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City park plan unveiled to public
Published Saturday, November 15, 2008
Terway
Staff with the City of Fergus Falls are asking residents to weigh-in on an 11-year plan for local trails, parks and more.
The Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Forestry System Plan examines the 600 acres of parks and public space under the city’s management. It not only analyzes the current park system, but identifies future needs based on population projections.
The city council authorized the plan’s development in summer 2007, and a draft is now available for public viewing before it goes back to aldermen for approval in early December.
“This is the first major park comprehensive plan the city has had,” said Rick Terway, parks, recreation and forestry manager. “It really is a fluid document that is meant to be changed as necessary.”
The plan describes proposed park improvements and facility upgrades across the city through 2020. Projects include: creating a high-quality outdoor skating area at Roosevelt Park or the levee; upgrading facilities that do not comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements; developing a trail loop, improved parking lot, small picnic shelter and canoe campsite near Broken Down Dam; installing a new DNR fishing pier and boat launch near the DeLagoon campground; improving the road and storm drainage around Lake Alice; adding senior-friendly exercise apparatus along popular hiking paths.
An appendix includes the results of the Community Attitude and Interest Survey distributed to a random sample of 2,000 Fergus Falls households in October 2007.
The plan was developed by city staff, the Fergus Falls Park Board and staff with Sanders, Wacker, Bergly, Inc., a landscape design firm out of St. Paul. It is the parks and recreation component of a citywide comprehensive plan.
The city will host a public forum next Tuesday for anyone interested in learning more about the parks and recreation plan. Residents can stop by City Hall’s council chambers from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., look over the plan and provide feedback to city staff.
The plan can also be viewed online at www.ci.fergus-falls.mn.us. It will be discussed at a committee meeting Nov. 27 and face approval from the city council Dec. 1.
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by waxwing069 (anonymous) on November 15, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope they do nothing with the broken down dam. It's so beautiful and unspoiled, if they make a campground by it, think of all the litter, trash, and defacing of the dam itself. Very pretty there in the fall with the leaves all turning, to make a campsite there would spoil the peacefulness of it.
Posted by jeepman (anonymous) on November 15, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Anything related to the cleaning up the area around Lake Alice Park? I realize the lake its self is one issue, but the so called "Park" around the lake needs to be taken care of.
Posted by killdeer (anonymous) on November 15, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'd like to see a dog park !
Posted by cheif (anonymous) on November 15, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What about the much-hyped aquatic center?
Posted by Mr_Lincoln (anonymous) on November 15, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LETS FIX ARE CRAPPY ROADS.identifies future needs based on population projections.1960 13000 pepole 2008 13000 pepole.fergus has no growth 50 years no gain in population.Keep dreaming look at all the companys that should be going under.
Posted by Mr_Lincoln (anonymous) on November 15, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A sustained recession may become a depression.
Posted by takemyradio (anonymous) on November 15, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fergus Falls in 1990 - 12,362
Fergus Falls in 2000 - 13,620
Fergus Falls in 2007 - 13,697
Though the growth isn't that huge, it definitely isn't an effect from the quality of the roads.
Our population stays low due to commercial farming (which affected FF's population more in the past than it does now), high school graduates moving for education, and the lack of jobs. The past decade or so has shown promise of growth, thanks to the internet and telecommunication making it possible to work all kinds of jobs from our nice little community.
However, the only thing that keeps Fergus from becoming a complete retirement/nursing community BESIDES telecommuting is the many opportunities and different forms of recreation. Let's be honest, that's what keeps people here, NOT the quality of the roads OR the businesses. I think improving our parks and facilities is a no-brainer.
As for the dog park ... I don't even know what to say to that. There are so many places to take a dog for a walk in the area, a designated park just for dogs seems a little ridiculous. This isn't a big city where people need a sanctuary where their dog can run and play, this IS the sanctuary.
Posted by Mr_Lincoln (anonymous) on November 15, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
1960 13,733 6.3%
1970 12,443 −9.4%
1980 12,519 0.6%
1990 12,362 −1.3%
2000 13,620 10.2%
Though the growth isn't that huge LOOKS like no growth
Posted by takemyradio (anonymous) on November 15, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Like I said, commercial farming was to blame for our dip in population in the past, or between 1960 and 1990, if the word "past" is too hard to grasp.
In the "present," or "now," we are seeing a promise of population growth, due to reasons other than agriculture, as I stated above.
If you live in FF and don't appreciate and respect the recreational value, you're in the wrong town. That's what this place is all about, and will continue to be about for years to come.
Your argument to "fix are crappy roads" where I believe you meant to say "fix OUR crappy roads" just doesn't hold any weight. You have to understand that this isn't a big city, and a majority of the people who live here are fine with the fact that it's never going to be one. Commuting isn't an issue in FF. The roads in and around our town serve their purpose just fine. There have been a few problems in the past, but generally, everything road-wise gets handled. Our parks are a different story, and when recreation is the backbone of your town, you've got to adhere to it.
