Master Plan - Pine Journal

Transcription

Sunnyside
Riverview
Riverfront
ơ
Wentworth
Fauley
Voyageur’s
Veterans
Pinehurst
Athletic
Parks and Recreation System
Master Plan
MULTI-USE
PRACTICE
FIELD/RINK
REVIEW DRAFT | 2 December 2013
RESTROOM
PAVILION
PARKING
PICNIC
PAVILION
9-HOLE
DISC GOLF
COURSE
SOCCER
BLEACHERS
SOCCER
BLEACHERS
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Sunnyside
Riverview
Riverfront
ơ
Wentworth
Fauley
Voyageur’s
Veterans
Pinehurst
Athletic
Master Plan
MULTI-USE
PRACTICE
FIELD/RINK
REVIEW DRAFT | 2 December 2013
RESTROOM
PAVILION
PARKING
Prepared for:
9-HOLE
DISC GOLF
COURSE
The City of Cloquet, Minnesota
Prepared by:
LHB, Inc.
PICNIC
PAVILION
SOCCER
BLEACHERS
SOCCER
BLEACHERS
Credits
Citizen Advisory Team
Mark Roberts
Rick Norrgard
Rick Stowell
Scott Blatchford
Thomas Proulx
Tim Krohn
Tom Brenner
Tom Urbanski
Matthew Anderson
Ruth Reeves
Dennis Painter
Holly Peterson
Jeff Leno
Jennifer Nemmers
Jenny Blatchford
Joe Nowak
John Badger
John Sanders
Jon Waugh
Ken Ripp
Kevin Robertson
Parks Commission
Matt Anderson
John Badger
Patricia Kiminski
Mark Roberts
Rick Stowell
Tom Urbanski
Barb Wyman
City Council
Bruce Ahlgren
David Manderfeld
David Bjerkness
Roger Maki
Mayor
Ward 1
Ward 2
Ward 3
Kerry Kolodge
Steve Langley
Lara Wilkinson
Ward 4
Ward 5
At Large
Brooke Donahue
LHB, Inc.
City Staff
Brian Fritsinger
Caleb Peterson
City Administrator
Assistant City Engineer
Design Team
Michael Schroeder LHB, Inc.
Lydia Major
LHB, Inc.
Jason Aune
LHB, Inc.
CJ Fernandez
LHB, Inc.
iv |
Parks and Recreation System Master Plan
Contents
Part A: Core Values and Vision
Core Values and Vision offers an overview of the planning process and key directions for the
future of Cloquet’s parks and recreation system. It provides summaries of conditions and input
offered by the community and major recommendations offered by the master plan.
A brief history of Cloquet’s parks
The need for a master plan
Challenges
Engaging the community
Community input and key recommendations
A vision for Cloquet’s parks and recreation system
Part B: Big Ideas
Big Ideas describes the three major ideas that provide the backbone of the master plan. These
ideas resonate with the aspirations of the community and recognize the challenges it faces.
This section also describes nine elements that support the Vision and are integral to the three
big ideas.
An interconnected riverfront park
Neighborhood focal parks
Community connections
Elements
Part C:
Individual Park Concepts
Individual Park Concepts explores the preliminary ideas developed for each of the parks,
as well as more detailed concepts for several higher priority parks. It also describes the
implementation strategies needed to make these concepts a reality.
Park Plans Overview
Athletic Park
Braun Park
Hilltop Park
Pine Valley Park
Pinehurst Park
Wentworth Park
Veterans Park
Voyageurs Park
| v
Part D: Implementation Strategies
Implementation Strategies explores the methods for directing resources towards the projects
described in this plan.
Accelerated Capital Improvement
Refocusing Parks
Riverfront
Trails
Part E:
System Evaluation and Direction
System Evaluation and Direction tracks the evolution of the system and describes parks and
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policies aimed at providing consistency for Cloquet’s park and recreation system beyond the
Big Ideas and Individual Park Concepts described in this Master Plan.
Park and recreation system context
Existing system components
Service areas
Park Policies and Goals
Part F:
Appendices
Appendices contain supporting documentation of the process and are provided under a
separate cover.
Task Force meeting minutes, exercises, and park tour summary
Summaries of community input, survey, and questionnaire results
Cost estimates
Maintenance estimates
Parks and recreation trends
Demographic analysis
vi |
Maste r Pl an
Part A | Core Values and Vision
Parks like Pinehurst, with its iconic
swimming pond and bandshell, have long
been integral to the life of the community.
A-2 | Core Values and Vision
A brief history of Cloquet’s parks
Parks were a central feature of Cloquet before
it was even incorporated. Very early pictures
of celebrations in Pinehurst Park illustrate its
importance as a community gathering place.
The city’s founders understood that parks could
act as a uniting force in the community and
as a contrast to large industrial operations in
this timber industry-focused town. Even in the
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Pinehurst Park was an important priority in the
city’s rebuilding effort. Pinehurst was just the
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Old No. 16 was retired to Fauley Park (then Memorial
Park) in 1964 as a reminder of Cloquet’s prominence as
a great center for the lumber industry.
Many of Cloquet’s parks were created because of
the energy of volunteers and land donations from
individuals and local companies. The land for
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‘60s, and ‘70s. There were several land donors,
including most often the Northwest Paper
Company. Often, a local citizen would identify a
need, such as for a ski facility, and then work to
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many of the most prominent facilities, like the ski
jumps at Pine Valley Park.
This grass-roots approach to park land
acquisition and facility construction has created
a park system with very unique features. The
sand-bottom pool at Pinehurst and the ski jumps
at Pine Valley are unique attractions that not only
serve citizens, but attract visitors from around
the region. Although Cloquet has never had an
overall plan for the park system, the parks are
widely distributed throughout the community
and serve a variety of needs.
Core Values and Vision | A-3
The need for a Master Plan
Volunteers remain essential to
Cloquet’s park system.
While Cloquet’s parks have served the
community’s needs well for many years, there
has never been a formal, overall vision for the
system as a whole. Without a Master Plan, it has
been hard to plan and prioritize for the system’s
development. It has also been a challenge to
predict maintenance needs and respond when
new opportunities present themselves.
A Master Plan is particularly critical at this time,
when the citizen’s of Cloquet have just approved
a 0.5% sales tax that will fund infrastructure and
parks and trails improvements. It is important
that this money is spent in a way that is
transparent and closely tied to the community’s
will. The process that citizens have been engaged
in over the past year will help ensure that
ϐǤ
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how Cloquet’s park system is likely to develop
in the future. While volunteers remain a critical
part of how the parks are used and maintained,
they are less likely than in the past to be involved
in planning and constructing new facilities.
Similarly, land is more likely to be acquired
through new development planning, rather
than large donations from private landowners.
City staff now plays a much larger role in
construction and maintenance activities, under
the direction of the Parks Commission and City
Council. All of these changes together mean that
it is increasingly important that the City have a
clear and transparent plan for how they invest in
parks and trails.
