4.5. SR 10-06-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk Elk River comprehensive Plan R1VeY Park Classifications Guidelines As per Guiding Principle #4 the system plan consists of a variety of parks and open spaces defined under various classifications. Each classification serves a particular purpose in meeting local park and recreation needs. Although some flexibility is warranted, classifying parks is necessary to ensure a well-balanced system and that all recreation needs are effectively and efficiently met. The classifications Elk River should consider when updating the Parks and Recreation Master Plan are based on guidelines recommended in the National Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Greenways Guidelines (National Recreation and Parks Association, 1996) and Planning and Urban Design Standards (American Planning Association, 2006), albeit expanded or modified to address circumstances unique to the city. The following table provides an overview of each classification. Classification General Description Neighborhood Park Neighborhood park remains the basic unit of the park system and serves as the recreational and social focus of the neighborhood. Focus is on informal active and passive (non-scheduled/ programmed) recreation. Community Park Serves broader purpose than neighborhood parks. Focus is on meeting service sector-based recreational needs, as well as preserving unique landscapes and open spaces. Youth Athletic Consolidates programmed youth athletic fields and associated Complex facilities to fewer strategically located sites within the community. Can also provide neighborhood-use functions. Community Athletic Consolidates programmed adult and youth athletic fields and Complex associated facilities to a limited number of sites. Tournament level facilities. Can also provide neighborhood-use functions. Conservancy Area Lands set aside for preservation of natural resources, remnant landscapes, open space and visual aesthetics/buffering. Also provides passive use opportunities (i.e., nature-type trails, overlooks, interpretive program, etc.). This also includes lands set aside for preservation of natural resources and open space through means other than community preserves. This includes lands in wetlands and floodplains and an assortment of outlots left as open space Greenways Serve as linear corridors exhibiting a natural environment. Focus is on protecting ecological resources and providing wildlife and trail corridors. Secondary use is for trails, assuming that they can be integrated without compromising the integrity of the natural systems. Special Use Covers a broad range of parks and recreation facilities oriented toward single-purpose use - such as a nature center, historic sites, plazas, etc. Regional/ County Regional parks and open spaces with a natural resource and larger Park/ Open Space acreage focus. Private Park/ Rec. Parks and recreation facilities that are privately owned, yet Facility contribute to the public park and recreation system. Chapter 10: Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space/ 107