CLEARWATER CREEK MASTER PLAN

Transcription

1 CLEARWATER CREEK MASTER PLAN CLEARWATER CREEK PRESERVE HUGO, MN December, 2018 Prepared for: City of Hugo Fitzgerald Ave North Hugo, MN WSB PROJECT NO

2 Table of Contents Executive Summary... 2 Master Plan Design... 3 Project Background... 3 Project Priority... 3 Local and Regional Trail Connections... 5 Design Process... 7 Planning Objectives... 7 Process and Participants... 7 Community Input Conceptual Design Options Preferred Concept Plan Phasing Considerations & Estimation Approvals Process Project Summary Appendix Master Plan Report

3 Executive Summary The City of Hugo, Minnesota identified the Clearwater Creek Preserve park site as a priority site for developing a master plan as a passive use park, as this park ultimately connects existing and future neighborhoods together, as well as to a regional trail network, with a focus on promoting active living. Clearwater Creek Park is located in an optimal area for connecting existing and future neighborhoods together with an abundance of natural resources, including woods, prairie, wetlands, and Clearwater Creek, which runs the length of the park property. The park site property is expected to be expanded through park dedication related to a new industrial development on the northeastern edge of the park and future plans to extend 140 th Street North to the west will improve park access. Clearwater Creek Preserve has property that is directly adjacent to Fenway Blvd. North which has an existing bituminous trail on the west side of the roadway. The park is also in close proximity to the existing Hardwood Creek Regional Trail that currently terminates at 140 th Street North along Highway 61 from the north. The Preferred Concept Plan (Master Plan) that was ultimately prepared will provide guidance on future implementation measures that focus on promoting passive recreational opportunities within a natural setting, preserving the natural resources, improving the overall pedestrian experience in the park, developing better connectivity within the community, and allowing for more sustainable design measures for reduced maintenance. A preliminary phasing plan was developed to illustrate how specific amenities and trails can be implemented in a manner that will allow for optimal connections and site improvements. The Master Plan has been developed and approved by the City of Hugo Parks Commission and City Council. This report summarizes the design process, design option considerations, and the ultimate preferred plan approach. 2 Master Plan Report

4 Master Plan Design The master plan design process included a series of steps necessary to understand the site opportunities and constraints, while working with the City of Hugo, Minnesota and project stakeholders. Project Background The City of Hugo received a grant from the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) by the Minnesota Department of Health through the Living Healthy in Washington County organization, as contributing partners to the master plan project, with up to a 50% funding match requirements to aid in the planning project. The City of Hugo selected WSB to work the City of Hugo and stakeholders to study the park site and prepare a master plan that would meet the recreational needs of the community, as well as the SHIP goals. Project Priority The City of Hugo identified the Clearwater Creek Park as a priority for a master plan update due to its abundance of existing natural resources and its location as a primary connection between existing and future residential areas surrounding the park site and relation to the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail. Clearwater Creek Preserve is located west of Fenway Blvd North/Fenway Ave. with the Fable Hill residential area to the south and southwest, and extending up to the location of nearby 140 th Street North, where the existing Hardwood Creek Regional Trail currently terminates at Highway 61 (Forest Blvd North). The western extension of 140th Street is anticipated in the future and would offer opportunity for improved access to Clearwater Creek Preserve, the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail, and connection to the east side of Highway 61 to existing and future planned residential neighborhoods. The park site also has property that connects up to Fenway Blvd N., which has an existing bituminous trail along the western side the roadway. The following map illustrates the park in relation to the surrounding neighborhoods and trails. 3 Master Plan Report