Challenges
While Cloquet’s parks offer a wide array of unique opportunities in lovely settings, there are
challenges. The community is changing, facilities are aging, the system lacks connectivity and in some
cases visibility. These challenges are not insurmountable and addressing them directly will allow the
parks to fully express the character of Cloquet.
Cloquet is shifting from a timber industry-focused economy to a more professional and serviceoriented economy. Industry remains an important part of the community’s culture, but as the
workforce becomes more white-collar, the needs and desires for certain kinds of recreation change as
well. Interestingly, the population is also becoming younger, bucking the trends seen elsewhere in the
state. This means that serving children remains a very important part of the parks’ mission.
Unfortunately, many of the park facilities are not getting younger. Many were constructed when the
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Many other facilities, such as shelters, the Pine Valley chalet and ski jumps, playground equipment,
and others, will require similar re-investment soon.
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the parks and across the community. There is a strong desire to make it easier to get from place
to place in Cloquet by foot or bike as well as to connect the city to nearby regional trails. Trails,
sidewalks, bike lanes, and related facilities are needed in many areas in order to provide safe and
appealing access to the city’s many attractions.
Connectivity relates closely to another system-wide challenge facing Cloquet: visibility and access.
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city. Pine Valley, for instance, is a unique and wonderful park, with ski trails, ski jumps, and a hockey
arena, not far from Highway 33, but a visitor might not even know it’s there and would certainly have
trouble getting to it without good directions.
Addressing these challenges will help prepare Cloquet’s park and recreation system for the future.
This plan does not propose simply to maintain the park system or replace a few isolated facilities, but
to enhance it so that this generation leaves a legacy of great parks and trails, just as past generations
have done.
Improving aging facilities, adding trails, and
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challenges facing Cloquet’s park system.
Engaging the community
The master plan for our parks and recreation system was founded in a process of resident and
stakeholder engagement, allowing us to frame a plan based on shared values and a clear vision. Our
process included:
· more than a dozen meetings with a Task Force of concerned citizens;
· meetings with representatives of a variety of stakeholder groups;
· three community meetings;
· two public surveys;
The master plan process was rooted in community
engagement. The range of events allowed the Task
Force to understand more than community desires—
they gained a sense of the values the people of Cloquet
held for their parks and recreation system.
· questionnaires;
· and “meetings in a box,” where groups of stakeholders shared their ideas and concerns directly
with Task Force members.
Community input and key recommendations
Throughout the Master Planning process,
hundreds of citizens contributed their ideas
to this plan. Several key recommendations
and directions emerged as important to the
community as a whole.
· Parks are extremely important to this
community. Maintaining the facilities that
currently exist, so that they are safe and
appealing, is critical to the character of the
community.
· Sidewalks and trails are needed to provide
safe connections for pedestrians and
bicyclists between parks and other key
community assets.
· ϐ
connections to other regional recreational
assets, such as the Munger Trail and nearby
parks.
· The St. Louis River is a major but underutilized feature of the community.
Providing better access and recreational
activities near it would be popular both
locally and regionally.
· Youth sport programs are popular and
provide important opportunities for
socialization and exercise. Maintaining
these programs and the facilities they
require should remain a priority.
· Many residents visit Cloquet’s parks to use
the playground equipment. Keeping these
facilities safe and appealing is important.
A vision for Cloquet’s parks and recreation system
The components of our vision
We believe high quality parks and trails build a sense of connection between
neighbors. By serving a diverse community, they bind neighbors together through shared
experience and play...
We live in a place carved from the woods and anchored by the river. We plan to care for
our wild spaces, so that they are healthy and beautiful, and will continue to support the
community’s well-being...
Like our predecessors, we know that we can build a foundation for our future if we invest
in our parks today. We should take a long view and leave a legacy of excellent parks and
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We see strong leadership by staff with support from enthusiastic volunteers as the
best way to plan, build, program, and maintain our parks and trails....
Parks provide unique opportunities for all members of our diverse community, regardless of age, background, or income, to participate in adventures with friends and neighbors...
ϔǲǳments, which are explored in Part B.
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Maste r Plan
Master
Pl an
Part B | Big Ideas
An Interconnected Riverfront Park
SUNNYSIDE
CONNECTION
TO REGIONAL
TRAIL
NEIGHBORHOOD
CONNECTIONS
HOSPITAL
CHAMBER
SN
OW
M
TR
BLUFF
OB
ILE
TR
HIGH/LOW
CONNECTION
AIL
TO REGIONAL
TRAIL
AIL
OP
RIVER TRAIL LO
LOCAL LOOPS
BOARDWALK
THROUGH WETLAND
(ON POWER LINE
EASEMENT)
VOYAGEURS
SPAFFORD
ST. LOUIS
RIVER
PARKING
OVERLOOK
PED BRIDGE
WITH
OVERLOOK
O
HISTORIC
HOTEL
POTENTIAL GRADE
CROSSING
REST POINTS/HISTORICAL
MARKERS
ACTIVE
R
R
WENTWORTH
FAULEY
VETERAN’S
DOWNTOWN
0
200 400
8
NORTH
B-10 | Big Ideas
The group of parks near the St. Louis River will be parts of a whole, functioning as a Riverfront Park
System and providing a variety of ways to experience the river. Today, Spafford, Voyageurs, Riverview,
ǡϐǡǡ
get from one to another either as a pedestrian or by car. Strengthening their connections would ease
ϐϐǤ
Together, they will draw visitors into Cloquet and act as a gateway to the nearby neighborhoods and
commercial areas, encouraging complementary growth. A substantial and visible park system, with
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act as a catalyst for economic development in the surrounding areas.
The parks will share resources and distribute uses in a logical way. Access and parking should make
the river more easily available to residents and visitors. Parking is currently a barrier to park use,
but could be resolved without overwhelming the parks with surface parking lots by sharing parking
and improving walking connections between lots and destinations. Similarly, bathrooms, camping
amenities, piers, boat access, and other important features could serve users better without creating
a sense that the park’s natural resources have been overbuilt.
Additional parks and trails will be added as opportunities arise to provide more services and improve
connectivity. Acquiring property in this area and working on partnerships with nearby industries
could help expand access and improve public-private relationships. Overcoming the challenge of
connecting around the power plant is a critical element in completing the preferred route for a
regional trail connection along the St. Louis River to the Munger Trail.
Big Ideas | B-11
N e i gh b o r h o o d Fo c a l Pa r k s
Sunnyside
Riverview
Riverfront
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Wentworth
Veterans
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Fauley
Pinehurst
Athletic
Pine Valley
Hilltop
Braun
B-12 | Big Ideas
Each major area of Cloquet should be focused around a park that acts as a part of its identity and as
a gathering place for nearby residents. Sunnyside and Pinehurst Parks already begin to serve these
functions. They have a variety of spaces that can be used for both programmed and non-programmed
d
activities and they offer gathering spaces for family and community events. Play structures and sports
t
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With some renovation or construction, Athletic and Hilltop Parks have the potential to perform a
similar role in their neighborhoods. Currently, they may lack the multi-use spaces, sheltered gatheringg
spaces, or play structures generally associated with neighborhood parks, but they are well located to
take on this role. Although Hilltop also functions as the center for the soccer program, there is room
to expand to provide additional services and these uses would be complementary to its current role.
