Logan Park
Overview
| Address | 155 Logan Parkway NE |
|---|---|
| Start Date | 2024-2025 |
| End Date | TBD |
| Current Status | Implementation Planning |
| Park Type | Neighborhood Park |
| Size | 2 acres |
| Special Use | Winter Skating |
Current Status
Neighborhood park servicing neighborhood #10 with potential to also service neighborhood #11 and Area A as noted on the Service Area Analysis Map with improved connections. The park contains a ballfield with poor orientation for play, a single tennis court and half basketball court that are both in poor condition, an older picnic shelter, and playground. An area of mature trees is located on the northern section of the site.
A community event was held on July 12 to evaluate different playground options for the park. An online survey was also available to receive feedback on those options. Responses will be taken into consideration when selecting a playground design.
Improvements
General recommendations include redevelopment with some minor layout modifications to incorporate new amenities and replace existing amenities for an improved recreational experience.
Recommendations include:
- Landscape enhancements
- Low-grow and/or bee-friendly turf mixture
- New playground meeting varying age groups with new container
- ADA compliant playground surfacing (engineered wood fiber)
- Concrete playground border
- Walk and trail connections with optional internal loop
- Picnic shelter with 2 tables
- Ballfield improvements
- Site furnishings with common characteristic (benches, tables, receptacles, bike racks, drinking fountain, etc.)
- Reconstructed tennis court
- Reconstructed half court moved further south to allow for slight playground expansion
- Park sign on Pearson Way
- Wayfinding signs (to Riverview Heights)
- Security light
Resources
A total of $50 million in possible park system improvements were identified in the Park Plan. Based on resident input, Fridley City Council directed staff to work with a Park Plan Refinement Task Force advisory group to recommend $30 million in park projects that would be most impactful to the community.
Further, a resident Finance Task Force recommended funding the park system improvement plan by issuing General Obligation (GO) Tax Abatement Bonds for $20 million in bond proceeds, being repaid over no more than 15 years, with an additional $10 million to come from other City of Fridley funds.
Tax abatement is a tool that can be used by cities to abate all or a portion of property taxes levied by the City for a given purpose, such as public infrastructure improvements. All taxpayers, whether identified as an abated parcel or not, will continue to pay property taxes as they normally would. Minnesota Statute 469.1813 gives cities authority for tax abatement, and this has become an increasingly common means of funding park improvements, as they provide benefit to all residents. A requirement is holding a public hearing for the consideration of tax abatement, and that was held on May 23, 2022.The bonds will be repaid over 15 years with annual debt service payments being levied for and it is likely there will be an increase in property taxes beginning in 2023.
This plan will provide many opportunities for expanded recreation programming, enjoyment of nature and social gatherings. Enhancing and modernizing the city park system will position Fridley as a great place to live, work and play now and for many years to come.