5 Figure 1: Existing Park Location Map 4 Master Plan Report

6 Local and Regional Trail Connections The trail connections from Clearwater Creek Preserve to local and regional trails and destinations were a primary goal throughout the master planning process. Important trail connections include: Fenway Blvd North/Fenway Ave. North Trail: This bituminous trail extends along the western side of Fenway for its entirety, starting from 142 nd Street on the north, which is just on the south end of Frenchman Road, to 130 th Street on the south. It currently connects to various sidewalks and trails in the local neighborhoods. While not currently a part of the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail (HCRT), there may be future opportunity to incorporate this trail into the HCRT. Hardwood Creek Regional Trail (HCRT): This multi-use bituminous trail is located on the western side of Highway 61 (Forest Blvd. N.) starting at 140 th Street North and going north through the communities of Hugo to the Washington/Chisago County Line in Forest Lake. The trail is also groomed in the winter for snowmobiles. The trail is intended to extend further to the south along Hwy 61 along the existing railroad bed. There is an alternate alignment in the master plan that includes the existing Fenway Blvd. trail. 140 th Street North: While this section of road has a sidewalk on the south side of the road, there is a lack of a trail or sidewalk currently on the north side. There is currently a daycare facility located along the north side of 140 th Street that would benefit from a trail or sidewalk on the north side with a designated crosswalk for connection to the existing sidewalk and the Fenway Ave trail, as well as a connection to the HCRT. Future expansion of 140 th Street to the west would provide opportunity for an expanded trail connection to the park area and future residential growth areas to the west and north sides of Clearwater Creek Preserve. 130 th Street North: While this section of road lacks a trail or sidewalk currently, it would provide a connection that is currently an existing gap between local trails and sidewalks and would also connect existing and future planned neighborhoods and businesses. The following map illustrates trail gaps between existing trails and sidewalks surrounding the project area that would provide better overall connectivity to Clearwater Creek Preserve and the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail from existing and future residential areas. 5 Master Plan Report

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8 Design Process Planning Objectives In 2018, the Hugo City Council authorized approval of hiring a consultant to work the community to develop a master plan for the Clearwater Creek Preserve. The master plan objectives were as follows: Develop a master plan meeting the recreational needs of the community Explore alternative design approaches for park improvements and development Develop a preferred approach / master plan for the park site Develop preliminary estimates of probable costs for development Develop preliminary phasing approaches for development Improve and promote healthy active living opportunities Develop and improve passive recreational opportunities within a natural setting Improve connectivity between the park site and the greater community Improve overall sustainability and maintenance needs of the park site Process and Participants The design process included collecting relevant project data, including identifying existing and future population areas, regional trails, and destination areas as it related to the Clearwater Creek Preserve site. The park site was reviewed to identify site constraints and opportunities that would relate to design considerations and alternatives. As part of the design process, varying engagement methods were utilized to provide information to the public, as well as to gain insights and feedback from the public. The information gained from the public helped to guide and shape the plan development and refinement throughout the process that ultimately led to the preferred master plan approach that was approved and adopted. Stakeholders and Engagement A variety of project stakeholders are located or planned within or near the project area that include, but are not limited to, the following: Hugo residents: There are existing residential areas around the Clearwater Creek Preserve site mainly consisting of single family homes on the west and south sides of the park, with higher density housing located along the southeast side of the park and extending south of the park down to 130 th Street. There are higher density housing units to the north east of the park that transition to single family homes between Fenway Ave and Hwy 61. There are also numerous residential areas consisting of both single family and multi-family units on the east side of Highway 61. Future development areas are planned to the north and northwest of the park site, as well as on the east side of Hwy 61 that will increase the number of residents surrounding the park site. 7 Master Plan Report

