2017.08.16 Parks Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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HUG16015-Parks, Trails, and Open Space DRAFT Chapter 19 08/16/17 2040 Parks Trails and Open Space Plan – Connected Parks, Connected People Guiding Principles Connected, Multi-functional Parks System Create a connected, multi-functional park system. A multi-functional parks system supports recreational, ecological, and social needs of the community. 1. Use Greenway as the backbone of park, trail, and open space development and conservation. A greenway corridor helps identify and prioritize connected open space with natural amenity value that can be enjoyed by all residents. The Greenway corridor should be the foundation of land acquisition and park development in the City. 2. Work with developers to provide ecologically sensitive developments. i. Require developments to incorporate greenway features into the design of the site within these areas or, when appropriate, to allow future corridor connections. ii. Preserve natural communities through development. 3. Evaluate design of development, including parks to ensure that both ecological and recreational needs of the Greenway Corridor are met. i. Land in the Greenway corridor should be designed to facilitate movement of animals, provide stormwater management as well as provide recreational amenities. Greenways should provide areas where natural communities can thrive. ii. The City should seek assistance from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources or private consultants if they are unsure how a development proposal may affect natural areas. The City should set a good example by designing and constructing all City projects in an ecologically sensitive manner. For example, the City should use native plantings on public projects and the City should restore natural areas at sites like Rice Lake Park. iii. Park land should preserve natural resources and wildlife corridors. High Quality Parks 1. Maintaining and upgrading existing facilities, create high quality user experiences so that people return to the parks and value the parks system. 2. Provide high quality experiences in nature. Protect natural resource communities. Identify strategies to protect wooded upland communities that are more easily developed than wetland communities. Access Health and access to recreation and recreational amenities is important to the Community. From the young to the old, access to parks and trails is highly valued by residents and plays a critical role in helping residents stay active and healthy. 1. Parks and trails must be developed and maintained to provide access to all ages and abilities. 2. Parks, Trails, and sidewalks should connect the community i. Trails or sidewalk connections should be provided between parks and neighborhoods and along wildlife and greenway corridors. ii. Off-road bike and pedestrian facilities should be encouraged in all new housing developments. iii. Sidewalks on both sides of the street are most desirable iv. Provide trails that link important areas of the City, such as schools, downtown, other parks and Regional trails. 3. Residents should be able to easily and safely access parks and trails 4. Parks should act as community gathering spaces and perform civic functions. Partnerships The City should seek strategic partnerships to acquire and manage open space, parks, and trails. Partners should include a wide range of parties including, neighboring jurisdictions, private landowners, state and county agencies, not-for-profit agencies. 1. Work with landowners to promote conservation practices. Work with landowners to coordinate efforts to protect natural areas and other ecologically important areas including wetlands, flood plain areas, and areas adjacent to creeks and lakes. i. Encourage landowners to voluntarily participate in land protection programs like the Land and Water Legacy Program.