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Elk Elk River comprehensive Plan <br />R1Ver <br />Park Classifications Guidelines <br />As per Guiding Principle #4 the system plan consists of a variety of parks and open spaces defined under various <br />classifications. Each classification serves a particular purpose in meeting local park and recreation needs. Although <br />some flexibility is warranted, classifying parks is necessary to ensure a well - balanced system and that all recreation <br />needs are effectively and efficiently met. <br />The classifications Elk River should consider when updating the Parks and Recreation Master Plan are based on <br />guidelines recommended in the National Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Greenways Guidelines (National <br />Recreation and Parks Association, 1996) and Planning and Urban Design Standards (American Planning Association, <br />2006), albeit expanded or modified to address circumstances unique to the city. The following table provides an <br />overview of each classification. <br />Classification <br />General Description <br />Neighborhood Park <br />Neighborhood park remains the basic unit of the park system and <br />serves as the recreational and social focus of the neighborhood. <br />Focus is on informal active and passive (non- scheduled/ <br />programmed) recreation. <br />Community Park <br />Serves broader purpose than neighborhood parks. Focus is on <br />meeting service sector -based recreational needs, as well as <br />preserving unique landscapes and open spaces. <br />Youth Athletic <br />Consolidates programmed youth athletic fields and associated <br />Complex <br />facilities to fewer strategically located sites within the community. <br />Can also provide neighborhood -use functions. <br />Community Athletic <br />Consolidates programmed adult and youth athletic fields and <br />Complex <br />associated facilities to a limited number of sites. Tournament level <br />facilities. Can also provide neighborhood -use functions. <br />Conservancy Area <br />Lands set aside for preservation of natural resources, remnant <br />landscapes, open space and visual aesthetics /buffering. Also <br />provides passive use opportunities (i.e., nature -type trails, <br />overlooks, interpretive program, etc.). This also includes lands <br />set aside for preservation of natural resources and open space <br />through means other than community preserves. This includes <br />lands in wetlands and floodplains and an assortment of outlots left <br />as open space <br />Greenways <br />Serve as linear corridors exhibiting a natural environment. Focus <br />is on protecting ecological resources and providing wildlife and <br />trail corridors. Secondary use is for trails, assuming that they can <br />be integrated without compromising the integrity of the natural <br />systems. <br />Special Use <br />Covers a broad range of parks and recreation facilities oriented <br />toward single - purpose use - such as a nature center, historic sites, <br />plazas, etc. <br />Regional/ County <br />Regional parks and open spaces with a natural resource and larger <br />Park/ Open Space <br />acreage focus. <br />Private Park/ Rec. <br />Parks and recreation facilities that are privately owned, yet <br />Facility <br />contribute to the public park and recreation system. <br />Chapter 10: Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space / 107 <br />