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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 03Memorandum To: Mayor, City Council and City Administrator From: Brett Altergott, Parks & Recreation Director Date: June 21, 2013 Subject: Lake Marion —South Creek Regional Greenway City of Lakeville Parks & Recreation Dakota County is currently working with landscape architectural firm Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. on the Lake Marion —South Creek Greenway Master Plan. The greenway alignment goes through Farmington, Lakeville, Burnsville, Scott County/Three Rivers Park District (Murphy - Hanrehan Park) and finally Savage. A presentation was made to the Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Committee meeting by Dakota County on January 2, 2013 regarding the draft potential alignments of the greenway. A technical advisory group consisting of representatives from the cites /counties as noted above met numerous times regarding the planning process. Two public open houses were also held during the planning process. A revised draft was presented to the Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Committee at their June 5, 2013 meeting (EXHIBIT A). The committee passed a motion recommending support for the Lake Marion —South Creek Greenway Master Plan. The minutes are attached, which include comments from committee members as well as citizens present (EXHIBIT B). With the support of the individual cities /counties, the final Lake Marion —South Creek Greenway Master Plan will be adopted by the Dakota County Board in July, and in late summer will be submitted to the Met Council. Recommendation The Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Committee and City staff are recommending the City Council approve a resolution of support for the Lake Marion —South Creek Regional Greenway (EXHIBIT C). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. EXHIBIT A MASTER PLAN PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT - 21 MAY 2013 Dakota County Board of Commissioners District 1 - Joseph A. Harris (2012), Mike Slavik (2013) District 2 - Kathleen A. Gaylord District 3 - Thomas A. Egan District 4 - Nancy Schouweiler District 5 - Liz Workman District 6 - Paul J. Krause District 7 - Willis E. Branning (2012), Chris Gerlach (2013) Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Master Plan Project Manager John Mertens, Senior Planner, Dakota County Office of Planning & Analysis Master Plan Consultants ®® Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. Bolton & Menk The 106 Group Funded in part by BiueCross Bh eShi4tcd of Minnesota Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Technical Advisory Committee Kurt Chatfield, Dakota County Steve Sullivan, Dakota County Dan Patterson, Dakota County Chris Hartzell, Dakota County Chad Roberts, Dakota County Historical Society Andy Hingeveld, Scott County Ann Rexine, Three Rivers Park District Daryl Morey, City of Lakeville Brett Altergott, City of Lakeville Frank Dempsey, City of Lakeville McKenzie Cafferty, City of Lakeville John Hennen, City of Lakeville Deb Gaross, City of Burnsville Terry Schultz, City of Burnsville Travis Thiel, Vermillion River Watershed JPO Randy Distad, City of Farmington Tony Wippler, City of Farmington DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 1 Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION Overview Planning Context & Master Plan Process Recreation Needs Chapter 2: EXISTING CONDITIONS Overview Existing Cultural Resources Existing Natural Resources Chapter 3: 41E PLAN Development Plan Key Initiatives Interpretive Plan Stewardship Plan Chapter 4: IMPLEMENTATION & MANAGEMENT Appendix A: Public Input Open House #1 Summary Open House #2 Summary Appendix B: Alternatives Studied jj Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 1 11 19 55 FIGURES Figure 9. Core and primary service areas 9 Figure 15. Known Cultural Resources 15 Figure 17. Existing Natural Resources (MLCCS & MCBS) 17 Figure 20. Typical Trail Corridor Section 20 Figure 21. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Concept Plan 21 Figure 25. Grade Separated Crossings Map 25 Figure 26. Typical At- grade, Mid -block Road Crossing with Median Refuge 26 Figure 27. Greenway Lighting Plan 27 Figure 28. Wayfinding Examples 28 Figure 29. Greenway Trail Alignments and Segments 29 Figure 30. Canadian Pacific Railway Alignment Alternative 30 Figure 32. Segment 1 North Concept Plan 32 Figure 34. Segment 1 South Concept Plan 34 Figure 35. CSAH 42 to Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve Area Detail Diagram 35 Figure 36. Sunset Pond Area Detail Diagram 36 R &R Crossing at Howell Park Detail Diagram 36 Figure 38. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Segment 2 Concept Plan 38 Figure 39. Judicial Road Conceptual Section 39 Figure 41. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Segment 3 Concept Plan 41 Figure 42. Downtown Lakeville Detail Diagram 42 Figure 44. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Segment 4 Concept Plan 44 Figure 44a. South Creek Typical Section 44 Figure 45. South Creek - Concept Plan for Greenway /Stream Restoration 45 Figure 45 a. South Creek - Overall Concept Plan 45 Figure 52. Habitat Investment Areas 52 Figure 59. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway North Priority Projects 59 Figure 61. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Property Ownership 61 TABLES Table 8. Population forecasts 8 Table 22. Parallel to Road, Off -Road Trail Alignment 22 Table 24. Grade Separated Crossings 24 Table 50. Habitat Investment Strategies 50 Table 58. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Priority Projects 58 Table 58 continued. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Priority Project 59 Table 60. Land Protection and Stewardship Tools 60 Table 61. Protection and Steward Partnership Lands (for 30 foot wide trail corridor) 61 Table 63. Pavement Management Activities 63 Table 66. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Overview of Probable Costs 66 Table 67. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Capital Development Estimates 67 Table 74. Operations and Maintenance Cost Estimates 74 Table 75. Natural Resources - Partner Opportunities 75 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 111 Lake Marion iy Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 OVERVIEW The Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway travels 20 miles through Burnsville, Savage, Credit River Township, Lakeville, and Farmington. Today, the corridor land use context is a mix of agriculture, developed residential, commercial, office, and industrial areas. Four miles of the greenway will follow the South Creek in Farmington, which is a designated trout stream. The Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway will link the Minnesota River and the Minnesota River Greenway to Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve, Ritter Farm Park, Lake Marion, downtown Lakeville, the South Creek, and downtown Farmington where it will connect with the North Creek Greenway. Like all Dakota County Greenways, the Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway is envisioned to provide multiple benefits to water quality, habitat, recreation, and nonmotorized transportation. The master plan: ■ Expresses an integrated vision for recreation, nontnotorized transportation, habitat and water quality. ■ Determines preferred regional trail alignment and design. ■ Provides strategies for interpretation, resource stewardship, development, land acquisition and operations. ■ Estimates project costs. ■ Satisfies requirements for Metropolitan Council regional destination trail and greenway planning DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 The Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway is shown in red on the map above. 1 Dakota County Parks, Lakes, Trails and Greenways Vision, 2030 i NEwf �w,rr 04iemar. ... 9a“ i... .wr.i11.,,,eii... pus I. _, �_l ,.... ... c. ..I..�.a r - � .isaul1 ...,l mar, :.,eS, x n" Tir# 44.4411, 94 &oft...mins wol mnralr. —. — mob.. naew ti...i. r9■ . ai �wnml"9'>I�•y — 'Ire —p.m, wokn...M.i ' Fns+rl M .w 1 n. V§_'PwY e w wik-}m " M fainrr�f mum!, ,L SIR i711Ki iIL4rd WWIire uic*t 1FflAY fn.I,• w.we+. -.1 -1 IP gr .. — ca.... i ►ree.F� R W.rw 1*. Trt ;Aoki- Gr een y uideboo- I�S 444: L It To Dakota County Greenway Vision With the 2008 Park System Plan and 2010 Greenway Guidebook, Dakota County has established a progressive vision for an interconnected system of open space corridors — greenways. We need only look as far as Minneapolis' Grand Rounds to realize the powerful legacy of community benefits that greenways can bestow. Dakota County Park System Plan The 2008 Dakota County Park System Plan established the foundation for a county wide greenway network by envisioning regional greenways that connect parks, schools, local trails and libraries through the nonrural portions of the county. Dakota County's greenway vision suggests 200 miles of regional greenways, 2/3 of which are on land currently in public or semipublic ownership. A priority is to implement more than 50 miles of greenways by 2020. Dakota County Greenway Collaborative: the Greenway Guidebook In 2010, Dakota County adopted the Dakota County Greenway Guidebook as a framework for greenway development. The guidebook establishes a framework for a collaborative approach to governance, stewardship, design and operation of greenways. 2 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 BUFFER AREA , ECET,tiRE E I ERprif.:51rprouvi r . TER 2. NE H T WATFA OPFERs 5,0y4 'LIONS dB CIFFER DES „RR D"Verdi; As V/ LENGTH S PAAp iCtfafilo Morror:1i4"!t'C+OViS 1 CL,S4puy PLANNING CONTEXT The Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway travels through the cities of Burnsville, Savage, Lakeville, and Farmington, and Credit River Township. Several planning efforts affect the greenway's future development: ■ Metropolitan Council 2030 Regional Parks Policy Plan, December 2010 ■ Dakota County Park System Plan, 2008 ■ Dakota County Greenway Guidebook, 2010 ■ Dakota County 2030 Transportation Plan ■ City of Burnsville 2030 Comprehensive Plan ■ City of Farmington 2030 Comprehensive Plan ■ City of Lakeville 2030 Comprehensive Plan ■ Scott County 2030 Comprehensive Plan ■ Murphy- Hanrehan Park Reserve Master Plan, Three Rivers Park District ■ Dakota County Riparian and Lakeshore Protection, Restoration and Enhancement Project ■ Vermillion River Management Plan DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 3 GREENWAY MASTER PLANNING The year long planning process was a collaborative effort of multiple agencies and jurisdictions. Dakota County led the process with advice from a technical advisory group formed to guide the master plan. Stakeholder Input A Technical Advisory Group met during each phase of master planning to provide guidance, provide insight into technical questions, explore options, identify partnership opportunities and discuss concurrent projects. In addition to providing specific guidance, the TAG institutionalized a collaborative planning process and established relationships across agencies with a stake in implementing the master plan. TAG meetings were held on September 11, 2012, November 14, 2012, and February 27, 2013 and April 9, 2013 January 2013 Open House Approximately 40 people attended the first open house was held on January 24, 2013, at the Lakeville Water Treatment Facility. Most attendees were residents of Lakeville or Burnsville, who had received direct mailings about the open house. Overall, attendees were in favor of the greenway but wanted to know more about the specific alignments and timing for construction of the greenway trail. Many attendees liked the idea of a greenway trail along the C.P. Rail corridor and expressed interested in helping that come to reality. A few attendees raised concerns about property values and conflicts with adjacent land uses. ■ Specific comments included: ■ General comments: there will be long -term benefits of the greenway; there is a desire for tourism in the area. ■ Transportation related comments: a strong desire to transform the C.P. Rail corridor into a trail; preserving soft surface trails in Ritter Farm Park; the importance of and desire for connections between Downtown Farmington and Downtown Lakeville; the desire for grade- separated crossings of busy roads; the desire for pedestrian loop trails. ■ Natural resources comments: there is a desire to keep the greenway natural- looking when it is implemented and to improve water quality in the corridor. ► Greenway amenities comments: More trees are needed along existing paths; rustic signs would be cool; keep lighting to a minimum. 4 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Technical Advisory Group A technical advisory group met regularly, including representatives from: ■ City of Burnsville ■ Scott County ■ City of Lakeville ■ City of Farmington ■ Three Rivers Park District ■ Dakota County Parks Department ■ Dakota County Office of Planning ► Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization Stakeholder Meetings Meetings were held with key stakeholders during the process to discuss specific issues. Summaries of the meetings can be found in the appendix. Groups included: ■ City of Lakeville Staff, 12/4/12 ■ City of Lakeville Park and Recreation Commission, 1/2/13 ■ Three Rivers Park District, 12/17/12 ■ MOM Brands, 1/9/13 ■ Lakeville School District, 1/16/13 ■ Canadian Pacific Railroad — Phone calls ■ South Creek Landowners Spring 2013 Open House PLACEHOLDER Project Website A project website established for the North Creek and Minnesota River Greenways in 2010, was continued as a resource for the Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway. The website address is www.hkgi.com /projects /dakota. Materials from the open houses were posted online feedback and an on -line questionnaire was available for online comments and suggestions. Public Review PLACEHOLDER DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 5 RECREATION NEEDS The Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway will enhance access to natural areas, trails, and cultural resources. These activities are important for quality of life and are high demand recreational activities. Respondents to Dakota County's 2006 park survey cited these among the top activities residents would like to see in the County's park system. Current recreation and demographic trends suggest these needs will continue well into the future. The need for a continuous trail in the Lake Marion -South Creek location has been referenced in other planning documents. The Metropolitan Council's 2030 Parks Policy Plan references the Dakota East -West Regional Trail Search Corridor, which would be a new regional trail connecting Murphy- Hanrehan Park Reserve, Empire Wetlands Regional Park (now known as Whitetail Woods), and the Mississippi River Regional Trail. In Dakota County's Park System Plan, the "Lake Marion Greenway Regional Trail" is identified as a first level priority (out of three levels) within the County system. Visitors A broadly generalized profile of greenway visitors was created based on input from existing visitors to Dakota County parks and trails, from stakeholders in the master planning process and from demographics of the population within 30 miles of Dakota County (see sidebar on page 7). The following observations can be made about potential visitors based on comparative census data from 1990, 2000, and 2010. ■ The people served by Dakota County parks and trails are becoming increasingly diverse. As recreation, interpretation and education are developed, outreach should be considered. ■ There are more than half a million children enrolled in schools in the area served by Dakota County parks; more than one quarter of the population is younger than 17. School children and families are a large group of potential greenway users. ■ In the 2010 U.S. Census, 10 percent of the population in Dakota County is over the age of 65, and this age group is projected to increase dramatically in number and proportion in the next 20 years. The influx of baby boomers into this age category will influence interpretive and education program development. ■ Based on the 2008 -2010 American Community Survey, the average per capita income for the U.S. was $26,942. The average per capita income for Dakota County was more than 24 percent higher, at $33,508. Higher incomes have historically been associated with greater participation in recreation activities. 6 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Trends Popularity of trail -based activities, active living, interest in nature, transportation and connectivity, aging actively, interest in history and culture and population growth are all current trends that indicate that interest in and visits to Dakota County Greenways are likely to increase. Trail Use Trails are the number one desired recreation facility in poll after poll. Trails can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, they are inexpensive for users, and they often are close to home. The Minnesota Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) notes that the interest and demand for more trails are being felt at all levels of government. According to the 2008 Metropolitan Council Regional Parks and Trails Survey, at least two thirds of people using recreational facilities in the metro area were using trails. Among these trail users, biking and walking are the most common recreation form, while running, inline skating, and dog - walking were also popular. Active Living In 2009, 64.3 percent of adults in Dakota County were either overweight or obese. If the current trend continues, the percentage is expected to be 76 percent by 2020. Nationally, the obesity rate in children has tripled over the past 30 years. Today about 20 percent of school -age children are overweight or obese (Source: Dakota County Public Health Department). Regular moderate physical activity can help prevent a host of disorders, including heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. More physical activity at a population level can reduce health care costs and other costs to society. Walking and biking are two of the simplest and most popular ways to integrate regular physical activity into daily routines, referred to as active living. Places that have physical infrastructure such as trails and programs to promote walking and biking tend to have more physical active and healthier populations. Interest in Nature and Sustainability Increased sensitivity to ecological issues and the benefits of healthy ecosystems has led to people seeking more natural experiences. There also is increased interest in and opportunities for environmental stewardship such as stream and riparian restoration and the removal of invasive species. People also desire educational and interpretive programs and seek a balance of environment and recreation. During the master planning process, stakeholders identified the following groups as current visitors to Dakota County Parks: ■ Wildlife/bird watchers ■ School groups ■ Senior citizens ■ Non - motorized commuters ■ Hikers, walkers, runners, cyclists ■ Regional users ► Anglers ■ Park users (Athletics and community events /activities) ■ Residents ■ Families ■ Disabled users ■ Bicycle racers ■ Boaters Stakeholders also identified groups of visitors they would like to see as greenway users in the future: ■ Groups needing increased activity • Corporate users ■ Foragers (fruit, flowers) ► Commercial and business connections ■ Art community DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 7 Core Service Area (areas within 3/4 mile of greenway) Lakeville 55,954 88,800 59% Farmington 21,086 32,700 55% Savage 26,911 39,200 46% Burnsville 60,306 65,000 8% Credit River Township 5,096 5,200 2% Core Total 169,353 230,900 36% Primary Service Area (areas within 3 miles of greenway) Apple Valley I 49,084 I 71,000 I 45% Total (Core + Primary) 218,437 301,900 38% Dakota County I 398,552 I 525,725 I 32% Transportation and Connectivity Health benefits, concerns about climate change and rising energy costs have increased demand for trails and bikeways as preferable transportation options. Regional trails with grade- separated crossings offer cyclists the advantages that motorists enjoy on freeways. Connectivity to local trails is essential. The more connected the trail system, the more use it will see. Connecting trails reduce the need for vehicle parking at trailheads. In 2008, half of all regional trail users arrived by bicycle or on foot (Metropolitan Council Regional Parks and Trails Survey 2008). Engaged aging Trail users tend to be older than park users. In 2008, 54 percent of Big Rivers Regional Trail users polled were between the ages of 45 and 64. Trail use likely will remain high as the baby boom generation ages and remains physically active — or gets more physical activity with increased leisure time — by walking, hiking or biking on trails. 8 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Table 8. Population forecasts for communities adjacent to the Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway. Source: Metropolitan Council Community Profiles, http: / /stats.metc.state.mn.us /profile MUNICIPALITY 2010 POPULATION 2030 FORECAST CHANGE Interest in history and culture As society has become more mobile, interest in local culture and history has increased. The ability to integrate cultural, historic and environmental interpretation into the greenway will add richness to the greenway experience. Population Metropolitan Council studies indicate that half of regional trail users live within 3/4 mile of a trail and 3/4 live within 3 miles of the trail. The 3/4 mile area around the trail is considered the core service area and the 3 -mile area the primary service area. Communities that fall within the Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway's core and primary service areas are all expected to see growth within the next 20 years, including significant growth in Lakeville and Farmington. Use forecasts Estimates for the Lake Marion- South Creek Greenway usership were calculated by referencing data from the Rush Creek Regional Trail located in Brooklyn Park and Maple Grove. Based on Metropolitan Council 2001 visit estimates for the Rush Creek Regional Trail (345,000 visits over 5 miles of trail) and adjusting for lower population in the cities included in the Lake Marion -South Creek core service area, the Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway, if opened today, could expect approximately 429,000 annual visits.* The 2030 population of the communities touching the greenway's 3 -mile service area is expected to increase by 38 percent. Assuming use rates are stable — a very conservative assumption — in 2030, annual visitation can be expected to be at least 592,000. The estimate does not take into account increased use based on population increases in communities outside the primary service area, current recreation trends and increased use spurred by better connectivity to other regional and local trails. *Use forecast methodology: The 5 -mile Rush Creek Regional Trail had 345,000 visits in 2011 or 69,000 per mile. The total population in Rush Creek's core service area is 138, 674 total / 27, 734 per mile. The total population in the 20 mile Lake Marion /South Creek Service area is 169,353 total or 8,467 per mile. The population per mile for the Lake Marion /South Creek Greenway is 31% of the Rush Creek Population per mile (8, 467/27234 *100). The number per mile used for estimates is 21,451 per mile (Rush Creek's 69,000 per mile adjusted to reflect 70% lower populations in the communities immediately adjacent to the Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway). Figure 9. Core and primary service areas 1- . ra.rr.a3CVlri , ri+Ki�rr�rrrn Mammy Sigh weln h •atart ...rrr*. i? aft sl LM. Gi:xryrw 3 +,Fr h.r111 m tI, k u®rnaen Gpen WI DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 9 This page intentionally left blank. 