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Commission reviews preliminary East Ravine Park concepts as development approaches County Road 19
Summary
Commissioners examined preliminary plans for East Ravine Community Park and nearby neighborhood parks as housing development is anticipated to move east of County Road 19; discussion emphasized that concepts are preliminary and land acquisition/funding remain open questions.
Staff presented preliminary concept drawings for the East Ravine area and the commission discussed how anticipated development east of County Road 19 may change where community and neighborhood parks are located and how parkland will be acquired.
Zach, parks staff, told the commission that the city's master plan and earlier concepts were developed three years ago and that the most recent developer concept shifts the collector road (East Ravine) through the middle of the property. That alignment moves the community park footprint relative to earlier maps, he said, creating a narrower connection between a more passive wooded reserve and a more active recreation area. Staff emphasized that the drawings are conceptual only and that no plats or formal development plans have been filed.
Commissioners commented on several elements in the concepts. One commissioner praised the retention of passive natural areas and expressed interest in a watercraft-launch area; staff said that part of the site may be preserved as a natural trail or preserve depending on funding and partner support. Commissioners asked about amenities such as RC-car and drone use; staff said there is currently no designated drone area in city parks and that past interest in remote-control car racing had not developed into a permanent site.
Staff noted a future water tower site on a knoll just south of County Road 19 and said the city would like to design that location as a small neighborhood park similar to Meadowgrass. The commission reiterated that these are early-stage concepts and that funding, park dedications, and potential partnerships (state, public land trust, federal funds) will guide next steps.
Why it matters: Anticipated residential growth east of County Road 19 will change where and how parkland is provided. Early concept reviews allow staff and commissioners to identify priorities — access, parking, trails and passive habitat preservation — before detailed plats are submitted to the city.