9 Park stakeholders consisted of those who visited the site to bike or walk for exercise, walking their pet, hunters, and equestrian users. Adjacent business owners: There are numerous businesses located in close proximity to Clearwater Creek Preserve, mainly along Fenway Avenue North. Some of the larger businesses include Xcel Energy, JL Schwieters Construction, and Wilson Tool International, with many employees that would benefit from having greater opportunity for walking or biking to and around the park site and improved access to the regional trail network. At the intersection of 140 th Street and Hwy 61 is a childcare facility that currently lacks trails, sidewalks or a crosswalk to directly access the Fenway Ave trail, the park site, and even the HCRT that is directly adjacent to their building. Improved access for the daycare would allow them to take the kids to the park for outdoor activities and learning opportunities. Public notices for the public meetings were mailed out directly to residents within 700 feet from the park site for each meeting plus a postcard was mailed city-wide to approximately 7,200 households with information placed on the City of Hugo website. The City of Hugo website and information provided at public meetings also identified a link to allow stakeholders to provide input and project feedback on a project website, called Social Pinpoint. The Social Pinpoint page contained an interactive map allowing users to easily take a survey, pin their comments and provide feedback online. Existing Conditions & Issues The Clearwater Creek Preserve park site has many natural resources that create a very interesting and secluded feeling to the park site and while many people are drawn to these secluded experiences, care must be taken to ensure that it also feels safe for users. The park mainly consists of dense wooded lowland areas surrounding the Clearwater Creek which runs the length of the park and separates the park into east and west sides. There are some stormwater ponds along the creek and minimal prairie areas, mainly found over sections of the underground pipeline easement. The western side of the park has areas of upland mixed in with lowlands and wetlands, while the majority of the eastern side consists of lowlands, wetlands and small waterways. The parks natural resources are in need of ongoing management, including identifying dead or poor trees that have risk of falling, and ongoing control of invasive and noxious species present in the park, such as buckthorn. Additional efforts to identify plant species that would cause harm to humans or animals are also needed, including signing areas where interaction could occur. This would include species such as Poison Ivy, Wild Parsnip, Poison Hemlock, and Giant Hogweed, to name a few, if found on site. 8 Master Plan Report

10 Currently there are natural surfaced trails along the west side of the creek where there are more upland opportunities, but no development on the east side. The trails vary in condition, with some locations in good condition, while others were very overgrown with vegetation and specific locations had issues with standing water. The trails with water issues are generally in poor condition due to extensive damage from human and equestrian uses on wet soils, causing unlevel conditions. While some of the wet trail conditions are due to the existing soil types and poor drainage, it was also noted that some were due to ongoing seepage of drainage runoff from the adjacent Fable Hills development to the west of the park site, which was currently being reviewed and addressed. Photo: Park wet trail conditions The issue of trails that were not useable due to poor conditions was a common complaint from many park users, as well as from maintenance staff who had difficulty conducting park and trail maintenance due to poor and wet trail conditions. There is a cul-de-sac on the south side of the park along Fable Hill Circle North that contains some pull-in parking spaces with a park entrance sign and rules sign and is the main park access point. Due to the location of the park access point along a side street cul-de-sac hidden back in a neighborhood, the park is difficult to find and mostly only those who live adjacent to the park site are even aware it exists. There is no identifiable access point along the north end as the park site and the trail dead-ends at the edge of a farm field. 9 Master Plan Report

11 Photo: Park entrance sign at Fable Hill Circle North The following board provides the overall park context illustrating existing access, development, wetlands, ponds, the creek, and adjacent property. 10 Master Plan Report

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13 Community Input The first public open house meeting that was held on June 26, 2018 at the Hugo City Hall Oneka meeting room. The focus of this meeting was to provide awareness of the project goals and intended outcome, as well as to gather information from the project stakeholders related to existing park uses, conditions, concerns, ideas, and allow stakeholders to provide input related to existing needs and demands. The following is the postcard that was mailed out city-wide to approximately 7,200 households. The first open house meeting was very highly attended by the residents surrounding the park, developers, members of the City Council and Park Commission, and city staff, with over 35 in attendance. A small presentation by the consultant provided the attendees with information related to the overall master plan process and methods in which to provide feedback. Three boards were on view that included: Project Area Map (1): Shown on previous page with existing site conditions and context with surrounding land uses. Input Board (2): Questions and list of example amenities and activities to identify improvements for consideration in the planning process The following are the two input boards that were brought to the public meeting. The results are listed in the Appendix section. 12 Master Plan Report

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16 Information for the Social Pinpoint website was shared with the attendees and also sent out to contacts through to gather more input. The initial website page included an interactive map of the site to gather concerns and ideas related to the project site along with an optional survey. Results of the open house meeting feedback and the Social Pinpoint survey can be found in the Appendix section. Photo: Residents attending the first Open House Public Meeting 15 Master Plan Report