Sunnyside
Pinehurst
Neighborhood parks should be easily accessible to the surrounding community and should serve
the needs of all residents. This requires a good sidewalk and trail network to ensure safe and equal
access. It also is important to consider the needs of different ages or ethnicities within the Cloquet
community as these groups often use parks very differently.
They might also have a special feature that provides a unique identity to the park and the
neighborhood. While Pinehurst’s swimming pond is a large-scale example, it does show how a park
feature can provide an identity for the entire neighborhood. Special features don’t have to be quite
that large, but they should impact their surrounding positively and draw visitors from outside the
immediate neighborhood.
Athletic
Over time, additional neighborhood parks may be needed as Cloquet grows and changes. When
new development is proposed, potential neighborhood parks should be considered. In some cases,
new development would be well served by the four existing parks, but eventually new parks may be
needed to maintain reasonable access.
Hilltop
Big Ideas | B-13
Community Connections
B-14 | Big Ideas
Cloquet’s parks and trails should function as an integrated system, supporting each other through
physical and social ties. Throughout this process, it has been clear that trails, sidewalks, and bike
lanes are a high priority for residents. The community currently lacks safe physical connections
between major destinations and between residential areas and destinations. Pedestrians and
bicyclists are frequently forced to use the shoulders of busy streets or to use sidewalks that may not
be wide or smooth enough for all users. The city has recognized this need and a Trail Master Plan is
already in place.
Trails and sidewalks, while critical, are just the most obvious ways to link Cloquet’s parks. All the
ǡϐǡǡǡ
connections. These other, possibly less tangible, connections help create an understanding of the
parks and trails as a system and allow them to share resources--including visitors--more effectively.
ϐ
the parks more effective in delivering services.
Parks should spill out into neighborhoods, creating parkway streetscapes that lead people to the
parks from anywhere in the community. Streetscaping can create greenways that act as extensions of
the parks. This makes routes to parks more recognizable, as well as offering other safety, aesthetic,
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more slowly and be more watchful for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Big Ideas | B-15
Elements
common landscape
Pl
Plants
and
d landscape
l
features express the identity of Cloquet’s parks and community.
Cloquet’s rich northwoods history and deep connection to the timber industry should
ϐǤ
forested, but that Cloquet’s environmental and historical context should be considered in
their design.
shared components
St t
Structures,
signage,
i
furnishings, and practices should be similar in all parks. Using common
forms and materials for built features not only is practical from a purchase and maintenance
perspective, it also help communicate a shared brand within the park system. Again, this
does not suggest that the parks become entirely alike, but that certain elements should be
shared for practical and marketing purposes.
signage and wayfinding
C
Consistent
i
signage
i
provides a sense of identity to the park system and improves visitors’
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coordinated with trail signage.
B-16 | Big Ideas
wise distribution
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softball, Hilltop for soccer, Pine Valley for skiing, etc.) and conglomerating uses in this way
Ǥϐǡ
multi-use spaces in other parks ensures that all portions of the community are well served.
trails and sidewalks
Safe and logical routes to and between parks should be available to all residents.
idents Sidewalks,
Sidewalks
bike lanes, and trails should be planned to provide as much connectedness as possible
between important features and between residential areas and those features.
signature events
Special events highlight Cloquet’s culture and generate new community
y traditi
traditions.
ions. These
events draw new users to the parks and highlight the amenities they offer. More importantly,
they are critical to forming the sense of community that is a primary part of the vision for the
park system. Park facilities should be planned to support these events.
Big Ideas | B-17
historical ties
Elements from Cloquet’s rich history, such as the logging history of the town or the Cloquet
Fire, create enduring places and events. Some of the parks themselves, like Pinehurst or
Wentworth, are historical and maintaining their character ties current residents to the past.
In other cases, such as historical markers along new trails in the Riverfront Park System,
park features can highlight Cloquet’s rich history.
special features
U i
Unique
features,
f t
such as splash pads, a new pedestrian bridge, a skate park, and other
elements provide Cloquet residents with new adventures. Not every feature needs to be in
every park to serve residents well, so careful planning is required. These features are often
ϐǡǤ
indoor spaces
M lti
Multi-use
indoor
i d
spaces provide opportunities for play year-round. Cloquet was served
by a community center for many years and, while there are many barriers to building and
maintaining such a facility, it remains a priority for many residents. Because of Cloquet’s
climate, an indoor facility provides an opportunity for year-round recreation and community
gathering.
Ǧͳͺȁ
Maste r Pl an
Part C | Individual Park Concepts
Park Plans Overview
There are potential projects in every park.
Through the community involvement process,
several projects in each park were highlighted
as priorities. In addition, several parks were
highlighted as being top priorities for major
investment. Athletic and Riverfront topped that
list. Below is a list of potential projects in all the
parks.
Sunnyside
Riverfront Park Group
Wentworth Veterans
Fauley
Little
Peoples
· Create an entrance on Big Lake Rd.
· Provide signage
Pinehurst
· Expand water play
· Provide a paved rink
Pine Valley
Athletic
Pinehurst
· Improve fencing, landscaping, etc.
Athletic
Long
· Provide restrooms
Braun
· Irrigation
· Field improvements
Pine Valley
Fauley
· Pave the ATV trail
· Provide shelter for the train
Hilltop
· Ǧϐ
· Create a disc golf course
Hilltop
Little Peoples
· Improve playground surface
Braun
C-20 | Individual Park Concepts
Long
· Renovate the chalet
· Provide snow-making equipment
Riverfront Park Group
· Expand trail system
· Provide pedestrian river crossings
Sunnyside
· ϐ
· Improve the rink (boards, summer use)
Veterans
· Ǧϐ
· New amphitheater
Wentworth
· Create a formal town square
· Provide a fountain
· Add a small fence, furnishings, etc.
Athletic Park
Because of its location in the center of Cloquet’s
residential neighborhoods, Athletic Park has a
unique role. For decades, it has been used as the
ǯϐǡ
popular soccer practice area, skating rink, and
playground. However, as Mettner Field and the
other facilities have aged, Athletic Park has begun
to be less of a community asset than it once was.
ϐǡ
often ending up in neighbors’ yards, and heavy
use and lack of parking has added to the wear
and tear on the park. As the baseball and softball
programs have shifted their focus to Braun
Park, it has become possible for Athletic Park to
develop a new, broader orientation.
In addition to serving a wider group of users,
renovations to Athletic Park should integrate it
more with its neighbors, so that it is an aesthetic
and functional asset. Parks like Athletic enhance
their surroundings and improve property values.
Today, tall chainlink fences and a somewhat rundown appearance make it seem separate from
the neighborhood. With reinvestment, Athletic
could once again become a prominent feature for
the area.
