Best Practice Action Detail

The City of Belle Plaine requires a review of any subdivision of property to be reviewed by the park board to determine the location, size and type of park improvements and sidewalk/trail system proposed.

The City of Belle Plaine requires that ten (10) percent of the gross buildable land of all property being subdivided shall be dedicated for parks, playgrounds, trails, recreational areas, or public open space.

Chanhassen’s Park and Recreation System is a source of community identity and pride and greatly contribute to residents’ quality of life. The City’s strong history of planning for parks and recreation has resulted in a balanced system of active parks, passive natural areas, trails and recreation programs that today is treasured by residents. The City’s park and Recreation System Plan is the results of 50 years of planning and City and citizen commitment. In addition to adding parks and trails to the system in conjunction with development, the community has supported major initiatives for park improvements throughout the years. City Code Sect 18-79 requires that as a prerequisite to subdivision approval, applicants shall dedicate land for parks, playgrounds, public open spaces and trails and/or shall make a cash contribution to the city’s park and trail fund. In residential subdivisions, one acre of buildable land shall be conveyed to the city by warranty deed for every 75 people the subdivided land could house.

The 2008 Comprehensive Plan's Parks and Recreation chapter addresses future park availability and needs. Relevant subsections include VII, IX, and X.
Our subdivisions Chapter under Deigns standards 153.11 details our requirements for new open space and park space though out Jordan.

Per the subdivision ordinance, a reasonable portion of land (not less than 10 percent of the property) being subdivided must be dedicated to the city for use as parks, trails or open space. At the city’s discretion, a park dedication fee can be collected in lieu of the required dedication. The collected fees are used for land acquisition or facility improvements. The city utilizes a number to documents to guide the development of additional open space including (1) Chapter 7 of the comprehensive plan regarding Parks, Open Space and Trails; (2) Park, Open Space and Trail System Plan (POST Plan) adopted by the city in 2000; (3) Collaboration with surrounding jurisdictions; and (4) a dedicated Park Board. The park board’s functions include long and short range use of park lands, park facilities, recreational, and leisure time facilities. Implementation tools include the capital improvement plan, outside funding opportunities, park dedication fees and partnerships with other jurisdictions. Currently a significant amount of the capital improvement funding is programed to increase the “connectivity” within the city by improving trail and pathway connections.

Oakdale subdivision code Sec. 21-10 requires a reasonable portion of project land area to be dedicated to the city or preserved for public use as parks, playgrounds, trails, or open space. Cash may also be accepted in lieu of land dedication.

The city's has a number of park and open space planning documents including the comprehensive plan, Open Space Stewardship Plan, and a Parks, Recreation, Open Space & Trail System Study. The city has also made it a priority to create master plans for every park and open space area in the city, and require connection to existing trail infrastructure as part of subdivision approval.

Before Minnesota law allowed park dedication requirements, the City had already developed and was maintaining its park system via funds from the 4 liquor stores the City owns (net profits of about $450,000 per year). The City does not have park dedication requirements. However, Section 500.07, Subd. 3 of the City’s subdivision regulation, dedication of park land, states: “In appropriate plats or subdivisions to be developed for residential uses, the Council may require that a portion of such land of sufficient size and character be set aside and dedicated to the public for public use as parks and playgrounds. The subdivider may, however, contribute an equivalent amount in cash as determined by the Council and all such payments received by the City shall be placed in a special fund and used only for the acquisition of land for parks and playgrounds.” Also, the Parks Master Plan states. "Redevelopment. As portions of the City redevelop, the City should ensure that new development have a provision for public/private open space. In particular the I-494 corridor study recommended a continuous green area along the I-494 edge with a new open space south of 77th Street and other public/private open spaces throughout the corridor."

(Design) Working on priority areas of former Ford plant - planning various scenarios, Light Rail Transit, acquisition and planning for Frogtown Farms, Victoria, Great River Passage, design for Grand Round parkway and trail system to begin, as outlined in the Parks and Recreation System Plan. System Plan goals include More Relevant, More Connected, and More Sustainable. Based on the Vision Plan goals to foster Active Lifesyles, Vibrant Places, and A Vital Environment. Biannual Capital Improvement Budget, combined with regional park CIP and Legacy Amendment funding, plus other grant sources (FHWA, EPA, PCA, etc.) to fund acquisitions and improvements.

