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Introduction <br />Overview <br />The City of Elk River Parks and Recreation Framework Plan is a comprehensive, long-range guiding <br />document designed to provide a strategic vision for the future of our community’s parks, open <br />spaces, facilities, and recreational programs. This plan will serve as a foundational tool for decision- <br />making, resource allocation, and capital improvement projects over the next 10 years. <br /> <br />Mission and Values <br />*Will be tied to City Council Mission and Values statement <br /> <br />Community Profile <br />*Will be developed with Communications and consist largely of data provided through multiple <br />sources <br /> <br />Plan Purpose <br />The primary purpose of this plan is to provide a strategic framework for future development and <br />decision-making. It is designed to be a living document that guides the work of city staff, informs <br />elected officials, and serves as a public declaration of the community's vision. Specifically, the plan <br />aims to: <br />1. Provide a Strategic Vision: Translate the community's priorities and aspirations into a <br />clear, actionable vision for the parks and recreation system over the next decade. <br />2. Guide Capital Improvements: Identify and prioritize capital projects, such as park <br />development, facility renovations, and trail connections, ensuring they align with community <br />needs and are phased in in a fiscally responsible manner. <br />3. Inform Program and Service Delivery: Assess current recreational programs and services <br />to identify gaps and opportunities, ensuring a diverse range of offerings that meet the needs <br />of all residents, from youth to seniors. <br />4. Manage Resources Effectively: Establish a basis for effective resource allocation and <br />grant funding applications by clearly articulating needs and justifying proposed projects with <br />data and community input. <br />5. Engage the Community: Document the comprehensive community engagement process <br />and serve as a tool for ongoing dialogue, providing transparency behind future park and <br />recreation decisions. <br />Planning Process <br />The development of this framework plan was a multi-phase process spanning approximately 12 <br />months, designed to be both data-driven and community-focused. The process was structured to <br />ensure that the final document accurately reflects the needs, values, and vision of our residents and <br />key stakeholders. <br /> <br />Page 43 of 44