Neenah Creek Regional Park
Master Plan
City of St. Cloud, Minnesota

Meeting Summary 2/06/07

Review
A joint meeting of the technical and community advisory committee was held from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6, 2007. The committees were asked to review specific comments from the meeting summary; these comments will become a permanent record in the Neenah Creek Regional Park Master Plan Report. SEH thanked all committee members for their time and input in crafting this Master Plan. The main issues of discussion from the December 20th meeting were again highlighted prior to presentation of Concept C & D. The issues were:

1. The roadway – Continuous or two truncated segments.
2. Fire station – Located within the park on park property or outside of park?
3. The number/type of Sport Fields
4. Use of park property west of Neenah Creek

Other comments dealt with the number of parking spaces, landscaping, trails, and safety issues. These comments have been refined in Concept C & D.

Concept Presentation
Concepts C & D were presented to committee members. An informal presentation allowed committee members to circulate and ask questions. The design process identified program elements that have remained the same from concept to concept. Some of these elements included the buffer zones along Neenah Creek, location of active recreation, and the trail system.

Concept C, the roadway is terminated with parking and a cul-de-sac. A winter recreation area is located mid park and additional ice skating is located in the NW area of the park beyond the cul-de-sac. Concept D, the roadway is extended through the park with additional parking bays along the parkway. The additional ice skating area is located in the SW end of the park. In Concept C & D; a future easement access, turf volleyball and basketball have been included in the program elements.

Discussion
The discussion following the presentation focused on the location of the fire station on park property, (advantages and disadvantages), and the land currently owned by the school district. A motion was made by Councilman Mike Landy, “The intent to acquire the school property be officially part of this plan.” Results were 12 in favor and 2 abstained. Individual comments again become a part of the permanent record in the Neenah Creek Regional Park Master Plan Report.

As part of the planning process it is important to select a preferred concept. Members of the technical and community advisory committees were asked to vote on their preferred concept. A vote was taken on Concepts C & D, allowing for additional comments. The results are as follows:

• 10 in favor of Concept D
• 4 in favor of Concept C
• 2 in favor of a “future” Concept E

Written comments included:

Concept C:

1. There should be consideration of using raingardens in proximity to paved areas to help with stormwater run-off. In addition, in the area of future development, west side, I propose that the ditch be closed and the wetland restored, perhaps becoming a wetland bank.
2. Change the red-line border around the fire station to exclude the fire station and work with school district on land exchange.
3. I vote for Concept C only with reservations. I strongly oppose using a portion of land acquired by tax payers for parks and recreation being diverted for other uses such as fire station. Let me be clear – I do not oppose a fire station, I oppose stealing park land for that purpose.
4. Strike the fire station. It does not belong in a park, include the ISD 742 land as part of the park.

Concept D:

1. No fire station.
2. I like Concept D without the fire station. I think these are great designs although I think Concept D the best. No fire station!
3. Excellent plan, good job. Fire station: The location of the fire station is perfect for the future growth of this community. As a representative of the building community, the services, ie fire station, is a must for the south side. With less than the 2% of the total space earmarked for the fire station in the park, the fact that the City owns the property, and the financial constraints of the community – a fire station at this location makes “common sense”. I hope there is enough “political will” from the City Council to make this happen and not “bend” to the opinions of a select few. A formal letter will be sent to the mayor and to the Park office stating the same. Thank you for an excellent experience.
4. Acquire all land around park if it becomes available. More trails, single track in outcrop/natural area and trail access next to Klein Nursery up to 33rd Street. Also Nordic ski trail grooming.
5. The trail along west line next to Klein Nursery should have a trail out to 33rd Street. This was given when land was sold to City approximately 8 years ago. In favor of fire station.
6. Fire house provision with land swap to appease public trust issue. With provision – speed is contained on continuous roadway.
7. Personally I do not have a problem with the fire station on the property. It is on the edge that does not affect the use of the park. It adds to the public facility in the constant manning of the station at all times.
8. I like the fire station in the plan.
9. This plan is outstanding, I am in favor of fire station as discussed.

Concept E (No concept E exists)

1. No fire station or City building’s on park property. This process was flawed from the start with requirements of administration.
2. My write-in Concept E includes all of the elements of Concept C except for the fire station. It also includes the addition of the ISD 742 property to the Master Plan, not just in the appendix.

The Next Steps
A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, February 28th, 2007 at 7:00 by the City of St. Cloud Park & Recreation Advisory Board, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 400 Second Street South, St. Cloud, Minnesota on approval of the Master Plan for Neenah Creek Regional Park.

The schedule for the meeting will be as follows:

5:30 PM: Public Open House
6:30 PM: Presentation of Master Plan and
process by Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH)
7:00 PM: Public Hearing

Park Concept Plans
Click on image to view full size graphics

Concept C

Concept D