Laserfiche WebLink
• <br /> PARKS & OPEN SPACE <br /> Borrowing a phrase from our founding fathers, the Ramsey County Parks and Open <br /> Spaces Committee holds these truths to be self-evident: that Ramsey County's natural <br /> resources are the domain of all of its citizens, regardless of race, creed, color or culture, <br /> that these natural resources are not something to be depleted but rather to be preserved, <br /> that recreational opportunities and accessibility to natural resources are important <br /> elements for establishing and maintaining a healthy balance in one's life, that <br /> achieving an optimum balance between recreational use, economic development and the <br /> preservation of Ramsey County's natural resources is the responsibility of each and <br /> every citizen, and that when such optimum balance is achieved, not only can business, <br /> industry and nature live in harmony, but all will thrive and prosper, benefiting every <br /> citizen. <br /> Our vision for the year 2010 includes a network of parks, open spaces and connecting <br /> trails bounded by the Mississippi River to the south and the lakes and prairies to the <br /> north. Navigation from open space to open space shall be enabled by "greenways", <br /> containing trails for pedestrian, bicycle or other non-motorized traffic, as well as <br /> wildlife corridors. These greenways will be so developed as to isolate the traveler from <br /> sounds and other evidence of business and industry, this by strategic plantings and <br /> landscaping. Travel information will be provided by maps, mile markers and new age . <br /> information systems. <br /> Significant tracts of unprotected open space will be evaluated for incorporation into the <br /> public park and open space system. Existing public parks and open spaces will be <br /> protected by a community-wide commitment to the principle of no net loss. <br /> Parks and open spaces will be recognized as the principal places where people within <br /> our communities gather with one another, commune with nature and pursue a wide <br /> range of recreational activities, ranging from solitary pursuits such as bird watching, to <br /> softball and other organized league activities. These areas will be viewed as a "neutral" <br /> community space where all citizens can gather and interact in a safe and supportive <br /> environment, kind of like a 21st century "front porch". Areas within parks, open spaces <br /> and trails will be accessible without entry fees. Program services will provide <br /> opportunities for personal growth and development, as well as offer positive, <br /> constructive alternatives to crime and violence for the youth in our community. <br /> Arts and craft fairs, local festivals and other "opportunities for commerce" will exist so <br /> long as such activities are consistent with the values expressed herein and don't <br /> negatively impact on the park resources. Whenever possible, newly erected structures <br /> within our parks and open spaces shall be constructed of natural (preferably <br /> indigenous) materials and in such a way as to blend in with their natural and historical <br /> surroundings. Where appropriate, parks may incorporate art in overall design or <br /> exhibition. <br /> Ramsey County will become nationally know for its ability to realize economic rewards • <br /> from celebrating nature rather than exploiting it and the Mississippi River will once <br />