Creekridge Park
Overview
| Address | 138 Creek Park Lane |
|---|---|
| Start Date | May 2028 |
| End Date | August 2028 |
| Current Status | Implementation Planning |
| Park Type | Neighborhood Park |
| Size | 2.2 Acres |
| Special Use | None |
Current Status
Creekridge Park is a neighborhood park with a functional design and nice character. The park serves over 950 residents. It has a single tennis court with undersized basketball courts sucked behind it, a formal ballfield, playground, small shelter and rain garden. There is a trail within an easement to the north of the park and a dead-end trail south that connects to the Mississippi Street sidewalk.
Recommendations and Estimate of Probable Costs
General recommendations include maintaining, repairing and replacing items as needs dictate with improvements to overall accessibility and sustainability with a consistent character.
Recommendations include:
- Add plantings along playground for shade and screening for utility boxes
- Convert turf to low-grow turf mixture
- Natural resource management of rain garden
- Replace playground equipment with potential to expand playground area
- ADA compliant playground surfacing (engineered wood fiber)
- Concrete playground border
- Added walks and trail connections
- Replace basketball and tennis courts as necessary
- New picnic shelter with two tables and an outlet
- Site furnishings with common characteristic (benches, tables, receptacles, bike racks, etc.)
- Replace backstop and players benches
- Wayfinding signs
- Security light and adjust timing for tennis court light
The estimate of probable costs for completing the recommendations shown range from approximately $250,000 to $325,000.
Concept Plans:
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.