The city's subdivision code (Title 11-Chapter 4 Parks and Recreation)requires dedication of land or cash in-lieu of for parks. The amount of land dedication or funds varies depending on the Zoning classification. Also within the city's subdivision code is the requirement of installing a sidewalk on at least one side of every new roadway built (11-5-4 of City Code-see attached).

Sartell's Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 Parks and Open Space also details planned park improvements and trail upgrades. The city has an Park Commission board which meets regularly and recommends new park improvements to be added to the Financial Management Plan and for Council consideration.

Over the past year the City of Wyoming has been working on a Master Park and Trail Plan. We utilized many community engagement and outreach sessions to get ideas on how to make our parks better and more sustainable. Some key components that went into the Master Plan were ADA accessibility moving forward in parks, and increased awareness in walkability. For the sustainability piece, as we continue to develop and redevelop parks we may look at sustainable equipment and energy sources such as solar to power parks, or reused materials within out parks. This Master Plan is one of the first major plans the City has ever adopted and we are very proud to use the plan over the next several decades.

The City's Subdivision Code includes park or open space dedication requirements, or cash payment in lieu of, for each new subdivision. Where a subdivision is traversed by a watercourse, drainage way, channel, or stream, the City requires a drainage easement that is adequate to accommodate stormwater runoff. The approved Master Plan for the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant site identifies required future public parks and minimum development and amenity requirements.

The City of Bloomington is fully developed, so the focus has been on developing parks and trails where redevelopment is planned. In recent years, the City has developed two parks (Lyndale Green Park and Bloomington Central Station Park) in collaboration with adjacent residential and commercial developments. Also, a much needed trail connection was obtained across the Bethany Church property.

Burnsville has developed a Parks and Trails Master Plan, which can be found within the cities Comprehensive Plan. Part of this plan includes Burnsville's subdivision ordinance that requires new developments to have develop open spaces like parks, bike trails, etc. The subdivision ordinance is attached.

The City's most recent new housing development area Crescent Pond also has a new park as part of the development including trails and green space. Part of the park bond referendum also includes reconstruction of park to link them to new development areas. The City's Code on subdivisions includes requirements for park dedication fees to be used for development and improvements for parks, trails and green space that are outlined in the City's Comprehensive Plan. Developments may also dedicate land for park use however this is less desired since there is already a large amount of undeveloped parkland in Coon Rapids. With the recent Port Riverwalk development the City has pans to upgrade Al Flynn Park and construct a pedestrian overpass over Coon Rapids Blvd in the area. The City is also adding sidewalk and trail connections along the corridor, and a sidewalk along Springbrook Drive to a recently completed workforce housing development. New stormwater management features, landscaping, sidewalks, and trails were constructed in the Port Riverwalk development in 2020.

In Cottage Grove’s CIP, improvements scheduled include the purchase of additional park land, planning and development of parks and Trails as well as installing playground equipment in new parks. The revenues coming into the parks trust fund are calculated to reflect the anticipated housing growth and a great dedication of park land instead of park dedication fees.

The City's subdivision code (Section 8, "Public Land Dedication") requires developers to dedicate either land or cash in proportion to the anticipated effect of the subdivision on the park and trail system. Actual amount due is determined by formulas that are made public in the subdivision code. Park dedication is a prerequisite to approval of the subdivision.

Edina voters approved a half-percent sales tax referendum in November 2022 for an overall $39.3 million investment in local parks. Of that, $17.7 million is designated for Fred Richards Park to fund the next phases of the master plan.
The new 43-acre park plans to include: 3 portions in whole, first the Central Green portion of the park (budget: $9.9 million) while include pickleball courts, basketball courts, a lawn games area, a stage/pavilion area, renovation of the Clubhouse, landscaping, turf and walkways, new parking and access via West 77th Street, lighting, signs and infrastructure. The Nature Bank portion of the park (budget: $1.9 million) shall include: Native vegetation restoration and establishment, trees and shrubs, play nodes, wildlife habitat structures, a boardwalk and trail, seating, signs and infrastructure. Additionally, the third portion of the park, the Great Lawn and Loop (budget: $5.9 million) shall include: a pedestrian bridge restoration and new trail, a 'great lawn area with high-quality drainage', a picnic pavilion, traditional and bike playgrounds, lighting, seating, signs and infrastructure.

