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<br />287,300 visitors in 2005. Fifty-one percent ofthe park's use was found to be from people <br />who live outside of Ramsey County, determined by a 2004 survey. A significant increase <br />in trail use is anticipated as the trail system will have connections to residential <br />neighborhoods, two schools, a city park, library and college, as well as providing trail <br />experiences for park visitors. Based on 2005 regional park visits for regional trails in <br />Ramsey County, it is anticipated that these trails will serve an additional 75,000-100,000 <br />visitors per year. <br /> <br />The City of of Arden Hills has a Comprehensive Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan that <br />includes a long list of trail and park improvements and developments. The funding for <br />park and trail projects has become challenging due to lack of funding. The City of Arden <br />Hills is almost completely developed. Therefore, our Park Fund has a depleting balance <br />and alternative funding sources must be explored in order to complete the City's vision. <br /> <br />42. Community Commitment to Trail Use: <br />In 2002, the City of Arden Hills completed a Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan, which is <br />available on the City's website at www.ci.arden-hills.mn.us.This plan recognizes that <br />Arden Hills is divided by many major roads, highways and railroads. These transportation <br />corridors provide excellent regional vehicular access and mobility, but they separate <br />neighborhoods and pedestrians from parks, schools, libraries, and recreation. Trail <br />connections are needed to tie the City together, create a comprehensive system of parks <br />and trails, improve safety and enhance the sense of community. <br /> <br />Since 2002, the City of Arden Hills' Parks, Trails, Recreation Committee has been in the <br />process of updating its comprehensive plan, and has prioritized identified trail linkages <br />within the city that are proposed within the next twenty years. In November of 2006, the <br />Arden Hills City Council approved a Vision and Strategies for Parks, Trails, Recreation, <br />and Community Building (also available on our website). This vision states: <br />Parks and Trails in Arden Hills enhance the health and well being of citizens, improve the <br />value of citizens' property, and increase the desirability of the city as a place to live or <br />work. The City's parks and trails comprise a coherent network that: <br />*Provides land and water-based recreation, as well as convenient and safe access to <br />parks, trails, and recreation facilities in the region; <br />*Develops and maintains a system of neighborhood parks and trails; <br />*Encourages non-motorized transportation and commuting; <br />*Supports and encourages access to lakes, marshes, and wooded areas; <br />*Provides connections between the portions of Arden Hills south of Highway 96 and <br />new development to the north, as well as among other neighborhoods separated by <br />roads; <br />*Provides important resources to schools, colleges, employers, and other organizations <br />in the region; and <br />*Strengthens community among citizens. <br /> <br />This vision can only be achieved with the leadership ofthe City Council and the support <br />of the community. This leadership and support are critical to generating the [mancial <br />resources necessary to develop, operate and maintain Arden Hills' parks and trails. The <br /> <br />Page 8 <br />