Consider Permanent Protection for Park Purposes: Case of Rivers' Bend Park

In the mid-1980's, the Rivers' Bend subdivision was developed, which included two parcels that make up an area known as Rivers' Bend Park. This approximate 60-acre park was not dedicated to the public as a park as part of platting, but rather conveyed by Deed to the City for the purposes of satisfying Park Dedication needs. Following proposal(s) to sell land along Xkimo Street to a developer in recent years, residents have asked for the City to place an encumbrance on the parcels that would further protect the area as a park into the future (i.e. not be able to be converted to a developable area by a future City Council).

Staff and the City Attorney are researching the Deeds to ascertain what, if any restrictions are recorded with the two parcels, and this information will be brought forward to the meeting.

At the same time as residents have asked for all of Rivers' Bend Park to remain park, there is reoccurring requests for formalizing the west facing slope along Xkimo Street as a sliding hill.  Staff will discuss pros and cons associated with this subject together with the matter of whether or not this same area of land should be included in the park protection measures.

The Owners and Encumbrances Report, as well as staff time is provided for within the 2014 General Fund budget.

Riverblood: Background and report on the title status of the park (5 minutes).
Langel:        Describe legal measures and options to afford perpetual protection as park (5 minutes).
Gladhill:       Describe Zoning, developable land along Xkimo Street, bluff and other setbacks associated with the Rum River      
                    (5 minutes).
 

Determine the best way to protect Rivers' Bend Park for its intended purpose - as well as if any land along Xkimo Street should be considered for sale, and if so, should the proceeds be directed to the City's park system.