Any newly created lot (residential, commercial or industrial) is subject to park dedication as part of the city's Park & Recreation Master Plan. The amount of land/money to be dedicated for parks is dependent on where in the city the land is located (either more dense urban or larger properties in the rural areas). This land or funding is then used to create trails, parks, green space and other recreation areas for the entire city.

The Grand Marais Campground and Marina has a Master Plan adopted in about 6 years ago. See grandmaraisrecreationarea.com

Creation of Downtown/Harbor Open Space - In 1996, the City worked with a variety of agencies and other partners to create permanent open and green space on the harbor in the downtown, on a site previously occupied by a gas station. The brownfield site was remediated and turned into a park, which then received a Minnesota Coastal Management grant for landscaping, park amenities, and other gathering place design elements. The land is protected by a conservation easement and is thus permanently open.

City has master plan to adopt renewed water area in Memorial Park, along with new Trails planned by new camping spots.

Acquiring Green Space: The city has been able to obtain some tax forfeited property along the Missiisippi River that we are dedicating to green space. The park and Rec committee is discussing how best to use and preserve that space. The Greenstep Committee continues an ongoing effort to locate such properties, particularly in the north end of the city.

The City has identified 2 parks in our city that need restructuring. We have started to raise money and looking for grants. There has been plans drawn and approved by city council. The park is now in the budgeting stage. The parks will contain green spaces, water gardens trails and new play. Since 2018 Lexington has approved the development of 3 apartment complexes. The development agreements all included Park Dedication fees to improve our existing parks. The last development expected to break ground in 2020 includes these fees as well as agreement to move our existing Tot Park to a new location on the same block with new & additional equipment, landscaping and better access. This will be paid by the developer with the city retaining ownership of the park.

Sec. 30-18. - Provision of land for public use stipulates a requirement to dedicate land for park purposes or cash in lieu of land if no park is designated in the area of the development.

The city has adopted a Comprehensive Park Plan that shows locations of existing and proposed parks and trails. Specific locations were scouted for future parks.

All subdivisions require sidewalks on both sides of the street on local residential streets and collector and arterial roadways require trails, so a dense network of ped/bike routes is and has been created in the city.

In Maplewood, any new development requires the planning and budgeting for large open spaces, parks, water features or trails.

The City of Maplewood has, as of January 2015, finalized a Parks & Recreation Master plan in which there is greater discussion in the upkeep and expansion of natural areas and open spaces. This plan will help guide future discussion on the way the city looks at further development of parks, green spaces, water features and trails.

link to Maplewood Parks Master Plan:
http://www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/11875

11-5-15: PARK LAND DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS:

A. General Requirements: Because new residential development increases the population of the community and demand on the parks system, as a prerequisite to residential plat approval and at the sole determination by the city, applicants must dedicate land for parks, playgrounds, public open spaces, trails or bikeways and/or must make a cash dedication to the city.

1. Park land and open space dedication shall be considered in relation to the city comprehensive plan, growth area plans and parks master plan, should such planning documents exist at the time of plat, or is as determined to be in the best interest of the city.

2. Where private open space for park and recreation purposes is provided in a proposed subdivision, such areas may be used for credit, at the discretion of the city, against the requirement of dedication for park and recreation purposes provided, the city finds it is in the public interest to do so.

3. The city may elect at its sole discretion to receive a combination of cash and land dedication.

4. During preliminary plat submission the applicant must provide the city with the number and type of residential units which will occupy the platted area. If during development the number or type of units are altered, the applicant will be required to make a cash dedication to account for the increased density of the project. However, if the number of units are decreased, the applicant will not be refunded that amount of cash or land dedicated during original plat approval.

5. Property being replatted with the same number of units will be exempt from all park land dedication requirements. If the number of units is increased or if land outside the previously recorded plat is added, then the park land dedication and/or park cash contributions will be based on the additional units added to the plat.

B. Park Land Dedication: In all new residential subdivisions, land must be dedicated for public recreation use or open space as established by the city council. The dedicated land must be in addition to property dedicated for streets, alleys, easements, water detention or other public ways unless otherwise provided herein. The amount of land dedicated will be based on the type of development according to the following:


Type Of Dwelling Unit Minimum Area
Dedicated Per Dwelling Unit
Single or two-family 929 square feet
Multiple-family 669 square feet

1. Land to be dedicated must be reasonably suitable for its intended use as determined by the city and must be at a location convenient to the public to be served. Factors used in evaluating the adequacy of proposed park and recreation areas must include size, shape, topography, geology, hydrology, tree cover, access and location.