17 Conceptual Design Options Three conceptual design options were prepared and presented at the Hugo Parks Commission meeting held on August 15, 2018 at the Hugo City Hall with the public invited to attend and provide feedback. The meeting was well attended by many of the of stakeholders who attended the first public meeting. The concept boards were incorporated on the Social Pinpoint website following the Parks Commission meeting to allow stakeholders the ability to comment on each individual concept plan if they were not able to attend the Parks Commission meeting and allow for more in-depth information relate to specific aspects of each concept plan. All three concepts included the main park property as well as the addition of the park as an expansion to the east as part of the land dedication related to new development occurring on the property adjacent to the Xcel Energy property. Concept One Concept One development focuses on the northeastern side of the park for development and access with improvements to the western side and includes: Creating a main park access point on the northeastern side of the park with a parking lot, open space, picnic shelter, and trailhead within the park expansion area with direct access from the future 140 th Street extension to the west. This allows for improved park access along a more highly traveled street. Small fenced in dog park area along main park entrance. Natural surfaced loop trails and boardwalks from main park access and trailhead throughout the northeastern side of the park to cross over Clearwater Creek on a pedestrian bridge and connect to the existing trails on west side. Improve western park trails and extend to the north along the creek with new development. Separate out equestrian trail users. Add seating and viewing opportunities along all trails. Keep southern parking and access along Fable Hill Circle as secondary access point. Winter trails identified in the southeastern section of the park. Natural resource management efforts. 16 Master Plan Report

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19 Concept Two Concept Two focuses on keeping the primary access on the southwestern side, improvements to the western side of the property and connecting to Fenway on the southeast and includes: Keep southern parking and access along Fable Hill Circle as primary access point. Improve the space with more open views, some minimal open green space, a small picnic shelter or deck overlook of the creek and pond area, and trail map. Create a primary trail connection from the existing entrance point to Fenway through the park area with a loop and a mixture of natural surfaced trails and boardwalks and a pedestrian bridge over the Clearwater Creek. Improve western park trails and create more loops and extend to the north along the creek with new development. Equestrian and pedestrian uses remain shared on trails. Add seating and viewing opportunities along all trails. Winter trails identified in the northeastern section of the park. Natural resource management efforts. 18 Master Plan Report

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21 Concept Three Concept Three development encompasses the entire park area for improvements and development and includes: Creating a main park access point on the northeastern side of the park with a parking lot, open space, picnic shelter, and trailhead within the park expansion area with direct access from the future 140 th Street extension to the west. This allows for improved park access along a more highly traveled street. Alternate location could be located on the north side of 140 th Street if more suitable. Keep southern parking and access along Fable Hill Circle as secondary access point. Loop trail and boardwalks throughout the entire park to connect to the primary and secondary access points and to also connect to Fenway through the use of natural surfaced trails and boardwalks. Two pedestrian bridges over the creek to connect the various loop trails. Improve western park trails and extend to the north along the creek with new development. Add seating and viewing opportunities along all trails along with some location to include exercise stations. Creek restoration efforts to create a more meandering and natural form to the creek and improve on stormwater functions. Natural resource management efforts. 20 Master Plan Report