SHADE
STRUCTURE
PAVILION
FFIELD
IE LIGHT
T
TOWERS
PLAYGROUND
D
MULTI-USE
FIELD
SKATING
AREA
RESTROOM
PAVILION
ANGLED STREET PARKING
Key features include new and renovated
buildings and landscaping, a variety of shelters
for gatherings of different sizes and community
education programs, an updated and expanded
ǡǦϐ
of many community members while being
ϐǡ
skating area that encourages year-round use.
Individual Park Concepts | C-21
Braun Park
Braun has become a regional center for softball
tournaments and other baseball and softball
functions. However, Mettner Field, at Athletic
Park, has remained the primary high school
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neighborhood function and provide an updated
and more suitable location for larger baseball
events, investment will be needed at Braun Park
to provide baseball facilities.
ϐǡ
irrigation, new fencing, dugouts, and a
grandstand/press box. In the longer term, a
ϐ
Ǥϐ
mowing, lining, and irrigation, is more playable
in poor weather conditions, and offers a more
consistent playing surface. Irrigation may also be
ϐǤ
These improvements would serve the
community, by allowing Athletic to function in
a more suitable neighborhood-focused way and
improving the availability of baseball facilities. It
would also serve the school district and baseball
association by providing a safe, modern baseball
facility with adequate parking and related
services. Because of this, partnerships will
be necessary when directing resources to this
project.
Hilltop Park
In Cloquet, Hilltop Park is the hub for soccer
Ǥϐ
parking lot, it provides space for practice and
competition. However, it also is used by the
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College for
a variety of uses, including football. Heavy use
ϐϐǤ
same time, its other amenities, especially the
playground, have become outdated.
MULTI-USE
PRACTICE
FIELD/RINK
RESTROOM
PAVILION
PARKING
The city owns land to the north of the existing
park, offering an opportunity for expansion as
well as new recreational activities. A number of
community members have expressed a desire for
a disc-golf course, which could be accommodated
ǡϐ
that could be used as an ice rink in the winter.
Upgrades to the playground and new bleachers
and other services for soccer-watching families
would enhance the park and make it more
appealing when not in use for formal practices or
competition.
ϐ
ϐ
effects of heavy use. However, in the long term,
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ϐ
system. Partnerships with other users would be
critical to such an undertaking.
9-HOLE
DISC GOLF
COURSE
SOCCER
PICNIC
PAVILION
SOCCER
BLEACHERS
RESTROOM/
CONCESSIONS
PAVILION
PLAYGROUND
SOCCER
BLEACHERS
PARKING/
BASKETBALL COURT
P i n e Va l l e y P a r k
LANDSCAPE CLEARING AND
GATEWAY SIGNAGE
(UTILIZE SAME SIGNAGE AT
ARMORY RD. AND HWY 33)
EXISTING PARKING
RECONFIGURED TO
CREATE FORESTED
ROOMS
NEW ROUTE TO
WASHINGTON
INTERSECTION
PAVED AND
EXPANDED
PARKING
CROSS COUNTRY
SKI FACILITY
MONUMENT
KIOSK WITH
HISTORICAL INFO
AND MAPS
EXPANDED WEST
LOOP TRAIL SYSTEM
WITH SIGNS
ǡϐ
call to add snow-making equipment. The skiing
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consistent snow over a longer season and in
years where snowfall isn’t as predictable. Since
some of this use could generate revenue, there
would be return on this investment.
DEFINED
ENTRY LOOP
DRIVE
REFURBISHED
ICE RINK AND
SENIOR CENTER
RUSTIC PATHS
HOLDING
PONDS
FOR SNOW
MAKING
EENHANCED
CHALET
MOUNTAIN
BIKE TRAILS
RENOVATED
SKI JUMPS
Pine Valley is one of Cloquet’s most striking
hidden gems. Those who use its ski and hockey
facilities, trails, and other amenities love and
care for it with a great deal of ownership, but it
ϐϐǤ
Improving access—perhaps even a new route
to the Washington and Hwy. 33 intersection—
ϐ
elements could help solve this problem.
Renovating the chalet would also provide
potential income, since it could be rented for
ǡϐ
park experience. Adding mountain bike trails and
expanding the trail loops would increase yearround use and be compatible with the park’s
natural setting.
Reconstruction of the park’s two parking lots (the
large one near the hockey arena and the smaller
one by the ski jumps) could bring that natural
setting into the more built areas of the park and
improve the park experience, while enhancing
environmental functions. Improvements will
eventually be needed for the hockey arenas, as
well. Together, these improvements would ensure
that Pine Valley remains a community gem.
Pinehurst Park
Pinehurst Park is perhaps the most iconic of
Cloquet’s parks, Its swimming pond, bandshell,
and huge pine trees have been a central feature
of the community for decades and restoring
ϐ
ͳͻͳͺǤǡ
some competing and some complementary. It is
important that this park remains a vibrant asset
to the community and its heavy use is carefully
managed.
The concept plan for the park incorporates an
expansion of the water play activities and related
buildings, which are at the core of the park’s
identity. Parallel parking on the street and a new
parking lot--that would double as a hockey rink
in the winter--would provide more parking to
support the expansion. One tennis court would
be reconstructed and the other relocated to a
central tennis facility. The play area would be
updated and could eventually be expanded, using
the hillside as a backdrop for a unique challengebased structure.
EXISTING
WATER PLAY
WATER PLAY
EXPANSION
BUILDING
EXPANSION
EXISTING BUILDING
TENNIS
PARKING
HOCKEY
PLAY
STRUCTURE
SOFTBALL FIELD
The existing landscaping, with its iconic pines,
should be protected and restored where needed.
Investing in the next generation of trees would
ensure that the landscape would remain
quintessentially Cloquet.
We n t wo r t h Pa r k
Wentworth Park was once at the heart of
ǯǤϐ
ϐ
was at its west end and it was conveniently close
ǡϐ
entered Cloquet. It featured manicured lawns,
ϐǡǤ
ϐ
Tod the West End is experiencing renewed
Today,
interest and reinvestment. With the additional
inte
draw of the Riverfront Park system nearby, it
dra
could soon be a bustling center for Cloquet once
cou
again, and Wentworth would be an important
aga
feature in its renewal.
feat
BENCHES
HEDGES
RENOVATED LAWN
APPROX. PARKING
LOT EDGE
FOUNTAIN
PLAY
AREA
The concept for Wentworth Park suggests
restoring its formal symmetry and the central
rest
fountain, while protecting its mature trees.
foun
Formal hedges would mark the entrances and
Form
the lawn would be restored. An expansion
to the
th east would allow for the creation of a
small playground that would serve the nearby
sma
residential areas. This simple concept would
resid
complement the historic city hall and downtown
com
setting.
setti
Ve t e r a n s P a r k
Honoring Cloquet’s veterans is a matter of great
pride and commitment as demonstrated by the
ϐ
the facilities at Veteran’s Park. A master plan was
developed for the park several years ago, but it
has been hard to plan for the implementation
and management of its large formal gardens
and other facilities. This diagram is intended to
ǡϐǡ
conversations about this park’s future continue.