Suggesting a depression is imminent is just plain ludicrous, and has nothing to do with this article anyway.
Posted by takemyradio (anonymous) on November 15, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
PS. Your own figures show a growth of 10.2%, Mr_Lincoln, between 1990 and 2000.
This is because many people no longer rely on agriculture for income and have found a way to stay in FF working other jobs, thanks largely in part to the internet ant telecommunication, which, unlike farming, guarantees future jobs will be available and therefore guarantees population growth.
As the population grows, our roads may need work in the future. But first we've got to stimulate that growth, and bettering our recreation does just that. So, really, you should be applauding this idea, not arguing it.
Posted by FergusFamily (anonymous) on November 15, 2008 at 6:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The parks are one of our city's greatest assets. It's great that there is a comprehenisive -LONG RANGE plan. It's refreshing to hear of a City with vision and strategic foresight. I think this plan was developed with public input - so if you want a dog park, I hope you attended one of those meetings and said so. Although I agree there are plenty of places to walk a dog. Besides the "green space" aspect of our parks, the recreational programs are getting better each year. It was great to have lifeguards back at Pebble Beach, sponsors for the summer teams and a "day care" program during the summer.
Posted by melindakay (anonymous) on November 15, 2008 at 8:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Turn Lake Alice into an actual lake where people can swim, canoe, and paddleboat. The houses around the lake will double in value, and businesses will come in as well.
I would second a dog park - since it is city law to have your pet leashed, it would be nice to have a designated off-leash area where dogs can play without disturbing others.
Posted by betterworld (anonymous) on November 15, 2008 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Such great ideas, so, let's all go to the meeting! What a great chance to offer input. Mr. Terwey and staff have done a great job in the past~they've been dealing with budget constraints long before ALL ofus were! The town is pretty, naturally pretty.
Making Lake Alice a workable lake would be a great idea!
Posted by Josephine (anonymous) on November 16, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First order of business should be Lake Alice. In the past year it has really gotten tacky. Letting all that brush grow up along the shoreline is disgraceful. If people are so hot about the geese, why not do like they did in the 60's with the duck and pen them up in the ne corner and then release them out and away. We also used to have a paddle-boat weed cutter. They'd cut the weeds, rake them up on shore, let them dry and get rid of them. In the winter the park guy could also go out onto the islands and remove the nests of those weird white birds. Something else attractive could be planted on those island that the birds won't kill. And please remember the skating rinks and warming houses, at Lake Alice and Grotto. This is important.
Posted by Mel (anonymous) on November 16, 2008 at 10:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Kirkbride park, a classic site, & sight.
Posted by lifterpulse (anonymous) on November 17, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Isn't it nice not to have to have J Cooper's response and all the other political candidate mumbojumbo on these forms!
Posted by landarch (anonymous) on November 17, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For those residents that don’t really “get” the idea of a dog park, a quick definition for one is a fenced in location for dogs to be able to run free, off leash – while staying confined to a designated area, protected from traffic and protecting residence who wish to stay away from off leash dogs. I understand there are plenty of sidewalks in town and places to walk a dog; but with the city’s leash laws, it doesn’t allow for a dog to be off leash and run – to play fetch, run with other dogs, etc. Larger scale dog parks sometimes have bark pathways around the edges, where dog owners may walk while keeping an eye on their pet (so everyone gets exercise). It’s a very healthy place to socialize a new puppy to both human and canine groups, and nice to socialize with other dog owners.
In no way is it meant to replace walking your dog on a sidewalk, but adds dimension to the exercise and social aspects a dog requires. One must realize dogs - like their human owners - are social animals and both physically and mentally benefit from a social atmosphere.
Posted by FergusFamily (anonymous) on November 18, 2008 at 6:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Lake Alice - I think the natural vegetation is left on purpose. It serves as a buffer to prevent those birds on the water from accessing shoreline ALL over. Instead, they have limited access to that NE corner. Also, if we remove the nests, the Egrets and Cormorants will just move to someone else's trees - maybe yours? When the nutrients of that island are exhausted, the birds will naturally find new homes. Your suggestions for manicured and tightly managed space belongs in Disney Land, not Fergus Falls.
Posted by Machisen (anonymous) on November 28, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Godel Park, near the public access to Hoot Lake, is a beautiful, natural area. The western half of the park has been seeded with native plants and grasses, but the park plan shows proposed development of athletic parks in the eastern half of the park. I hope this kind of development can be avoided and that the area can be developed in more natural ways. As it is, the park is a great place to simply walk through the fields and enjoy the beauty of Hoot Lake.
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