Innsbruck Park
Overview
| Address | 5815 Arthur Street NE |
|---|---|
| Start Date | May 2029 |
| End Date | October 2029 |
| Current Status | Implementation Planning |
| Park Type | Open Space Conservation Area |
| Size | 24 Acres |
| Special Use | Stormwater storage; Natural resources |
Current Status
This natural resource based conservation park contains a mixture of ecological areas from wetlands to woodlands. The site contains natural surfaced trails and interpretive/educational signs. There is a small parking area and bike racks off of Arthur Street and several neighborhood trail access points.
Recommendations and Estimate of Probable Costs
General recommendations include ongoing natural resource management for improved resiliency and habitat. General improvements to focus on infrastructure to support appropriate site use and programming opportunities for passive use recreation. There may be opportunities to expand upon the park land and trail system through acquisition of an uninhabited lot by the park entrance and an additional trail connection to Gardena Avenue, as feasible.
Recommendations include:
- Natural resource management with a focus on improved water quality and natural systems with reduced invasive species
- Enhance entrance by parking lot with improved signage and amenities
- Improve trail surfacing with aggregate and stabilization where needed with admixture
- Drinking fountain with pet bowl
- Dog waste stations
- New interpretive and wayfinding signage throughout the park
- Seating and viewing areas
- Optional trail expansion to Gardena Ave.
- Optional land acquisition for small nature center building for programming and restrooms
- Site furnishings with common characteristics (benches, tables, receptacles, bike racks, drinking fountain, etc.)
- Security light
The estimate of probable costs for completing the recommendations shown range from approximately $300,000 to $385,000 for base preferred improvements and an additional $200,000 to $290,000 for deferred or alternate improvements.
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.