2. When land is dedicated and deeded to the city for park purposes, it will be the responsibility of the city to maintain such dedicated property.

3. Land dedication to the city must be in the form of outlots.

4. The preliminary plat must show the location and dimensions of all areas to be dedicated in this manner.

5. When a proposed park, playground, recreational area, or other public ground has been indicated on the city's official map, within the comprehensive plan, growth area plan, or park master plan and is located in whole or in part within a proposed plat, it must be dedicated to the appropriate governmental unit, at the sole discretion of the city.

6. Land area conveyed or dedicated to the city will be used in calculating allowable density per the city zoning ordinance.

7. Wetlands, ponding areas and drainageways accepted by the city may not be considered in the park land and/or cash contribution to the city, where such areas have been determined to have a park function, as approved by the city council.

C. Payment In Lieu Of Dedication: When, in the opinion of the city and at its sole discretion, it is impractical, inappropriate, and/or in the best interest of the city for a subdivision to not make a dedication of land for public use or make only a partial dedication of land, the applicant will be required to pay a cash fee based on the type and number of dwelling units. The in lieu amount shall be based on the average fair market value of land at the time of plat without public improvement, as determined by the city assessor and as approved annually by the city council.

1. Park cash contributions are to be calculated and paid in full at the time of final plat approval.

2. Cash contributions for parks and trails will be deposited in either the city's park fund or similar fund and will only be used for acquisition and development of future parks and trails or development of existing sites as determined by the city. Additionally, to the extent possible, said funds should be utilized in a timely manner within a benefiting area to the development, or within a regional park facility.

D. Purchase And Assessment Of Park Land: The requirement for park land dedication or payment in lieu of dedication may be waived by the city when an agreement incorporated into a developer's agreement has been executed between the city and developer. Such agreement must require the developer to petition for park improvements to be assessed against the property owned by the developer, which may include property outside the current plat. The agreement must set forth the land to be purchased by the city for park purposes and the purchase price for the land. In addition, the agreement must set forth the general type of improvements to be included in the petition for park improvements, as well as the maximum amount of money that may be assessed. Such maximum amount may be based on a sliding scale based on the density of the development. The city may enter into such an agreement only if the city council determines that such an agreement results in a more favorable result to the city than the imposition of the standard park land dedication or payment in lieu of dedication requirements. (Ord. 2004-41, 1-3-2005)

11-5-8: SIDEWALKS:linklink


A. All new subdivisions within the city shall provide sidewalks on both sides of all arterial, collector, local and cul-de-sac street(s). A developer, in connection with the platting of a new subdivision or replatting a subdivision, shall submit a sidewalk plan for approval by the planning commission and city council, which plan shall be incorporated into a developer's agreement for that plat.

A sidewalk plan may be submitted by the developer which illustrates the placement of sidewalks on one side of a street or areas with no sidewalks. Factors that the planning commission and city council shall consider include, but are not limited to:

1. The expected population density of the area;

2. The location of pedestrian traffic generators within walking distance;

3. The relationship of the subdivision to adjacent existing and projected land uses;

4. Design of the subdivision for which sidewalks are required; and

5. Existing and/or planned sidewalk connections adjacent to the subdivision. (Ord. 2012-10, 5-29-2012)

B. All sidewalks proposed for a subdivision must conform to the standards outlined in section 11-6-3 of this title. (Ord. 2004-41, 1-3-2005; amd. Ord. 2012-10, 5-29-2012)
11-5-9: BIKE PATHS:linklink


A. Bike paths will be required for those subdivisions within the city where such need has been identified within the metropolitan bicycle and pedestrian plan or within an applicable growth area plan. (Ord. 2004-41, 1-3-2005)

Mounds View is fully developed, however, we have been activlty engaged in "Re-Development" since 2007. Those efforts are starting to come to fruition with completion of 60 until workforce housing in 2019 and ground breaking of 128 unit market rate apartment scheduled to open October 2020. City also acquired blighted property on south end of town and in process of receiving final proposals (senior or more workforce). Additionally, significant turnover in population from older/senior to families as well as infill and lot splits.