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23 Preferred Concept Plan Through feedback from the Parks Commission and the project stakeholders at the Parks Commission meeting as well as on Social Pinpoint, the plan was refined down to one preferred approach. Summaries of the feedback can be found in the Appendix. The Preferred Concept Plan (Master Plan) includes: Creating a main park access point on the northeastern side of the park with a parking lot, open space, picnic shelter, and trailhead within the park expansion area with direct access from the future 140 th Street extension to the west. This allows for improved park access along a more highly traveled street. Alternate location could be located on the north side of 140 th Street if more suitable. Keep southern parking and access along Fable Hill Circle as secondary access point. Develop/improve trails in a hierarchy with primary trails (aggregate or bituminous) and structural boardwalks that would be approximately eight feet wide and secondary trails (mowed or aggregate) and simple boardwalks that would be approximately three to four feet wide. Ensure primary trails are installed for optimal drainage, adding in culverts where necessary. Primary trail route on the west side of creek to extend from the existing cul-desac access point north to the park boundary and to extend further north along the creek as new development occurs. Secondary trail routes on the west connect to the primary trail to create loops. Primary trail routes on the northeast portion of the park start at the main park access point along 140 th Street and connect to the western primary trail route with a pedestrian bridge over the creek. Primary trail routes on the southeast portion of the site start at the Fenway trail and connect to the western primary trail route with a pedestrian bridge over the creek. Secondary trail routes on the eastern side of the park connect the primary trail routes on the north and south sides together for additional loops. Winter use trail routes in natural areas on the eastern side of the park. Add seating and viewing opportunities along all trails. Include kiosks with maps at main access points. Include wayfinding signage at trail intersections. Natural resource management efforts. Existing policies regarding dogs, hunting and equestrian park use to remain in effect. If future conflicts arise, the city shall review and adjust policies accordingly. 22 Master Plan Report

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25 Phasing Considerations & Estimation The Master Plan was broken up into potential phases for development based upon specific segments that would be reasonable to group together but do not list the phases in any particular order of importance for development. Preliminary estimates of probable costs were developed for each phase listed at a master plan level and do not account for site unknowns or design and engineering fees. Area A focuses on improvements on the western side of the creek, mainly creating improvements to existing trail routes and access points and includes the following: 8 wide primary aggregate trails 8 wide primary structural boardwalks 3 wide secondary aggregate trails 3 wide secondary boardwalks Seating overlooks Trail culverts Grading and erosion control Restoration (seed) Kiosk and pedestrian signs Estimate: $500,000 (includes 10% contingency) Area B focuses on the development of a new main access point on the northeastern section of the park to be timed with the construction extension of 140 th Street with related trails that connect to the western side of the park and includes the following: Parking lot 8 wide primary aggregate trails 8 wide primary structural boardwalks Lawn area Picnic shelter with restroom Pedestrian bridge over the creek Trail culverts Grading and erosion control Restoration (seed) Kiosk and pedestrian signs Estimate: $1,300,000 (includes 10% contingency) 24 Master Plan Report

26 Area C focuses on the secondary trail routes that will connect the main park access trails from 140 th Street to the southern primary trail routes to Fenway, which would likely be timed following the development of Areas B and D on the phasing plan, and includes the following: 3 wide secondary aggregate trails 3 wide secondary boardwalks Trail culverts Grading and erosion control Restoration (seed) Pedestrian signs Estimate: $187,000 (includes 10% contingency) Area D focuses on the development of a primary trail route from the Fenway trail into the park that would connect to the western side of the park and includes the following: 8 wide primary aggregate trails 8 wide primary structural boardwalks Pedestrian bridge over the creek Trail culverts Grading and erosion control Restoration (seed) Seating overlooks Pedestrian signs Estimate: $1,350,000 (includes 10% contingency) The following is the phasing plan considerations with related estimates. 25 Master Plan Report

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28 Approvals Process A Parks Commission meeting was held on September 19, 2018 to review the Preferred Concept Plan (Master Plan) with the public invited to attend. The Commission approved the master plan as presented and many of the residents who attended the meeting indicated they were in support of the plan as presented. On October 15, 2018, the master plan was brought to the City Council meeting for review and adoption. The Council approved the master plan as presented. Project Summary The Clearwater Creek Master Plan process resulted in a plan that reflects the community s desires and needs for improved passive use recreation within a natural setting. The approved master plan represents the result of the community-involved process that will connect existing and future neighborhoods to this unique park setting, as well as to the regional trail system. The approved master plan development focuses on improving physical access to the park by creating a new main park access point and trailhead on the northeast section of the site, to be timed to follow the extension of 140 th Street. This main access point will contain a parking lot, park shelter building with restrooms, and kiosk with maps for the park as well as the greater trail network. The park master plan contains numerous improved trails, with boardwalks as necessary to traverse across the numerous wetlands and lowland areas, to create park access points for surrounding neighborhoods. It is the intention that the western park trails along the creek will continue to extend to the north of 140 th Street as development occurs. The master plan identifies two potential locations for pedestrian bridges across Clearwater Creek that connect the east and west sides of the park together and allow for the creation of a series of loop trail routes within the park. There will be winter informal trail routes for skiing and snowshoeing identified when access across the smaller waterways is easier. The trails will contain seating overlooks in varying areas for resting and viewing the abundant wildlife and natural resources and will incorporate trail wayfinding signage within the park. 27 Master Plan Report

