2017.08.16 Parks Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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HUG16015-Parks, Trails, and Open Space DRAFT Chapter 27 08/16/17 Locating Parks, Trails, and Open Space It is important to recognize that most new development will occur in areas where municipal sewer and water area available. Hugo can, therefore, expect a denser population and a higher demand for neighborhood parks and trails in these urban areas of the City. Hugo's neighborhood parks should relate to residential developments. The park system could also serve to buffer incompatible land uses. For example, a park could help provide a buffer between industrial development and residential development. Locating Open Space, Neighborhood Parks, and Community Parks Open Space provides the community with both recreational opportunities and performs critical ecological functions that help manage stormwater. The Greenway Corridor identifies the priority location for all open space preservation and acquisition as well as parks and trails development. The greenway corridor was developed around development patterns and future land uses within the City and the City’s natural resources framework. The greenway provides a general guide for the ideal location for parks, trails, and open space acquisition to create a connected park system that integrates nature and opportunities for active and passive recreation into the fabric of the community. Neighborhood parks offer neighborhoods easy access to a variety of recreation facilities including play equipment, informal ballfields, athletic fields, court games, and picnic facilities. Physical features like major roads and rivers also define the service areas of neighborhood parks. In Hugo, for example, Highway 61 defines an edge between neighborhoods. Residents should not be expected to cross the highway to get to their neighborhood park. If neighborhood parks are to be used and enjoyed, they must be carefully located for safe and convenient access. Community parks serve several neighborhoods or the community as a whole. As such, they provide facilities that will attract people throughout the community. 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. The following table shows the locational criteria for neighborhood parks, community parks, and open space. Locational Criteria for Open Space, Neighborhood Parks and Community Parks Park Type In Greenway Corridor Trail Access Near Sidewalks Natural Community Near Housing Density Near arterial / Collector roads Urban Service Area Potential for Future residential growth Near Wetlands Buffer between incompatible land uses Neighborhood Park Very Good Very Good Very Good Good Very Good Poor Very Good Best Good Good Community Park Very Good Very Good Good Best Good Good Good Good Very Good Good Open Space Very Good Very Good Good Best Good Fair Fair Fair Very Good Good