10 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 OVERVIEW The Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway travels approximately 20 miles from the Minnesota River to downtown Farmington through residential and commercial areas in the communities of Burnsville, Savage, Lakeville, Credit River Township, and Farmington. The greenway links destinations including: the Minnesota River, parks in Burnsville, Savage, Lakeville, Farmington, commercial and retail hubs in Lakeville and Farmington, and several schools. The greenway area contains a rich cultural history with stories of natural recreation destinations, amusement parks, lake resorts, and the Dan Patch Railroad. Cultural sites that can be highlighted along the greenway include regional parks, residential communities, commercial hubs, the trout in the South Creek, parks, and schools. The Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway links several natural areas of significance: the Minnesota River, Murphy- Hanrehan Park Reserve, Ritter Farm Park, Lake Marion, and the South Creek. Between these anchors is a mosaic of natural areas, farmland, suburban development, patches of woodlands, ponds, lakes, and creeks. In the future, agricultural land along the South Creek will develop, heightening the importance of the greenway's connective green infrastructure. Greenway Character & Land Use Today, the surrounding landscape is mostly residential development. In the future, the land will likely maintain its suburban character. The greenway can be broken into four segments, a brief description of each segment follows. DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 This chapter presents: ■ Existing Greenway corridor character and land use ■ Relationship to the larger transportation system ■ Existing cultural resources ■ Existing natural resources 11 Segment 1: Minnesota River Greenway to Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve (5 miles) The northern terminus of the greenway is the Minnesota River where the Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway will connect to the Minnesota River Greenway. From the river, the greenway winds through residential neighborhoods, parks, and commercial development before arriving at Murphy- Hanrehan Park Reserve. Rudy Kramer Nature Preserve Sunset Pond Segment 2: Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve to Lake Marion (6.5 miles) After making its way through Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve, the greenway continues to Ritter Farm Park and across Interstate 35 to Lake Marion and the existing Juno Trail along the western side of the lake. Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve Lake Marion 12 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Segment 3: Lake Marion to Downtown Lakeville (3.5 miles) The greenway will follow Juno Trail along the western side of Lake Marion, then it will follow Icalee Path to Lakeville Elementary School where it heads southeast along the north branch of the South Creek to Downtown Lakeville. Lake Marion trail Downtown Lakeville Segment 4: Downtown Lakeville to Downtown Farmington (5 miles) From downtown Lakeville, the greenway follows the South Creek through agricultural fields to downtown Farmington. South Creek trail in Farmington South Creek Transportation system The Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway will support non - motorized transportation by providing a regional corridor for bicycle and pedestrian transportation. The greenway will intersect with existing local trails in Burnsville, Savage, Lakeville, Farmington that connect residential areas, commercial destinations, schools, and employment destinations. Connections to other Dakota and Scott County regional greenways will connnet to Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington and beyond. DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 13 EXISTING CULTURAL RESOURCES Historic Overview Every place has a unique history with resources with which people have an emotional connection. Within the greenway corridor, there are parks, the Dan Patch Railroad (now C.P. Railroad), and many recreational resources, both historical and current, that have provided people with access to nature for generations. Though few of these resources are considered historic by state or federal definitions, or simply have yet to be evaluated, they are an important part of the landscape to the people along the greenway corridor. There are other cultural resources recognized by the State Historic Preservation Office within and around the Lake Marion Greenway. Of note, there are several structures of historic age within older portions of Lakeville and Burnsville. There are few known archaeological sites along greenway likely due to few archaeological studies being completed within and around the proposed greenway. The area's rich resources have attracted people for thousands of years: additional sites likely remain undiscovered in the corridor. The interpretation section of this plan identifies strategies to share the cultural resources of the area while protecting them. Antler's Park EXISTING NATURAL RESOURCES Swimming - Lake Marion The natural resources in the area surrounding the Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway consist of large complexes of high quality woodlands, prairies, and wetlands, mostly within regional and community parks. There are several large natural areas within or touching the greenway corridor, including Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve, Ritter Farm Park, and Lake Marion. The greenway links the Minnesota River to South Creek and the Vermillion River. VEGETATIVE COVER - MINNESOTA LAND COVER CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (MLCCS) According to Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' Land Cover Classification System, the majority of land cover along the Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway is developed land, non - native grasses, or forest cover. Murphy- Hanrehan Park Reserve is a diverse preserve of prairie, shrub land, woodland and wetlands. There are scattered lakes, wetlands, and forested areas along the corridor. 14 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 } Figure 15. Known Cultural Resources 1i 4 Legend Lake Marion Sdijih Creek Greenwwa f Dakota County Greenway s 1011 Preferred Trail (exr9lrng, funded) . . • .. - Preferred Stotrle /non-ems Dakota County Gratriviay Sysrern7 1xistiog Local Trails County Park Boundary Park s MINA Stream+ Open 'Miler Wetland • ArthaeofogFcal History Architectural History ✓ NR HP Listed Property O Eligible 41RHP Property El Slate trwentcrried Property 0 0,5 1 Miles DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 15 WATER RESOURCES Water resources within the greenway corridor consist of several lakes, scattered wetlands, rivers, and streams. Many of these water bodies are surrounded by forest cover or non - native grasses and some are directly adjacent to developed landscapes. However, some are contained within high quality preserves of natural landscapes. Throughout the residential and commercial developments, most of these ponds and wetlands take in street and parking lot runoff that contains significant nutrients and sediment. This runoff contributes to poor water quality and diminishing wildlife habitat. SOUTH CREEK South Creek is a significant habitat and water resource for the greenway. It is part of the larger Vermillion River Watershed, which covers over 300 square miles in Scott and Dakota Counties. The South Creek, as well as many of the Vermillion River's tributaries, are designated Minnesota DNR trout streams. Fish community monitoring has been completed for South Creek. Although naturally reproducing trout populations are present, South Creek is on the EPA's 303d Impaired Waters List. It currently is not meeting water quality standards for fecal coliform bacteria, fish community, and macroinvertebrate community. There is a clear need for stream restoration on South Creek to improve conditions and remove it from the Impaired Waters List. ECOLOGICAL QUALITY With the exception of areas along the Minnesota River, most of Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve, and a good portion of Ritter Farm Park, the majority of the land surrounding the greenway corridor has been altered or disturbed. The highest quality natural area along the corridor is in Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve and is identified by the MCBS as "outstanding biodiversity significance." Other high and moderately significant biodiversity areas existing within Ritter Farm Park and along the Minnesota River. Ecological Impacts A significant ecological impact to the landscape within the greenway corridor has been conversion of native forest and prairie landscapes, draining of natural wetland complexes for agricultural and urban land uses, and straightening or ditching of waterways. Interruption of disturbance regimes (fire), invasive species colonization, habitat fragmentation, and agricultural runoff have all contributed to a landscape that overall, has low ecological quality. 16 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Figure 17. Existing Natural Resources (MLCCS & MCBS) • y,. r .4r a -alei *Pali e t .I "1 1 , 1' 1 Legend 11;1 cruray Paris Bgtinaary Park Trau1 Slrearn High Quality Natural Resources Outstanding High !,Moderate MLCCS Generalized Land Cover A ricU11ii aI Land Non-native i raases Tee Pianlhtiart Fwe81 Shru bland Opera 411�1er tiEegeialed 113lid DVetlar+8 Open %oa Ef Open 1"falelo Wetland Dakota County Greenways Preferred Trail fexrslrng fuircr edt 11111!!1 Preferred Route irrlan- exlstrng Vakpta County Creenway System r DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 17 This page intentionally left blank. 18 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 OVERVIEW The Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway has the opportunity to be a regional destination trail linking the Minnesota River greenway to Murphy- Hanrehan Park Reserve, downtown Lakeville, South Creek, and downtown Farmington, where it will connect to the North Creek Greenway. The Greenway, like all of Dakota County's greenways, will integrate recreation, transportation, water quality and habitat. This chapter is the plan for the Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway — it describes what features will be included in the greenway and the projects needed to realize the greenway. The plan chapter is presented in four sections: ■ A. Development — Outlines the defining recreation and transportation features of the greenway. ■ B. Key initiatives — Describes specific development and natural resource projects for each greenway segment. ■ C. The interpretive plan — Identifies interpretive themes and subthemes for the greenway and provides a framework for cultural and environmental interpretive elements. ■ D. The stewardship plan — Addresses habitat stewardship and water resources. DESIGN FRAMEWORK The Greenway Guidebook provides the framework for this master plan: ■ Regional trail for recreation and transportation that follows water and natural features ■ Is a year -round facility ■ Provides frequent trailheads and access points ► Grade separated crossings of major roads ■ Has a consistent design with natural signature and high quality support facilities ■ Has lighting for evening use in appropriate locations ■ Links recreation destinations and activity centers ■ Acts as a spine for loop trails ► Maximizes borrowed views ■ Uses wayfinding as a system -wide unifying element ■ Universally accessible ■ Incorporates sustainability by using recycled materials, pervious pavement, energy efficient lighting and enabling Non - motorized transportation DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 19 A. D eveiosment TRAIL CORRIDOR Access to recreation is one of the four foundational elements of Dakota County greenways. The primary recreation feature of the greenway is a continuous regional destination trail for nature -based recreation and non - motorized transportation. While the greenway varies in width from 100 feet to more than 300 feet throughout the corridor, this chapter focuses on the design of the 30 -foot trail corridor to create a safe, amenity -rich trail for year -round use. TRAIL CORRIDOR FEATURES AND DESIGN This section addresses design features that are signatures of Dakota County's greenway system. Design touches many facets of the trail alignment, including: the relationship of the trail alignment to the larger greenway corridor; the ability to connect destinations; the presence and location of grade separated crossings, trailheads and support facilities; the style and location of furnishings and wayfinding; accessibility; and sustainability. Consistent, high - quality design will elevate the greenway experience above that of a utilitarian trail to a first - class regional destination. The regional trail within the greenway corridor will be a continuous multipurpose bituminous trail designed in accordance with applicable American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials guidelines, Minnesota DOT bicycle design guidelines and Dakota County trail standards. The trail will be 10 to 12 feet wide with a 3 -foot grass clear zone on each side. Anticipated uses include walking, jogging, inline skating and bicycling. The trail will be maintained for winter use and, where appropriate, lighted. 80/20 Trail Alignment The goal of the greenway trail alignment is to be at least 80% off -road with a maximum of 20% parallel to roads in all sections. In sections where a regional trail already exists parallel to roads, efforts will be made to ensure an enjoyable greenway experience through landscaping and amenities. Figure 20. Typical Trail Corridor Section 15' wayside rest (periodic) 20 Lake Marion - South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 3' mowed edge 10 -12' trail Habitat preservation 7 Figure 21. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Concept Plan imam .MMY JJlgnrettei rn S€att County id ha niefierptamned as a future Sae�tt Ctwnty 1hrre Obtrict Parinenhip [LIMR1EiiAii °y PARIKRESFCIYQ MINMSWIA 1Ct0 q4, 116MR1111 Mat iff614$A1 P ANNiC yikta Ltfli ut 1i»rf 5C TT CUM 9 Longterm alternative if rail torrtdor becomes available +3W • mcm masra'a• ILL 9 • 1 artir• 9,1 WWI lot DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 21 Segment 1 Parallel to Road 21.7% Off -Road 78.3% Segment 2 11.5% 88.5% Segment 3 37.5% 62.5% Segment 4 6.5% 93.5% Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway 18% 82% Table 22. Parallel to Road, Off -Road Trail Alignment Note: All undeveloped areas are assumed to be off -road for purposes of estimating. RECREATION DESTINATIONS, ACTIVITY CENTERS AND TRAIL CONNECTIONS Inherent to greenways are the trails linking recreation destinations and activity centers, the social gathering places along the trail. Opportunities to stop along the trail to fish, observe wildlife or eat lunch are some of the features that will make the Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway a regional destination drawing people from abroad area. The Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway will be a spine for loop trails, connect to regional and local trails and roads and will itself serve as an important trancnnrtatinn mute R erreatinn dectinatinnc activity renterc and rnnnertinnc are chnwn in Fiuiire 21 RECREATION DESTINATIONS Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway recreation destinations include Lake Marion trails, Casperson Park, Ritter Farm Park, Murphy - Hanrehan Regional Park Reserve, and Sue Fischer Memorial Park. ACTIVITY CENTERS Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway activity centers include Downtown Lakeville and commercial and employment areas in western Burnsville. 22 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 TRAILHEADS AND NEIGHBORHOOD GATEWAYS Frequent access is a priority for the Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway. Two generalized types of greenway and trail access points are recommended: trailheads are intended for regional and local access, neighborhood gateways primarily are for local access at opportune locations. Typically, access points will be at recreation destinations, activity centers, and trail intersections. Here trail users will find support facilities such as water and restrooms as well as greenway information. Trailheads are the primary greenway access points and will serve people who drive, walk, bike or take transit to the greenway. They will occur every 3 to 5 miles and share facilities such as parking and restrooms with other facilities. Neighborhood Gateways are more frequent, local access points. They will be at convenient intervals between primary trailheads (2 -3 miles or closer at logical locations). Wherever possible, facilities are shared with other uses and ideally are located where there is a complementary recreation destination or activity center. Trailheads will include: Neighborhood gateways will include the following elements: ■ Water ■ Motor vehicle parking ■ Secure bicycle parking ■ Picnic areas and /or facilities ► Wayfinding and traffic control ► Restrooms ■ Interpretation ► Benches • Food where opportune ■ Shelter and shade ■ Local and /or regional trail connections ■ Benches ■ Local and /or regional trail connections ■ Secure bicycle parking ► Wayfinding and traffic control ■ Water ■ Interpretation Neighborhood gateways may also include as shared facilities: ► Restrooms ■ Picnicking ■ Food ■ Motor vehicle parking NEIGHBORHOOD GATEWA DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 23 W CO C = = LOCATION RECOMMENDATION IMPORTANCE FOR USER SAFETY AND EXPERIENCE COST Highway 13 at Chowen Underpass High $900,000 2 Railroad crossing At grade High NA 3 County Road 42 Underpass modification High $ 190,000 4 185th St. West Grade Separated High $890,000 4a 185th Street (alternate) Underpass High $730,000 5 Interstate 35 Existing /share the road High NA 6 Kenrick Avenue and 195th Street (further investigation of appropriate improvements needed may range from pedestrian activated lighting, signage and pavement markings to grade separated crossing) Improvements TBD High $50,000- $1,000,000 7 205th Street West Underpass Medium $ 495,000 8 Hamburg and South Creek Underpass Low $ 495,000 9 Cedar Avenue and South Creek Underpass High $ 775,000 10 Flagstaff Avenue and South Creek Underpass Medium $500,000 11 Future Pilot Knob Road Extension at South Creek Underpass High $600,000 12 Spruce Street at South Creek Share existing bridge Medium NA 13 Denmark Avenue at South Creek Share existing bridge High NA ROAD AND RAILROAD CROSSINGS Grade eparated crossings are a critical component of Dakota County's greenway system. Grade separation promotes safety by ___acing conflicts with motorized traffic and allows for more efficient and enjoyable trail experience for users of all abilities. To that end, grade separated crossings are suggested at all major intersections, shown in Figure 25 and discussed in Table 24. Grade separations on the greenway system should be of the highest quality possible to ensure safety, security and to establish the greenway system as a truly special and high - quality destination. Grade separated crossings were evaluated at potential locations along the Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway. The evaluation is based on known topography and utility information. For the purposes of the evaluation, it was assumed that an underpass would be a 10 -ft x 14 -ft box culvert and an overpass would consist of a pedestrian bridge with a minimum clearance of 17 -ft over the roadway. The concept level cost estimates include grading, retaining walls, traffic control, turf establishment /erosion control, and mobilization. Engineering, administrative costs, and contingencies are included in the estimate. Overall system drainage costs are not. Table 24. Grade Separated Crossings 24 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Figure 25. Grade Separated Crossings Map Alignment io 34.ct1 Lourly 1a br mails erit IrIe1 ai a' fibre Sty {ountp Thar Ai ren Peak piytji R r h MOM KU RE'SERV'E BNr��Ttilt!il I Grade Separated Crossings Existing Bridge Grade Separation At Grade Railroad longtamli if rail comllr beearnes available IS e!1'.rl mot -' 11 l ot DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 25 AT -GRADE CROSSINGS When grade separated crossings are not possible on collector roads or higher, crossing should occur at controlled intersections with road users stopping at traffic lights or stop signs. In some instances, mid -block crossings may be appropriate and should be designed with pedestrian /cyclist safety and visibility in mind, as shown in Figure 26. On lower volume local roads, crossings may not be controlled with traffic lights or stop signs. In these cases, features such as pavement marking, refuge islands and bumpouts should be applied to reduce crossing distances for trail users and increase visibility for trail users and road users. ACCESSIBILITY SUSTAINABILITY Figure 26. Typical At- grade, Mid -block Road Crossing with Median Refuge 1 Ern bedd c(1. 11 as rs Dakota County is committed to offering universal accessibility at all trail facilities. The primary paved trail and all access points suggested in the master plan are located and planned for universal accessibility to provide all visitors with a meaningful experience. Environmental sustainability is at the core of the greenway concept. Improving ecological function, habitat creation, wildlife movement, stormwater infiltration and carbon sequestration as well as facilitating non - motorized recreation and transportation are all greenway objectives. Greenways will be assembled in environmentally sustainable ways and designed to minimize impact on natural systems. Recommended strategies include: ■ Protecting and restoring natural systems ■ Emphasizing native plant species • Reducing maintenance costs by promoting self sustaining wildlife and plant communities and treating stormwater on- site ■ Use recycled materials and pervious pavement • Energy- efficient lighting and use of timed lighting 26 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Figure 27. Greenway Lighting Plan Yligrbment in Stet! (m1 mastEFpliemed asifuNtre - Rol1i mfin.- Thret Rirf Piii f16fit! Pirlrhip MOM- HMARFHaIY FLRFf IRESEW E LW RATTER FA4RK Longterm aIternaiive i#raiD corridor becomes aYai la ble Priority Lighting Areas Short-term DAKOTA €DU RTY y LIGHTING Lighting is an essential component for safety and to make the greenway functional as a transportation corridor in the winter and fall months when the days are short. For safety and navigation, lighting is paramount at all greenway access points, trailheads, neighborhood gateways and trail connections. In these places, it is recommended that lighting be incorporated into initial design and construction. In areas with potential for high use because of population density, trail connections and destinations, it is recommended that continuous trail lighting be installed. Figure 27 shows priority lighting areas. � T R • civta.svrneacw.>al • of C. L.c w.0 Crn . - 1,16e. gym. Stnpth ice. rest d,o.. [ruIT,01.k.g yMw.i b e i w ++n,7r y:+.irrMUnen e+ se.. 11 ibl WTraiL ear.46..• ` • - r+ Crwrs.Pndk A[ACafrm . L (slang LuJ grad _ _ haua.wGLlTwd DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 27 SITE FURNISHINGS One of the key features of the greenway system is having a consistent design signature for site furnishings. On the right are examples of site furnishings (benches, bike racks, lighting and trash receptacles) that show the desired character of facilities at trailheads, neighborhood gateways and other resting areas along the greenway. WAYFINDING Wayfinding is the way people navigate from place to place. For the Dakota County greenway system a consistent wayfinding system is essential for orientation, navigation and safety. Signage should be consistent across the system and should guide greenway users to local services, cultural destinations, transportation connections, activity centers, recreation destinations, cities, neighborhoods and other landmarks. Figure 28. Wayfinding Examples Site Furnishings Examples 28 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Figure 29. Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Trail Alignments and Segments kll�nmar.L In SUM churl" hp 1Et masl.rrilanhwd future 5401 Churn} THEP FjiYrr; Park norm ParimmF.ip killAIREMAN PANIC NE5FRVE 1 y ui.r a. EJ R]TT[f4 PAW P111! _. Eangkprm alter/lathe 11 ra Il Corridor beacareeS awaila b le •a B. ey initiatives TRAIL ALIGNMENT This section summarizes, by segment, specific development and natural resource projects and issues. A zoomed - in view of the greenway map is provided for each segment with a summary of features and discussion of initiatives needed to complete the greenway DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 29 GREENWAY ALIGNMENT ALTERNATIVES As part of the master planning process, the feasibility of two primary greenway alternatives were studied through Lakeville and Burnsville: the MN & S line owned by Canadian Pacific Railway, and a westerly route along Lake Marion and making a connection to Murphy- Hanrehan Park Reserve in Scott County. MN & S line travels from Downtown Lakeville to the Minnesota River through the communities of Lakeville, Burnsville, and Savage. This portion of the rail line is currently inactive and leased to Progressive Railroad. Canadian Pacific Railway has clearly stated that they are not interested in divesting the corridor and do not believe that there is any potential to use the MN & S line as a recreational trail. The corridor is part of Canadian Pacific's long term strategy for moving rail freight through and around the Twin Cities and will return to active status in the future. Because the right - of -way is only 66' in places, sharing the corridor is not feasible. Though currently unavailable, the rail line is ideally suited to a greenway corridor and is shown as a long term alternate alignment on Figure 30. Its continuous 66' -100' right -of -way is ample for a 10' regional trail and in most areas the corridor is buffered from adjacent land uses by trees and vegetation. Constructing the greenway trail would likely be cost efficient as the rail corridor base is well suited for trail construction and grade separated crossings at most roads are in place. The corridor, known as the Dan Patch line, is also rich in cultural history that could be integrated into interpretive elements along the corridor. Therefore, if the MN &S line becomes available in the future it should be acquired and converted for future transportation use. Because Canadian Pacific does not believe that there is any opportunity for MN &S line to become a recreational trail, the preferred alignment is the westerly option. A discussion of the preferred option, by segment, follows. Figure 30. Canadian Pacific Railway Alignment Alternative 30 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Longterm alternative' if rail corridor becomes available Minnesota River to Murphy — Hanrehan Park Reserve Recreation Destinations ■ Rudy Kraemer Nature Preserve /Sue Fischer Memorial Park ■ Howell Park • Westview Park ■ Sunset Pond • Rose Park ■ Kelleher Park ► Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve Activity Centers Minnesota River Quadrant redevelopment Trailheads • Minnesota River Quadrant ► Northern side of Murphy- Hanrehan Park Reserve Neighborhood Gateways ► Westview Park ■ Sunset Pond • Rose Park ► Kelleher Park Loop and Connection Trails ■ Minnesota River Regional Greenway ■ Trails in Murphy- Hanrehan Park Reserve ■ Local trails Grade Separated Crossings ■ Highway 13 ► CR 42 SEGMENT 1: MINNESOTA RIVER TO MURPHY - HANREHAN PARK RESERVE (7.5 miles; 22 % on -road, 78% off -road) The north end of the Lake Marion -South Creek is at the Minnesota River Greenway in Burnsville's Minnesota River Quadrant. The greenway then travels south across Highway 13 to Kraemer Nature Preserve. South of Williams Drive, the greenway follows Judicial Road to Howell Park, where it crosses the MN &S Line and connects to Sunset Pond. From Sunset Pond, the greenway makes its way under CSAH 42 utilizing the C.P. Railroad underpass. From there, the greenway connects to Rose Park and makes its way back to Judicial Road to Kelleher Park and the northern edge of Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve. Minnesota River Quadrant The Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway begins at the junction of the Minnesota River Greenway in Burnsville's Minnesota River Quadrant. The City of Burnsville plans to redevelop this gravel mine and landfill with a mix of commercial, industrial, housing and recreational uses. The city's comprehensive plan identifies the development of a future regional trail in a similar alignment to that shown on the concept plan. The future greenway will be integrated into development plans and will extend south to Sue Fischer Memorial Park/Kraemer Nature Preserve south of Highway 13 utilizing a future interchange at Chowen Avenue South. If the preferred alignment shown on the concept plan is not feasible due to needed road and railroad crossings, an alternative is to travel though the center of the Minnesota River Quadrant to align with a planned interchange at Highway 13 and Highway 5. In this case, the trail would follow Highway 5, bridging Highway 13. After crossing Highway 13, the greenway would swing south /east to Sue Fischer Memorial Park. DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 31 Figure 32. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Segment 1 North Concept Plan 0 .25 WESTVIEW PARK N 1 MILE 32 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 CONNECTION TO MINNESOTA RIVER GREENWAY 1 SUE FISCHER MEMORIAL PARK (5R) .OSE get Recreation Destination Activity Center Trailhead Interpretive Stop Neighborhood Gateway Existing Grade Separated Crossing Potential Grade Separated Crossing Agriculture Lake Marion / South Creek Greenway Regional Trail (existing /funded) Regional Trail (non- existing) Regional Trail Alternative - Canadian Pacific R &R Corridor 1_ Existing Local Trail — Future Local Trail Future Roads Major Loop Trail } (ORTH Canadian Pacific Rail Crossing At Howell Park coordination with C.P. Rail is needed for an at -grade crossing. Sunset Pond The North of Sunset Pond, the greenway follows an existing trail and intermittent stream. Improvements to this waterway, including potential remeandering and vegetation restoration will enhance the greenway experience. The greenway then follows existing trails along the east side of Sunset Pond. The Sunset Pond area provides an opportunity for shoreline vegetation buffers and water quality enhancements. CR 42 Underpass The Greenway travels under CSAH 42 utilizing the existing Canadian Pacific Rail underpass on the west side of the bridge piers. This underpass is of particular importance to the greenway as it is one of the few places for a grade separated crossing of CSAH 42. Kelleher Park The greenway will follow the edge of a large wetland in Kelleher Park and be aligned to minimize wetland impacts. This wetland is identified in the City of Burnsville Park System Master Plan as a high priority natural resource area and vegetation and water quality improvements will be coordinated with the City of Burnsville. The park will have a neighborhood gateway, oriented to the northwest corner near active park uses. Natural resources and water quality initiatives ■ Kraemer Quarry /Burnsville Landfill — buckthorn management, manage restored wetlands, monitor floodplain forest regeneration ■ Rudy Kraemer Nature Preserve- intensive restoration of prairies and wetland. Woodland regeneration ■ Sunset Pond — Prairie restoration and land management to improve water quality ■ Native vegetation buffers at wetland at Judicial Road. and Southcross Dr. ■ Kelleher Park - vegetation management and wetland water quality improvements DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 33 Figure 34. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Segment 1 South Concept Plan I 4 r Alignment in Scott County to be masterplanned as a future Scott County - Three Rivers Park District Partnership LI RE 0 .25 .5 IN • MURPHY- * HANREHAN SUNSET PO KELLEHER PARK 1 MILE 34 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 !�F KELLEHER PARK --ROSE i ' RK Recreation Destination • Activity Center Trail head Interpretive Stop I> Neighborhood Gateway • Existing Grade Separated Crossing • Potential Grade Separated Crossing Agriculture Lake Marion / South Creek Greenway Regional Trail (existing /funded) Regional Trail (non- existing) Regional Trail Alternative - Canadian Pacific R &R Corridor Existing Local Trail Future Local Trail Future Roads Major Loop Trail M1 ■1- 11M1M11 -1M11 '1i®M1 ∎1M11I1 ∎11••1 ∎1MM1M1M1∎ KINGSLEY LAKE ORCHARD GARDEN STATION CORD 46 LEE LAKE NORTH Figure 35. CSAH 42 to Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve Area Detail Diagram - Murphy- Hanrehan Reserve 4i - ' Hollows Park. Preferred 1 ake Marion- 1 — South Creek Greenway trail _, _ 4 r a 1' 500 1,00D Feet u Potential Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway— trail if rail f corridor becomes available Wayfinding Element Trail Connection 1. Proposed Grade Separated Crossing Existing Grade Separated Crossing Existing Greenway Trail ' Proposed Greenway Trail taw Existing Local Trail qpn 00 Proposed Local Trail minez Connection Trail Greenway Corridor DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 35 Figure 36. Sunset Pond Area Detail Diagram 1 U # . • Canterbury Park Recreation Area Proposed , restoration along creek Existing local , ' °�. -la Sunset Pond 1 -• circular trail To Scott County trails To Minnesota River Trail WeSt`view Park 'Howell Park (see detail on previous page) Proposed Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway trail xmifik COUNTY ROAD 42 Stop -signs alert trail users to R &R crossing To local trails Howell Park Pavement style changes across tracks and on both sides to alert trail users of R &R crossing Rose lease Wayfinding Element Trail Connection r Proposed Grade liPtb Separated Crossing Existing Grade Separated Crossing Existing Greenway Trail Proposed Greenway Trail im Existing Local Trail Proposed Local Trail Connection Trail • Greenway Corridor 36 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 R &R Crossing at Howell Park Detail Diagram Hanrehan Park Reserve to Lake Marion Recreation Destinations ► Ritter Farm Park Trailheads ■ South edge of Murphy Hanrehan Regional Park Reserve Neighborhood Gateways ■ Ritter Farm Park Loop and Connection Trails ■ Ritter Farm Park ■ Trails in Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve • Connections to Scott County Regional Trails Grade Separated Crossings ■ 185th Street West ■ Interstate 35 SEGMENT 2: MURPHY - HANREHAN PARK RESERVE TO LAKE MARION (6.5 miles; 11% on -road, 89% off -road) Murphy Hanrehan Regional Park Reserve The greenway's north -south link through Scott County will be master planned as a future Scott County — Three Rivers Park District Partnership. Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve is operated by Three Rivers Park District and is one of the highest quality natural areas in the Twin Cities Metro Area. As such, the vision for the park is to protect, preserve and restore the park for future generations. "The park reserve will perpetuate and expand recreation and education opportunities appropriate to its semi primitive nature." The Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve Master Plan directs that a regional trail located on the periphery of the park could be accommodated without significant impact to natural resources or the semi primitive nature of the park. For future visitors to the Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway, a regional trail connection within the park that minimizes impacts to the park's high quality natural resources will provide the most direct connection between the north and south edges of the park and provide visitors the opportunity to experience the park's outstanding natural resources. Long -term, alignments that will provide access to the park yet minimize environmental impacts should be explored by Scott County and Three Rivers Park District, including the feasibility of alignments parallel to or utilizing exiting roads within the park. The Lake Marion —South Creek Regional Greenway will share existing and planned trailhead facilities with Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve. The main trailhead at the north boundary of the park has parking, restrooms, and shelter. The park's master plan proposes a future trailhead at the southeast edge of the park between Minnregs Lake and Judicial Road that, when built, will act as a neighborhood gateway for both the park and the greenway. Ritter Farm Park The preferred alignment travels south from Murphy- Hanrehan Park Reserve across 185th St. and then east to Ritter Farm Park. An alternate alignment is shown, traveling east on 185th St. and heading south to Ritter Farm Park at the north end of Lake Marion. In Ritter Farm Park, the greenway trail location will be coordinated with future plans for the park and aligned to avoid impacts to natural resources. A trailhead will be located at the exiting park trailhead and will share support facilities (parking, rest rooms, picnicking, water with park users). DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 37 Figure 38. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Segment 2 Concept Plan HANREHAN LAKE LHnE CONNECTION TO SCOTT COUNTY REGIONAL TRAILS rrl MURPHY - HANREHAN PARK RESERVE EAGLE CREEK AVE G ■ KELLEHER PARK Alignment in Scott County to be masterplanned as a future Scott County - Three Rivers Park District Partnership 38 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 ORCHARD LAKE BRACKETTS CROSSING GOLF CLUB ORCHARD LAKE PARK 1 1 RITTER FARM PARK • KINGS LAKE • Pr-04441nm aloft AtTIMecarettr Trailhead • Interpretive Strap • E1r tiryg Grade $e rat ''Crorsint • P €ntrai Grade Separated Crossi Avg Busting Local Trail Future toui ?ra d Futkrre Poads CASPERSON .25 .5 PARK WEI Fi}eghberh »d G,a way Aogric hors Lake M a rion -Such Creek reenwayr Rcg ai I Trail neat tinEa funded) Regional Tra.I Cnon•excirkg) Regional radian fiacik Rfilt Corridor Major La3piTol f 2� °° � �9 l T r Irllrr Ritter Farm Park to Lake Marion From Ritter Farm to Lake Marion, the greenway will travel parallel to 195th Street South on the existing bridge over Interstate 35. East of the bridge, the greenway will follow the existing trail on the south side of 195th street to Casperson Park. Crossing improvements should be made to at the intersection of Kenrick Avenue and 195th Street. Traffic moves at high speeds in this area and the intersection is not controlled. At minimum high visibility crossing treatments such as pedestrian activated lights, crossing signs, and highly visible pavement markings should be implemented along with exploration of the potential for a controlled intersection or grade separated crossing in this location. Natural resources and water quality initiatives ► Murphy- Hanrehan Park Reserve — Support Three Rivers Park District to maintain high quality natural resources ■ Ritter Farm Park — vegetation management and shoreline improvements Figure 39. Judicial Road Conceptual Section Exisiiiag disc h wah rnlrarttcmntcs onckudirrJ OadeirrerS and Wive Maki ludic it Read Exrnrag trail enhanced to Btzllante trtsldenual dewelnprrteor meet greeltway stMnd tth DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 39 Lake Marion to Downtown Lakeville Recreation Destinations ► Casperson Park • Lake Marion ■ Antlers Park ■ Jaycee Park • Marion Field Park Activity Centers ► Downtown Lakeville ■ Lakeview Elementary School ► JFK Elementary School Trailheads • Antlers Park Neighborhood Gateways ► Casperson Park ■ Juno Trailhead • Downtown Lakeville ► McGuire Middle School / JFK Elementary School Loop and Connection Trails ► Local trail connections Grade Separated Crossings ► 205th Street West SEGMENT 3: LAKE MARION TO DOWNTOWN LAKEVILLE (4.0 miles; 38% on -road, 62% off -road) From Casperson Park, the greenway will follow Juno Trail on the west side of Lake Marion to the existing trailhead at 205th Street. The greenway then follows 205th Street / Icalee Path, crossing Icalee Path at Lakeview Elementary School, near Antlers Park. At Lakeview Elementary School the greenway utilizes the existing trail on the north branch of South Creek. A trailhead will be located in downtown Lakeville, potentially at the plaza on Holyoke Ave. The greenway then makes its way through downtown Lakeville to McGuire Middle School /JFK Elementary School. Lakeville South High School and Meadows Park will be linked to the greenway via planned and existing local trails. Casperson Park /Lake Marion /Juno Trail/ Antlers Park Trailhead Neighborhood gateways will be located in Casperson Park and at existing Juno Trailhead at 205th Street and a trailhead will be located at Antlers Park. There are opportunities in all of these Lakeville parks to share parking and other facilities. Between the neighborhood gateways, the greenway will utilize the exiting Juno trail on the west side of Lake Marion. Greenway improvements to this area will include additional trees/landscaping, benches, interpretive elements and wayfinding within the existing trail right -of -way. Before improvements are made, care will be taken to work with adjacent home owners to preserve views and lake access. Downtown Lakeville 40 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 A gateway will be located in downtown Lakeville. The preferred location is the city-owned parking lot on the west side of downtown, adjacent to the rail corridor. The preferred trail alignment is an off -road trail along the east side of the C.P. Rail corridor, which would need to be coordinated with the landowners of five residential -use parcels and one industrial -use parcel. An alternate trail location, if a trail along the rail corridor is not feasible due to space constraints, is an off -road trail along the west side of Howland Avenue. Natural resources and water quality initiatives ■ Enhance lakeshore vegetation around Lake Marion. ■ Water quality improvements and stream restoration as opportunities allow from the north branch of South Creek. Figure 41. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Segment 3 Concept Plan • jai Agriculture AtT canter Fnrstin+ Loa Trail - FutureiocalTrad .F • Fiture&oads Mijar LcnpTralil • CASPERSON PARK Herr r air nn t.1r riMhnn Trailhead 4)Gtpretive Stop Htighlsarhvod Gameway Erfstir9 Grade Selaaraeed Crossing ?mown! Grade Separated Crossing bake Ma rion- SaulhCre 4 Creerveray itegianalTrarl(taistin +funded) Beg Iona Trarl (non.cor inr ) Regional Trail Alaernetive - Ca radian #atirK P2rit Corridor MEADOWS PARK 5TH T W L?c'' LAKEVILLE SOUTH , 22- 7 1 HIGH SCHOOL LAKIEVILLE ANTLE S PARK ° LAKEVILLE ELEM. SCHOOL Lac'' LAKEVILLE NORTH AO I l i HIGH SCHOOL 0 _ LAKE MARION .0 ELEM. SCHOOL ARONSON PARK 410 DOWNTOWN LAKEVILLE 202ND ST W a 0 25 c o V MCGUIREMIDDLESCHOOL JFKELEMENTARYSCHOOL ' f-, CJ %, CORD 70 MALI DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 41 Figure 42. Downtown Lakeville Detail Diagram tg* 1144. Arts Center Downtown Lakeville Potential greenway', information signage at Pioneer Plaza Alternate greenway trail alignment (off -road) 209TH ST W 210TH ST W / LAKEVILLE BLVD John F. Kennedy Elementary School To Lake Marion Preferred Lake Marion - South Creek Greenway. trail (outside of rail corridor, work with landowners) Wayfinding Element j Trail Connection Proposed Grade Separated Crossing Existing Grade Separated Crossing Existing Greenway Trail Proposed Greenway Trail imp Existing Local Trail wok Proposed Local Trail vim Connection Trail Greenway Corridor 42 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 South Creek Recreation Destinations • South Creek (fishing) Activity Centers ■ McGuire Middle School ► Downtown Farmington Trailheads ■ Rambling River Park Neighborhood Gateways ■ Spruce Street Loop and Connection Trails ■ North Creek Greenway • Rambling River Park trails Grade Separated Crossings ■ Hamburg Ave ■ Cedar Ave • Flagstaff Ave ■ Future Pilot Knob Road extension ► Spurce Street • Denmark Ave SEGMENT 4: SOUTH CREEK (DOWNTOWN LAKEVILLE TO DOWNTOWN FARMINGTON) (5.0 miles; 7% on -road, 93% off -road) This segment begins at McGuire Middle School and heads east following South Creek to the Vermillion River and Downtown Farmington. South Creek Dakota County is working with landowners through Dakota County's Shoreholders Program to protect floodplain and restore the creek and wetland buffer areas. The Vermillion River Watershed JPO will partner with the County, local communities, and others to implement restoration in this corridor. The greenway will follow South Creek. The greenway trail, which will primarily be located within the floodplain and stream restoration area but will cross the creek in key locations, will provide fishing access to this trout stream. There are opportunities for soft surface walking trails to create recreation loops in this area. Today, the land around South Creek is primarily agricultural. The area from Pilot Knob Road to Denmark Ave is guided for a mix of residential, commercial and employment uses. As this area develops there will be opportunities to link the greenway to city parks and for local trail loops and neighborhood gateways. Grade Separated Crossings For continuity, user experience, and safety it is desirable that the greenway trail travel under roads parallel to south creek whenever feasible. While many of the existing South Creek culverts/bridges will not accommodate both the creek and the trail, all new crossings should be designed to do so. Priority crossings for grade separation are Cedar Ave. and the future Pilot Road extension. Rambling River Trailhead and downtown Farmington A trailhead will be located at the ice arena on the southwest edge of Rambling River Park. Here there are opportunities to share existing parking and restroom facilities and add picnicking, interpretation and wayfinding. At the trailhead, the greenway intersects with the North Creek Greenway, which provides a connection to Downtown Farmington. Natural resources and water quality initiatives ■ South Creek restoration and remeandering in conjunction with the Vermillion River Watershed JPO ■ Vermillion River and Rambling River Park — widen and maintain stream buffers with native plants; improve floodplain wetlands and forest quality DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 43 Figure 44. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Segment 4 Concept Plan SCHOOL iCHOOL LAKEVI 0RD70 • • r tftiimPr r it ~k Revonal TraiIAkernatire- Ca nadian Pacific R At Corridor Existing trial Trail - Futuretocal?r i Futine loads M►Ici LecriaTrarl Existing cropland 1 0 25 50 l00 Feet ■—• Tl m FARMINGTON 4116 HIGH SCHOOL Oil ....... ti p. .. 1 o LVD. Ike- en-raw*" Drstin.in re Act yCenter Trailhead ki teinrerme Stop Fkighbcrhrrdd Caacvray Existing - aide SeparatedCrossing Po ent�l Grade Separated Crossing Agriculture Lake Ma non-5twlh Creek Gsreeraway Pegronal Trail teastins}+findcd1 Regional Tra.I (non-existing) n 212TH ST FARMINGTON Figure 44a. South Creek Typical Section Enhanced South Creek buffer (prairie/ wet meadow restoration) 1 Remeandered South Creek alignment Enhanced South Creek buffer (prairie/ wet meadow recto, ati nnl 44 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 SOUTH CREEK ALIGNMENT _ .•„ CONNECTION TO a - r , ® 111 =SOUTH ® NORTH CREEK GREENWAV i 1 Fishing access Z — Meander Belt (75 -150 ft wide) 100 -Year Floodplain Soft Surface Trail Greenway Corridor / South Creek Buffer Area (appx. 400 ft wide) 1 .. TRAIL1IEADAT RAMBLING RIVER r ' PARKIN .''FUTURE FARMINGTON DAKOTA CO 50 SPRUCE ST DEI ENT 0 .25 .5 Proposed Greenway Trail (10 ft. width) mormenamomonaC Existing cropland 1 1 MILE Rosz.zaij x3 .goorPme, 't1 t1 1Z 107116,? E^;gtt Uygtq 26 < 6u az Rtr nna n»,„ i IR.10 u w1g5 Figure 45. South Creek - Concept Plan for Greenway /Stream Restoration LEGEND: Proposed Greenway trail r_. Prairie restoration Proposed creek remeander Fishing access point Rootwad duster Existing South Creek I. Habitat bank vegetation Proposed soft surface trail Proposed South Creek buffer area / Greenway corridor Figure 45 a. South Creek - Overall Concept Plan Downtown Lakeville South Cre Continues thi southern port Lakevilb 7 - non -trout stream in Waterway - designated trout Cream Pr� poaed South Creek buff, / Grearway co idor (150 ftfrom meander belt) Regional Greenway trail a Existing gia Proposed Endge/C Ilikoir sail invert fishing access Greenway trail continues to downtown . Lakeville 215TH STW Airlake Airport r Formerly remea rdered portion of South Creek 1 Mile 22STHST W r LAKEVILLE BLVD Exi ling South Creek a ie ment Proposed Greenway trail (12 It wide bituminous) Proposed retneandered South Creek alignment 011 Peterson property 1 Future 1 extension of Pilot Knob Rd DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 45 ?