29 Appendix Open House Meeting #1 Input Summary Social Pinpoint Survey Results Parks Commission Meeting Concept Review Summary Social Pinpoint Pinned Comments 28 Master Plan Report

30 Open House Meeting #1 Input Summary Q1: What do you like best about the Clearwater Creek site? Natural features with primitive trail The natural state-very peaceful The natural walk and all the animals that run around Open space off leash dog walking Nature walks I love how it s so beautiful and the nature is stunning It s inaccessibility Home to lot of wildlife-owls, deer, turkey, otters, muskrat, sandhill crane, woodpeckers, woodchuck, etc. Horton Dee connect to trails Q2: What do you like least about the Clearwater Creek site? Tall grass and maintenance issues There is some litter Some parts of trail need to be reached to facilitate maintenance (by pond) We can t walk there right now b/c it s weed and overgrown Close trails earlier-9pm? Cars park there and drink, play music, etc. Not useable year round-paths are overgrown and uneven Horses use trails Q3: What improvements to the site would greatly improve the park experience for users? Need stable to walk on-wet trails Keep dogs off-leash Keep natural-winter use, like to snow-shoe, fat tire/x-country Connect trails to others in area-clearwater cove, Creekside villas, etc Maps-easy to get lost Maintain/enhance the natural wetland flora, fauna Meander the creek Stop wetland drainage Loop trails-add site lines to enhance views of the creek Walking paths Dog waste sites/bags Add maps (with distances) to describe trails Add signage to help people determine where they are in the park Maintenance & cutting trails Fable Hill repair area they didn t compact & clean Consider putting boardwalks to make the low areas accessible all yearlow environmental impact 29 Master Plan Report

31 Loop trail bridge over creek Add picnic area behind the XCEL training facility so they can enjoy the park during breaks Take care of the nature walk, clean up things, make the path so we can go on it Buckthorn removal When dogs walk through the park some owners don t pick it up, we should put wooden post with poop bags More tails add benches and a bridge Would a street light (some sort of light) be possible at trailhead? Bridge to get across creek for more tails Add mountain bike trails but separate from the walking trails Trail connection so people do not have to drive here and park in order to use the park Solid base trail to maintain multiple uses including horses Can the city maintain the site easily? Add accessible parking for people that do not live contiguous to the park Have lights on the parking area(s) for safety Minimum improvements to trails to facilitate maintenance and use bridge to east side Q4: What amenities/activities would be appropriate for this passive use park that could improve health and recreation for a wide range of park users and abilities? (Dot Board) Paved Trails: 2-yes; 6-no Nature Trails: 15-yes Viewing Wildlife: 6-yes (notes include bird watching) Educational Elements: 1-yes Obstacle Course: 9-no Dog Walking: 6-yes; 2-no (notes include 2 yes for off-leash and 1 specified not a dog park) Biking / Mountain Biking: 6-no (notes include too small) Cross-Country Skiing / Snow Shoeing: 7-yes Archery / Hunting: 2-yes; 7-no Picnic Tables: 7-no Seating & Overlooks: 2-yes; 1-no (notes include maybe a bench to rest) Equestrian Trails: 1-yes; 3-no (notes include need separate horse trails) 30 Master Plan Report

