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%_ VlVi lVi 1O.Lq i i 1 FA I GR°�H PeqMes o INSTITUTE =-NEW BUSINESS—TRAILSIDE PARK Agenda Item:7(d) Background Information and Discussion: The City has negotiated a deal with the DNR to purchase the Trailside Park property. The Planning Commission should review the proposal and provide comments to the City Council regarding the acquisition of the property in relation to the Comprehensive Plan. Staff Recommendation: This is an excellent opportunity for the City and we see no reason why the City should not move forward with the purchase of the property. The park will tie multiple parts of the City together and will be a tremendous asset to Pequot Lakes. The following excerpts are from the Comprehensive Plan: "Pequot Lakes also has a tremendous asset with the Trailside Park area,the land between Highway 371 and Government Drive,adjacent to the Paul Bunyan Trail.To provide more benefit to the community for this area, Government Drive needs to be reconfigured to provide better connections to the park.The park itself,which functions more as a central"square"than a traditional park,also needs some definition to make the space more usable.The current layout of the park has a somewhat random feel that would benefit physically from some defining boundaries.A better understanding of the role of this vital public space would give context to future improvements." Community Character Policies: Protect and enhance landmarks, historic and archeological sites, social gathering places, and natural features in Pequot Lakes. ❑ Continue to provide entertainment in the Trailside Park on summer weekends. Housin&. ❑ Create a Park Plan for the Grow Zone and surrounding neighborhoods that leverages park investments to promote livability and encourage private-sector investment. Economic Development: Make the area's natural, scenic, and recreational amenities the Pequot Lakes brand.The primary reason that people choose to live,work and visit the Pequot Lakes area is the natural,scenic beauty and the many recreational opportunities. Pequot is in a unique position to retain that powerful brand and use it to not only enhance the quality of life for residents but provide long-term business opportunities for compatible enterprises. Natural Resources: `-' Protect and enhance natural resources and open space contributing to the character and vitality of Pequot Lakes. Pequot Lakes Staff Report 7(d)-1 April 18,2013