�f Interiretive an OVERVIEW In today's world, people's connections to culture, land, nature, and community are often detached. We sometimes cannot imagine the prairie before the metropolis, the wheat before the bread, or the world before Columbus. We forget, or never learn, the stories that define the significant places in our lives. Place -based interpretation seeks to "re- story" places, or reveal the connections between social and natural systems distinctive to each site. It is an approach rooted in the belief that people seek to understand the stories of the places they visit. Dakota County has long been committed to sharing the stories of special places that comprise the county's parks and trails. Through interpretative programs and exhibits, Dakota County strives to create awareness and appreciation of the county's history, culture, and environment. As the county expands its greenway system, interpretation for each greenway is a goal for the planning and development process. Interpretive planning designs educational experiences that support an organization's vision and mission. The planning process considers the place- specific historical, cultural and natural resources to be interpreted and the demographics and interests of the people who use the site in order to develop relevant messages and media in support of an organization's mission. In the case of Dakota County, interpretation ought to support Dakota County Park's mission: to enrich lives by providing high - quality recreation and education opportunities in harmony with natural resource preservation and stewardship. In the context of the Dakota County greenways, it is important to note that fostering an understanding of the relationships between social and natural systems can lead to environmental stewardship. In other words, helping visitors understand the connections between history, culture, and nature is at the core of fostering stewardship of these resources and awareness of the connections between people and nature. RESOURCES In considering what is special and unique about the Lake Marion Greenway, it is helpful to identify some of the most outstanding resources found along the greenway corridor. These resources create a unique setting, or sense of place, and are places where stories of nature, history, and culture intersect in ways that are meaningful to visitors. Historical and cultural resources include Antlers Park, the Dan Patch (now C.P.) Railroad, a variety of regional and municipal parks, and several historical buildings in downtown Lakeville. Natural resources include Marion Lake, a number of small lakes and ponds, and Murphy- Hanrahan Park Reserve. Some of these cultural, historical, and natural resources are located on Dakota County property; however, many are located on adjacent properties. Therefore, continued partnerships with adjacent property owners will be important to developing interpretation along the greenway. Cultural, historical, and natural resources may be vulnerable and potentially compromised with increased traffic and human interaction. Resources such as un- excavated archaeological sites are culturally sensitive and susceptible to looting or vandalism if care is not taken to protect them. Therefore, interpretation of these resources should be sensitive to these potential impacts and Dakota County should work with necessary stakeholders, such as Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC) for burials, to determine an appropriate approach to both preservation and interpretation. 46 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 KEY MESSAGES While each individual greenway within Dakota County's system will have a theme that is based on the specific resources associated with the greenway corridor, it is recommended that Dakota County undertake a system -wide interpretive planning effort to identify overarching themes for the greenway system. These overarching themes would represent broader messages that span the system and weave together specific themes for each individual greenway. In the absence of a system -wide interpretive plan, this master plan suggests one central message, or theme for the greenway corridor. Supporting subthemes are also identified in order to further develop the central theme and provide organization for interpretation. It is recommended that the subthemes be interwoven throughout the trail to provide both a richly layered and consistent interpretive experience. If a system -wide interpretive plan is developed, the themes presented below should be revisited and revised as necessary. INTERPRETIVE THEME A place for people: Lake Marion Greenway continues to provide abundant recreational opportunities to an evolving community. Subthemes: Active living: Counting the benefits Supporting characteristics within neighboring communities: ■ The greenway provides links through a variety of municipal parks rich with resources and activities ■ Antlers Park was once home to a destination amusement park ■ From Native Americans to early settlers and through to the present people have enjoyed hunting and fishing in the area ■ Resort were common in the area, they were known resorts at Lake Marion, Orchard Lake and Crystal Lake ■ South Creek is a known Trout Stream ■ Canadian Pacific Railroad traverses a similar route. The train brought people from the Twin Cities to resorts, hunting grounds, and recreation in the area. ■ Buck Hill is a visible and actively used resource that continues the recreation tradition around the Greenway. ■ In addition to these place -based subthemes, it is recommended that interpretation in the Dakota County greenway system engages visitors to think about the active living and the benefits of greenways. Some interpretation could convey what greenways are and how they differ from standard trails. Mile - markers along the trail could also serve as interpretation by linking the distance a visitor has traveled to calories lost. Interpretation could also compare the distance traveled to energy and money saved by cycling or walking rather than driving. DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 47 A changing community identity: A distinct urban fabric. Supporting characteristics within neighboring communities: ■ Burnsville's development history has changed the community's composition dramatically in the past few decades. ■ The development of the Heart of the City shows Burnsville's dedication to creating a place for people to connect with one another. ■ Lakeville has two distinct personalities; those in Northern Lakeville have little connection to the more historically focused southern Lakeville A population shift: We celebrate the changes and respect the history that shaped our community. Supporting characteristics within neighboring communities: ■ Burnsville is a fully developed city. ■ The minority population is growing. ■ The overall population is aging. ■ Lakeville and Farmington have grown rapidly in the past 20 years. ■ While the population is currently quite homogeneous the demographics are projected to be more varied in the future. RECOMMENDATIONS Prepare a system -wide greenway interpretive plan that: ■ Establishes guiding principles for interpretation throughout the greenway system • Evaluates visitor preferences and needs related to interpretation ■ Establishes system -wide goals and objectives for interpretation ■ Develops system -wide interpretive themes through a process of staff and stakeholder engagement ■ Identifies the locations where these system -wide interpretive themes will be expressed ■ Identifies interpretive themes for each greenway within the system and establishes a framework for interpretive planning and development ■ Establishes consistent design standards for non - personal interpretive media throughout the system ■ Identifies appropriate system -wide media for interpretation (e.g., website, geocaching, tours of multiple greenways) ■ Assesses current interpretive staffing levels and makes recommendations over the short- and long -term ■ Identifies and fosters potential partnerships for interpretive programs within the greenway system ■ Develops a framework for ongoing planning and evaluation of interpretation throughout the greenway system ■ Follows Interpretive Planning Standards established by the National Association of Interpretation. 48 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Establish a system -wide approach to managing interpretation and education. Recreation, education, and interpretation are not mutually exclusive activities and collaboration and consistency are important across the greenway system. Build Relationships Establish a community advisory group to build relationships with the agencies and organizations that own adjacent property, facilitate an inclusive interpretive planning process, engage community members knowledgeable about history and culture and ensure that interpretation along the greenway is thematically and aesthetically cohesive. INTERPRETIVE MEDIA RECOMMENDATIONS ■ Interpretive media should not impinge on the natural landscape. As much as possible, Dakota County should adopt the National Park Service's Wayside Exhibit approach (http: / /www.nps.gov/hfc /products /waysides /index. htm) to interpretation along the greenways. In this approach, the focus is on experiencing the landscape first -hand; interpretation is an enhancement not the primary focus. ■ Based on this approach, interpretive signs should be minimal, low profile, accessible to all, and purposefully placed. ■ Interpretation should be integrated into orientation signs at key locations along the greenway (such as trailheads and neighborhood gateways). This interpretation should serve to orient the greenway user thematically to the greenway and introduce the visitor to the experiences they can expect along the greenway. Interpretation at these locations could also be artfully integrated into trailhead or gateway facilities such as benches or picnic tables, pavement, fencing, or structures (e.g., restrooms). ■ Interpretive signs along the greenway should be considered a caption to distinct or important landscape features that a greenway user may not understand by looking at the feature on its own. In other words, interpretive signs should only be installed along the greenway if they explain or describe something that is visible along the greenway. These signs should have brief but engaging text. More detailed or lengthy information should be delivered through another form of media. ■ Dakota County should consider developing multi -media interpretation. Audio tours provide an opportunity for unobtrusive interpretation along the greenway for interested users. Self - guided MP3 tours could be developed and made available on the Dakota County Parks website for downloading to iPods or other personal MP3 devices. Initially a greenway -wide audio tour should be developed based on the greenway theme. As staff time and resources allow, additional tours could be developed for the subthemes or for different age groups. ■ Dakota County should work closely with community partners to ensure that interpretation along the greenway enhances but does not overlap interpretative experience in adjacent or collaborating public spaces. DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 49 HABITAT PRESERVE 1 HABITAT CORRIDOR 1 NATURAL LANDSCAPES 1 DESIGNED LANDSCAPES Top priority habitat restoration/ management Second priority habitat management Lowest landscape investment priority High landscape investment • Adequate patch size /shape to sustain native plant community • Contains existing remnant of native plant community • Has interpretive potential • Has benign surrounding uses • Buffers or contains natural waters • Provides connection between habitat preserves • Adequate width to sustain native plant ground layer • Grades allow for rainwater infiltration • Buffers natural waters ♦ Primary task is to control invasive plants • Managed as a natural, low - maintenance landscape • Managed urban landscapes • Limited habitat value • Relatively small area Greenway Naming As individual Dakota County Greenway Corridors are master planned, more is discovered about the unique cultural, historic, and natural resource attributes for each corridor, which opens new possibilities for greenway naming. Greenway names are important for creating a unique identity for individual corridors, public awareness and recognition, and creating a sense of place. At 20 miles, the Lake Marion South Creek Greenway is one of the longest Dakota County Greenways and the name references water bodies in the greenway's southern portion. As the greenway moves from plan to reality consideration should be given to dividing this greenway into two distinct greenways and renaming the section north of Lake Marion. Potential names include: Daytripper Greenway, in reference to the popularity of day excursions to the area via railroad in the early 1900s; Prairie Greenway in reference to Lake Marion's original name; Billy Goat, Orchard Gardens, Dan Patch, Two Step, or People's Greenway referencing the nearby rail road line that was so important to the area's early history and development; or others. Table 50. Habitat Investment Strategies 50 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 4/ D. Stewar.ishi• cIan HABITAT INVESTMENT AREAS The linear nature of the greenway will require natural resource management strategies that are geographically targeted, cooperative and realistic. Restoration and protection efforts should be focused near trailheads, as these locations will provide the greatest opportunity for greenway users to see the results of stewardship and provide a high - quality user experience. Given the linear nature of the greenway, stewardship activities should be in cooperation with adjoining landowners, public and private. Cooperative stewardship activities likely will be easier with other public agencies, but this should not preclude the possibilities of stewardship work on adjoining private lands. All stewardship actions should be evaluated through the lens of sustainability — is the stewardship effort economically and ecologically sustainable over the long -term. Given the length of the greenway corridors, efforts to manage and restore the natural resources and native plant communities would be a daunting task — well beyond the ability of any one agency. In order to provide for a realistic and sustainable restoration and management of the resources, key habitat investment areas are identified for natural resource management. These habitat investment areas are prioritized and targeted to areas associated with high quality ecological resources and greenway use patterns. These areas are identified in Figure 52. The highest priority landscapes to preserve, protect and enhance for habitat and water quality include the existing high quality landscapes at Murphy - Hanrehan Regional Park Reserve and Ritter Farm Park, the wetlands at Kraemer Nature Preserve, the shoreline of Lake Marion, and the South Creek corridor. The Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway has tremendous natural areas adjacent to its corridor that could make this greenway a key linear habitat preserve. Much of the area along the corridor is developed suburban residential land use. However, the agricultural land use areas along South Creek have the opportunity to incorporate the greenway prior to development, allowing the potential to retain high habitat and water quality value. With the application of stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Low Impact Development (LID) standards for future development along the greenway, water quality and habitat can be preserved, managed and enhanced. STEWARDSHIP RECOMMENDATIONS General considerations for stewardship activities within this investment hierarchy are organized around ecological quality, landscape position and future uses and are described in Table 50. Vegetation management In native plant communities — prairie, woodlands and wetlands— invasive species removal, buffer protection or establishment and re- establishment of disturbance regimes will be the key activities. Oak savannas may need to be supplemented with tree plantings and all of the grassland systems will likely need supplemental seeding. DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 51 Figure 52. Habitat Investment Areas ■ lik arlgtirhslaelti iErawly In ¢-. mhirtrrlikrinwel sa 01 1111► SW: eur.[p therelliisesPj'L ITareKa Farrar: hop 14.110ll€11IN hllNlt ICES F Lim Eximmg moderate coaodition site ► Preserve assisting Mill guvlity I1abrlat and native plain c *itriiniIiee r r,S F- WA gmf % Qrrliar =y6k1ur l'rs:9Eai Existing saesrvrd wetland h®htas a mezet Porits h Lukeserrearirderl *crating doveloameni . r apponenrfv tar saarellila rrtslurebon W11re feasible • I.frng •temr ptrfurrfiFi Frrenvmg Opgorternrl y tat rrarurul tomdor Cormigi,eus, bur limed width 755' 1 Qi ISli�rl � ?Tk Enforce waUSr quality and ihorahne vegetetlen wtilir0 leastbin 1, 1 .1 13 r?, #rtrd. P Eci,son§ Dents .ndini) SACKS seas over meet al the eaik reserve lac Lieu big vrsnds. gat, openings and barrens, and prairie landscapes s• ereMIVE oxighoo high quelityhpb iat and 'alma pianl C410111111VillF55 #pcurslirg to park master plan Lengtefru alternative if call corridor becomes available MiifrinSvlt} Ricca I, busting eufstwrding rind high guiltily RIMS sixes as well as native plant onlmunnies r- Pii? carve mauling rugh quality rishillt and aatira prank cammunbes: and enhance water quality 1fl sa.+� L+tlt* 100 r101e ar Laxe surraairread by rr! idgrloe, development Enhance rrrkeshera vegetation and water duulllyr where Ie sidle ViatiiiIII11P 1 1^ll'iEtr It Eidating Irani stream ter Lake M til1afl "*7uth CT r Li TFer1wrry Natural vita ReCornreeridislions Srrxeg c oratpraf rr trriti(rNfifil Wfrltlfd!rittil t7Fr xtKttrly elWltJ!' prumitieS and WJrpr© faas j /ir [lorrli f r Peru WJ tr rr .0 al tla Arai corridors Hibltdry Iliresu r r r H obltut Corr1 of tiritsti I �,hridnr with trait] sionaltir i Atljirc�+ +t rts,,hrral aroit railflr i';r1303II Existinp agricultural Laud k Doper for rrslilmEIO'r and remesndaring of creek and huller lands uati► VRWJPO rk High mirky MINA fishing =TIP 52 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Site Specific Actions Kraemer Quarry /Burnsville Landfill: Existing conditions: Large floodplain forest complex with good canopy diversity - high quality area with a few small areas of buckthorn. A restored wetland is progressing well. The floodplain is still connected to the river and floods regularly. Recommendations: Buckthorn needs management to prevent spread. Periodically manage restored wetland area. Monitoring of forest regeneration will be needed in the floodplain City of Burnsville management goals include: natural heritage restoration plans; integrate wetlands with uplands; protect recreational use of future quarry lake. Rudy Kraemer Nature Preserve: Existing conditions: Existing wetlands surrounded by trails and invasive wetland vegetation. Boardwalk crossing in middle of wetland Recommendations: Manage invasive species at key locations, including adjacent to trails and boardwalk for educational purposes, through burning and replanting of aggressive native species. City of Burnsville management goals include: intensive restoration of prairies, wetland; bluff slope and woodland regeneration; parkland expansion in southwest corner. Buckthorn management is currently underway by the City. Sunset Pond: Existing conditions: Excessive plant growth is common by midsummer in this very shallow lake at 11 feet deep. Sunset Pond offers fishing for many game species. The 2009 DNR fish survey found abundant bluegill and northern pike. Crappie and largemouth bass are also found here. Recommendations: Prairie restoration and land management to improve water quality. Prairie restoration adjacent to the lake is currently underway by the City. Native vegetation buffer is recommended around the stormwater wetland at the southeastern corner of Judicial Road. and Southcross Dr. Kelleher Park: Existing conditions: Most of the park is identified by the City of Burnsville as a high priority natural resource area for protection and management activities. The City received a Conservation Partners Legacy Grant in 2010 for Kelleher Park, with the following goals: control invasive woody vegetation, re- introduce fire to the fire - dependent ecotypes, and re- establish vigorous, sustainable native plant populations. Recommendations: Continue vegetation management and restoration work underway by the City of Burnsville. Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve: Existing conditions: Outstanding and high quality ecological landscapes in preservation with limited recreational access. Recommendations: Support Three Rivers Park District to maintain high quality natural resources DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 53 Ritter Farm Park: Existing conditions: High quality landscapes with recreational trails and lakes. Recommendations: Manage invasive vegetation and restore shorelines. Lake Marion: Existing conditions: Highly used recreational lake with entirely developed shoreline consisting of mostly single - family residential. Lake is annually stocked with walleye fry by the Minnesota DNR. Eurasian water milfoil exists in the lake. Recommendations: Manage milfoil and restore shoreline where feasible. South Creek: Existing conditions: South Creek is a designated trout stream that feeds into the Vermillion River. The stream is monitored regularly and portions have been remeandered by the DNR, Dakota County, and Lakeville. Dakota County is currently working with landowners adjacent to the stream to protect the stream corridor and partner with the VRWJPO and others to remeander and restore further portions. Recommendations: Continue work underway to remeander the stream and monitor trout habitat. As development comes to these areas, maintain ample buffer with native vegetation on both sides of the stream. Vermillion River and Rambling River Park: Existing conditions: Rambling River Park in the City of Farmington is predominantly turf grass, but the stream corridor is floodplain forest and shrub swamp - both need buckthorn management. Protection of existing streambank and floodplain plant communities is needed. The confluence of North and Middle Creeks is mostly turf grass with some remnant floodplain forest. Recommendations: Manage buckthorn along stream corridor and floodplain. Widen and maintain stream buffers with native plants to improve floodplain wetlands and forest quality. Monitor areas on the north side of Vermillion River to prevent degradation of the plant communities. Interseed and manage converted farmland that contains low plant diversity. 54 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 SURFACE AND GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT /PROTECTION Lake restoration considerations Lake and wetland restorations should be considered along the greenway. Restorations should be designed by multidisciplinary teams that include expertise in engineering, hydrology, aquatic and restoration ecology, geomorphology, soil science and policy /permitting. Stream restoration considerations Stream restoration and stabilization should be designed by multidisciplinary teams that include expertise in engineering, hydrology, aquatic and restoration ecology, geomorphology, soil science and policy /permitting. Each stream project design should follow these guidelines: ■ Construct the channel to accommodate current and future processes ■ Maintain or reduce bed load movement ■ Remove existing fish migration barriers ■ Restore pools and riffles to the stream ■ Introduce stream habitat features for cover and colonization of fish and other aquatic organisms ■ Reduce stresses on the banks ■ Provide for floodplain connection ■ Reduce flooding ■ Improve water quality All stream restoration /stabilization should have definitive end points that consider: ■ Where there is horizontal and vertical control. ■ Where the forces of the stream are no longer unstable. ■ Where one can successfully design a robust solution to end on (like a riffle). Ensuring these guidelines are followed — especially in point or localized segment fixes — will ensure the project does not unravel from upstream or downstream. DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 55 Stormwater Management Options at Trailheads Trailhead parking lots typically are small; 10 to 20 stall lots situated within green space. This means that stormwater can be directed to drain off the paved surface onto surrounding ground where it can infiltrate. The best place to manage stormwater (regardless of where one is within the corridor) is at the point it runs off a hard surface; i.e. near every street, driveway and parking lot. Water is a valuable resource that should be used to recharge groundwater or be reused to water plants rather than run off into pipes to a natural water body where it causes problems. Directing stormwater onto the ground rather than into a pipe aids the following important functions: ■ Filter pollutants such as phosphorus, grease and oil through plants and soil that mitigate their effects ■ Protect downstream water bodies by preventing the influx of large amounts of water -- it is best to have water slowly reach a stream or lake underground via subsurface flow ■ Protect natural water bodies by capturing pollutants at their source ■ Cool stormwater before reaching trout streams ■ Recharge groundwater and eventually aquifers ■ Water trees and other plants at the source allowing for vigorous growth and shaded parking lots Opportunities for stormwater management Many practices are available to manage stormwater at trailheads. Some more sense than others and provide greater return on investments. Practical stormwater management practices include: 56 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 It is best to treat stormwater at its source (alongside hard surfaces). Depressed parking lot islands capture stormwater and water trees that eventually make will shade the lot. ■ Creating shallow depressions (rain gardens) alongside parking lots and grade the parking lot to tip in that direction ■ Creating planted depressed parking lot islands to capture stormwater ■ For small parking lots surrounded by green space running the water onto the surrounding grass (ideally prairie) ■ Around parking lots, planting trees to capture and evaporate rainwater on their leaves and create pores in the soil with their roots to allow water to soak in. Trees also shade pavement to keep it cooler in the summer ■ Planting prairie plants around parking lots — they function much like trees (minus the shading). They are especially useful on clay soils, where they drive roots deep and facilitate stormwater infiltration OVERVIEW This master plan is a long -range vision for recreation, transportation, water quality and habitat improvements for the Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway. Accomplishing this vision depends on multi- agency collaboration. Without continued coordination between the communities it is unlikely the greenway could be realized as envisioned. Working corroboratively will enable Dakota County, cities and other agencies to leverage resources to build, operate and maintain the greenway. While the 30 -foot regional trail corridor will be the jurisdictional and operational responsibility of Dakota County, the larger greenway corridor will be governed in many ways, depending on the situation. Similarly, responsibilities for land acquisition, construction, stewardship, operations and maintenance will depend on the particularities of each segment. This Chapter outlines approaches for greenway implementation, including: ■ Phasing and priorities ■ Land protection and stewardship ■ Operations ■ Funding ■ Capital and operational budgets PHASING AND PRIORITIES The Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway will be implemented in phases. Greenway segments have been prioritized into first priority projects, second priority projects and long -term projects (Table 56). It is anticipated that first priority projects will be built in advance of second priority projects, but the master plan remains flexible so that any project can be implemented as partnership or funding opportunities arise. First priority projects are those that are needed to create a continuous, functional greenway experience. It is intended that recreation, water quality, non - motorized transportation and natural resource elements be integrated into the greenway at the time of initial construction. 