To that end, City rebuilt/upgraded Tennis Courts (2 venues) to include pickle ball, constructed a new splash pad with a recirculating system, replaced playground equipment at City Hall Park, and placed order for a Challenge Course to be located at City Hall Park along with Splash Pad.

Within the City's comprehensive plan, we plan for a network of parks, green spaces, and trails through both new and existing developments. While new development builds out as it developments, the City is continually budgeting for expansion of the existing system to increase connectivity and available green space for residents to enjoy.

We are currently working with the county to construct walking trails along highway 77. This will connect residents and Grandview Resort to one of our business districts. Encouraging walking to the grocery store, bank, etc. over driving.

The city has goals and policies in place to guide the planning and development of a robust park system.
- Provide a high-quality park and open space system that offers a balance of active and passive recreational opportunities.
1. Continue to maintain and renovate the Park System.
2. Build and maintain the Northwest Greenway.
3. Acquire the land needed for new parks and trails by requiring dedication in new developments and
by purchasing land for community-wide park needs.
4. Add and enhance cultural resources and historic interpretive opportunities.
5. Continue to include natural areas as a component of the Park System.
6. Consider acquiring areas of unique, high-quality open space or natural resources that are not
adequately protected by regulations.
7. Establish regulations and incentives that will require or encourage private preservation of open space
and natural resources.
8. Prohibit private parks from serving as a substitute for any segment of the public park system.
- Develop and maintain a trails and sidewalk system throughout the community to provide recreation
opportunities and encourage nonmotorized transportation.
1. Provide trails and sidewalk connections among municipal and regional parks, neighborhoods and
major activity centers.
2. Provide trails and sidewalk connections to state, regional, county and adjoining community trail
systems.
3. Identify physical barriers to non-motorized access and provide connections across these barriers at
key locations where feasible.
4. Consider providing trails and sidewalks on both sides of streets when roadway traffic speed, volumes
or other safety considerations warrant.
5. Establish a functional hierarchy of trails and sidewalks relating to maintenance, jurisdiction and
financing.
6. Remove snow from designated trails and sidewalks based on defined City Council approved criteria.
- Provide recreation programs and facilities that are well used, accessible and cost-effective.
1. Monitor recreation trends and use patterns, and respond with appropriate programs and facilities.
2. Continue to maintain and seek additional partnerships with school districts, athletic associations,
contractors and other providers of recreational opportunities.
3. Where there are opportunities for partnerships, act as a facilitator rather than the provider of new
recreational facilities and programs.
4. Assess user fees to offset operation and maintenance costs for public facilities when warranted.
5. Continue to update and provide accessible programs, facilities, parks and trails.

The city's code (Chapter 1103.07) requires dedication of open spaces, and or park or drainage as part of development of areas in access of one acre. In lieu of a park, a cash deposit can be required for park purposes in the city.

Rush City's subdivision code (Chapter 11-Sec 1.1.04, Subdivision 21)requires dedication of land or cash in-lieu-of for parks. The amount of land dedication or funds varies depending on the Zoning classification. Rush City plans to include the installation of new sidewalks in any new subdivision. Rush City's Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 10-Parks, Trails & Recreation also details planned park improvements and trail upgrades. The City has a Park Board which meets regularly and recommends new park improvements for council consideration.

The City has completed its 2040 Comprehensive plan. The 2040 Comprehensive plan is a master plan that identifies several key strategies that result in the City preserving parks, green spaces, water features, and trails. The City code then preserves these requirements to ensure that these areas will be set aside during new development. The following are key areas of the code that that should be considered as a part of this BMP:
- Chapter 151, Section 151.13, Park Dedication
- Chapter 152, Sections 152.320-152.322, Preservation Open Space District
- Chapter 152, Sections 152.400-152.408, Environmental Overlay Districts

Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan developed in 2018.

The City of Shakopee adopted a Parks, Trails, and Recreation Master Plan in 2019 and includes language in the city’s subdivision chapter code, as a prerequisite for subdivision approval, standards for land dedication for parks, playgrounds, and open space purposes (or cash contribution in lieu of such dedications) directly related to density and intensity of each subdivision and development. The City's Park Dedication Policy requires dedications for any commercial development per acre and for residential developments, dedications are determined by the number of units.

