PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND PARKS

GOAL:  Strengthen the neighborhood's connection to the natural environment.

(Click image for a larger view.)

Objectives:

• Research and capitalize on opportunities to enhance or expand existing green space.
• Make the public open space system a unifying feature of the neighborhood that strengthens it's unique identify.
• Create a variety of open space types (trails, woods, athletic fields, plazas, etc.) to accommodate changing demographics.
• Establish healthy urban ecology by protecting and restoring native vegetation and animal habitats.
• Intensify the use of natural storm water management and sustainable landscape practices to enhance water quality.

Recommendations:

• KPNA to continue it's official 'adoption' of Kutzky Park and Cascade Creek with city and DNR and maintain commitment to bi-annual park clean-up events
• Eliminate non-resident parking in tennis center lot year-round.  Change current parking sign from "3 hour parking, May 1 – Sept. 30, Mon. – Fri." to "3 hour parking, Mon. – Fri."
• Explore the feasibility of adding a 'bark park' in current open space along 16th Ave. 
• Explore feasibility of closing 13th Ave. vehicular access to park and making pedestrian access only. Add vehicular access to parking lot off 16th Ave.
• Make mid-block connection near the 13th Ave. foot bridge more accessible
• Explore feasibility of ice-skating rink locations and partnering with Park and Rec for maintenance/staffing
• A. At Kutzky Park by tennis courts - use clubhouse as warming house
• B. Along corridor near 9th Street Pedestrian bridge - use street for parking, possibly angled parking
• C. United Way Site, eliminate parking on West End of property, Use United Way space for warming area