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Chapter 1: Introduction 2 <br />IN <br />T <br />R <br />O <br />D <br />U <br />C <br />T <br />I <br />O <br />N <br />Introduction <br />Plan Purpose <br />The Parks and Recreation Master Plan is intended to provide direction for <br />the City Council, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and city staff to <br />guide them in the big picture decision making that will impact the Parks and <br />Recreation system. Whether allocating resources for maintenance, building a <br />trail, installing a playground, protecting riverfront land, or developing the next <br />season’s recreation program offerings, this plan offers guidance. This direction <br />is based on the community’s expressed needs and desires as well as analyses of <br />demographic changes, future trends, and Elk River’s current system. <br />The Parks and Recreation Master Plan addresses park needs at a system-wide <br />level. While some projects are identified and prioritized, new projects and needs <br />will inevitably arise. The initiatives, recommendations, and strategies outlined in <br />this plan can also provide guidance for these types of new projects. <br />Benefits of Parks and Recreation <br />Health <br />Parks and trails encourage a healthy, active lifestyle by providing a venue for <br />physical activity. Whether walking or biking on the city’s trails, playing a <br />baseball or softball pickup game, participating in an organized soccer league, <br />or snowshoeing through the woods, parks provide essential places for people to <br />exercise. <br />When people have access to park facilities and programming, they are more <br />likely to be active, which improves their physical health. The ability to make <br />connections with nature, which parks provide, is also linked to improved mental <br />health.