Section 42-90 of the South St. Paul City Code states the following:

Sec. 42-90. - Dedication.

Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 462.358, Subd. 2b(b), the city council shall require as a condition of approval of any plan, replat, or subdivision, one of the following:

(1)That a reasonable portion of the buildable land be dedicated to the public to be preserved for public uses such as, but not limited to a park, playground, trail, or open space;

(2)That an equivalent cash contribution be made to the special park fund; or

(3)That a partial dedication of land and cash be made pursuant to section 42-93, as determined by the city council.

This article applies to plats, replats or subdivisions that create at least one new platted lot, provide for at least one additional dwelling unit, or provide for at least one additional commercial, mixed-use, nonresidential, or industrial unit.

The City has plans a budgets for new parks and trails and connections to existing trails when new developments are created. The City Code requires the dedication of a portion of land for parks/open spaces or cash in lieu of the land when new developments are built.

The Comprehensive Plan provides a Greenway Map in the Parks, Trails and Open Spaces section that “reflect preferred opportunities for protecting and preserving continuous open space throughout the City.” Funding possibilities are listed in the Comprehensive Plan, but parks are generally financed through new development dedications (Section 21-116, Dedications Required, in the municipal code).

The City's Subdivision Chapter of the City Code requires dedication of land (or cash-in-lieu of) for parks, storm water management in connection with new subdivisions. Trails that are identified in the City's trail and sidewalk plan must also be dedicated in connection with new subdivisions.

The City of Bemidji requires parkland dedication fees for new subdivisions, as noted in Chapter 22 (Subdivisions), Article III of the City Code, “Dedication of Parks, Open Spaces, Trails, and Public Sites” (see attached PDF). This aligns with what has been laid out in the Master Park Plan that was adopted by the City Council in 2011, which works to identify areas where parks would be needed. Two maps from the Park Plan can be found through the attached hyperlink, and the full text of the Park Plan is available for viewing in hardcopy at City Hall in Bemidji.

Big Lake has park dedication requirements and requires a “cash-in-lieu” payment if land is not being dedicated. The existing rates are spelled out in the fee schedule (attached). The enabling ordinance is the subdivision ordinance. It was amended last year to require park dedication for commercial and industrial development as well.

In accordance with Section 8 of the City's subdivision ordinance, park dedication of suitable land is a prerequisite to any subdivision approval, cash contributions to the City's park dedication fund can be accepted in lieu of land donations.

We drafted and implemented a Parks Master Plan in 2018. Throughout the plan we both have updated programming in existing parks as well as planned parks in our orderly annexation area. We have executed design and development of one of the parks in the plan and are working towards another downtown park that will be a community gathering space.

Eagan is almost entirely developed, and has 54 parks, over 1,200 waterbodies and wetlands, and an extensive trail system.The City's comprehensive guide plan calls for requirements pertianing to distance of all homes to parkland. While most development in Eagan is redevelopment, the City recently approved a new residential development, which included 10+ miles of new trails, purposeful green space additions, and ponding.

The City has an approved Parks and Trail Plan requiring either a dedication of land (this is the choice when it complies with plan) and/or a Park Dedication Fee...connections to the existing bike/hike trail whether or not they are part of the submittal by a developer are part of the evaluation of the application.

As part of Faribault's Journey to 2040, the City adopted the Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan in 2019. This Plan aims to preserve Faribault's natural assets and provide a framework for expanding on the City's parks and open space and includes an inventory of current parks, trails, and open space as well as intended future park development and trail connection.

The Parks and Recreation Department has a an Existing and Proposed Parks, Trails, and Open Space Map that shows potential sites for parks as shown in the attached web link. The proposed parks have been budgeted.

The Parks and Recreation Department is continually looking for ways to develop and improve our city parks and green spaces. In 2015 we completed a vital path between Broadway & Fir Ave. for bikes and walkers that was identified in the 1980’s.

This is part of the City's park dedication policy.

New housing projects contain plans for green space.

The Master Trail Plan is an ongoing plan that aims to develop trails throughout Lewiston. This year, my goal, as a councilmember, is to ensure that there are city funds appropriated in the budget FY 2019. This would allow us to leverage additional funds from state and federal grants and begin the implementation of the Master Trail Plan.