PAVILION
PARKING
Y
WA
TH
PA
RESTROOMS
PLAYGROUND
OPEN SPACE
E
G
ID
R
K
AL
DW
R
A
BO
B
ATION
REST
Y
WA
TH
PA
A system of walkways and new amenities, a
ǡǦϐǡ
amphitheater, and an overlook/sledding hill,
would better connect the park with downtown
and attract a wider variety of users. This is also
an optimal location for a skatepark, because it
has a more regional exposure, is highly visible
and surveilable, and is centrally located. A
skatepark would attract a wide range of ages.
PLAZA
REFO
This plan proposes to meet many of the goals of
that plan, but in a less formal way. This could be
a phase on the path to implementing the larger
master plan, but the goal is to make the park
more useful and enjoyable in the short term. The
Flag Plaza remains the focal point for the park,
with more varied uses surrounding it.
MEMORIAL GARDENS
POND/SKATING
AMPHITHEATER
OVERLOOK
Reforesting the park’s perimeter would also give
the park a character more typical of Cloquet and
ϐ
slopes. Over time, these trees would also become
more visible from Hwy. 33 and Cloquet Ave.,
drawing visitors to this important park.
Vo y a g e u r s P a r k
The stockade at Voyageurs Park is both a very
recognizable landmark along Hwy. 33 and a
bit of a lightening rod for local debate. It is a
unique structure, but of somewhat questionable
historical lineage and extremely underutilized.
The park also features a statue that was
ͳͻ͹͸ǡǤ͵͵ǯ
ϐǲǯ
Trail.” Unfortunately, the statue is tucked in a
corner of this little-used park and doesn’t receive
as much attention as it might.
RESTORED
SHORELAND
PATHWA
Y
RIVER OVERLOOK
SHELTER
S
SH
LAN
OPEN SPACE
RESTORED
SHORELAND
N
O
ATI
TOR
RES
AY
W
TH
PA
APE
DSC
SHELTER
PARKING
OPEN SPACE
CE
E
VOYAGEURS
STATUE
AY
HW
PAT
Ǧʹͺȁ
The main goal for renovations to this park is
to attract attention and visitors from Hwy. 33.
This park is also currently being discussed, so
this diagram only indicates a possible direction.
By eliminating the stockade and relocating the
statue, emphasis can be placed on the natural
beauty of the island. Loop trails, shelters, and an
ϐ
settings for a variety of activities.
Supporting parking and other functional
requirements would also help ensure that this
park works within the context of the larger
Riverfront Park System. As that park system
develops, a large loop trail could connect the
island to the opposite bank and to Veterans Park,
helping to link Cloquet more closely to the St.
Louis River.
Maste r Pl an
Part D | Implementation strategies
The master plan recommends that investments
in Cloquet’s parks continue to use a variety
of methods, but with the opportunity of
funding through the local option sales tax, new
opportunities for investment can be realized.
Three methods of moving forward with both
ϐ
master plan are suggested:
· Accelerate capital improvements in every
park;
· Refocus parks to align with the master
plan’s concept of neighborhood parks; and
· Invest in the riverfront and trail projects.
Several assumptions are inherent in the
strategies discussed as a part of implementation:
· up to $6 million would be eventually
available through the local option sales tax;
· dollars would be available through accrual
of local option sales tax funds over a 20
year period or through bonding that allows
ϐ
repayment through local option sales tax
funds; and
· the city would continue to support parks
through the normal functions of capital
improvement planning, cooperation with
other parties or agencies, and pursuit of
grants and other non-local funding.
·
D-30 | Implementation Strategies
Accelerated Capital Improvements
Prudence dictates a series of improvements in parks to ensure that incremental capital improvement
funds can continue to support parks and park components. For instance, replacing all of a
community’s playgrounds in a single year, while possible if funds were available, would likely result
ϐ
simultaneously reach the end of their service life. Still, in Cloquet’s park system, improvements have
been deferred due to lack of funds, so catching up on those projects would be valuable.
An accelerated capital improvement initiative directs dollars toward upkeep of existing facilities
and components. As funds are accrued through local option sales tax revenue, a portion of those
ϐ
and replacement of features like benches, picnic tables, trash receptacles, and park signs—with
replacements orchestrated to support an identity for Cloquet parks, as mentioned in the master plan.
Similiarly, repair to athletic facilities and restoration of degraded natural areas would help make an
immediate improvement and prevent further deterioration that may be more costly to repair.
Importantly, the accelerated capital improvements funding strategy does not replace an existing
capital improvements funding method. Rather, it allows Cloquet to realize improvements, possibly the
ǡϐ
otherwise occur.
The master plan recommends directing up to 30 percent of the available funding through the local
options sales tax to accelerated capital improvements. This would result in a source of funds equal to
̈́ͻͲǡͲͲͲʹͲǡ̈́ͳǤͺǤ
Implementation Strategies | D-31
Refocusing parks
ǡϐ
“neighborhood focal parks.” While changes to these parks do not need to occur in a wholesale fashion,
as they serve a park constituency today, the core tenets of the master plan suggest an evolution of
these parks to become truly more neighborhood-focused. In this way, they better serve a proximate
population and offer increased opportunities for social interaction on a neighborhood basis.
As the master plan offers direction for a period of parks evolution that might span 30 years or more,
it’s fair to think of these parks evolving slowly and using varying sources of funds to accomplish their
individual evolution. Sources include:
· proceeds from the local option sales tax;
· continued capital improvements funds;
· grants and other outside funding; and
· locally-raised funds, including in-kind donations of time, equipment, and materials.
Importantly, the local option sales tax offers a change to initiate the evolution of these parks in
the near term, or to augment planned capital improvement dollars to expedite aspects of a park’s
evolution.
The master plan recommends directing up to 30 percent of available funding through the local option
sales tax to this part of an implementation, meaning that eventually that source might contribute up
̈́ͶͷͲǡͲͲͲǡ̈́ͳǤͺǤ
Riverfront
Improvements to the riverfront were clearly a priority of residents engaged in the master plan
Ǥϐ
improvements is logical and supportable, not only because the riverfront is a largely unrealized asset
for the community, but because of its appeal to both residents and visitors—both of whom contribute
to the source of the funds, and the riverfront’s capacity for attracting recreation users to the Cloquet.
Through the collection of parks that comprise Cloquet’s riverfront park element, the riverfront is
an opportunity to attract additional dollars through grants and other non-local contributions. Using
funds available through the local option sales tax as local match funds stretches immediately available
funding and allows the evolution of the riverfront to be more pronounced.
The development or expansion of the riverfront as a parks resource has long been a goal of the
community. It’s an ambitious project, but one that could begin shaping the community for decades.
