big Marine Park Reserve Intended Boundary

Existing Parks

• • Boat Landings

Sand Lake Family Route

Big Marine Route

Dala Route

Bone Lake Route

CITY OF SCANDIA WASHINGTON COUNTY, MN

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

EXISTING PARKS AND TRAILS

Printed By: eherold, File: G:\10\10546\10546007\GIS\Scandia_1\Scandia_1.aprx

Basketball Skate Park Skating Rink

Benches Picnic Tables Restrooms

Tennis & Pickleball

Playground Equipment

See inset map

Baseball

Parking

Na s

Bleachers

Print Date: 5/16/2023

Maxar

Drinking Fountains

Open-Air Shelter Grills

Bike Racks

Boat Landing

Swimming

Walking/Hiking Trails

N 15

0.3

0.5 Miles

Data Sources: Metropolitan Council City of Scandia 2006 Master Park Plan Minnesota Geospatial Commons

Big Marine Park Reserve (currently open to public)

William O’Brien State Park

Hay Lake Park

Liten Park

4 Crystal Spring SNA

3 Wind in the Pines Preserve

Tomteskogen Park 2 Falls Creek SNA

City Boundary

Undeveloped Parkland

Big Marine Park Reserve Intended Boundary

Existing Parks

CITY OF SCANDIA WASHINGTON COUNTY, MN

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

EXISTING PARK PARK FACILITY FACILITIES DISTRIBUTION

Tennis & Pickleball

Basketball

Skate Park

Skating Rink

Swimming

Playground Equipment

Benches

Picnic Tables

Restrooms

Walking/Hiking Trails

Drinking Fountains

Bike Racks

Boat Landing

Bleachers

Grills

Open-Air Shelter

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Scandia Community Center

9 Leonard Wojtowicz Skating Park

8 South Ball Field

7 Barton Johnson Memorial Park

6 Lilleskogen Park

5 Wayne Erickson Memorial Ball Park

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14849 Oakhill Road North

20835 Olinda Trail North

21398 Olinda Trail North

22199 St. Croix Trail North

16820 O'Brien Trail

17495 Manning Trail North

Scandia T-Ball Field

South Ball Field

Wayne Erickson Memorial Ball Park

Wind in the Pines Preserve

William O'Brien State Park

Big Marine Lake Park Reserve

Community Park

14727 209th Street North

20880 Olinda Trail North

Barton Johnson Memorial Park

14727 209th Street North

11770 238th Street North

Tomteskogen Park

Scandia Community Center

Orwell Ave N

Liten Park

Leonard Wojtowicz Skating Park

Neighborhood Park

14600 Oakhill Road North

Lilleskogen Park

Reserve

Special Use Park

Neighborhood Park

14001 Old Marine Trail North

Hay Lake Park

Park Category

Location

Park/Facility

4.3

2.5

1.5

4.8

4.5

Swimming 1800 ✓

1520 ✓

Acres

Bathhouse ✓

✓

Boat Landing ✓

✓

Playground Equipment ✓

Baseball/Softball Diamond ✓

✓

Basketball Court ✓ ✓

Tennis Court ✓ ✓

Pickleball Court ✓

Ice Skating/ Hockey ✓

Skate Park ✓

Warming House ✓

✓

Bike/Walking Trail

✓

Open-Air Shelter ✓

✓

Restroom ✓

✓

Concession Stand ✓

Grills ✓

✓

Drinking Fountain ✓

✓

Bike Racks ✓

Bleachers ✓

✓

Picnic Tables ✓

✓

Benches

✓

Parking Lot

✓

Gazebo ✓

Horseshoe Courts

✓

Portable Toilets

Enclosed Shelter

Frisbee/Disc Golf Course Fitness Trails

Dog Exercise Area

Sand Play Area

Football/Lacrosse Field

Volleyball Court Soccer Field

Batting Cages

Bandshell

Fishing Pier

Splashpad

l N

i Ma n n

Big Marine Lake

N Tr l

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Tr l N

Sca

Bone Lake

1 Sea Lake

Second Lake

3 13

Os t

rium

Trl N

Sc andia Trl N

O li nda Tr l N

Croix

Greenburg Island

William Obrien State Park

Copas

Otisville

St C

r ive

Cro

R r oix

S a i nt

T Print Date: 5/16/2023

Maxar, County of Polk, WI, Metropolitan Council, MetroGIS, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, USDA Marine on St