Section 11.02, subdivision 10 (attached) of the City's subdivision regulations requires dedication of a portion of space for public use as a condition of subdivision approval.

The City adopted, maintains, and follows a Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan which directs development of these vital areas within the community, for all planned and existing areas.

§ 153.096 PUBLIC SITES AND OPEN SPACE DEDICATION.

(2) In all new residential subdivisions, including planned unit development and mobile home parks, a minimum of five percent (5%) of the gross area subdivided shall be dedicated for public recreation space or other public use. The dedicated percent of the gross area subdivided shall be in addition to property dedicated for streets, alleys, easement, or other public ways. No areas may be dedicated for public use until such areas have been approved by the governing body as suitable and necessary for the public health, safety, convenience, and general welfare. When the subdivision is too small for practical dedication of public land or if no land in the subdivision is suitable or required for such use, the subdivider may be required to pay a fee as specified in a published fee schedule established by resolution of the governing body. Such money as may be collected shall be used for park land acquisition and park development.

Plans for additional bike lanes, paths, and off-street trails are highlighted in the transportation section of the 2030 Comp Plan (p 251). Improvements along Xylon Avenue North from 2015 follow the Complete Streets model. The landscaping and lighting plan includes pedestrian-scaled elements and is complimentary to planned streetscape design improvements along Xylon Avenue North.

Section 13-7 (i) of the City Code requires the dedication of parkland or fees to fund them as a result of higher demand associated with new development. The dedication of parklands or payment of cash in lieu thereof is required for platting, re-platting, subdivision, or lot division allowing the development of land for residential, commercial, industrial, or other uses or combination thereof.

The City's Subdivision Chapter of the City Code requires dedication of open spaces, parks, and drainage easements or cash with each new subdivision

In 2024 Robbinsdale began a Parks Master Planning process with a consultant. By December of 2024, the City will have a Parks Master Plan that establishes a 10-year vision for the Robbinsdale parks system that includes an assessment of current assets, identifies funding mechanisms, and outlines implementation guidelines.

Required dedication of parkland and trails with all new developments. If area is already adjacent to existing park area, then a standard fee that would have normally taken place will be assessed.

The City's plan and budget for a network of parks, green spaces, water features and trails can be found in the Rosemount Parks, Trails and Open Space System Plan. This plan was adopted into the 2030 Comprehensive Plan.

The City of Royalton has completed a Skateboard Park and is working on a walking path along the Platte River. The city is also in the process of establishing a Splash Park in the city. The city has park dedication land that was used for the Skateboard Park and also the Splash Park. Any new development must include park dedication land or money.

St. Cloud has planned for and budget for a network of parks, trails and open space in new residential developments through implementation of park land dedication requirements. The requirements are subject to residential zoning and are functional based on zoning type (R1, R2, Multi-family and PUD. The requirement for land dedication and/or cash in lieu of land dedication are options to fulfill dedication requirements.

The subdivision chapter of the City's ordinance requires dedication of land for open space or parks as described below in Section 62-131:

Sec. 62-131. - Conveyance of land for public use.

Pursuant to M.S.A. § 462.358, subd. 2b, the city council shall require all owners or developers as a prerequisite to approval of a plat, subdivision or development of any land to convey to the city or dedicate to the public use, for park or playground purposes, a reasonable portion of the area being platted, subdivided or developed as specified in this article, such portions to be approved and acceptable to the city, or in lieu thereof the owners or developers shall at the option of the city pay to the city, for use in the acquisition of public parks and playgrounds, development of existing public park and playground sites, and debt retirement in connection with land previously required for public parks and playgrounds, an equivalent amount in cash based upon the undeveloped land value of that portion of such land that would have otherwise been required to be dedicated. The form of contribution (cash or land, or any combination thereof) shall be decided by the city council based upon need and conformance with approved city plans.

The Community Spirit Park is located 2121 Broadway Avenue (North of High School). It is located in the newly constructed Transverse Green Subdivision off of Traverse Road. The playground is equipped with Expression swings and will be completed with a seating area soon. Some of the features are Baseball Field Regulation w/o Lights, Drinking Fountain(s), Parking Lot, Soccer Field, Softball Field Regulation w/o Lights, Tennis Courts Regulation w/ Lights, Walking Trails