11-10-1986 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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-3- D. Possible Facilities -Entry control •Restroom -Parking (200-250 cars) -Boat dock -Water -Trash collection Hennepin Parks will be identifying alternatives for a staging areas(s) in the east portion of Lake Minnetonka. This analysis will include identification of potential sites to acquire and/or lease of parking space. The investigation of contracting with a private charter boat(s) for shuttle service to Big Island, as well as self -operation of a shuttle service by Hennepin Parks, will be pursued. THE PRIMARY ISSUE AT HAND Two major questions exist related to the planning of a regional park entity on Lake Minnetonka. They are: 1. What is the attitude of the public, Lake Minnetonka Communities, Lake Minnetonka Conservation District, the Metropolitan Council, and others towards the establishment of a regional park entity on Lake Minnetonka? 2. What is the site potential for a regional park entity on Lake Minnetonka? The Metropolitan Council Task Force on Lake Minnetonka recommended the preparation of a plan for a "regional park entity" on the Lake. Specifically, the Task Force recommends increased access in Zone 5 of Lake Minnetonka to accommodate at. approximate total of 100 boats with car/trailer parking (primarily fishing craft access is needed). Possible solutions include accommodating additional parking at existing accesses within Zone 5. The Williams Street access, a site in Mound or the Howard's Point Marina might be possibilities. On the other hand, if all 100 were to occur in one a -,ass location, a minimum of ten acres is needed. Included would be a bo, ramp, parking, circulation roads, a gatehouse for control, and sanitary facilities. This alternative would meet the minimum req!-irements of the Lake Minnetonka Task Force report. Lake Minnetonka Conservation District has ;ndicated support for a 40-acre "regional park" in Zone 5. This would accommodate the 100 car/trailer capacity access described above plus other limited recreational activity including boat rental and picnicking. In identifying potential sites to provide the access capacity, four contiguous parcels in the Halsted/Smithtown Bay area have been identified, totaling 380 acres. This land provides the opportunity for acquisition and development of a "major" regional park on Lake Minnetonka. In addition to meeting the access capacity needs, such a facility would also provide for a wide range of recreational opportunities including picnicking, swimming, play areas, trails, etc. A minimum of 100 acres should be considered for such a facility with the possibility of utilizing the entire 380 acres. Large areas of natural open space to buffer adjoining properties and to provide an excellent setting for the outdoor recreational activities listed would also he available.