1 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 57 PROJECT Segment A RIORITY POTENTIAL TRIGGERS /PART- NERS Part of Minnesota River Greenway 1: Trailhead at MN River Regional Greenway Long Term Greenway (Along Minnesota River to Hwy 13) Long Term Part of Minnesota River Greenway C Grade separated crossing atTH 13 1st D Gateway at Rudy Kraemer Nature Preserve 1st E Greenway (Through Rudy Kraemer Nature Preserve) 1st F Greenway (Rudy Kraemer Nature Preserve to Williams Dr) 1st G Greenway (Williams Dr to Judicial Rd to Howell Park) 1st Greenway (From Sunset Pond Park C.P. R &R corridor /CSAH 42 crossing) 1st K Improvements to grade separated crossing at CSAH 42 1st 1 Gateway at Rose Park M Greenway (Rose Park to Kelleher Park) N Sc 91 ii Gateway at Kelleher Park t'as i Greenway through Scott Co. By Others To be masterplanned by Scott Co /TRPD North Trailhead at Murphy Hanrehan Park By Others TRPD (,' Greenway through Scott Co. By Others To be masterplanned by Scott Co /TRPi Gatewayat Murphy Hanrehan Park By Others TRPD Greenway (Murphy Hanrehan Park to 185th St W) 2nd T Grade separated crossing at 185th St W) 1st U Greenway (185th St W through Ritter Farm Park) 1st U.1 Trailhead at Ritter Farm Park Se ' ment 3: V Overpass at Interstate 35 Existing Gatewayat Casperson P:v, Greenway (Interstate 35 to 205th St W) V' Gateway at south end of Lake Marion Z Grade separated crossing at 205th St W AA Improvements to greenway (Along 205th St W to Antlers Park) Improve existing paved trail BB Trailhead at Antlers Park CC Greenway (Antlers Park to Dodd Blvd) Dr , -pwa (Dodd Blvd to (C.P. R &R line) EE Gateway at Downtown Lakeville 1st F F Not Used GG Greenway (208th St W to McGuire M.S. adjacent to RR) 1st Second priority projects will enhance the greenway experience. These are things such as: grade separated crossings; trailhead development; and enhancements to existing trails such as landscaping, habitat restoration interpretation, wayfinding, benches, trash receptacles, etc . In cases where gaps in the regional trail exist and alternative trail connections can be made on existing trails, interim routes will be designated until the preferred alignment can be assembled. Table 58. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Priority Projects 58 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Figure 59. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway North Priority Projects Alignment m Sort{mntyto be masterplanaed as a future Stoke County Three Rive park District Partnership i =TY MURPHY Joao' HA T :n T1r rnrrrrry dimirimmin Table 58 continued. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Priority Project PROJECT 00 PP QQ RR SS TT VV VV WW XX Greenway (McGuire M.S. to Hamburg Ave) Grade separated crossing at Hamburg Ave Greenway (Hamburg Ave to Cedar Ave) Grade separated crossing at Cedar Ave Greenway (Cedar Ave to Flagstaff Ave) Grade separated crossing at Flagstaff Ave Gateway at Flagstaff Ave Greenway (From Flagstaff Ave along South Creek) Grade separated crossing at Pilot Knob Rd extension Greenway (Along South Creek to Spruce St) Gateway at Spruce St Greenway (Along Spruce St to Spruce St /South Creek Bridge) Grade separated crossing at Spruce St /South Creek Bridge Greenway (Along South Creek) Grade separated crossing at Denmark Ave /South Creek Bridge Greenway (Denmark Ave along South Creek) Greenway (to Rambling River TrailheaL Rambling RiverTrailher' II,KK -� iJJ Existing First Priority Project Second Priority Project - Long -Term Project/ Minnesota River Greenway =I By Others LL MM'NN L P P POTENTIAL TRIGGERS /PART- ERS In conjunction w/ road construction 6 VM ar r viii �Vw '00 wQQ X$X YY DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 59 TOOL DAKOTA COUNTY RIGHT OF WAY OTHER PU 30' Regional Trail Corridor or Trailhead fl v a R p :iit 0 G 1 CURRENT PRIVATE LANDS 30' Regional Trail 100' -300' Easement or Trailhead Greenway 30' Regional Trail 100' -300' Easement or Trailhead Greenway County Easement County Fee Title Other Public Agency Acquisition 1 Use Agreement 1, 1, 1, 1, Stewardship Partnerships 1, 1, LAND PROTECTION AND STEWARDSHIP Dakota County's greenway concept incorporates ration, transportation, ecological and water quality components in a 100- to 300 -foot corridor secured through two hes: Land protection protecting land essential to make the greenway usable. For the Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway, this means securing land needed for the trail corridor, and trailheads. Land stewardship — the care of native landscapes and habitat within the greenway. Land Protection It is essential that Dakota County secure lands for the minimum 30 -foot trail alignment and trailheads. Sections of the Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway corridor where protection is needed are shown on Figure 59. Three categories of land are shown: land owned by Dakota County, land owned by other public entities and privately held land. For land owned by other public agencies, Dakota County will need to permanently protect the trail corridor and trailheads for regional trail use with easement or joint powers agreements. For land that is privately owned, the County will need to acquire the trail corridor for public use. Table 59 summarizes the approximate number of acres of land needed for protection. Land protection strategies include: park dedication, direct purchase with resale of land not required for the trail, permanent easements, land donation, bargain sale, life estate and negotiations with cities and developers. Table 58 highlights several techniques for protecting land in different ownership scenarios. Land Stewardship The natural resource objective for the greenway system is to maintain or create a healthy context within which nature can thrive. The first stewardship priority is restoring continuous habitat within the greenway corridors. The second is habitat restoration and protection of the most sensitive lands, including uplands that link greenways to the broader landscapes. Generally, Dakota County will not be the lead agency in stewardship activities outside the 30 -foot trail corridor and trailheads, but will work as steward partners with local jurisdictions, agencies and private landowners and provide funding and expertise. Table 60. Land Protection and Stewardship Tools C0 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 1 -- 14.37 acres 1.87acres 16.24 acres 2 -- 10.00 acres* 0.92 acres 10.92 acres* 3 14.17 acres 14.17 acres 4 -- 7.46 acres 10.63 acres 18.09 acres Figure 61. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Property Ownership SEGMENT w NO.18'Miles 0.334; Miles --6r 0.76. Miles 0.39`Miles % Marmeirl fin kal! Cdaw[ly SO be 4(—eni eiptanned 54 dlunne scan {aunty • Thire !Even Park tl i DAKOTA CO MUR?W- 3.57 Miles ry KOIREIIM Milt idS#RYE 0.25 Miles a „ PUBLIC * Does not include Scott County portion 1 .rll tilt 1`19 Miles 4 I Table 61. Protection and Steward Partnership Lands (for 30 foot wide trail corridor) PRIVATE TOTAL Longterm alternative <- if rail areidor becomes available © O T s Dakota County Other Public Ownership Private Ownership e 0:68 Miles - 0:8-Miles M9tra1 Crrdav Facile 111114arisbr • 4["440fy Y ii ruts, Loral 1.1 Kim Loxpl.all 2:6 lMiles DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 0.45'Miles I N 61 MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS Like other aspects of the greenway, management and operations will be a collaboration between the County, cities and other partners. Responsibilities will vary by greenway segment. While this master plan defines general responsibilities for each greenway segment, formal joint powers agreements between Dakota County and collaborating agencies will be needed to outline specific agency responsibilities. These agreements will outline who has control of the trail right -of -way as well as who will operate and maintain the trail and how they will do it. Table X provides a framework for anticipated agency roles in ownership, design and engineering, construction, restoration, operations and maintenance Management The Dakota County Parks Department will be the lead agency for coordinating greenway and management operations. The Dakota County Board of Commissioners establishes policies and goals for the park system and through an annual budget provides capital and operating funds for the department. The Park and Recreation Planning Commission, appointed by the Board of Commissioners, advises the County on park and recreation trail issues. General operations Dakota County Parks Department will be responsible for the operation of the 30 -foot regional trail corridor. Where there are opportunities for operational partnerships, Dakota County will enter a joint powers agreement with partner agencies (potential partner agencies are identified in Table X). The Parks Department employs a staff of permanent employees and seasonal employees adequate to maintain the system. Volunteers assist with outdoor education programs, patrol, park clean- ups and special events. Contractual agreements also are in place with outside agencies for some maintenance and natural resource work. Dakota County recognizes that as facilities expand, it will need to increase staffing. Based on operations and maintenance staffing for current Dakota County regional trails, it is anticipated that when the regional trail within Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway is complete, an additional 0.5 -1.0 full time employee park keeper (1,000 -2,000 hours of labor) and 0.5 seasonal FTE (1,000 hours of labor) will be needed. Operating hours The regional trail through the Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway will be open 24 hours for transportation purposes. Operating hours for the wider greenway, including trailheads and neighborhood gateways, likely will be sunrise to sunset. Hours may vary and change seasonally based on the type of use and presence of lighting. Dakota County will work with local jurisdictions to reconcile differences between greenway hours and hours of local parks the greenway travels through. C2 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT21 MAY 2013 YEAR MAINTENANCE ACTIVITY 0 Original construction of the paved trail 3 Seal coating Routine maintenance — crack filling, minor patching, minor curb repairs 11 Routine maintenance — crack filling, minor patching, minor curb repairs 13 Seal coating 18 Routine maintenance — crack filling, minor patching, minor curb repairs 21 Routine maintenance — crack filling, minor patching, minor curb repairs 25 Total reconstruction Maintenance Maintenance of facilities and lands is essential to protect public investment, enhance natural resource quality and achieve the County's goals of providing recreational users clean, safe, enjoyable year -round experiences. The Dakota County Parks Department has a clearly defined maintenance program and reporting hierarchy led by the manager of park development and maintenance, who reports to the parks director. Regular maintenance activities for the greenway will include: ■ Sign maintenance ■ Trash collection ■ Sweeping and blowing ■ Trail repair ■ Bridge repair ■ Trailhead facility repair and maintenance ■ Mowing ■ Tree trimming • Winter trail clearing Pavement Management Pavement deteriorates as it ages. Regular pavement maintenance can prolong the life -span of the greenway trail in a cost effective manner. See Table 63 for an outline of recommended activities. Ordinances Public use and enjoyment of the County park system is controlled by Ordinance 107, Park Ordinance, which was last revised June 3, 1997. The ordinance incorporates pertinent Minnesota statutes and addresses the following issues: ■ Regulation of public use ■ Regulation of general conduct ■ Regulations pertaining to general parkland operation ■ Protection of property, structures and natural resources ■ Regulation of recreational activity ■ Regulation of motorized vehicles, traffic and parking Table 63. Pavement Management Activities Enforcement and security Visitors are informed of park and trail rules and regulations through strategically located kiosks and signs that address specific information about hours, trails, permitted and prohibited activities, fees and directions. Dakota County Parks, Lakes and Trails officers will patrol the park in motor vehicles, on bicycles and on foot. Officers will also educate visitors and enforce ordinances. Local law enforcement and public safety agencies will be responsible for emergency and criminal complaints within the greenway. DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 63 Public awareness Dakota County's Parks and Open Space Depai tment will continue working with the County's Dakota County Communications Department to promote awareness and use of the County's parks and greenway system. Many tools are available to promote awareness of Dakota County parks and greenways including, but not limited to, websites, direct mail, press releases, brochures, on -site promotion, monument signage along roads, wayfinding within greenways and parks and paid advertising. Dakota County also collaborates with cities, businesses, the Metropolitan Regional Parks System and others to promote its facilities, programs and services and educate the public about its resources. Conflicts The surrounding land uses and the greenway are generally compatible and no conflicts outside of norm affect the viability of master plan recommendations. Minor conflicts will occasionally arise from private encroachment or neighboring residents' sensitivity to greenway, recreation or maintenance uses. Dakota County will work with individual landowners to resolve these issues case by case. Public Services No significant new public services will be needed to accommodate the greenway. Proposed trailheads and neighborhood gateways are served by the existing road network. If utilities are not accessible at gateways and trailheads, options such as solar powered lighting, self - composting toilets or wells will be considered. Stormwater will be treated on site. Accommodations for later installation of continuous trail lighting will be considered at initial trail construction. FUNDING Funding for initial capital cost and ongoing operations and maintenance costs is essential for a successful greenway. Funding will be a collaboration among the County, cities, and other agencies, with an emphasis on seeking outside funding such as through federal transportation enhancements grants. Cost share roles will be determined by the strengths of each agency and circumstances of each project. In -kind contributions of land, easement, design, engineering, construction and maintenance and operations are encouraged and will be outlined in joint powers agreements among agencies. It is anticipated that most future capital projects will be well positioned to secure regional, state and federal funds for recreation, transportation, water, and habitat and that these sources will account for a majority of capital construction costs. In many cases, but not all, Dakota County, as the regional agency, will be in the best position to pursue outside funding. Examples of outside funding sources include: ■ Federal Transportation Grants (MAP 21) ■ Metropolitan Council ■ National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program ■ Minnesota Department of Transportation ■ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ■ Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 64 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 ■ The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund ■ Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment funds ■ Watershed management organizations ■ Foundations and nonprofits ■ Statewide Health Improvement Program or similar Funding for operating and maintaining the 30 -foot regional trail easement and trailheads primarily will be Dakota County's responsibility. Annual operating costs are funded though the County's general fund and from regional park allocations from the Metropolitan Council. In situations where there are efficiencies in local jurisdictions performing maintenance and operations, Dakota County will enter a joint powers agreement outlining responsibilities and cost sharing. CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL BUDGETS Estimated costs in 2013 dollars for land protection, development costs, natural resources and annual operations and maintenance are included in Tables 66, 67, and 74. Land acquisition costs are included by segment in Tables 66 and 67. Because land protection strategies might include direct purchase with resale of land not required for the trail, permanent easements, land donation, bargain sale, life estate and negotiations with cities and developers, is very difficult to accurately project total acquisition costs. Estimated costs assume land protection of a 30 -foot trail corridor on land that is currently privately owned with an average cost of $90 per lineal foot. Table 66 and 67 includes budgets for capital investments, the priority of the investment and project partners. The table identifies the full anticipated construction costs of the plan elements. It is not anticipated that Dakota County will be responsible for the full cost of improvements outlined; funding will be a collaboration between the County and partner agencies. Habitat restoration within the greenway corridor is also included in these tables under the item landscaping /habitat management. It is assumed that along with greenway construction an average of 200 trees and 12.5 acres of prairie will be needed per mile, along with basic water management. Natural Resource project opportunities beyond the greenway corridor that the County may choose to partner with other public or private entities are identified in Table 75. Most capital projects also will be well positioned to secure regional, state and federal funds for recreation, transportation, water and habitat. While the Tables 66 and 67 identify priorities for capital projects, development will occur as funding becomes available and at the discretion of the Dakota County Board. Table 74 identifies annual maintenance and operations costs for the 30 -foot trail corridor including gateways, trailheads and grade separated crossings for each greenway segment. It includes yearly amortization of costs for major capital maintenance or full facility replacement approximately every 25 years the 30' trail corridor and trailheads and every 50 years for grade separated crossings. The estimates reflect a higher level of maintenance and expanded maintenance than is required today. Maintenance responsibilities will include landscaping, habitat management, sign replacement, winter plowing and other activities. Table75 identifies natural resource project opportunities beyond the greenway corridor. Dakota County supports the restoration of habitat adjacent to the greenway and may choose to collaborate with individual landowners and other public agencies where it is to thmutual benefit of both agencies and as funding for restoration and ongoing habitat management allows. DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 65 ITEM DESCRIPTION SEGMENMEIMINMer Nature Preserve to Land Protection FIRST PRIORITY SECOND PRIORITY LONG TERM PRIORITY TOTAL PERCENT TOTAL Kelleher • '' $245,250 7.23% $0 $245,250 Greenway Development $478,500 $818,500 $0 $1,297,000 38.24% Landscaping /Habitat Management $72,500 $78,500 $0 $151,000 4.45% Grade Separated Crossings $851,563 $0 $851,563 25.11% Trailheads and Gateways $105,000 $0 $105,000 3.10% Contingency (10%) $164,781 $100,200 $0 $264,981 7.81% Segment 1 Subtotal $1,812,594 $1,102,200 $0 $2,914,794 85.94% Anticipated Engineering Fees (18%) $296,606 $180,360 $0 $476,966 14.06% Segment 1 Total SEGMENT 2: Kelleher Pa Late 35 at Land Protection $2,109,200 $1,282,560 $0 $3,391,760 100.00% Cas . erson Park $119,250 $0 $0 $119,250 4.26% Greenway Development $872,800 $0 $0 $872,800 31.17% Landscaping /Habitat Management Grade Separated Crossings $695,313 $0 $0 $695,313 24.83% Trailheads and Gateways $500,000 $0 $0 $500,000 17.86% Contingency (10%) $218,736 $0 $0 $218,736 7.81% Segment2 Subtotal $2,406,099 $0 $0 $2,406,099 85.94% Anticipated Engineering Fees (18%) $393,725 $0 $0 $393,725 14.06% Segment 2 Total SEGMENT 3: Interstate 35 at Casperson P. , Land Protection $2,799,824 $0 $0 $2,799,824 100.00% to cGu i $162,000 $0 $0 $119,250 5.65% Greenway Development $151,800 $135,900 $0 $1,008,700 47.81% Landscaping /Habitat Management $23,000 $144,900 Grade Separated Crossings $0 $425,782 $0 $1,121,094 53.13% Trailheads and Gateways $35,000 $570,000 $0 $605,000 28.67% Contingency(10%) $37,180 $127,658 $0 $164,838 7.81% Segment 3 Subtotal $408,980 $1,404,240 $0 $1,813,220 143.08% Anticipated Engineering Fees (18%) $66,924 $229,785 $0 $296,709 14.06% Segment3Total $475,904 11. fiver Par 7 rai ea . $1,266,750 $1,634,024 $0 $0 $2,109,928 157.14% ; 19.31% : ' c urre ' 1 . e oo to am Land Protection $0 $1,266,750 Greenway Development $1,896,200 $26,600 $1,922,800 29.32% Landscaping /Habitat Management Grade Separated Crossings $1,864,550 $0 $0 $1,864,550 28.43% Trailheads and Gateways $35,000 $35,000 $0 $70,000 1.07% Contingency(10%) $506,250 $6,160 $0 $512,410 7.81% Segment4Subtotal $5,568,750 $67,760 $0 $5,636,510 85.94% Anticipated Engineering Fees (18%) $911,250 $11,088 $0 $922,338 14.06% Segment 4 Total $6,480,000 $78,848 $0 $6,558,848 100.00% GREENWAY TOTAL $11,864,928 $2,995,432 $0 $14,860,360 Table 66. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Overview of ProhplhIP � + 66 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Table 67. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Capital Development Estimates DRAFT 21 MAY2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 67 TOTAL NOTES ITEM A DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT UNIT COST 1ST PRIORITY 2ND PRIORITY LONGTERM Trailhead at MN River Regional Greenway Assumes bendies, bike rad,28 -stall parking, picnic tables, picnicshelter and restrooms, siguage, waste reeeptades, waterfountain and landsmping Lump Sum $ - Included in cost estimate for Minnesota River Greenway Master Plan Design& Engineering at 18% $ _ Contingenry at 10% $ - ASubtotal $ - B Greenway (Along Minnesota River to Rudy Kraemer Nature Preserve) NEW TRAIL 13,950 $ Included in cost estimate for Minnesota River Greenway Master Plan Signage /Wayfinding 13,950 $ landscaping/ Habitat Management 13,950 $ - Site Furnishings 13,950 $ - Design& Engineering at 1896 $ - Contingenry at 1096 $ 8 Subtotal $ C Grade separated crossing at TH 13 Grade separated crossing Lump sum $ 703,125 Included in cost estimate for Minnesota River Greenway Master Plan Design & Engineering at 1896 $ 126,563 Contingenry at 10% $ 70,313 [Subtotal $ 900,000 D Gateway at Rudy Kraemer Nature Preserve Assumes 2 benches, l bikerack, 1 trailhead /gateway sign with interpretation, 2 waste receptacles, 1 water fountain and 1 pedestrian light Lump Sum $ - Included in cost estimate for Minnesota River Greenway Master Plan Design & Engineering at 1896 $ _ Contingenry at 10% $ - D Subtotal $ - E Greenway Enhancement (Through Rudy Kraemer Nature Preserve) 1 Signage / Wayfinding 2,000 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 4,000 Landscaping / Habitat Management 2,000 Ln Ft $ 10 $ 20,000 Site Furnishings 2,000 4 $ 8,000 Design& Engineering at 1896 $ 5,760 Contingenry at 1096 $ 3,200 ESubtotal $ 40,960 F Greenway (Rudy Kraemer Nature Preserve to Williams Dr) NEW TRAIL 1,050 Ln Ft $ 60 $ 63,000 Signage /Wayfinding 1,050 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 2,100 landscaping / Habitat Management 1,050 Ln Ft $ 10 $ 10,500 Site Furnishings 1,050 $ 4 $ 4,200 Design & Engineering at 1896 $ 14,364 Contingenry at10% $ 7,980 FSubtotal $ 102,144 G Greenway (Williams Dr to Judicial Rd to Howell Park) NEW TRAIL 2,950 Ln Ft $ 60 $ 177,000 Signage /Wayfinding 2,950 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 5,900 landscaping / Habitat Management 2,950 Ln Ft $ 10 $ 29,500 Site Furnishings 2,950 $ 4 $ 11,800 Design& Engineering at 1896 $ 40,356 Contingenry at 10% $ 22,420 ESubtotal $ 286,976 H Greenway Enhancement (Howell Park to Sunset Pond Park) Signage / Wayfinding 5,850 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 11,700 Landscaping / Habitat Management 5,850 Ln Ft $ 10 $ 58,500 Site Furnishings 5,850 $ 4 $ 23,400 Design& Engineering at 1896 $ 16,848 Contingenry at 10% $ 9,360 HSubtotal $ 119,808 Gateway at Sunset Pond Park Assumes 2 benches, 1 bikerack, 1 [railhead/gateway sign with interpretation, 2 waste receptacles, 1 water fountain and 1 pedestrian light Lump Sum $ 35,000 Design& Engineering at 1896 $ 6,300 Contingenry at 1096 $ 3,500 ISubtotal $ 44,800 J Greenway (From Sunset Pond Park CP R &R corridor /CSAH 42 crossing) NEW TRAIL 3,250 Ln Ft $ 60 $ 195,000 Signage /Wayfinding 3,250 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 6,500 Landscaping / Habitat Management 3,250 Ln Ft $ 10 $ 32,500 Site Furnishings 3,250 $ 4 $ 13,000 Design& Engineering at 1896 $ 44,460 Contingenry at 10% $ 24,700 JSubtotal $ 316,160 Table 67. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Capital Development Estimates DRAFT 21 MAY2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 67 68 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 TOTAL NOTES ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT UNIT COST 1ST PRIORITY 2ND PRIORITY LONGTERM K Improvements to grade separated crossing at CSAH 42 Grade separated crossing Lump sum $ 148,438 Existing Bridge Design & Engineering at 1896 $ 26,719 Contingency at 10% $ 14,844 NSubtotal $ 190,000 L Gateway at Rose Park Assumes 2 benches, 1 bikerack, 1 trailhead /gateway sign with interpretation, 2 waste receptacles, 1 water fountain and 1 pedestrian light Lump Sum $ 35,000 Design& Engineering at 18% $ 6,300 Contingency at 1096 $ 3,500 LSubtotal $ 44,800 M Greenway (Rose Park to Kelleher Park) _ NEW TRAIL 10,150 Ln Ft $ 60 $ 609,000 Signage /Way8rrding 10,150 Ln Ft $. 2 $ 20,300 landscaping / Habitat Management 10,150 Ln Ft $ 10 $ 101,500 Land Protection 2,725 Ln Ft $ 90 $ 245,250 Site Furnishings 10,150 $ 4 $ 40,600 Design& Engineering at 1896 $ 44,145.00 $ 138,852 Contingency at 1096 $ 24,525.0 $ 77,140 MSubtotal $ 313,920 $ 987,392 N Gateway at Kelleher Park Assumes2 benches, 1 bikerack, 1 trailhead /gateway sign with interpretation, 2 waste receptacles, l water fountain and 1 pedestrian light Lump Sum $ 35,000 Design& Engineering at 1896 $ 6,300 Contingency at 1096 $ 3,500 NSubtotal $ 44,800 First Priority Subtotal $ 2,109,200 Second Priority Subtotal $ 1,282,560 Long Term Subtotal $ - Segment 1 Subtotal $ 3,391,760 68 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 69 TOTAL NOTES ITEM SEGMENT 0 DESCRIPTION 2: Kelleher Park to Interstate 35 at Cas QTY erson P UNIT rk UNIT COST - 1ST PRIORITY 2ND PRIORITY LONGTERM Greenway through Scott Co NEW TRAIL Ln Ft $ 85 $ - By Other Agencies - Scott County / Three Rivers Park District Partnership P Trailhead at Murphy Hanrehan Park (North) Assumes benches, bike rack, 25 -stall parking, picnic tables, picnicshelter and restrooms,sigruge, waste receptacles,waterfaunwin and landsmping Lump Sum $ - Uses Existing Three Rivers Park District Trailhead Q Greenway through Scott Co 1 ' NEW TRAIL Ln Ft $ 60 $ By Other Agencies- Scott County / Three Rivers Park District Partnership R Gateway at Murphy Hanrehan Park (Southeast) Assumes 2 benches, 1 bikerack, 1 trailhead /gateway sign with interpretation, 2 wane receptacles, 1 water fountain and 1 pedestrian light Lump Sum $ - By Other Agencies - Three Rivers Park District. Use planned future trailhead at southeast edge of Park S Greenway Enhancement (Murphy Hanrehan Park to 185th St W) Signage / Wayfinding 3,250 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 6,500 landscaping / Habitat Management 3,250 Ln Ft $ 10 $ 32,500 Site Furnishings 3,250 $ 4 $ 13,000 Design & Engineering at 18% $ 9,360 Contingency at 10% $ 5,200 SSubtotal $ 66,560 T Grade separated crossing at 185th St W Underpass Lump sum $ 695,313 Design & Engineering at 18% $ 125,156 Contingenry at 10% $ 69,531 TSubtotal $ 890,000 U Greenway (185th St W through Ritter Farm Park) NEW TRAIL 10,800 Ln Ft $ 60 $ 648,000 Signage /Wayfinding 10,800 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 21,600 Landscaping / Habitat Management 10,800 Ln Ft $ 10 $ 108,000 Land Protection 1,325 Ln Ft $ 90 $ 119,250 Site Furnishings 10,800 $ 4 $ 43,200 Design& Engineering at 1896 $ 169,209 Contingency at 10% $ 94,005 USubtotal $ 1,203,264 U.1 Trailhead at Ritter Farm Park Assumes benches, bike rack, 25 -stall parking picnic tables, picnicshelter andrestrooms,signage, waste rereptades,waterfountaln and landsrping Lump Sum $ 500,000 Design& Engineering at 18% $ 90,000 Contingency at 1096 $ 50,000 PSubtotal $ 640,000 First Priority Subtotal $ 2,799,824 Second Priority Subtotal $ - Long Term Subtotal $ - Segment 2 Subtotal $ 2,799,824 DRAFT 21 MAY2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 69 70 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 TOTAL NOTES ITEM SEGMENT V DESCRIPTION QTY 3: Interstate 35 at Cas erson Park to McGuire Niddle UNIT UNIT COST 1ST PRIORITY 2ND PRIORITY J LONGTERM School Overpassat Interstate 35 & Crossing Improvements at KenrkkAve and 195th Street � Use existing 1 -35 Bridge, pedestrian activated signals, sig nag e and pavement markingsat Kenrick and 195th Street Lump sum $ 39,063 Share the road stripping & at grade crossing improvements Design& Engineering at 1896 $ 7,031 Contingenry at 10% $ 3,906 VSubtotal $ 50,000 W Gateway at Casperson Park Assumes 2 benches, 1 bike rack, 1 trailhead/gateway sign with interpretation, 2 wane receptacles, 1 water fountain and 1 pedestrian light Lump Sum $ 35,000 Design& Engineering at 18% $ 6,300 Contingenry at 1096 $ 3,500 WSubtotal $ 44,800 X Greenway Enhancement (Interstate 35 to 205th St W) Signage / Wayfinding 8,700 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 17,400 Landscaping / Habitat Management 8,700 Ln Ft $ 10 $ 87,000 Site Furnishings 8,700 $ 4 $ 34,800 Design & Engineering at 18% $ 25,056 Contingenry at 10% $ 13,920 XSubtotal $ 178,176 Y Gateway at south end of Lake Marion _ Assumes 2 benches, 5 bikerack, 1 trailhead /gateway sign with interpretation, 2 waste receptacles, 1 water fountain and 1 pedestrian light Lump Sum $ 35,000 Design& Engineering at 18% $ 6,300 Contingency at 10% $ 3,500 YSubtotal $ 44,800 Z Grade separated crossing at 205th St W Underpass Lump sum $ 386,719 Design& Engineering at 18% $ 69,609 Contingency at 10% $ 38,672 ZSubtotal $ 495,000 70 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 71 TOTAL NOTES ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT UNIT COST 1ST PRIORITY 2ND PRIORITY LONGTERM AA Greenway Enhancement (Along 205th St W to Antlers Park) Signage /Wayfinding 3,550 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 7,100 Landscaping / Habitat Management 3,550 Ln Ft $ 10 $ 35,500 Site Furnishings 3,550 $ 4 $ 14,200 Design& Engineering at 18% $ 10,224 Contingency at 10% $ 5,680 AA Subtotal $ 72,704 BB Trailhead at Antlers Park assunIE benches, bike rad, 25 -stall parking, picnic tables, picnic shelter and rertrooms, Signage, waste rereptades, waterfountain and landsmping Lump Sum $ 500,000 Design & Engineering at 1896 $ 90,000 Contingency at 10% $ 50,000 88 Subtotal $ 640,000 CC Greenway Enhancement (Lakeview E.S. to Dodd Blvd $ 640,000 Sign age /Wayfinding 3,750 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 7,500 landscaping / Habitat Management 3,750 Ln Ft $ 10 $ 37,500 Site Furnishings 3,750 $ 4 $ 15,000 Design& Engineering at 18% $ 10,800 Contingency at 10% $ 6,000 CC Subtotal $ 76,800 DD Greenway Enhancement (Dodd Blvd toC.P. R &R line) Signage /Wayfinding 1,550 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 3,100 landscaping / Habitat Management 1,550 Ln Ft $ 10 $ 15,500 Site Furnishings 1,550 $ 4 $ 6,200 Design& Engineering at 1896 $ 4,464 Contingency at 10% $ 2,480 DD Subtotal $ 31,744 EE Gateway at Downtown Lakeville Assumes benches, 1 bikerack, 1 trailhead /gateway sign with interpretation, 2 waste receptacles, 1 water fountain and 1 pedestrian light Lump Sum $ 35,000 Design & Engineering at 18% $ 6,300 Contingency at 1096 $ 3,500 EE Subtotal $ 44,800 GG Greenway (208th St W to McGuire M.S.) NEW TRAIL 2,300 Ln Ft $ 60 $ 138,000 Signage /Wayfinding 2,300 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 4,600 $ 151,800 landscaping / Habitat Management 2,300 Ln Ft $ 10 $ 23,000 Site Furnishings 2,300 $ 4 $ 9,200 Land Protection 1,800 Ln Ft $ 90 $ 162,000 Design & Engineering at 18% $ 60,624 Contingency at 10% $ 33,680 GG Subtotal $ 431,104 $ - • First Priority Subtotal $ 475,904 Second Priority Subtotal $ 1,634,024 Long Term Subtotal Segment 3 Subtotal 2,109,928 $ DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 71 72 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 TOTAL NOTES ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT UNIT COST 1ST PRIORITY 2ND PRIORITY LONG TERM SEGMENT 4: McGuire Middle School to Ramblin ' R'ver Padt/Trailhead HH Greenway (McGuire M.S. to Hamburg Ave) NEW TRAIL 4,500 In Ft $ 60 $ 270,000 Signage /Wayfnding 4,500 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 9,000 Landscaping / Habitat Management 4,500 Ln Ft $ 10 $ 45,000 Land Protection 650 Ln Ft $ 90 $ 58,500 Site Furnishings 4,500 $ 4 $ 18,000 Design & Engineering at 18% $ 72,090 Contingenry 0100 $ 40,050 HH Subtotal $ 512,640 II Grade separated crossing at Hamburg Ave Underpass Lump sum $ 378,906 Design& Engineering at 18% $ 68,203 Contingency at 10% $ 37,891 II Subtotal $ 485,000 JJ Greenway (Hamburg Ave to Cedar Ave) NEW TRAIL 2,750 Ln Ft $ 60 $ 165,000 Signage /Wayfinding 2,750 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 5,500 landscaping / Habitat Management 2,750 In Ft $ 10 $ 27,500 Land Protection 1,075 Ln Ft $ 90 $ 96,750 Site Furnishings 2,750 $ 4 $ 11,000 Design & Engineering at 18% $ 55,035 Contingency at 10% $ 30,575 11 Subtotal $ 391,360 KK Grade separated crossing at Cedar Ave Underpass Lump sum $ 605,469 Design& Engineering at 18% $ 108,984 Contingency at 1096 $ 60,547 KR Subtotal $ 775,000 LL Greenway (Cedar Ave to Flagstaff Ave) NEW TRAIL 6,150 Ln Ft $ 60 $ 369,000 Signage /Wayfinding 6,150 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 12,300 Landscaping / Habitat Management 6,150 Ln Ft $ 10 $ 61,500 Land Protection 2,700 Ln Ft $ 90 $ 243,000 Site Furnishings 6,150 $ 4 $ 24,600 Design & Engineering at 18% $ 127,872 Contingency at 10% $ 71,040 LL Subtotal $ 909,312 MM Grade separated crossing at Flagstaff Grade separated crossing Lump sum $ 390,625 Use Existing Bridge Design & Engineering at 18% $ 70,313 Contingenry at 10% $ 39,063 NM Subtotal $ 500,000 NN Gateway at Flagstaff Ave interpretation, 2 waste receptacles, 1 water fountain and 1 Lump Sum $ 35,000 Design& Engineering at 18% $ 6,300 Contingency at 10% $ 3,500 NN Subtotal $ 44,800 00 Greenway (From Flagstaff Ave along South Creek) NEW TRAIL 4,400 Ln Ft $ 60 $ 264,000 Signage /Wayfinding 4,400 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 8,800 landscaping / Habitat Management 4,400 In Ft $ 10 $ 44,000 Land Protection 4,400 In Ft $ 90 $ 396,000 Site Furnishings 4,400 $ 4 $ 17,600 Design& Engineering at 18% $ 131,472 Contingency at 10% $ 73,040 00 Subtotal $ 934,912 PP Grade separated crossing at Pilot Knob Rd Extension Grade separated crossing Lump sum $ 468,750 Constructed as part of planned road extension Design & Engineering at 18% $ 84,375 Contingency at 10% $ 46,875 QQ Subtotal $ 600,000 QQ Greenway (Along South Creek to Spruce St) NEW TRAIL 5,250 Ln Ft $ 60 $ 315,000 Signage /Wayfinding 5,250 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 10,500 Landscaping / Habitat Management 5,250 Ln Ft $ 10 $ 52,500 Land Protection 5,250 in Ft $ 90 $ 472,500 Site Furnishings 5,250 $ 4 $ 21,000 Design & Engineering at 18% $ 156,870 Contingency at 10% $ 87,150 RR Subtotal $ 1,115,520 72 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 73 TOTAL NOTES ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT UNIT COST 1ST PRIORITY 2ND PRIORITY LONGTERM RR Gateway at Spruce St interpretation, 2 waste receptacles,1 water fountain and 1 Lump Sum $ 35,000 Design& Engineering at 1896 $ 6,300 Contingency at 1096 $ 3,500 RR Subtotal $ 44,800 SS Greenway (Along Spruce St to Spruce St/South Creek Bridge) NEW TRAIL 1,000 Ln Ft $ 60 $ 60,000 Signage /Wayfndiig 1,000 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 2,000 Landscaping/ Habitat Management 1,000 Ln Ft $ 10 $ 10,000 Site Furnishings 1,000 $ 4 $ 4,000 Design& Engineering at 1896 $ 13,680 Contingency at 1096 $ 7,600 SS Subtotal $ 97,280 TT Grade separated crossing at Spruce St/South Creek Bridge Grade separated crossing Lump sum $ 8,400 Use Existing Bridge Design& Engineering at 1896 $ 1,512 Contingency at 10% $ 840 TTSubtotal $ 10,752 UU Greenway (Along South Creek) NEW TRAIL 600 Ln Ft $ 60 $ 36,000 Signage /Wayfndiig 600 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 1,200 landscaping / Habitat Management 600 Ln Ft $ 10 $ 6,000 Ste Furnishings 600 $ 4 $ 2,400 Design& Engineering at 1896 $ 8,208 Contingency at 10% $ 4,560 UU Subtotal $ 58,368 VV Grade separated crossing at Denmark Ave/South Creek Bridge Grade separated crossing Lump sum $ 12,400 Use Existing Bridge Design& Engineering at 1896 $ 2,232 Contingency at 10% $ 1,240 WSubtotal $ 15,872 W W Greenway (Denmark Ave along South Creek) NEW TRAIL 300 Ln Ft $ 60 $ 18,000 Signage /Wayfndiig 300 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 600 Landscaping / Habitat Management 300 Ln Ft $ 10 $ 3,000 Ste Furnishings 300 $ 4 $ 1,200 Design& Engineering at 1896 $ 4,104 Contingency at 10% $ 2,280 WW Subtotal $ 29,184 XX Greenway (to Rambling River Trailhead) 1 NEW TRAIL 350 Ln Ft $ 60 $ 21,000 Signage /Wayfnding 350 Ln Ft $ 2 $ 700 Landscaping / Habitat Management 350 Ln Ft $ 10 $ 3,500 Site Furnishings 350 $ 4 $ 1,400 Design& Engineering at 18% $ 4,788 Contingency at 10% $ 2,660 XXSubtotal $ 34,048 YY Rambling River Trailhead and restrooms, signage ,wastereceptarles,waterfountain and Lump Sum 8 Included in North Creek Greenway cost estimate Design &Engineeringat1896 $ - Contingency at 1096 $ - YYSubtotal $ First Priority Subtotal $ 6,480,000 Second Priority Subtotal $ 78,848 Long Term Subtotal $ Segment 4 Subtotal $ 6,558,848 First Priority Subtotal $ 71,864,928 Second Priority Subtotal $ 2,995,432 Long Term Priority Subtotal $ - Lake Marion Ut reenway Total $ 14,860,360 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 73 Table 74. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Operations and Maintenance Cost Estimates 74 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Annual Opetetlarrmidi **At calm Anatol Ur/l In tapbt* M4Irstarmicarradity PPM rs`arar worry 2S Fantairalard _ F4 ++TrC /am Eryda. awawavelam IT , 15 1 1 niin IPTle1N 41,11r 105 WIT -.- 111011451 ; SWHOA' itI T(OST , SOITOTA1 5 1101411 f Talk* d IWRix7 r+ gioaelGarr aAry glad 'dal l: ikoter Mal 5 rmll(alridor'adGataways 157 14I6n 5 !,[r. . .1,Z1, 5 1 ..0 5 57550 i. 101,47, Citde"klp** *15 i1rsp•Radepasl iOt a A, S 1.1.5.17 o.1?J $ 1 0,r01+ 5 X1110171 $. Mi1113) 1 5vbtdd s 331141 IWO $ 117,473 1 _ 50) 1 15,100 5 42 OW 5 15 /ND Ir.• i1 1omdaralyd6,re.; aJntGtllllf altillf "SmQ7(.a.tohe operated byikx*r$ 40.psstnaiSsa[z(wat)p w0a Mlles 71117 f rail hood al NBA r4ar05. M11ile$0 011111101414115101 operated iry 3 Rivers Taira Cestractl 7.0 „s ;. - r r..I 16E4 al hair rilnFa1k 1 tit 5 l grim 5, a 1 a ?rrrr`Ir S ai110rr"M r 5 355.00. s..rale SepliV (ritssitf,6- ULidefpast 1 t ;:r4 I a $ ie.., y: Ii7,.l 1r1 5 113.0410 } sit;. 2 S ote j - PAgao. : saw F 1111 rtsf 4 I'3Cr11ilta4a lravdle F WI FAO - -' ? 15:067 4 $ 5 i 1.`4,,x17 - _, 7,507 _ :5a 5 S e5,63u 5 585133 i 3'! ! . , CradeSepraled <n N - Urld411341l • d SOC.I - Yom. 1 IN.110 5 JAW? m z Sltt.tltrlf S 1 `.t... d - - 1 f aims* S # Ls T...310 I - - _ `_:- ? ' ita u11 111ba�q ' _, I raillead Pa WA 09Iti illird Ell M lrklTtlF' irce* GYrevmst y colt tst,nwiel leallCa4i1t1taiFl Gir4y1u1ryK Agra . r.ir l ;flkri . 10.1:rb ; Fd 44 ? s fr} HFll 4S11bt+Dlre 5 FIIRT4 . . 5taie € .Order Y96.' a - 35.775 3 434. 5 TEAMS GREENWAY "TOTAL s 13srma S . it00 ■ Table 74. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Operations and Maintenance Cost Estimates 74 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Table 75. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Natural Resources Investments - Partner Opportunities DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 75 PARTNER OPPORTUNITIES ITEM DESCRIPTION SEGMENT 1: Minnesota River to Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve Kraemer Quarry / Burnsville Landfill City of Burnsville, Developer Manage buckthorn Monitor floodplain forest regeneration Rudy Kraemer Nature Preserve City of Burnsville Continue buckthorn management and native habitat restoration work by City of Burnsville (assume shared costs) Sunset Pond City of Burnsville Support prairie restoration work underway by the City Plant native vegetation buffer around stormwater pond at SE corner of Judicial Rd and Southcross Dr. Kelleher Park City of Burnsville Support vegetation management and restoration work underway by the City of Burnsville Subtotal SEGMENT 2: Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve to Lake Marion Murphy - Hanrehan Regional Park Reserve Three Rivers Park District Support existing restoration and preservation projects Ritter Farm Park City of Lakeville Manage invasive vegetation throughout park Restore native vegetation within park Subtotal SEGMENT 3: Lake Marion to Downtown Lakeville Lake Marion City of Lakeville, Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, homeowners Manage milfoil within lake (assess needs and determine strategy) Restore shorelines where feasible (assumes cost -share for homeowners) Subtotal SEGMENT 4: South Creek (Downtown Lakeville to Downtown Farmington) South Creek City of Farmington, Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, Vermillion River Watershed JPO, MnDNR Continue remeandering work underway by VRWJPO Maintain stream buffer over time as surrounding areas are developed Vermillion River and Rambling River Park Natural Resource Management Table 75. Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Natural Resources Investments - Partner Opportunities DRAFT 21 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 75 R E E K n E K PI V A N Public and Stakeholder Outreach Summary Public and stakeholder input was gathered in December 2012 and January 2013 during the alternative exploration phase of the project and again in the Spring of 2013 to get feedback on the draft plan. Input involved: presentations to commissions and city councils in each community the greenway travels through, community open houses, and individual meetings with key stakeholders. A summary of public comments and stakeholder meetings follows. Open House #1 Public input was gathered at two joint open houses were held for the Mendota Lebanon Hills Greenway and for the Lake Marion /South Creek Greenway. The first at Lebanon Hills Regional Park Visitor Center (held jointly with the Lebanon Hills Regional Park Master Plan Open House), on January 15th , and a second at the Lakeville Water Treatment Facility, on January 24th, 2013. Dakota County staff notified all landowners within 1 /4 mile of both greenways by mail with a brochure outlining the project and an invitation to the open houses. Over 80 people attended the two Open Houses, including property owners, interested citizens and public officials. Most attendees had received mailings notifying them of the open house. Many property owners came with questions and concerns, but overall there was support for the greenways. In addition to the open house, the plans, along with the ability to comment on -line, were posted on the project website in mid - January. Overall, the comments were positive about the greenways, but several questions were asked about the specific alignment options. Attendees expressed interest in both on -road and off -road trails for varying reasons, including cost, maintenance, access, and experience. In addition to public input, individual meetings were held with key stakeholders to provide project information and get feedback on alternative alignments. DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 77 Lake Marion —South Creek Regional Greenway — Open House Comments Most comments were from residents of Lakeville or Burnsville, who had received direct mailings about the open house. Many meeting attendees like the idea of a greenway trail along the rail corridor and expressed interested in helping that come to reality. A few attendees raised concerns about property values and adjacency issues. ■ General comments: The investment will have huge and long -term benefits! Completing the `regional loop' will drive tourism Thanks for your work! Work with LFE (Lakeville Friends of the Environment) for a Pedal the Parks to promote this greenway Thank you for providing the opportunity for community education, awareness and feedback. Your presentation was well designed. I think the idea for a greenway is an outstanding one. It adds something to our community that is beneficial and worthwhile, and that will last and be available for generations. Hats off to the planners. Now if you could just get rid of the railroad cars parked end -to -end in Lakeville, that would be great! Thank you! ■ Transportation related comments: Work hard to acquire rights to Progressive Rail Corridor — perfect path, grade, and access for wetlands. Ensure that trail alignment through Ritter Farm Park does not disrupt or replace existing soft surface trail network. Upgrade of existing trailhead at Ritter Farm Park would be welcome — especially drinking water and restrooms. Keep in contact with Canadian Pacific acquiring the railroad track for a trail. Love the tracks by Orchard Lake — beautiful walk. I live along the railroad tracks in Lakeville — would love to have trails in place of the tracks! The CP railway is perfect for a project like this. If I was in charge, I'd make negotiating with the rail company a top priority. This is an exciting opportunity — the connection between Farmington and Lakeville will connect two fun downtowns. I am super disappointed there does not seem to be much hope of access to the rail line through Lakeville and Burnsville — seems like a missed opportunity to improve living standards for both populations. It would be nice to have a grade separated crossing to get across Dodd on either the north or south route. Please leave the railway for commuter rail. Please develop a long trail for road biking and longer trips — need this to be competitive with other communities /counties. Our house backs up to the railroad — we have to live with looking at tall weeds and grass all summer long. The RR does not mow or get rid of weeds. It is an eye sore. It would be wonderful to have a neatly kept trail there instead. Would be glad to help! We love the idea of using the rail tracks along Hwy 50. We back up to them. What can we do to help with this concern? What a great addition to all of these communities! (Pam Steinhagen 952 -469 -4631) Very excited to have a trail that circumnavigates Lake Marion. A walking trail to allow connection between Casperson Park and 185th would be a huge benefit to walkers south of 185th. So excited things like this are being considered. We would love to see the rail tracks used with the Lake Marion part, it would help with so many things, no parked rail cars, more