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STATE OF THE PARKS REPORT 2009 -2010 RAMSEY COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION The resolution establishing the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Commission prescribes that the Commission prepare a State of the Parks Report. This report reflects activities of the Commission for the period 2009 -2010. Throughout this period, the Commission has worked with the staff of the Parks and Recreation Department to address community needs and interests. As residents of Ramsey County, we appreciate the opportunity to share our perspectives about the parks and recreation services. In 2008, the voters of Minnesota approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment that will provide additional funding for regional parks and trails over the next 25 years. Ramsey County, as one of the ten implementing agencies for the Metropolitan Regional Park System received appropriations in 2009 and 2010 from this new funding source. The Parks and Recreation Commission has participated in discussion regarding the appropriation of these funds. We are optimistic that this new source of funding will enable Ramsey County to continue implementation of priority elements within the Natural Resource Management Plan, systematically implement the Tamarack Nature Center Destination for Discovery Master Plan and address critical needs within the regional park and trail system that cannot be met with additional funding sources. The following are highlights of parks and recreation activities that involved the Commission during the past two years: Phalen- Keller Regional Park Master Plan. The Minnesota Legislature appropriated funding to Ramsey County and the City of St. Paul to update the master plan for the Phalen Keller Regional Park. The planning staff of the county and city coordinated the 1 master planning process involving a steering committee and a series of public meetings. Members of the Commission participated on the steering committee. The most significant directions with respect to the Keller portion of the park were increased connectivity (trail connections) and natural resource restoration in selected areas within the park. The master plan was recommended for approval by the Parks and Recreation Commission in Fall 2010. It will be presented to the St. Paul City Council, Ramsey County Board of Commissioners and the Metropolitan Council for adoption.