6 7 10 9 11 8

Scandia

M an n in g Tr O lin da Tr l N

Trl

in tC ro

n an

T rl 15

0.3

0.5 Miles

Data Sources: Metropolitan Council City of Scandia 2006 Master Park Plan Minnesota Geospatial Commons

Big Marine Lake Park Reserve (currently open to public)

William O’Brien State Park

Hay Lake Park

Liten Park

Scandia T-Ball Field

Scandia Community Center

9 Leonard Wojtowicz Skating Park

8 South Ball Field

7 Barton Johnson Memorial Park

6 Lilleskogen Park

5 Wayne Erickson Memorial Ball Park

4 Crystal Spring SNA

3 Wind in the Pines Preserve

Tomteskogen Park 2 Falls Creek SNA

City Boundary

Undeveloped Parkland

Big Marine Park Reserve Intended Boundary

Existing Parks

0.5 Mile Park Area Buffer

0.25 Mile Park Area Buffer

CITY OF SCANDIA WASHINGTON COUNTY, MN

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

PARK SERVICE AREAS

l N

Ma n

n ni

Tr l

Big Marine Lake

Sca

dia

Bone Lake

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Tr l N

Sea Lake

Second Lake

O lin da Tr l N

M an n in g Tr O l i nda Tr l N

rium

Trl N

Sc andia Trl N

Croix

Greenburg Island

William Obrien State Park

Copas

S a i nt

Riv

Cro

r oix St C

Otisville

rl N

Print Date: 5/16/2023

Maxar, County of Polk, WI, Metropolitan Council, MetroGIS, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, Marine on USGS, St EPA, NPS, USDA

Os t

Scandia

g xT

in Cro i

n an

T rl 0

0.3

0.5 Miles

Data Sources: Metropolitan Council City of Scandia 2006 Master Park Plan Minnesota Geospatial Commons

City Boundary

Parcels

Undeveloped Parkland

Big Marine Park Reserve Intended Boundary

Existing Parks

Trails

5-7

2-3

# of Park Area Overlaps

CITY OF SCANDIA WASHINGTON COUNTY, MN

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

POTENTIALLY UNDERSERVED AREAS

l N

i Ma n n

N Tr l

170th

Big Marine Lake

Sc a

Bone Lake

Printed By: eherold, File: G:\10\10546\10546007\GIS\Scandia_1\Scandia_1.aprxS t N

T rl N

Sea Lake

Second Lake

O lin da Trl N

M a n ni ng T r O li nda Tr l N

rium

Trl N

Sc andia Trl N

S a i nt

Marine on St Croix

Greenburg Island

Riv

Cro

r oix St C

William Obrien State Park

Copas

Otisville

rl N

Print Date: 5/16/2023

Maxar, County of Polk, WI, Metropolitan Council, MetroGIS, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, USDA

Os t

Scandia

Cro i

Trl 0

0.2 0.5 Miles

Data Sources: Metropolitan Council City of Scandia 2006 Master Park Plan Minnesota Geospatial Commons

City Boundary

Undeveloped Parkland

Big Marine Park Reserve Intended Boundary

Existing Parks

Existing Routes

Proposed Roads for Future Trails

Proposed Trails

Proposed Safe Crossings

CITY OF SCANDIA WASHINGTON COUNTY, MN

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan

FUTURE PARKS AND TRAILS

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Scandia City Hall 14727 209th Street North Scandia, MN 55073