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BEAUTY <br />Parks are the "front yard" of a community. Visitors remember a city by its <br />parkways, beaches, public art, athletic fields, and natural areas. These elements <br />also result in a high quality of life and a beautiful place to live for residents. <br />A PLACE FOR PEOPLE <br />In a time when social media defines the interactions of many people, parks are a <br />place to meet face -to -face, catch up with family members and friends, and feel <br />like part of the larger community. As the focal point of neighborhoods, parks <br />help residents develop connections to each other while also providing venues <br />for other community - building gatherings like farmers markets, school trips, and <br />festivals. <br />NATURAL VALUE/ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS <br />Forests, wetlands, and prairies all improve air and water quality and provide <br />habitat for diverse species of flora and fauna. Sound management of natural <br />areas can reduce the prevalence of invasive species and improve environmental <br />outcomes for neighboring properties. <br />COMMUNITY HEALTH <br />Recreation programs offer lifelong learning opportunities. These programs <br />provide enjoyable learning activities for youth and help keep seniors active and <br />connected. Recreation programs also provide youth with positive role models <br />and offer after- school and out -of- school activities for children of working <br />parents. <br />FAMILY DEVELOPMENT <br />One of the main reasons people go to parks is to spend time with family and <br />friends, and trail users have also stated that they enjoy the opportunity trails <br />provide to spend active time with their families. Throughout the master plan <br />process parents spoke of the value and importance of spending afternoons with <br />their children at playgrounds, skating rinks, and the beach. Parks are a great <br />venue for families to spend time with one another and grow together. <br />RELATED PLANNING EFFORTS <br />The following planning efforts influenced the development of the Elk River <br />Parks and Recreation Master Plan. <br />COMPREHENSIVE PLAN <br />When the City of Elk River's Comprehensive Plan was updated in 2013- <br />2014 planners anticipated the development of this park and recreation system <br />plan and left room in the Comprehensive Plan for the findings of this plan. <br />Nevertheless, the Comprehensive Plan does emphasize the importance of <br />balancing resources, taking care of the existing system, and providing for long <br />term growth in the northern part of Elk River. <br />City of Elk River- Parks and Recreation Master Plan Draft 11 .25.1 4 <br />