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<br />ARDEN HILLS TCAAP CC/PC WORK SESSION -JULY 2,2007 <br /> <br />2 <br /> <br />REVIEW AND DlCUSSION OF PRELIMINARY CONCEPTS FOR THE PARKS. <br />TRAILS. AND OPEN SPACES <br />1. Tom Whitlock (DF A) presented preliminary concepts for the parks and open spaces represented <br />in the composite plan, including the village green, the central open space, and the neighborhood <br />parks. <br /> <br />2. The concepts incorporate the following characteristics received from the visual listening <br />exerCIse: <br />a. Blend the natural and built environments <br />b. Natural character <br />c. Connectivity <br />d. Variety <br />e. Provide at least one major gathering space for the community <br />f. Integrate open space with stormwater and infiltration systems <br /> <br />3. Village Green. The village green, located between higher density residential housing uses and a <br />potential civic use, incorporates the following elements: <br />a. Focal element (water feature and/or public art) <br />b. More manicured landscape in the center median/park/plaza <br />c. Diagonal parking around the park/plaza <br />d. 25' setbacks with landscaping for the residential units <br />e. 16' sidewalks to accommodate multi-use and fire access <br />f. Less manicured green space north ofthe park/plaza space <br />g. Rain gardens/stormwater infiltration areas <br />h. Lookout at the north end of the village green <br /> <br />4. CC/PC comments on the village green: <br />a. Brenda - concem about the retaining wall height (2 feet) and the need for diagonal <br />parking. <br />b. Tom W. - explained that the diagonal parking is envisioned for visitor parking and event <br />parking, similar to Excelsior and Grand. <br />c. Mayor - concern about snow removal and storage - design should accommodate. <br />d. Brenda - what is a plaza? <br />e. Tom - a plaza is a hard surfaced gathering area for the community, which could provide <br />a place for programmed events or casual gatherings. <br />f. Brenda - how is this different from Excelsior and Grand's village green? <br />g. Tom - it is similar to Excelsior and Grand but wider. Central median is approx. 80'wide. <br />The areas to the north with no street are approx. 160' wide with 25' setbacks for <br />residential buildings. <br />h. Liz - will the retaining wall become an attraction for skateboard use? <br />1. Tom - there are many design devices that can be used to discourage skateboard use. <br />J. Dave S. - what is the dimension for the amphitheater? <br />k. Tom - approximately 160' feet wide - but is not designed yet - only a concept at this <br />point. <br />1. Dave S. - suggests the team see the Branson Landing (Missouri) example of a public <br />amphitheater. It is a popular amenity for that development. <br />m. Andy - is there room for a Farmers Market? <br />n. Tom - yes. It could be located in the village green with streets closed down. <br />