PRECM 03-05-1980 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• The State of Minnesota, Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, published in 1974, inventoried certain types of recreation facilities within the 7 County Metropolitan Area. The demand for 8 major types of facilities; swimming, camping, picnicking, water accesses, trails, golf, athletic fields and playgrounds and tennis courts, were summarized based on participation and the availability of resources. This study cites deficiencies in the following areas as projected ahead to 1980: Athletic Fields and Playgrounds A 1980 deficiency of 3,152 acres for athletic fields and playgrounds is estimated for the Metro area. The study indicates that municipalities and school districts should assume the primary responsibility for meeting these needs. Blaine, through its progressive park dedication ordinance has been able to acquire the necessary land to keep pace with development projects in the city. Through the continual use of this provision along with increased efforts in park development the city should be able to meet its local' needs in this area. Tennis Courts It is anticipated that an additional 379 tennis courts will be needed by 1980 in the Metro area. Presently the majority of the tennis courts serving Blaine are provided by local school districts. The city should endeavor to construct and light courts in neighborhoods where there is limited access to school courts. Swimming A deficiency of 1,220,000 square feet of swimming water area was indicated within the Metro area In 1972, 65% of the lake swimming area and 86% of the swimming pools were provided by local municipalities. While the state suggests that the counties assume a larger role in providing natural swimming beaches it is recommended that municipalities continue to have an important role in providing beaches on lakes within their jurisdiction and continue to assume the primary responsibility for swimming pools since they serve more localized needs. Both of Blaine's lakes, Lochness and Laddie, offer potential for swimming beach development, although beach development on Laddie Lake would require extensive dredging and could prove impractical. The city will be served by 'four swimming pools once the proposed pool at Roosevelt Junior High is completed. 'Not including the outdoor Salvation Army Pool which is only available in the summer. Picnicking A large deficiency of picnic facilities, 12,193 tables and 610 acres was identified in the Metro area for 1980. The state suggests that this deficiency be addressed by municipalities, counties, private sector and state. The shortage becomes apparent in Blaine when you consider the heavy use made of the picnic facilities at Aquatore Park and the many groups that must be turned away each year due to the lack of other facilities to accommodate large group gatherings. This problem could be overcome when such accommodations are made available at Laddie Lake, Lochness, Oak Ridge and in the future, Central Park. 13