While clearly ambitious, the successful referendum offers a chance to initiate projects, if even in an
incremental way.
The master plan recommends directing up to 40 percent of available funding through the local option
sales tax to this part of an implementation. The sequence of investments in the riverfront need not be
ǡϐǤ
the riverfront parks through the local option sales tax would be $2.4 million.
Implementation Strategies | D-33
Trails
Trails, sidewalks, bike lanes, and related facilities have become a high priority for the community.
The recently completed Trails Master Plan provides clear guidance for how Cloquet’s pedestrian and
Ǥϐ
overall park and recreation system.
Expanding and enhancing the trail system improves access to the parks system for users throughout
the community. It also expandes the impact of the parks--making them feel more integrated into the
neighborhoods they serve. Not only does investing in trails support the goals of the Trails Master
ǡϐǤ
Investiments should focus on those areas with safety problems and on heavily used routes. A bike
lane along 14th has been highlighted as a priority. Trails are a key feature of the Riverfront Park
system. Regional trail connections, such as to the Munger Trail are also critical, both for local users
and to draw visitors from surrounding areas into Cloquet.
The local option sales tax could support up to $1.5 million of improvements, but its real strength
lies in providing matching funds and drawing other funding mechanisms. Many programs and
partnerships are available for these types of investments. This funding is considered separately
from the $6 million targeted towards park improvements in order to ensure that trails remain
an independent priority and because many trail projects might be undertaken as a part of other
infrastructure improvements.
Maste r Pl an
Part E | System Evaluation and Direction
Park and Recreation System Context
Voyaguers
National Park a
r
ive
is R
Lou
St.
Cloquet’s park and recreation system does not
exist in isolation. Jay Cooke State Park and the
Munger Trail are both major attractions to the
region. In addition, this is the point where many
people split off I-35 to head north to Voyageurs
National Park—in some ways it is the gateway to
Minnesota’s Northwoods.
Portions of Cloquet are within the Fond du Lac
Reservation, which extends north and west of the
city. Members of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake
Superior Chippewa represent an important user
group for Cloquet’s parks and provide their own
recreational facilities and resources.
Also nearby, the University of Minnesota’s
Cloquet Forestry Center attracts students and
professionals from the timber industry. The Black
Bear Casino also draws a substantial group of
visitors to the area.
Fond du Lac Reservation
Community Center
Cloquet Forestry Center
Duluth a
Black Bear Casino
Munger Trail
Acting in concert with nearby communities, the
county, the state, and important local attractions
can support each other by sharing resources
Ǥǯϐ
every organization to provide every service,
only that open communication exist so that
good information and access is available to all
residents and visitors.
Jay Cooke State Park
un
M
ge
il
ra
T
r
E-36 | System Evaluation and Direction
Existing System Components
ϐ
ϔ

Mini Par k
Neighborhood
park

Size
ȋȌ
Small pockets of green space provide opportunities for relaxation and
recreation.
Little Peoples Park
ͲǤ͸ͻ
Wentworth Park
ͲǤͻ͸
Fauley Park
͵ǤͲͺ
Parks near residential areas offer opportunities for a variety of
recreational activities, both organized and informal.
Sunnyside Park
School park
10.72
Partnerships with the school district expand access to athletic facilities
and spread costs and maintenance between various users.
ϐǡ
Washington School ball
ϐ
Community Park Larger parks offer diverse features, including unique natural open space
and gathering spaces; many opportunities for recreation and special
events; and attract park users from a large area.
Pinehurst Park
ʹͶǤͻ͸
Pine Valley Park
35.56
Voyageurs Park
ͻǤͷͺ
Veteran’s Park
ͳʹǤͻ͸
Spafford Park
10.32
System Evaluation and Direction | E-37
ϐȋǤȌ
ϔ

Size
ȋȌ
Natural Resource Areas intended for the protection and preservation of the natural
Areas
environment offer passive recreational opportunities
Sports Complex
Private Parks/
Recreational
Facility

Riverview/Riverfront
155.73
Long Park
ʹʹǤͻͶ
These park areas are mostly designed for organized athletic play.
Recreation components allow for more diverse local recreation use.
Athletic
6.24
Braun
23.10
Hilltop
15.71
Cloquet Recreation Center
NA
Partnerships with private entities expand access to athletic facilities and
spread costs and maintenance between various users.
Ǥ̵ϐ
Ǧ͵ͺȁ
Service Areas
Most residential areas of Cloquet are within a
quarter mile of a park and nearly all are within a
half mile. The river and highways act as potential
barriers and a lack of a complete sidewalk
network is also a challenge to good access to
the parks for every citizen. This emphasizes the
close relationship between the parks and trails
systems and supports increased investment in
trails.
The residential areas east of Highway 33 and
south of the river are primarily served by Athletic
Park, which highlights the need for this park to
serve a diverse group of needs. By investing in
it, a substantial portion of the population will be
better served with park amenities.
a 33
119
116
113
114
a
33
117
7
6
114
2
Sunnyside
7
6
Riverview
5
Rural areas generally do not have walkingdistance access to public parks, but because they
have excellent access to open space, this is not
a priority. Creating special amenities in more
populated areas that draw rural residents to the
city and make them feel more connected with the
community is a higher priority. For that model
to be successful, however, trail access in rural
areas should be well planned to encourage nonmotorized travel to the parks.
As new residential areas are developed, it is
important that a good distribution of parks be
maintained. Adding parks strategically to serve
new residences and improve access in existing
neighborhoods, as well as to provide safe
sidewalk and trail connections, is a community
priority.
118
Riverview
Spafford
DunlapIsland
Wentworth Veterans
LittlePeople's
Pinehurst
7
6
Athletic
7
7
66
7
7
6
Long
54
115
7
6
45
55
CloquetRecreationCenter
16
PineValley
7
6
61
Hilltop
Braun
107
7
6
26
107
a
45
7
6
3
a
ȁǦ͵ͻ
Park and Recreation Department Structure
Like all city functions, ultimate responsibility
for Cloquet’s park and recreation system lies
with the City Council. It is advised by the Parks
Commission, a seven-member board charged
with the oversight of all park operations
including land acquisition, development,
improvement and use, and maintenance. Park
Commission members serve staggered three
ϐ
month at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall and occasionally
at various parks.
Currently, no city staff members are assigned
to work full time on parks. An Assistant City
Engineer oversees the Parks and Recreation
Department and dedicates 10% of his time to
these issues. Maintenance staff is shared with
Public Works and seasonal employees are added
for mowing in the summer.
Programming is organized primarily through
partner organizations. Athletics groups
(independent associations for baseball, hockey,
soccer, etc.) schedule and maintain their own
programs and often do at least some of the
facility maintenance needed for their activities.
Community Education, including programs for
both youth and adults, is conducted by the school
district. They also manage facility and park
rental, including shelter rentals and camping.
Park Goals
The vision of the community for its parks and trails system provides the basis for a series of goals and
supporting action items. These action items may be achieved through the implementation of policies
or the activities of the Parks Commission, city staff, and community members.
