4 PCSR 09-21-1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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VII. PARKS AND OPEN SPACES A. INTRODUCTION The anticipated growth of the city during the next 20 years will dictate a need for additional park and recreation areas. The city recognizes this need and also recognizes many existing opportunities to create an appropriate park and recreation system of which a trail system would be a part. Large parcels of undeveloped land exist in areas surrounding the urbanized core. The intent of the Master Park Plan (an addendum to the city's comprehensive plan)is to identify land which should be preserved for recreational purposes as development takes place within the city. B. GOALS The following is a summary of the city's goals and objectives as they relate to parks and recreation. 1. GOAL: Encourage the development of quality residential community which retains a semi-rural atmosphere. POLICIES: • Continue the low-density residential development pattern through the use of open }6 space areas and the designation of buffer areas between non-compatible land GPS( /" uses. 2. GOAL: Provide and maintain adequate and efficient levels of public services within the community. POLICIES: • Create and maintain a trail system that allows for safe pedestrian movements throughtout the city and provides access to parks and other open spaces with active and passive recreational opportunities for residents in all age groups. • Maintain and improve the city's existing public recreation facilities. • Require developers of new residential areas to either dedicate public open space or make a payment in lieu of dedication to the city's park improvement fund. 3. GOAL: Develop, preserve and protect environmental resources, such as forest, wetlands, water bodies and their shorelines, within the area with respect to open space, recreational uses, water and air quality, and natural ecosystems. POLICIES: • Restrict development of shorelands, wetlands, and drainage ways. • Restrict alteration of natural contours and soils, and restrict removal of natural vegetation. • Preserve natural systems through acquisition, dedication, or easements. • Require that development plans demonstrate a compatibility with natural features 1111 and systems.