2019-022 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

RICE CREEK NORTH REGIONAL TRAIL MASTER PLAN | 5 • Trail Services: Parks & Recreation coordinates the establishment of a Ramsey County trail network system plan that connects significant natural and cultural features and implement those segments of county or regional significance that are located on Ramsey County Park and Open Space land. • Open Space Preservation: Parks & Recreation acquires, protects, and manages unique, fragile, and aesthetically attractive natural resources that contribute positively to the urban landscape, and perform critical natural functions. • Natural Interpretation: Parks & Recreation promotes positive environmental values through an increased awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of natural resources and natural processes. • Outdoor Recreation Programming: Parks & Recreation sponsors or co-sponsors recreation programs that encourage development of resource oriented outdoor recreation skills and promote wellness. Special events are also organized that introduce people to recreation opportunities available within the system. • Special Recreation Services: Parks & Recreation provides areas, facilities, and programs of significance county-wide to meet specialized indoor and outdoor recreation needs of Ramsey County residents. • Park Services: Parks & Recreation provides diverse and accessible areas and facilities primarily for self-directed Ramsey County oriented outdoor recreation and that complements the natural features of each site. • Equitable Use: Parks & Recreation is working to strengthen equitable use of regional parks and trails, county parks, open spaces, along with other recreation facilities across all ages, races, ethnicities, incomes, national origins, and abilities. HISTORY The 14 mile Rice Creek North Regional Trail Corridor extends from Rice Creek West Regional Trail at Long Lake Regional Park in Ramsey County to Rice Creek Lake Chain of Lakes Regional Trail in Anoka County. Development of the Ramsey County segment of the Rice Creek North Regional Trail has occurred as opportunities arose. Planning the development of and acquiring the necessary land for the Ramsey County section of trail began in the 1970’s with the establishment of the Ramsey County Open Space System in 1971, and the development of the Protection and Recreation Concept for the Rice Creek Corridor in 1972. The Rice Creek Corridor was formed within three sections consisting of a north, central, and south segment. Acquisition of land followed with the approval of the Shoreview (North) segment in 1972, bounded on the north by County Road J, on the east by Hamline Avenue, on the south by County Road I, and on the west by Interstate Highway 35-W. The acquisition of the New Brighton - Mounds View (South) segment was approved next in 1973, bounded on the north by County Road H, on the east by Old Highway 8, on the south by Long Lake Regional Park and Minnesota Commercial Railway right-of-way, and on the west by Irondale High School. The Arden Hills (Central) segment is bounded on the north by County Road I, on the east by the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) property, on the south by County Road H, and on the west by Interstate Highway 35-W. The Central section had not seen any acquisitions made due to the presence of the Twin Cities Army Ammunitions Plant, however planning for the acquisition of this property dates back to 1975 with the development of the Comprehensive Regional Recreation Open Space Master Plan. Prior to development of the central segment at its largest extent, the TCAAP property occupied 2,370 acres in the northern third of Arden Hills. It was bounded by Highway 96 on the south, Highways 10 and 35-W on the west, Lexington Avenue on the east, and County Road I on the north. The development and operation of the