ͷǣǡ

Action 1.1 Manage park assets to achieve proper life cycles and replacement timelines for all
components and improvements and to ensure park components and improvements
are safe, usable, and inviting.
Action 1.2 Consider life-cycle costs (implementation costs, maintenance costs, plus costs
of eventual replacement) when investing in park improvements. In general,
improvements that cannot be supported with proper maintenance budgets shall be
avoided.
Action 1.3 Institute procedures that encourage consistent maintenance in parks and that render
parks attractive to users and visitors and serviceable for their intended use. Use
volunteers or recreation program partners where possible, but ensure their activities
follow best maintenance practices to achieve attractive and serviceable parks.
Action 1.4 Maintenance achieved through partnerships with recreation associations or through
volunteer efforts shall be managed to achieve consistency in the system using best
practices for maintaining attractive and serviceable parks.
͸ǣǦ

Action 2.1 Guidance for reorganizing some of the community’s parks is demonstrated in this
parks master plan. Implementing these improvements, which were achieved through
a process that strived to engage the park users, stakeholders, neighbors, and the
ǡϐ
on an overall vision for the parks system.
Action 2.2 Park users, stakeholders, and neighbors should be engaged in future efforts to
improve parks to ensure changes are well-aligned with community needs and
interests.
Action 2.3 Aligning updates to this plan with updates to the community’s comprehensive plan
will allow coordinated growth, accommodate likely needs, and identify possible new
park resources.
Action 2.4 Utilizing existing parks is preferred unless it can be demonstrated that expansion or
ϐ
necessary passive recreation uses.
Action 2.5 Certain activities, such as trail connections to regional trails and a dog park, were
ϐǤ
necessary, land acquisition should focus on the top priorities established during this
process.
Action 2.6 As the community expands, it may be necessary to create parks to serve these new
areas, in which case park acquisition should be considered based on its long term
ϐǤ
Action 2.7 The sale or trade of existing park land should be avoided unless it presents a clear,
ǦϐǤ
͹ǣϔ

͵Ǥͳ ϐ
community.
Action 3.2 Opportunities for integrating commercial enterprises in parks should be balanced
ϐǡǡǤ
that the introduction of such enterprises into the park is reversible and include a plan
for returning the park to its pre-enterprise condition.
Action 3.3 Commercial enterprises should not diminish the visual quality of the parks
ͺǣǡ
Ǥ
Action 4.1 Some Cloquet parks clearly exhibit a connection to the broader landscape of Cloquet
ϐ
in the layout, organization, and use of the park.
Action 4.2 Both mown turf and naturalized areas are valuable, depending on the context and
assuming that both are well-cared for and appear intentional. Less useful spaces
(slopes, wet areas, etc.) can be allowed to naturalize.
ͶǤ͵ ϐǡ
landscape patterns or other features that show a connection to the Cloquet landscape
ͻǣǯ
ǯǡǡǤ
Action 5.1 While art and cultural events are valuable, the majority of park resources should be
oriented towards recreational and natural features.
Action 5.2 Not every park can feature local culture or history, but those with that capacity should
ϐǤ
Action 5.3 Activities and elements that highlight local arts, people, and events should be
integrated into parks that best accommodate those features, either as a focus for a
park or as a prominent program element.
Action 5.4 Use partnerships or associations with other entities that have particular knowledge,
expertise, interest, or programming capacity, to celebrate culture, history, arts, and
local stories. While these features are logical components of the Cloquet park system,
the inclusion of these features in Cloquet parks should not be the sole responsibility of
the community.
Action 5.5 Where historic and cultural elements exist in the parks, proper maintenance practices
shall be provided to keep them in good condition. Partnerships should be undertaken
to ensure that funds and other resources are available for the long-term preservation
of existing assets and any new acquisitions should be undertaken only with an
accompanying preservation plan in place.
ͼǣǯ

Ǥ
Action 6.1 Parks and park facilities should support both programmed and open play
opportunities. Parks are the only venue possible for some kinds of programmed
recreation and those services need to be perpetuated. This must be balanced with
the need to have safe open spaces for non-programmed sports, such as frisbee or
geocaching, and for the kind of open play that encourages spontaneity and creativity.
Action 6.2 Parks shall include spaces for neighbors and residents to gather, especially in
neighborhood focus parks as described in the parks master plan. Spaces in parks
might be organized to accommodate a variety of group sizes without overwhelming
other activities in the park, but not all parks need to accommodate formal gatherings.
ǡǡϐ
certain parks, particularly where those events, celebrations, and gatherings are easily
accessible and do not unduly intrude upon nearby neighborhoods or business areas.
Action 6.3 Parks shall be made available for events, celebrations, and gatherings as part of an
overall parks program, scheduled with consideration of other park activities, and not
displacing other program recreation activities.
ͽǣǦ
Action 7.1 Parks and other local destinations (schools, commercial districts) should be connected
with trails and pathways that facilitate walking and bicycling aligning with the city’s
trail plan. The trail plan should be updated to recognize new park facilities, making
those connections a part of the plan for implementing new parks.
Action 7.2 Trails should be extended to meet regional trails where possible. Partnerships with
other jurisdictions and non-governmental entities may be necessary to achieve wellconsidered extensions of the city’s trail network.
Action 7.3 Safe and active walking (and bicycling, where possible) loops should be created
within parks to support locally-scaled connections, opportunities for healthy outdoor
activities suited to a broader range of users, and movement within parks.
Action 7.4 The use of trails and pathways should be supported by amenities that encourage user
ȋǡϐǡ
of major roadways or railroad tracks).
Action 7.5 Maintenance of trails and pathways should be considered as a part of the
improvement, ensuring any walking or bicycling facility supports desired use in a safe
and attractive manner.
;ǣǡ
ǡǤ
ͺǤͳ ǦǦ
might remain unchanged, others will likely be added, and the city should explore
the potential for a “parks coordinator.” This position would be responsible to
regularly review parks to ensure consistency in maintenance and the need for capital
replacement. This position would be an advocate for the parks.
ͺǤʹ
ϐ
achieve by the city alone. Partnerships might also be pursued to allow the system to
expand and take advantage of regional resources. Care should be taken to maintain
control over park facilities and to balance partner demands with community needs.
ͺǤ͵ ǡǡǡ
but many require ongoing investment from participants to remain vibrant. Some
programs and activities have a legacy of being free and should remain that way.
Ϳǣǯǡǡ
ͻǤͳ ǡ
ǦϐȋǲǳȌ
volunteer activities (Adopt-a-Park, special events) aligned with the vision of the parks
master plan and the goals of the community’s park system.
ͻǤʹ
civic-minded groups and individuals to contribute their time and resources; a parks
coordinator might make this a priority through continuing outreach efforts.
