2013.10.09 Parks Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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2. Locate parks in areas where they can be expanded to accommodate future residential growth in the area. 3. Try to locate parks in a central area that provides safe and convenient access to all residents of the neighborhood. 4. Integrate trails and natural areas into the parks. Where wetlands exist, consider locating parks next to wetlands to expand the visual area of the park. 5. When possible, involve residents in the park planning process. 6. Park land should preserve natural resources and wildlife corridors. 7. Trails or sidewalk connections should be provided between parks and neighborhoods and along wildlife and greenway corridors. Description of Community Parks Community parks are different from neighborhood parks in several ways. Community parks service several neighborhoods or the community as a whole. As such, they provide facilities that will attract people throughout the community. They typically service an area that encompasses a one to two mile radius and serve a population of 15,000 people or more. Some community parks focus on passive activities like hiking and picnicking. They are often found in areas that offer unique natural amenities such as lakes or woodlands. Other community parks focus on active forms of recreation. They often provide a series of athletic fields for organized sports and tournaments. Community parks attract more people than neighborhood parks so they are generally near arterial or collector roads. Ideally, residents should have the opportunity to access community parks via trails, but most people who use community parks live far enough away from these parks that they will likely drive to them. Thus, these parks need to provide adequate parking and restroom facilities. Typically, community parks range in size from 20 to 100 acres. This plan classifies the City's future parks based on function. If the park system functions to meet the needs of its residents, it is unimportant if the park meets typical acreage and service area standards for community and neighborhood parks. In short, neighborhood parks provide desired recreation facilities that are safely and conveniently accessed by the residents of a neighborhood, and community parks provide recreation facilities that are of interest to the community as a whole. Community Park 1: Lions Park Lions Park currently serves as a community park. Since the previous Comprehensive Plan update, the old City hall building and water tower have been torn down and the new City Hall building and parking area has been constructed at the south of the park. Chapter 7 7-23 Parks, Trails, & Open Spaces _ HQo'