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Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve <br /> Similar to the increase in the <br /> Ca,rnper Cabin Revenues use of the camper cabins, daily <br /> s ],Ct GC and hourly rentals of canoes <br /> or on <br /> and kayaks have increased. <br /> From 2015 to 2016, daily rentals <br /> ,} of equipment have nearly <br /> doubled and hourly rate rentals <br /> have increased by 10%. <br /> „ Overall, there has been a steady <br /> increase in park visits over the <br /> { .......... .......... last decade. In 2005,the <br /> z ' �� 'M6 Metropolitan Council's Annual <br /> RCCab ns Bu1nker Ca,b! <br /> ,tai Use Estimate of the <br /> Metropolitan Regional Parks <br /> 313ute 3 System showed an average <br /> annual use of 335,900. By 2016, <br /> the average use estimate was 496,000, that's just under a 50% increase in visits. In addition, according to the <br /> Metropolitan Council's Thrive MSP 2040- Population Forecast dated January 1, 2017, the surrounding cities <br /> populations are anticipated to increase anywhere from 7-55%, creating additional demand to be met by the <br /> park reserve. <br /> The existing park amenities have been outlined in Figure 2 and include many recreation opportunities, such as <br /> walking and biking, canoeing and kayaking, boating, fishing, picnicking and playing on the playgrounds within the <br /> park reserve. Visitors can also take advantage of Wargo Nature Center, Chomonix Golf Course, Rice Creek <br /> Campground and Centerville Lake Beach. Wargo Nature Center also hosts Heritage Lab, which is an outdoor <br /> historical program where students participate in hands-on activities related to a historical theme. The projects <br /> proposed in this amendment will build upon the approved 1999 master plan and improve and enhance existing <br /> facilities within the park reserve. <br /> Wargo Nature Center was built in the early 1990's and will be celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2018. A <br /> master plan for the Nature Center was developed in 2015 with the following goals: <br /> • Increase awareness of Wargo Nature Center and County-wide outdoor recreation and environmental <br /> education programs and events <br /> • Increase connectivity to Wargo Nature Center <br /> 22 <br />