32 Social Pinpoint Input Survey 1. What opportunities for outdoor recreation and exercise do you typically seek out? (anywhere) Walking primarily, some biking Walking Hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and walking the dog. Running and walking trails, cross country ski trail, off leash dog areas walking Trails, walking, biking, playgrounds "walking dogs horses" walking our dog Tennis courts, nature walks, paths Hiking, biking, nature observation, bird watching, sports. "My own land, even if I want to be pushed out by bugs. None of the question apply." Walking Walking/hiking Walk and leisure bike. Learn about nature. Enjoy outdoor (faune and flore) Running/walking trails, biking, dog park 2. How often do you visit the Clearwater Creek project site as party of your health or fitness routine? Often (5) Sometimes (7) Never (5) No Opinion (1) 3. What reasons other than for health and fitness bring you to the Clearwater Creek project site? Natural surroundings (woods, water, prairie) (13) The solitude and peacefulness (11) Walking / hiking (12) Walking dog off-leash (4) Hunting / archery (0) 4. What other reasons bring you to visit the Clearwater Creek area not listed? (please be specific) Close to where I live horses Live Fable hill circle N Love snow shoeing Variety. Live on Europa Ct N/Fable Hill intersection. You only have a few ways to go without having to go in a huge circle. A connection from Fenway to Clearwater Creek slightly north of 134th and/ or further would be nice. 31 Master Plan Report

33 5. If you do not currently visit Clearwater Creek, why not? I am not familiar with this area (4) Not easily accessible / difficult to traverse (6) Do not feel safe (3) Too wet (12) 6. What improvements would improve the park experience for users? To have paths that allow walking throughout the year, bug control as sometimes of the year it is impossible to walk due to bugs. It can be too wet at times, but the main discouraging point is overgrown paths. I'm not about to wade through high grasses in tick country. Maintenance and upkeep is a *huge* factor! "The improvements I would like to experience are: -numerous loop trails -boardwalks -bridges on north and south ends of the creek -dogs off-leash Hence the reason I'm excited with Concept 3 with a few minor changes." Boardwalks over low wet areas, trails maintained "not mowed consistently so I avoid in tick season please don't allow hunting -- it sure scares me off" Better trails, more connected to other neighborhoods and roads beside single access in Fable Hills maintenance, cutting weeds and clearing trails paths, dog disposal bags/garbage Lighting, dog waste cans, paths Make it more natural and include bike trails that connect with the existing bike trail network in Hugo. NONE, it is wetland Better lighting, security camera, remove the wood chips, better garbage disposal Better trails and wild flowers Paved trails. It's overgrown. I've walked thru the fable hill villas to where the trail ends. I've always been somewhat scared of Clearwater Creek because I don't know much about the hunting/archery that goes in there. I really enjoyed events offered by Wargo Nature Center in Centerville and believe Clearwater Creek could do the same. I had no idea the area was there as an option. 7. What specific concerns do you have regarding proposed improvements? It is important to keep the area focused on nature. We moved to our home with the specific intention of looking at and walking in the nature preserve daily. 32 Master Plan Report

34 No horses on the walking trails, please. And exercise pods seem like they'd be a waste of money, since I don't see them used in other parks. "The concerns I have for the existing or future of the park are: -Equestrian trail...would prefer not to have the horses in the preserve. -Hunting, because it would close the park for hunting season." I don t want the peacefulness and remoteness of the park to go away..it s nice to have property like that available within the city Why in the world did you leave piles of wood chips in the existing parking area at Fable Hill? It attracts critters! I do not like how close the trail/boardwalk comes into the back of the homes on the south end of the project in concept 2 and especially in concept 3. "The park should be available to all not only select groups. Off -road bikes, dogs, horses and pedestrians" Respect to other property owners "Currently a hang out for teenagers and partying. Park is open too late Hunting allowed Too many dearflies" After Pratt put the villas in I have been back there a few times and it was very muddy.. the path needs to be ved away from the houses. I like Tamarack in White Bear Township. It's a good mixture. Clearwater Creek needs some marketing. I'm a Hugo resident for 6 years and was not aware of this space and possibilities. 8. What other passive use sites have you been to that you enjoyed and why? Tamarack Nature Center is wonderful, has several different types of walking paths, but still very natural and able to enjoy birds, butterflies, flowers, etc. Lester park Duluth mn..there is a playground before trails..great for kids to play before and or after a hike I enjoy the trails that wind and loop. The trails on the water are beautiful. the area around N County Line Rd E and Falcon Ave North. We enjoy the solitude, walking paths (not paved), hills, water No Rice creek, nice paths with houses far enough away. I like Irish park too. You just need to control your dogs around the hen house. The Roseville Arboretum off of Dale Street is awesome to walk through. It is nicely laid out. Paved trails are great. Not too big and lots of options. Neighbors can access it from numerous places. Tamarack in White Bear just because it's close. I hear co-workers talk about Lake Elmo Park Reserve. I have not been there but read about walking groups and fitness classes. It's too far away. 33 Master Plan Report

