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Neenah Creek Regional Park Master Plan
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Meeting Summary
November 15, 2006
Review
The City’s consultant for the project, SEH, reviewed the results from the participation exercises at the October 25, 2006 Kick-Off meeting. Results of the exercise showed that protection and enhancement of the natural areas of the park are important considerations to developing both active and passive areas within the park. Please see Meeting Notes 10/25/06 for full summary.
Site Analysis
A discussion with technical advisory committee members including Eric Altena from the DNR addressed the issue of Neenah Creek and its designation - marginal trout stream. They are finding trout mostly downstream from Neenah Regional Creek Park project area – closer to St. Augusta. A trout stream is dependant on temperatures and what occurs upstream may cause the temperature to fluctuate. Springs, development, marginal water are elements that can cause temperature fluctuations.
The DNR feels there is a possibility to support trout.The buffer and setback zone for Neenah Creek based on this designation vary for the creek between the State, DNR, and County. A buffer is the use of land topography, spaces, and screening, to separate uses or structures from other uses or structures. A setback is the minimum horizontal distance between where a structure or principal use may be placed and the ordinary high water level, road, front, side, sewage system, well, bluff or rear lot lines. |
Relationship Concept Diagrams
Click on image to view full size graphics |
GIS Building Suitability Maps based on soil properties were than presented and discussed. The distinction in the two maps occurred in the northeast oak/aspen woodland but since the area will be preserved the differences do not impact the project. Find out more and view the map.
A Site Forces map that defines the physical and cultural elements of the site was presented to the advisory committee members. The map shows points of interest, possible viewsheds, access points and gateways. Find out more and view the map.
Finally a parks survey of cities with comparable population and similar park data were discussed. The comparison showed that the City of St. Cloud appears to be active in preservation of their natural resources for parks, but may be deficient in active recreation areas. The results are posted on the website for Neenah Regional Park. View the parks comparison.
Activity – Small Group
SEH prepared two relationship diagrams for the group to review. After discussing the two diagrams, the committee was broken out into small groups. Each group were given an opportunity to develop their own relationship diagram using the same program element parameters.
Relationship diagrams show how the program requirements and site physical characteristics spatially work together. Location, use and size of pre-determined program elements were considered for the exercise including vehicular and pedestrian movement through the park.
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Relationship Diagram Exercise
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The following summarizes the diagrams produced by the small groups.
Similarities of these diagrams are:
- Three entrances to Neenah Creek Park
- Active recreation centered east of creek in open area
- Extensive trail system, minimal vehicular circulation, small parking areas
- City facilities split, locations being west of creek and along Hwy.136
- Old farmstead location used mainly for picnic and camping
- Significant buffer at the creek
Differences of these diagrams are:
- Use of west side of creek; passive vs/city facilities
- Fire Station location; near cell tower, near intersection of 40th Street S. & Hwy. 136, or not located in Park
The Next Steps
SEH will evaluate all the GIS mapping, Site Forces and the Relationship Diagrams, work with City Staff on programming and return on December 20th with two Park Concepts that will be presented to the committees for discussion.
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Community Vision
Overview
Goals and Strategies
Concepts/Maps/Graphics
Project Photos
Project Schedule
Public Involvement
Contacts
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