ͷͶǣ
Ǥ
Action 10.1 Because of the community’s reliance on partnerships with associations to provide
programming, the city should require agreements with those partners providing
ϐǤ
Action 10.2 To better orchestrate parks programs, activities, and outreach, the city should
consider establishing a staff-level position (a parks coordinator) responsible for
scheduling and program oversight; volunteer training, recruitment, and recognition;
maintaining working agreements with partners; and reporting to the Parks
Commission.
Action 10.3 Establish clear guidelines for the use of parks or park facilities on a rental or
ǡϐ
restoration of parks to pre-reservation condition should users fail to properly clean
the park or facilities after their use.
Park Policies
Park policies should be tied closely to the vision of the community for its parks and trails system. In
many cases, it is policies, as much as physical spaces, that shape the character of the park system and
communicate its true direction. The policies below are shaped to support the overall vision developed
through this process and the goals and action items established in the Master Plan.
ͷǣ
ͳǤͳϐǤ
Policy 1.2 Future park planning efforts shall be in keeping with the community vision established
during this master planning effort until or unless another vision is established
through engagement of the community.
Policy 1.3 Improvements to parks shall follow a process that engages park users, stakeholders,
and neighbors to ensure changes are aligned with community needs and interests.
Policy 1.4 Updates to the parks master plan shall correspond generally with updates to the
community’s comprehensive plan.
Policy 1.5 Trail connections to regional trails shall be the highest priority for implementation
unless a community process determines that another use is of a higher priority.
Policy 1.6 Active and passive uses in parks shall be balanced, recognizing the need to provide
unprogrammed space in each park to encourage spontaneity and creativity in use.
Policy 1.7 Parks shall include spaces for neighbors and residents to gather at a variety of scales
without overwhelming other activities in the park.
ͳǤͺǡǡ
parks, particularly where those events, celebrations, and gatherings are easily
accessible and do not unduly intrude upon nearby neighborhoods or business areas.
͸ǣ
Policy 2.1 Best maintenance practices shall be established for all major park assets, including
safety inspections, cleaning, repairs, and replacement timelines.
ǦͶͺȁ
ʹǤʹ ϐǡǦȋ
costs, maintenance costs, plus costs of eventual replacement) shall be calculated and
budgeted for appropriately.
Policy 2.3 When partner organizations or volunteers are enlisted to help with maintenance of
park assets, they shall receive a copy of the applicable best maintenance practices
document.
Policy 2.4 When such partnerships or volunteer efforts are used, the city shall determine and
document the scope and quality of desired maintenance and shall oversee any capital
improvements, even if funded and implemented through a partnership.
Policy 2.5 All park resources shall be maintained in a way that ensures they are safe and
attractive.
Policy 2.6 Both mown turf and naturalized areas shall be well-cared for and appear intentional.
Policy 2.7 Proper maintenance practices shall be provided to keep historical and cultural
features in good condition. Partnerships shall be undertaken to ensure that funds and
other resources are available for the long-term preservation of existing assets and any
new acquisitions shall be undertaken only with an accompanying preservation plan.
͹ǣ
Policy 3.1 New parks shall only be created if it can be demonstrated that expansion or
ϐǡ
displaces desired and necessary passive recreation uses, or otherwise cannot be
supported by existing park property.
Policy 3.2 If the creation of a park is determined to be necessary, as described by Policy 3.1,
acquisition of new park areas shall be directed to growth areas of the community, to
lands that can support activities and uses not currently available in the park system,
or lands that better support existing activities and uses.
Policy 3.3 The repurposing of an existing park shall be considered as a part of an acquisition if
the creation of a new park accommodates a use currently located in an existing park.
ȁǦͶͻ
Policy 3.4 The disposition of any park land, through sale or trade, shall be supported by a
ǦϐǤ
ͺǣǡǡ
Policy 4.1 Those parks with the capacity to feature natural, historical, or cultural features shall
ϐǡ
ǡϐ
community through a process of community engagement.
ͶǤʹ ϐǡǡ
ϐǡǡǤ
Policy 4.3 Spaces within the park that are not useful for planned park uses (slopes, wet areas,
etc.) shall be allowed to naturalize in order to perpetuate natural features and
functions within the parks.
ͶǤͶ ϐǡ
landscape patterns or other features that show a connection to the Cloquet landscape,
history, and culture.
Policy 4.5 The inclusion of natural, historical, and cultural features and events in Cloquet parks
shall not be the sole responsibility of the community in terms of funding, priority, or
accommodation.
Policy 4.6 Proper maintenance shall be provided for all natural, historical, and cultural features,
as described in Section 2 of this policy document.
ͻǣ
Policy 5.1 Parks and other local destinations (schools, commercial districts) shall be connected
with trails and pathways that facilitate safe walking and bicycling aligning with the
city’s trail plan.
Policy 5.2 Updates to the trail plan shall correspond generally with updates to the community’s
comprehensive plan and park master plan and shall incorporate connections to any
new community facilities.
Policy 5.3 Trails shall be extended to meet regional trails where possible.
Policy 5.4 Trail loops shall be created within parks where feasible.
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of major roadways or railroad tracks, shall be incorporated in trail planning and
design.
Policy 5.6 The expansion of the trail system, especially when making connections with
facilities beyond the municipal boundaries, shall not be the sole responsibility of the
community in terms of funding, priority, or accommodation.
Policy 5.7 Proper maintenance shall be provided for all trails and related resources, as described
in Section 2 of this policy document.
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Policy 6.1 The city shall be responsible for scheduling and program oversight; volunteer training,
recruitment, and recognition; maintaining working agreements with partners; and
reporting to the Parks Commission.
Policy 6.2 Clear guidelines shall be established for the use of parks or park facilities on a rental
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restoration of parks to pre-reservation condition.
Policy 6.3 Parks shall be made available for events, celebrations, and gatherings as part of an
overall parks program, scheduled with consideration of other park activities, and not
displacing other program recreation activities.
Policy 6.3 Programs, activities, and events shall be free or inexpensive whenever possible,
especially when certain programs or activities have a legacy of being free.
Policy 6.4 When a program or activity cannot remain viable without ongoing investment
from participants, fees shall be as low as possible while providing for the long-term
sustainability of the program or activity and the park resources being utilized.
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Policy 7.1 Partnerships shall be sought to make unique opportunities available to the community
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the city alone. Partnerships might also be pursued to allow the system to expand and
take advantage of regional resources.
Policy 7.2 Celebrating culture, history, arts, and local stories shall be accomplished through
partnerships or associations with other entities with knowledge, expertise, interest,
or programming capacity.
Policy 7.3 Partnerships with other jurisdictions and non-governmental entities shall be sought
to achieve extensions of the city’s trail network.
Policy 7.4 The city shall require formal agreements with all partners providing resources,
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Policy 7.5 When partnerships are undertaken, the city shall maintain control over park facilities
and balance partner demands with community needs.
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documented agreement to ensure that the arrangement is reversible, that it includes a
plan for returning the park to its pre-enterprise condition, and that it provides a clear
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the enterprise shall be a primary consideration.
Maste r Pl an
Part F | Appendices