Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 10/09/2014

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Targeted studies to better understand and provide for the outdoor recreational needs and preferences across social classes, age groups, racial, ethnic, and educational backgrounds, and ability status. • Create a Regional Parks System ambassador program to assist with expanding awareness of the Regional Parks System and bring parks to the people. • Convene stakeholder meetings with regional park implementing agencies, partners, community - based organizations, and advocacy groups to enhance knowledge and continuous improvement. Information shared will be systematically collected and shared electronically • Require regional park implementing agencies to incorporate a community engagement process that includes involvement from individuals representing diverse races, ethnicities, classes, ages, abilities, and immigrant statuses when developing a regional park or trail master plan. To that end, the Council will provide staff assistance, where appropriate. • Encourage regional park and trail design that conforms to changing recreational preferences Amenities suited for the aging population and those with limited mobility. Non -fee picnic areas that accommodate mid -sized groups (for example, 15 -25 people). - Clustering of amenities for multigenerational family gatherings. Recreation Activities and Facilities - Strategy 4: Bicycle and pedestrian facilities should be coordinated between the Regional Parks System and the transportation system. Safe, high - quality, continuous, barrier -free bicycle and pedestrian systems shall be developed, maintained, and improved to function as integral parts of the Council's Regional Parks System and transportation system. The Council is responsible for regional transportation planning, including bicycle transportation facilities. Since regional trails also serve commuters, it is important that the Regional Parks System and the transportation system work together when developing trail and transportation plans. A comprehensive network of trails that serve both recreation and transportation needs is desirable. This network should link state, regional, county and local trails, and should be integrated with other transportation modes, including the transit system. Regional trails are primarily multi -use recreation trails, although some regional trails also serve bicycle commuter functions. The majority of regional trail miles should be developed so they are off or away from roadways. However, in some instances it may be necessary for a short stretch of trail, to be adjacent to or on a road in order to bypass natural or man -made barriers or private property. Regional trails will primarily consist of these types of facilities: • Off -road facilities, which are paths within or adjacent to the road rights -of -way but separated from the roadway surface. They may be used for walking and inline skating as well as bicycling. • Independent trails, such as trails using abandoned railroad corridors or utility easements that exist in their own independent rights -of -way.