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3 <br />Plan Summary <br />The Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan is a guide to the future use, improvement and expansion <br />of the Arden Hills outdoor recreation system. Parks, trails and open spaces are essential components of <br />community quality of life and are highly valued by City residents. <br />This plan is intended to act as a guide to decision-making regarding recreation facilities and is based on <br />input gathered through a public opinion survey and a series of community meetings. Key elements and <br />recommendations are: <br />Trail Improvement and Connections <br />Arden Hills is divided by many major roads, highways and railroads. These transportation corridors <br />provide excellent regional access and mobility, but they separate neighborhoods and separate people from <br />parks. Trail connections across, over or under the major highways and railroads are needed to tie the City <br />together, create a comprehensive system of parks and trails, improve safety and enhance the feeling of <br />community. <br />Residents want trail improvements to existing trails, new trail segments and internal loop trails within parks. <br />A variety of trail surfaces serving various trail functions such as walking, bikes, strollers, in-line skates, cross <br />country skis, nature walks, running, etc., are needed to meet residents’ recreation desires. The trails master <br />plan illustrates the City’s vision for a comprehensive trail network. Building this network requires assistance <br />from other agencies (such as MNDOT and Ramsey County) and the commitment from the City to improve <br />and create trails. <br />Park Renovation <br />Overall, residents are satisfied with Arden Hills parks. However, improvements are desired which will <br />increase the function and usability of existing parks. These improvements range from adding a bench and <br />shade trees near a children’s play area to reconfiguration of a park access road, parking lot and shelter <br />building to increase safety and assure long-term use of the park land. A systematic long-term approach to <br />these park improvements is proposed. <br />Open Space and Park Acquisition <br />In general, the existing developed portion of Arden Hills is well served by parks. There are key acquisitions <br />and enhancements needed to improve function and safety and to assure long-term use (such as changes at <br />Perry and Cummings Park). <br />Use of major portions of the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) for recreation and open space <br />is important as TCAAP transitions from the former ammunition plant use to a mixed-use development area. <br />Dedication of parks, open space and trails in accordance with the TCAAP Vento Re-Use Master Plan will <br />help assure an adequate supply of recreation and open space for new residents and employees and en- <br />hanced recreation opportunities for existing Arden Hills residents.