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The reason Taylors Falls is a highly popular destination for visitors is because it’s real; it has wonderful natural amenities with its state and federal parks and river, and it isn’t contrived. This is what a consultant told a group of about 20 Taylors Falls citizens who attended the parks and trails planning get-together last Saturday.

Michael Schroeder stressed, “People come here because it isn’t touristy...they like what you have. If you (lay plans for) what you like, what you will use, what you want-- it will be real.”

Parks and trails is one piece of the Taylors Falls land use and zoning guide that’s been a work-in-progress for a while now.

The planning system being used identifies three geographic areas in the new comprehensive plan map: the river zone, the small town zone and the countryside zone. In using this “character zoning approach” it was explained that uses are defined by attempting to create a cohesive pattern overall and build upon what already exists and functions.

The weekend volunteers divided into two groups, with about 10 persons each, and went to work drawing on a large map where Taylors Falls’ existing parks are, where proposed parks should be and where the overpasses and trails might be installed to connect it all.

Schroeder walked back and forth between the groups and encouraged using paths and trails already being followed by Taylors Falls residents and visitors. The groups were asked to identify “connections” between all areas of town and even the not-yet-built neighborhoods.

The two groups chose places to enjoy a picnic lunch, places offering good views, local spots where kids already congregate for games and places where equipment could be improved or installed.

The results of last Saturday’s efforts are being incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan which is the basis for the city in seeking grants, state funding, in long range financial goals.

Taylors Falls has been working its way through a visioning and design maze for a while now.

The state, meantime, has also been doing its plan for the Interstate Park expansion and improvements.

Schroeder mentioned that the draft of the comprehensive plan will be inspected March 3, in a public information meeting.

It is extremely important that anybody who wants to get involved in the process come to this meeting. The “Designing Taylors Falls for the 21st Century” session begins at 7 p.m. and will be held at the Memorial Community Center (old depot), Thursday, March 3.

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