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VII. PARKS AND OPEN SPACES <br /> <br />A. INTRODUCTION <br /> <br />The anticipated growth of the City during the next 20 years will dictate a need for additional <br />park and recreation and open space areas. The City recognizes this need and also recognizes <br />many existing opportunities to create an appropriate park and recreation system. A key <br />component of this system is a trail system that will connect commercial areas, public facilities <br />and residential neighborhoods. <br /> <br />Large parcels of undeveloped land exist in areas surrounding the urbanized core. The intent of <br />the Master Park Plan (an addendum to the City's Comprehensive Plan) is to identify land which <br />should be preserved for recreational and open space purposes as development takes place <br />within the city. <br /> <br />B. GOALS AND POLICIES <br /> <br />The following is a summary of the city's goals and objectives as they relate to parks and <br />recreation. <br /> <br />GOAL: Encourage the development of quality residential community which retains a <br />semi-rural atmosphere. <br /> <br />POLICIES: <br /> <br />· Continue the Iow-density residential development pattern through the use of open <br /> space areas and the designation of buffer areas between non-compatible land uses. <br /> <br />· Enhance the community's quality of life by utilizing active open space, <br /> comprehensive trail system, and natural open space. <br /> <br />GOAL: Provide and maintain adequate and efficient levels of public services within the <br />community. <br /> <br />POLICIES: <br /> <br />Create and maintain a trail system that allows for safe pedestrian movements <br />throughout the city and provides access to parks and other open spaces with active <br />and passive recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. <br /> <br />· Maintain and improve the City's existing public recreation facilities. <br /> <br />· Require developers of new residential areas to either dedicate public open space or <br /> make a payment in lieu of dedication to the City's park improvement fund. <br /> <br />· Provide adequate number of recreational fields for youth and adult programming. <br /> <br />GOAL: Develop, preserve and protect environmental resources, such as forest, wetlands, <br />water bodies and their shorelines, within the area with respect to open space, <br />recreational uses, water and air quality, and natural ecosystems. <br /> <br />28 <br /> <br /> <br />