35 Wargo Nature Center in Centerville. I enjoyed the maple syrup festival with my 3 year old son. Otter Lake Dog park 9. Additional comments / preferred amenities? Open to types of trails, just want to be able to use the area consistently. The boardwalks for marshy areas are a great idea! Also, having the main entrance on Fenway would accommodate more cars and be easier to find. Playground near entrance and trailhead then trails throughout,picnic areas along trail Could we extend the trail for walking year round on the opposing side of the creek? It looks as the though we could have a trail running parallel to the existing trail on the west side of the creek. Water features, parking, lighting, trails "No hunting Close at dusk No horses" It would be nice to have a handicapp accessible trail that enters off of Fenway The Roseville Arboretum does a good job of defining areas. Walkers don't always want to compete with bikes. Winding trails. Fenway gets boring quickly because it doesn't branch off to anything. Once Fable Hill meets Elmcrest you are limited. "Events oriented to nature. I think it's important with the new constructions East of 61 to offer a natural space for wildlife. Public could enjoy and learn about local nature." Multifunctional 10. What priorities do you have regarding how funding should be used? Paved trails (7) Natural trails & boardwalks (16) Off-road biking trails (2) Exercise Equipment (1) Picnic Areas (0) Natural resource management (5) Other (see next question) (2) 11. What specifically do you feel funding should be prioritized for? Maintenance! Just expand the trail north and connect to a north parking lot. Make the trail useable all year by either paving or boardwalk. 3 season trails a priority, I have lived off of the trail system for 10 years and I would hate to see horses not allowed. Currently I am the only equestrian using the trails and I use them occasionally do to bugs and overgrowth. My property adjoins the park and the reason I purchased 34 Master Plan Report

36 our farm was the small trail system available to my family to take the horses on. When I see people on the trail they love to see the horses and as far as the horses tearing up the walking trails that is an untrue comment. If this was true my property and yard would be impassible for any pedestrian. Please keep the riding trails. I love this preserve and will help in any way to improve it for our community. A chain link fence. "Street lights at entrance Security camera More police patrol" Benches. Seasonal science events. Historical markers. Event organization Off leash dog park 35 Master Plan Report

37 City of Hugo Parks Commission Meeting (August 15, 2018) WSB presented the three conceptual designs for the Clearwater Creek Preserve site and also provided comments received by the community on the Social Pinpoint website todate for consideration, which included the following: Most prefer elements in #3 with specific items from #1 and #2 Like trail connection to Fenway No exercise pods, just benches Strong opposition to horses in park Like parking on north end Like boardwalks Trail surfaces that are less prone to erosion and disturbance Like bridges across creek Consider views (creek in and out of view) Dog park may be too noisy Like variety of trail loops The Commission members provided their comments regarding the concept plans, which included the following: Like trail connection to Fenway Like parking area on north end by 140th Include 2 bridge crossings they can be phased in. One just north of pond and one closer to entrance No dog park, keep it as currently with off-leash allowed in park (noted that a 10 to 20 acre parcel minimum is needed for this use) No separate trails for horses, keep as is currently and can restrict use later if damaging to the park or causing conflicts Show trail connection to the west neighborhood No creek restoration unless watershed wants to do this on their own Phase in trails (like loops on #2 with overlooks, mixture of trails from #2 and #3 on east side) 36 Master Plan Report

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