maintenance along County rd 50 a main cooridor for many, our property values would increase, more people would come to live and play here. It may help with the 185th round a bout and corridor expansion as well. We welcome this and will put every effort into seeing this through. I would like to see the old railway converted into a trail. The right -of -way is already there (60 feet) It just makes sense. The railway also travels through some very scenic areas that would be neat when converted to a greenway trail. I live along the railroad tracks next to Lake Marion and we would LOVE LOVE LOVE a greenway in place of the railroad tracks. Please do all possible to obtain this route! Progressive Rail, who is leasing the track from CP, has not been a good neighbor to us and we feel a greenway would be a huge win for the City and the County. You are our only hope! ■ Natural resources comments: 78 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 What a great use of the beautiful natural resources Dakota County and Lakeville have. As a nature oriented project, I'd try to stay away from some of the more `futuristic' ideas on display. Think natural! Natural resources and water quality: You have considered your existing resources well. At minimum, I know they will be higher than the railroad's. The railroad in Lakeville seems to have no problem about polluting the area and Lake Marion watershed area. Water quality should be at a high maintenance level IAW EPA and MPCA standards, at a minimum. Same for natural resources -- for example wooded areas A minimum of tree damage should be the maximum acceptable level for building the trails. If there are views of natural or scenic areas in a neighborhood, the trail should not obstruct these areas. That is, no walls, giant buffers like evergreens, and the like ... that would obstruct homeowners and community views of a pond or lake area (or wooded area for that matter). ▪ Greenway amenities comments: » Family 1 is preferred for furnishings in keeping with the nature and contemporary design mindsets. » Please plant more trees along the current paths and include funding for trees and landscaping along future paths. » I think a north -woods like trail would be cool. Rustic signs, etc. As to lighting I would keep that to a minimum, except for intersections where the trail may cross a road. If the trail is through or adjacent to residential areas the lighting should not interfere with the natural beauty of the area, and may be unnecessary. The starts should still be viewable at night (when the trail will probably be closed anyway -- for safety and noise purposes). Interpretation should accentuate the natural and or community surroundings. It should add, not take away from the environment of the area it is passing through. Stakeholder Meetings ■ City of Lakeville City Staff — 12 -4 -12 » County Staff and HKGi met with City Staff to introduce the project, discuss issues surrounding the CP Rail Line and public and stakeholder outreach » Park and Recreation Commission — 1/2/13 Dakota County Staff presented an overview of the project to the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Planning Commission and City Council were invited to the meeting. ■ Three Rivers Park District - 12 -17 -12 Lil Leatham, HKGi John Mertens, Dakota County, Senior Planner Kurt Chatfield, Dakota County, Director of Planning Jonathan Valming, Three Rivers Park District, Associate Superintendent of Planning John Barten, Three Rivers Park District Director of Natural Resources Kelly Grissman, Three Rivers Park District Director of Planning Ann Rexine, Three Rivers Park District, Planner Andy Hilvgard, Scott County Mark Themig, Scott County DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 79 ■ MOM Brands -1 -9 -2013 Paul Holzhueter, Vice President of Business Development Pauline Weigrefe, Corporate Facilities Manager ■ Lakeville School District -1 -16 -2013 Dr. Lisa Snyder, Superintendent ■ Canadian Pacific Railroad Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve is one of the highest quality natural resources in the Metro Area. Three Rivers Park District currently does not have paved trail uses. The park master plan says: "Regional trails can be accommodated without significant impacts to the natural resources or the semi primitive character of the park reserve if they are located on the periphery. With the exception of the proposed trailhead developments outlined above, there are no additional regional trail development projects proposed in this Master Plan. Three Rivers Park District will continue to coordinate with Dakota and Scott Counties on regional trail planning" Three Rivers Park District would like for the Dakota County Regional Trail to connect to a Scott County Trail at the southern boundary of the park. The connection to the Minnesota River Greenway can be made through a future Scott County trail, to be master planned by Scott County west of the park. If the Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway Master Plan is aligned with The Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve Master Plan, the Three Rivers Park District Board should be able to offer a resolution of support for the Greenway. When the inoldings on Sunset Lake Blvd/Murphy Lake Blvd are acquired, the gravel road will be restored to natural vegetation. There is no opportunity for a future paved trail on these roads. Sunset Lake Road (gravel) and Hanrehan Lake Blvd (paved) are Scott County Roads. The CP rail option should continue to be pursued, it would make a great trail corridor. Overall positive about the Greenway Concept Existing 50' conservation easement with City of Lakeville may allow for trail corridor Concern about neighbors on north side of property line based on previous development projects Could be an asset to the employees at MOM Brands and adjacent businesses Liability issues would need to be addressed MOM Brands (Paul) will be sending a notice/letter to adjacent property owners explaining that Dakota County is studying the possibility of a greenway through the MOM Brands business campus Possible alternatives exist to minimize impacts on north neighbors Consistent with previous correspondence and discussions, Canadian Pacific does not support any proposed, or hoped -for, use of its rail corridor for trail or recreational purposes. Canadian Pacific's long term expectations for this corridor are that freight traffic will resume and over time increase in frequency, train length and speed. Recreational use along or near the freight operations would be entirely inconsistent with the future of the freight line. Additional public spending on planning or studies for inclusion of Canadian Pacific's rail corridor into recreation trails would be more productively spent on economic planning and industrial development that would facilitate the increase and viability of rail traffic on this corridor Canadian Pacific is not opposed to accommodating crossings of the railroad where needed. However, ample time and budgets should be allocated for these possibilities. Public projects, such as crossings, demand considerable amount of 80 Lake Marion - South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 railroad engineering time and review. As a prerequisite to commencement of a crossing project, a service agreement will We are happy to see that our previous comments were reflected in the MP (Page 30). However, we believe that labeling of Canadian Pacific's freight line as a "potential" or "possible" trail, or as a "long term opportunity" is biased and should be eliminated from all materials and exhibits. We understand this would not apply to comments and opinions submitted by individuals. We have been strived to be very clear that we do not support the proposals being discussed and do not believe that there is any potential or opportunity to use our freight line for a recreational trail. As clarification, the railroad should be referred to as "Canadian Pacific Railway," or simply "Canadian Pacific." The corridor should be labeled as the MN &S line or the Dan Patch line, although the latter doesn't seem to be as familiar to many people as it once was. These comments are based upon a very brief review of the April 18 draft of the Lake Marion Master Plan. They are not entirely comprehensive nor to be taken as Canadian Pacific's final comments. ■ South Creek Landowners ADD SUMMARY DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 81 AKF MARION :SOUiTH CREEK ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS Multiple alignment alternatives were evaluated for the Lake — Marion - South Creek Regional Greenway. Alternatives were evaluated against 9 criteria based on greenway performance goals outlined in the 2010 Dakota County Guidebook and on feasibility. The evaluation was presented to the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and discussed, which resulted in elimination of some alternatives and suggestion of other alignments for consideration. These new alignments were evaluated and discussed with the TAG to determine the final alignments presented in the plan. This appendix contains the alternatives evaluated during the planning process. DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 83 MEMORANDUM To: From: Technical Advisory Group HKGi Subject: Lake Marion/South Creek Draft Alternatives Analysis Date: November 12, 2012 Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. There are several alternative alignment possibilities for the Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway. Each major alternative has been evaluated against 9 criteria based on greenway performance goals outlined in the 2010 Dakota County Greenway Guidebook and feasibility. The Criteria are: 1. Follows natural resources and is away from roads 2. Opportunities for natural resource corridors, habitat and water quality enhancements 3. Access 4. User experience 5. Grade separated crossings 6. Distance between destinations 7. Current ownership 8. Timing and availability of lands 9. Natural resource constraints ©© Below is a summary of preliminary recommendations. Recommendations will be refined throughout the planning process based on TAG input, analysis of grade separated crossings (in process), meetings with key land owners /CP Railroad and public input. Attached is a map depicting the alternatives discussed and a detailed table comparing each criteria. Alternatives 1 -A and 1 -B (see attached map) Preliminary Recommendation: 1 -B, dependent on land availability. If 1 -B is feasible, local trail connections should be made to the Sunset Pond Park loop trail and to Judicial Way near Boulder's way Alternatives 2 -A and 2 -B (see attached map) Both alternatives have merits. 2 -A better connects destinations and provides a more varied user experience but is less direct than 2 -8. 2 -B on the CP rail line is most direct, would be a continuous condor, is close to residential areas, and trail construction would likely be less expensive (due to existing grade separated crossings and construction on a rail bed). Recommendation dependent on input from CP Rail. Alternatives 3 -A and 3 -B (see attached map) Preliminary Recommendation: 3 -B, dependent on land availability. Based on connectivity to destinations, user experience, ease of construction (if land is available), and ability to complete a trail loop around Lake Marion in conjunction with 3 -A 1/A2. If CP rail land is not available, 3-A1/A2 is also a good option; it is already in place and follows the shore of Lake Marion providing an excellent user experience. Local trail connections provide links to destinations along 3-A3. Dependent on input from CP Rail. 84 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 123 North Third Street, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55401 -1659 Ph (612) 338 -3800 Fx (612) 338 -6838 www.hkgi.com Lake Marion /South Creek Greenway Alignment Alternatives Draft 11/12/12 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 85 Criteria Follows natural resources and is away from roads Goal: away from roads 80% of the time Alternative 1 -A Less Desirable • 61 % away from the road, with much of the alignment being adjacent to open water and park space Alternative 1 -B Best Alternative • Entire alignment is 100% away from road and adjacent to residential backyards on both sides. Opportunities for wildlife /natural resources habitat, corridors, & water °' quality enhancement v w Less Desirable • Limited alignment does not connect natural resource patches and runs through urban areas • Sunset Pond area is opportunity for shoreline restoration Best Alternative • High potential as a linear wildlife corridor, though the corridor width is limited (70' -100') 0 o Access E local trail connections, 0 recreation destinations, - activity centers 3 d • 0 Best Alternative Links 4 destinations • Sunset Pond Park - recreation destination • Sue Fischer Memorial Park - recreation destination • Private Park - south of County Road 42 Employment/commercial near County Road 42 • Local sidewalks Less Desirable Links 2 destinations • Sue Fischer Memorial Park - recreation destination • Private Park - south of County Road 42 • Local sidewalks /other destinations via Burnsville Parkway User experience setting, views, interpretive opportunities Considerations • Good option for user experience • Sunset Pond Park and the loop trail around it provides an attractive user experience with enjoyable views, additionally there are opportunities for an interpretive stop Considerations • Good option for user experience • Continuous experience alignment runs through wooded corridor setting Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Preliminary draft 11.12.12 Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway — Alternative 1 Comparison Preliminary Draft for TAG discussion 11.12.12 1 86 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Preliminary draft 11.12.12 2 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 87 Grade Separated Crossings Criteria Distance between destinations Similar Conditions • County Road 42, using existing railroad underpass Alternative 1 - A Less Desirable • Least direct, 1.3 miles between Sunset Pond Park and County Road 42 Similar Conditions • County Road 42, using existing railroad underpass Alternative 1 - B Best Alternative • This alignment is the most direct, 1 mile between Sunset Pond Park and County Road 42 w Fa u_ Current Ownership Similar Conditions • 90% public ownership • 10% private (1 landholder — Ames Business Center LLP) Similar Conditions • 100% Dan Patch Rail Corridor (1 landowner, C.P. rail) Timing and Availability of lands Dependent on willing landowners Natural resource constraints (e.g. slopes, wet soils) Preliminary Recommendation 1 -B, dependent on land avalability. near Boulder's way Similar Conditions None known If 1 -B is feasible, local trail connections should be made Similar Conditions None known to the Sunset Pond Park loop trail and to Judicial Way Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Preliminary draft 11.12.12 2 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 87 Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Preliminary draft 11.12.12 Lake Marion Greenway — Alternative 2 Comparison Preliminary Draft for TAG discussion 11.1.12 Criteria Alternative 2 -A Alternative 2 -B Follows natural resources Less Desirable and is away from roads Goal: away from roads 80% of the time Opportunities for wildlife /natural resources habitat and corridors & water quality enhancement • 55 % -84% 2 -M, 84% 2 -A3, 55% (rural character), within Murphy Hanrehan Regional Park Reserve 2 -A6, 21% Considerations • Greenway connects large and high quality natural resource areas (Ritter Farm Park, Murphy Hanrehan Regional Park Reserve) but corridor would be less continuous with larger patches fragmented by roads /residential areas 2 -M, Limited, the alignment is fragmented by urban uses 2 -A3, High potential, a significant length runs through Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve 2 -A6, Very limited, most of the alignment runs along 2 -A2, 61% 2 -A4, 100% away from roads 2 -A7, 73% 2 -A2, Limited, the alignment is fragmented by urban uses 2 -A4, Highest potential, entire length runs through Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve 2 -A7, moderate to high, a significant portion of the alignment runs through Ritter Farm Park Best Alternative • 95% away from roads Considerations • Potential as a wildlife corridor, Dan Patch corridor connects lakes and wooded areas but protected corridor width would be limited to the RR right -of way (approx. 100) and the corridor does not connect large upland patches. 3 88 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion - South Creek Regional Greenway Preliminary draft 11.12.12 4 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 89 Access local trail connections, recreation destinations, activity centers Best Alternative • Links 3 -4 Significant destinations including Lake Marion, Ritter Farm Park, and Murphy Hanrehan Park, but is further from residential areas Less Desirable • Links 2 destinations • Small park between Judicial Road and Highway 42 — Recreation Destination • Lake Marion — Recreation Destination • Is closer more residential areas 2-Al Hollows Park Neighborhood Gateway P_A2 2 -A3 Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve — Recreation Destination 2 -A4 Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve — Recreation Destination 2 -A6 Ritter Farm Park — Recreation Destination Lake Marion 2 -A7 Lake Marion User experience setting, views, interpretive opportunities Considerations • Alignment travels through more varied landscape including woodlands, grasslands, and near water - bodies and wetlands, but does have some on road or more suburban sections Considerations • Alignment travels narrower wooded corridor providing an enjoyable setting with views of Horseshoe Lake, Orchard Lake, Kingsley Lake, and several small ponds /wetlands afford desirable views, but is less varied than 2 -A 2 -Al, Best: access to Hallows park, open space areas, and views of open water and wetlands 2 -A2, Average: through some woodlands and near open water 2 -A3, Best: through Murphy- Hanrehan Park Reserve, woodlands, grasslands, and near water/ wetlands; near more open water than alignment option 2 -A4 2 -A4, Best: through Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve, woodlands, grasslands, and near water - bodies and wetlands 2 -A6, Very limited: most along a road 2 -A7, Very high: through Ritter Farm Park, woodlands, grasslands, water/ wetlands Lake Marion - South Creek Regional Greenway Preliminary draft 11.12.12 4 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 89 Criteria Grade Separated Crossings Alternative 2 -A Less Desirable • Two crossings needed (2 -A7) Alternative 2 -B Best Alternative • No new crossings needed Distance between destinations Less Desirable • Between 8 -9 miles Best Alternative • 5 miles 2 -Al, comparable 2 -A2, comparable 2 -A3, less direct - 3 miles 2 -A4, more direct - 2.5 miles 2 -A6, comparable 2 -A7, comparable Current Ownership — d LL Similar Conditions • 95% public ownership • 5% private (1 -3 landowners) Similar Conditions • 100% Dan Patch Rail Corridor (1 landowner) 2 -Al, 55% public, 45% private (2 owners) 2 -A2, 77% public, 23% private (1 owners) 2 -A3, 100% public 2 -A4, 100% public 2 -A6, 100% public 2 -A7, 90% public, 10% private (1 owner) Timing and Availability of lands Dependent on willing landowner Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Preliminary draft 11.12.12 5 90 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Preliminary draft 11.12.12 Criteria Natural resource constraints (e.g. slopes, wet soils) Considerations Alternative 2 -A Less Desirable • Alignment crosses many wetland complexes at several different locations as it passes through Murphy - Hanrehan Park Reserve, Ritter Farm Park, and other open space areas 2 -Al, southern portion runs through /adjacent to a wetland, mitigation /boardwalk may be needed 2 -A3, crosses many wetland complexes 2 -A6, alignment crosses two wetland complexes north of 185th Street West 2 -A2, none known 2 -A4, crosses several wetland, however the crossings are shorter and less numerous than alignment 2 -A3 2 -A7, This alignment crosses more and larger wetland complexes as it passes through Ritter Farm Park than alignment option 2 -6A Alternative 2 - B Best Alternative • None known, Dan Patch Corridor is straight and flat making trail construction straightforward Both alternatives have merits. 2 -A better connects destinations and provides a more varied user experience but is less direct than 2 -8. 2 -8 on the CP rail line is most direct, would be a continuous corridor, is close to residential areas, and trail construction would likely be less expensive (due to existing grade separated crossings and construction on a rail bed). Recommendation dependent on input from CP Rail. 6 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 91 Criteria Grade Separated Crossings Alternative 2 -A Less Desirable • Two crossings needed (2 -A7) Alternative 2 -B Best Alternative • No new crossings needed Distance between destinations Less Desirable • Between 8 -9 miles Best Alternative • 5 miles 2 -Al, comparable 2 -A2, comparable 2 -A3, less direct - 3 miles 2 -A4, more direct - 2.5 miles 2 -A6, comparable 2 -A7, comparable Current Ownership — d LL Similar Conditions • 95% public ownership • 5% private (1 -3 landowners) Similar Conditions • 100% Dan Patch Rail Corridor (1 landowner) 2 -Al, 55% public, 45% private (2 owners) 2 -A2, 77% public, 23% private (1 owners) 2 -A3, 100% public 2 -A4, 100% public 2 -A6, 100% public 2 -A7, 90% public, 10% private (1 owner) Timing and Availability of lands Dependent on willing landowner Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Preliminary draft 11.12.12 5 92 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Criteria Grade Separated Crossings Alternative 2 -A Less Desirable • Two crossings needed (2 -A7) Alternative 2 -B Best Alternative • No new crossings needed Distance between destinations Less Desirable • Between 8 -9 miles Best Alternative • 5 miles 2 -M, comparable 2 -A2, comparable 2 -A3, less direct - 3 miles 2 -A4, more direct - 2.5 miles 2 -A6, comparable 2 -A7, comparable Current Ownership — d LL Similar Conditions • 95% public ownership • 5% private (1 -3 landowners) Similar Conditions • 100% Dan Patch Rail Corridor (1 landowner) 2 -M, 55% public, 45% private (2 owners) 2 -A2, 77% public, 23% private (1 owners) 2 -A3, 100% public 2 -A4, 100% public 2 -A6, 100% public 2 -A7, 90% public, 10% private (1 owner) Timing and Availability of lands Dependent on willing landowner Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Preliminary draft 11.12.12 Preliminary draft 11.12.12 Preliminary Recommendation Timing and Availability of lands Natural resource constraints (e.g. slopes, wet soils) Much of 3 -A2 has a trail constructed already Less Desirable • Much the alignment already contains a trail • Alignment runs along a riparian area and crosses a wetland Dependent on willing landowner Best Alternative • None known 3 -B based on connectivity to destinations, user experience, ease of construction (if land is ava fable), and ability to complete a trail loop around Lake Marion in conjunction with 3- Al /A2. 3-Al/A2 is already in place and follows the shore of Lake Marion providing an excellent user experience and would form an excellent trail loop around Lake Marion in conjunction with the regional greenway on 3 -8. Local trail connections provide links to destinations along 3 -A3. Dependent on input from CP Rail. 5 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 93 MEMORANDUM To: From: Subject: Date: Lake Marion / South Creek TAG HKGi Draft Preferred Alternatives: Summary February 22, 2012 Advantages: • Away from roads greater percentage than the other alternatives • When along roads, local, low volume roads • Most direct Disadvantages: • Railroad Crossing near Westview Park needed 94 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. The Criteria are: 1. Follows natural resources and is away from roads 2. Opportunities for natural resource corridors, habitat and water quality enhancements 3. Access 4. User experience 5. Grade separated crossings 6. Distance between destinations 7. Current ownership 8. Timing and availability of lands 9. Natural resource constraints There are several alternative alignment possibilities for the Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway. Each major alternative has been evaluated against 9 criteria based on greenway performance goals outlined in the 2010 Dakota County Greenway Guidebook and feasibility. Below is a summary of draft recommendations, to be discussed at the upcoming TAG meeting. Recommendations will be refined based on TAG input. Attached is a map depicting the alternatives discussed and a detailed table comparing each criteria. The Canadian Pacific Railroad is highly desirable for the greenway. Due to uncertainty regarding possible corridor availability, the alignment will be identified as an alternative alignment with language directing that if it should become available, it would be elevated to preferred. Area 1 (see attached map) In this area, the preferred alignment is the best option in that it is the most direct, and when it must be near roads follows Judical Road, a local, lower volume road. The main disadvantage is that a railroad crossing will be needed near Westview Park. Area 2 (see attached map) In the area between CR 42 and Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve, the preferred alignment is recommended because it is most direct, has less impact to residential areas and at a planning level, appears to be more feasible and has less wetland impacts. 