Initiate Public Engagement Planning for the Municipal Plaza within The COR
 

The purpose of this case is to begin the public engagement process for the park space adjacent to Sunwood Drive across from the Municipal Center.  This approximate 2-acre park (precise dimensions yet to be determined on two sides), is referred to as the Municipal Plaza within The COR development plan, (attached) to put this space and this discussion into context.

The planning for Municipal Plaza is an extension of the planning for the 'lake feature' also at The COR, and is further timely as the design for Center Street is underway at this time as well - and this north/south roadway with sidewalk will be the eastern border of the Municipal Plaza. 

The public input process is intended to be the first step in defining how the park will serve the 'center' of The COR, the surrounding land uses, and the community as a whole.  Staff will establish a project page on the city's web site which will be clearinghouse for ideas for the park, track and receive comments, and provide background on the progress.  The Park and Recreation Commission's monthly meetings will also be a regular opportunity for residents to interact with the Commission as all the ideas for Municipal Plaza coalesce in to a concept plan.


 

As indicated, the planning for 'Municipal Plaza' will be done concurrent with many other planning endeavors in and around The COR, most notably the 'lake feature' and Center Street.  Of further note, each dimension of planning for these public amenities and infrastructure inform each other.  For instance, a splash pad at the lake feature would negate the need for one at the Municipal Plaza, and vice versa, so which location should host this amenity - or is a splash pad not required within The COR?  Similarly, if there were public seating in Municipal Plaza adjacent to Center Street, then perhaps benches along Center Street may not need to be along this street as they are along Sunwood Drive - or do they?  These are examples of staff's recommendation that we begin the public engagement process with no preconceived notions for what these parks may look like, or how they may function as - and rather, collect ideas and comments and let these concepts inform the planning discussions.

At the same time the city remains open to all ideas and concepts, there still are some apparent distinctions, or utility emerging from the different park spaces.  These may be generally categorized as follows:

The Draw
A 7-acre park, ringed with walking paths, with athletic field(s), and amphitheater for events and concerts.

North Commons
A 6+ acre neighborhood park, with playground, wetland open-space and community gardens.

'Lake Ramsey'
A larger park space, passive and including storm water uses, potential for various water related recreation.  Likely has relationship and shared uses with 'restaurant row'.

'Municipal Plaza'
A focal point and centralizing feature of all the amenities with The COR.  A park space that relates with all the public systems in place and planned for - as well as future adjoining private development.  May also be a location for special events, such as community celebrations, Farmer's Markets (?), 'downtown' events and staging areas for larger happenings like parades.

As part of the planning, and establishment of relationships of the public spaces referenced herein, it is recommended that the pedestrian, and  'green' or visual connection be explored and understood between the lake feature and 'Municipal Plaza'.

It is desired that members of the public may wish to address the Commission on this park planning project.  Additionally, any discussion, as well as this case will be added to Ramsey's project web page to begin to populate the ideas, concepts and dialog on Municipal Plaza.  More information will be presented at the meeting.







 

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No action required at this time/acknowledge public engagement process for Municipal Plaza.