123 North Third Street, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55401 -1659 Ph (612) 338 -3800 Fx (612) 338 -6838 www.hkgi.com Page 2 Advantages: • Less impact to residential homes and private landowners • Less wetland impact/boardwalk needed • More direct Disadvantages: • Slightly less desirable user experience (more time along roads) • No direct connection to Hallows Park Area 3 Two alignments were considered between Ritter Farm Park and 185 Street West in Lakeville. The preferred alignment is recommended for its overall better user experience: it is away from roads more of the time, has more opportunities for wildlife corridors, and travels through Ritter Farm Park. Advantages: • Away from roads more of the time • More opportunities for wildlife corridors • Travels through Ritter Farm Park • Overall better user experience Disadvantages: • Small amount ofprivate land Area 4 Two alignments were considered between 205 Street West in Lakeville and Ritter Farm Park: one following the shore of Lake Marion and a second, more westerly alignment. The eastern alignment is preferred mostly because of the ability to travel along the shore of Lake Marion, a major recreation and scenic feature. The alignment already has a built trail, making it highly feasible. Advantages: • Travels along the shore of Lake Marion, a significant recreation and scenic draw • Provides access to Casperson Park • Most of the alignment already has a built trail • Entire alignment is already in public ownership Area 5 Three alignments have been considered between Cedar Ave /CR 23 and Lake Marion. All three follow drainage ways — that flow to South Creek. In this area, two options labeled 5 -A & 5 -B are presented for TAG input and discussion. They are preferred over the western alignment in that they more directly connect to both downtown Lakeville and Lake Marion, have significant trail segments already built, and require fewer grade separated crossings. Advantages 5 A/5 B compared to other alignment considered: • Most direct • Fewer grade separated crossings needed • Connects to the center ofDowntown Lakeville • Segments of trail already built Advantages of 5-A compared to 5 -B: DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 95 Page 3 • Away from roads more of the time • Connects more destinations Advantages of 5 -B compared to 5-A: • Potentially an opportunity for more water quality enhancements /better user experience 96 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 I -35E HANREH LAKE MIANIS EAGLECRE[ MURPHY - HANREHAN PARK RESERVE KELLEHER PARK Alignment in Scott County to be masterplanned as afuture Scott County -Three Rivers Park District Partnership ORCHARD LAKE ORCHARD LAKE PARK RITTER FARM PARK ➢QfHAW Carom CAPP PEON PARK za5THST LAKE ION BLKKHOGLAKE CRYSTAL CAKE IRENDSTLY C.P. rail alignment alternative dependent on rail corridor availability. Long term feasibility to be evaluated. ®� >rrcoot uC UOaRarcE :APPLE VAIN; LEBANON HILLS REGIONAL PARK DRAFT for TAG Discussion Greenway Alignment Alternatives Preferred Alignment Alternate Alignment 1D For TAG Discussion CP Rail Alignment Previously considered greenway alignment MINNESOTA ZOO ReUeatlon Destlnatlon b ®e A ¢Mty Center Trallhead {///���� Interpretive St op r_y Neighborhood Gateway Exlstlng Grade Se panted Crossing Potentlal Grade Se panted Cro Agrlorlture Lake Marlon /South Geek 6reenway NMI RAglooaITralI Alteroaeve(et tittg/fuoded) � f ♦ le glona�TralI Alterpaeve(gonexlseog) RegmoaiTralAlteroabve ""' Canadian PacficPNP Corridor Exlstog Local Trail _ Future LoalTrau _ _ _ Future Roads Major Loop Tral I o u 5 1FAILF LAKE MARION / SOUTH CREEK GI 02 -22 -2013 oA Mt COM sPRUCLn DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 97 Criteria Follows natural resources and is away from roads Goal: away from roads 80% of the time Preferred Best Alterative • 77 % away from roads Savage Alignment Less Desirable • 62% away from roads CR 5 Alignment Less Desirable • 15% away from roads Opportunities for wildlife /natural resources habitat, corridors, & water quality enhancement Comparable • Opportunities north of Williams Dr / McColl Dr Comparable • Opportunities north of Williams Dr / McColl Dr Less Desirable • Limited opportunities 1 ° Access local trail connections, o recreation destinations, d 2 activity centers E a d 0 Comparable Links 4 destinations • Sunset Pond Park — recreation destination • Sue Fischer Memorial Park — recreation destination • Kramer Nature Preserve — recreation destination • Employment /commercial near County Road 42 Comparable Links 5 destinations • Sunset Pond Park — recreation destination • Kramer Nature Preserve - recreation destination • Sue Fischer Memorial Park — recreation destination • Employment /commercial near County Road 42 • Parks in Savage Comparable Links 5 destinations • Sunset Pond Park — recreation destination • Sue Fischer Memorial Park — recreation destination • Kramer Nature Preserve - recreation destination • Employment /commercial near County Road 42 • Neil Park recreation destination User experience setting, views, interpretive opportunities Comparable • Sunset Pond Park and the loop trail around it provides an attractive user experience with enjoyable views, additionally there are opportunities for an interpretive stop • Judicial road is low volume Comparable • Sunset Pond Park and the loop trail around it provides an attractive user experience with enjoyable views, additionally there are opportunities for an interpretive stop Less Desirable • Less direct link to Sunset Pond Park and natural areas north of Williams Dr. • Highway 5 is a high volume road, less pleasant experience than other options Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Revision 02.20.13 Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway — Area 1 Comparison Revised 2.20.13 1 98 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Criteria Preferred Grade Separated Less Desirable Crossings • County Road 42, using existing railroad underpass • Need for a RR crossing (at grade or grade separated Savage Alignment Similar Conditions • County Road 42, using existing railroad underpass CR 5 Alignment Similar Conditions County Road 42, using existing railroad underpass Distance between Comparable destinations • 2.6 miles to Highway 13 Less Desirable • 3.5 miles to Highway 13 Comparable • 2.0 miles to Highway 13 Current Ownership Similar Conditions w • 100% public ownership Similar Conditions • 80 %100% public ownership Similar Conditions • 100% public ownership 7i i Timing and Availability of Less Desirable i f lands Dependent on ability to cross RR Comparable • None known Comparable • None known Natural resource Comparable constraints (e.g. slopes, • None known wet soils) Preferred Alignment Summary Advantages: • Away from roads greater percentage than the other alternatives • When along roads, Iocal, low volume roads • Most direct Disadvantages: • Railroad Crossing near Westview Park needed Comparable • None known Comparable • None known Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Revision 02.20.13 2 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 99 Criteria Follows natural resources and is away from roads Goal: away from roads 80% of the time Preferred Less Desirable • 61 % Other Alignments Considered Best Alternative 84% Opportunities for wildlife /natural resources .� habitat and corridors & water quality d enhancement 0 Comparable • Limited, the alignment is fragmented by urban uses Comparable • Limited, the alignment is fragmented by urban uses a E Access o local trail connections, a recreation destinations, activity centers 3 d Less Desirable • Links 1 destination • Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve — Recreation Destination Best Alternative • Links 2 destinations • Hollows Park Neighborhood Gateway • Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve — Recreation Destination 0 User experience setting, views, interpretive opportunities Comparable • Through some woodlands and near open water, but more on -road sections Comparable • Access to Hallows park, open space areas, and views of open water and wetlands, but travels between two neighborhoods Grade Separated Crossings Comparable • None needed Comparable • None needed Distance between w destinations 73 Best Alternative • 1 mile approx Less desirable - 1.5 mile approx Current Ownership LL Best Alternative • 85% public, 15% private (1 owners) Less Desirable • 55% public, 45% private (2 owners), travels close between two neighborhoods Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Revision 02.20.13 Lake Marion Greenway — Area 2 Comparison Revised 2.20.13 3 1 00 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Revision 02.20.13 Criteria Timing and Availability of lands Natural resource constraints (e.g. slopes, wet soils) Preferred Alignment Summary Preferred Best Alternative - Dependent on willing landowners Best Alternative • Southern portion runs through /adjacent to a wetland, mitigation /boardwalk may be needed, but less than the other alignment considered Other Alignments Considered Less Desirable - Dependent on willing landowners + homeowners Comparable • Southern portion runs through a wetland, mitigation /boardwalk will be needed Advantages: • Less impact to residential homes and private landowners • Less wetland impact/boardwalk needed • More direct Disadvantages: • Slightly less desirable user experience (more time along roads) • No direct connection to Hallows Park 4 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 101 Criteria Follows natural resources and is away from roads Goal: away from roads 80% of the time Preferred Best Alternative • 73% Other Alignments Considered Less Desirable • 21 Opportunities for wildlife /natural resources habitat and corridors & water quality co enhancement Best Alternative Moderate to high, a significant portion of the alignment runs through Ritter Farm Park Less Desirable Very limited, most of the alignment runs along road 4 Access d local trail connections, 0 recreation destinations, E activity centers Best Alternative • Ritter Farm Park — Recreation Destination • Lake Marion • Caseperson Park — Recreation Destination Less Desirable • Lake Marion • Caseperson Park — Recreation Destination o a User experience setting, views, interpretive ci opportunities t Best Alternative • Very high- through Ritter Farm Park, woodlands, grasslands, water/ wetlands Less Desirable • Though a portion does travel along lake Marion, most of the route is along a road 6 Grade Separated Crossings Best Alternative • None needed Less Desirable • Crossing 35E needed, on -road alternative bypasses Ritter Farm Park Distance between destinations Comparable • 2 mile approx.. Comparable • 2 mile approx. Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Revision 02.20.13 Lake Marion Greenway — Area 3 Comparison Revised 2.20.13 5 102 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Revision 02.20.13 Criteria Preferred Alignment Summary Preferred Other Alignments Considered Current Ownership Timing and Availability of lands Natural resource constraints (e.g. slopes, wet soils) Less Desirable 90 %public, 10 %private (1 owner) Less Desirable • Dependent on willing landowners Comparable • No known issues ate land Best Alternative • 100 %public Best Alternative No known issues Comparable • No known issues Advantages: • Away from roads more of the time • More opportunities for wildlife corridors • Travels through Ritt er Farm Park • Overall better user experience Disadvantages: • Small amount of pri 6 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 103 Criteria Follows natural resources and is away from roads Goal: away from roads 80% of the time Preferred Less Desirable 70% away from roads Other Alignments Considered Best Alternative • 77% away from roads Opportunities for wildlife /natural resources habitat and corridors & water quality co enhancement Comparable Along shore of Lake Marion Comparable Alignment travels through land that is currently natural /farmland. 4 Access d local trail connections, recreation destinations, E activity centers Best Alternative • Ritter Farm Park — Recreation Destination • Caseperson Park — Recreation Destination • Lake Marion - Recreation Destination Less Desirable • Ritter Farm Park - Recreation Destination o a User experience setting, views, interpretive ci opportunities t Best Alternative • Along Lake Marion, a feature unique to the corridor Less Desirable • Route travels natural areas that are more common in other places along the corridor 6 Grade Separated Crossings Comparable • 1 crossing: 205th Street Comparable • 1 crossing: 205th Street Distance between destinations Comparable • 2.5 mile approx. Comparable • 2.5 mile approx. Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Revision 02.20.13 Lake Marion Greenway — Area 4 Comparison Revised 2.20.13 7 104 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Revision 02.20.13 y co Criteria Preferred Alignment Summary Preferred Other Alignments Considered Current Ownership Timing and Availability of lands Natural resource constraints (e.g. slopes, wet soils) Best Alternative • 100 %public Best Alternative No known issues — already constructed Best Alterative • No known issues — already constructed Less Desirable • 60% public, 40% private (3 owners) Less Desirable Dependent on willing landowners Less Desirable • No known issues Advantages: • Travels along the shore of Lake Marion, a significant recreation and scenic draw • Provides access to Casperson Park • Most of the alignment already has a built trail • Entire alignment is already in public ownership 8 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 105 Criteria Follows natural resources and is away from roads Goal: away from roads 80% of the time Alternate 5 -A Less Desirable • 52 % away from roads • 3.1 miles • 1.5 on road Alternate 5 -B Less Desirable • 40% away from roads • 3.3 miles • 2 miles on road Other Alignments Considered Best Alterative • 88% away from roads • 5.4 miles • .6 on road Opportunities for Less Desirable Best Alternative Less Desirable wildlife /natural resources • Alignment has moderate potential • Opportunities for water • Opportunities for water quality habitat, corridors, & water for vegetation and water quality quality enhancements enhancements along the creek quality enhancement enhancements within a corridor that varies from 20' -150'. There along the creek and connects several and connects several woodland, open space and riparian areas a' may be opportunities for additional woodland, open space 6 0 enhancements by working with individual landowners. and riparian areas m E Access Comparable Less Desirable Comparable local trail connections, a recreation destinations, 3 activity centers 6 Destinations • Lakeview Elementary Center — Activity Center y 4 Destinations • Aronson Park Downtown Lakeville — 7 Destinations • Downtown Lakeville — Activity Center E • Marion Field Park — Recreation Activity Center • Lakeview Elementary Center — c� Destination • Antlers Park Activity Center • Lake Marion — Recreation • Lake Marion — Recreation • John F Kennedy Elementary Destination Destination School & McGuire Middle • John F Kennedy Elementary • School — Activity Center School & McGuire Middle School • Lakeville South High School — — Activity Center Activity Center • Lake Marion — Recreation Destination • Kinsington Park — Recreation Destination Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Revision 02.20.13 Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway — Area 5 Comparison Revised 2.20.13 106 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Revision 02.20.13 10 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 107 User experience setting, views, interpretive opportunities Less Desirable • Less opportunities to travel near water, more of this area is adjacent to roads and between homes Less Desirable • Areas of open water, streams, grasslands, open space and parks along a South Creek Less Desirable • Areas of open water, streams, grasslands, open space and parks along a small creek Grade Separated Crossings Comparable • 1 crossing Comparable • 1 crossing Less Desirable 4 crossings Distance between destinations Comparable • Approx. 3 miles Comparable • Approx. 3 miles Less Desirable • 5.5 Miles Current Ownership Comparable • 85% public ownership (5 landowners) Comparable • 85% public ownership (5 landowners) Comparable • 86% public ownership (4 landowners) Timing and Availability of lands Comparable Dependent on willing landowners Comparable • Dependent on willing landowners Comparable • Dependent on willing landowners la Natural resource a constraints (e.g. slopes, LL wet soils) Comparable • None known Comparable • None known Comparable • None known Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Revision 02.20.13 10 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 107 Lake Marion -South Creek Regional Greenway Revision 02.20.13 Discussion Advantages 5 -A15 -B compared to other alignment considered: • Most direct • Fewer grade separated crossings needed • Connects to the center of Downtown Lakeville • Segments of trail already built Advantages of 5 -A compared to 5 -B: • Away from roads more of the time • Connects more destinations Advantages of 5 -B compared to 5 -A • Potentially an opportunity for water quality enhancements /better user experience 11 108 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 it DRAFT 8 MAY 2013 Lake Marion -South Creek Greenway MASTER PLAN 2013 109 il LAKE MARION-SOUTH CREEK GREENwm MASTER PLAN 2013 2. Approval of May 22, 2013 minutes Minutes were approved as presented. 3. Citizen comments There were no citizen comments. EXHIBIT B DRAFT CITY OF LAKEVILLE PARKS, RECREATION & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES June 5,2013 Vice -Chair Peterson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall. Members Present: Lori Bovitz, Tom Goodwin, Judy Hayes, Howard Lovelace, Jeanne Peterson, Bob Swan, Jerry Zell Members Absent: Scott Kelly Staff Present: Parks & Recreation Director Brett Altergott, Environmental Resources Manager Mac Cafferty, Environmental Resources Specialist Ann Messerschmidt, Recording Secretary Patty Ruedy 4. Staff report Summer programs begin next week. Arts Center and Heritage Center irrigation has been installed. 5. SWPPP and Wellhead Protection Plan public meeting Ann Messerschmidt, Environmental Resources Specialist, gave a presentation regarding the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and the Wellhead Protection Program. City staff is working with a consultant on a new 10 -year plan to be implemented in 2014. She highlighted projects the department has been involved with the past year. Steve McComas from Blue Water Science works with City staff to protect and enhance the water quality in Lakeville. He reported about each of the lakes. Motion made by Peterson, seconded by Goodwin to open the public meeting at 6:31 p.m. Ayes: unanimous Motion made by Peterson, seconded by Hayes to close the public meeting at 6:32 p.m. Ayes: unanimous 6. Lake Marion /South Creek Greenway Trail presentation Lil Letham from the landscape architectural firm Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. is working with the Dakota County Office of Planning and Physical Development on Lake Marion /South Creek Greenway master plan. Ms. Letham presented a PowerPoint on the greenway that connects the Minnesota River to downtown Farmington (approx. 20 miles). They are currently seeking public input and the master plan will go through one more revision. Concerns from Lakeville residents Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Committee Meeting Minutes, June 5, 2013 Page 2 near Juno Trail have been addressed and will be clarified in the plan. The County and City will work closely with the residents in that area as the project progresses. Liability concerns will also be addressed in that area. In July, the final master plan will be adopted by the County Board, and in late summer it will be submitted to the Met Council. Priorities are to make the trail functional (filling in the gaps) on the north and south end of the trail and then adding amenities. • Hayes thanked HKGI for addressing the resident's concerns near Juno Trail. • Altergott recently received a call from a downtown business owner who said that downtown businesses were pleased that the preferred trail alignment will be through downtown. • Goodwin inquired how they will be acquiring the land between Lakeville and Farmington. John Mertens from Dakota County replied that acquisition dollars will be used as compensation to the landowners and may begin within the next year. • Bovitz inquired about the crossing of Dodd Blvd. with grade separation. Ms. Letham replied that those concerns have been mentioned previously and they will address that issue at Dodd Blvd. • Goodwin asked about the trail alignment through Murphy - Hanrehan. Ms. Letham replied that Three Rivers Park District and Scott County will work on the master plan of the trail alignment through the park. • Hayes inquired about costs to the City on acquisition. Mr. Mertens replied that the county will secure funding for acquisition and construction and will work with each individual city on maintenance. Project delivery cost to the City will be between 10 -20% (design costs, etc.) Comment from Tim Klausler, 20911 Independence Avenue: Mr. Klausler presented traffic volumes to the committee and wants to make sure the traffic issues at the trail crossing on Dodd Blvd. are addressed. Also Mr. Klausler asked that the safety issues for the proposed trail crossing near McGuire Middle School for the school kids are addressed. County and City staff replied that safety and trail alignment issues will be addressed after the master plan is approved. County and City engineers will work together on addressing such issues. Comment from Jim Guttmann, 9282 178 St. W.: Mr. Guttmann is interested in the trail, especially in regards to the environmental issues at Ritter Farm Park and the possible impacts it may have on the park. County staff replied that the planners and engineers are aware of the sensitivity of that area and pointed to the current issues at Lebanon Hills and Murphy - Hanrehan in regards to the paving of the trail. Trail materials will be identified at a later time. Motion made by Goodwin, seconded by Hayes to recommend support for the Lake Marion /South Creek Greenway master planning process and construction. Ayes: unanimous CITY OF LAKEVILLE RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE LAKE MARION -SOUTH CREEK REGIONAL GREENWAY WHEREAS, the City of Lakeville has been working with Dakota County on the development of a master plan for a regional greenway project that would bring new recreational and open space opportunities to the City of Lakeville; and WHEREAS, the unique approach to trail design outlined in the master plan integrates functional use, scenic value, historic and environmental interpretation, water quality improvements, and ecological restoration; and WHEREAS, the proposed greenway is an identified unit of the Metropolitan Regional Park System Plan and will establish a link between the Minnesota River and the Vermillion River through the communities of Burnsville, Lakeville, and Farmington as well as a portion in Scott County; and WHEREAS, the master plan was developed in accordance with the 2030 Regional Parks Policy Plan; and WHEREAS, the alignment identified in the master plan was developed in accordance with City of Lakeville's 2030 Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, the development and operation of the regional greenway will be a cooperative effort between Dakota County and the communities through which it extends; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City of Lakeville adopts a resolution supporting Dakota County's Plans for the Lake Marion - South Creek Regional Greenway. DATED this 1" day of July, 2013 ATTEST: Charlene Friedges, City Clerk CITY OF LAKEVILLE Matt Little, Mayor