Comp Parks/Open Space Plan '91 - Laserfiche WebLink

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10. 11. 12. 13. The City has taken steps to meet the recreation demand of City residents as witnessed by capital improvements made over much of the last decade. The City, however, faces an uphill struggle in meeting demands stemming from the relative inability to provide adequate facilities to meet demands created by population growth of the 1970's and 1980's. In short, the City finds itself in a position of playing "catch up" to satisfy existing demand which will be exacerbated by new growth - particularly in the urban area. It is estimated that an additional 2300 housing units can be developed in the City over the next 20 years. Assuming that 75% of this new development makes cash payments of 9500 per household while the remaining 25% dedicates land, approximately 9863,000 will be generated for the park trust fund. Combined with the current balance, this would amount to 9963,000 or approximately the investment costs of the improvements to date in Central Park. Clearly, additional funding sources will be required to fund future park development. The impact new development has on the increased demand for parks must be realized and the development should more equitably shoulder the burden of these impacts. In addition to development of specific parks as outlined and the five year Capital Improvements Program, the City needs to undertake several system wide improvements. These include: · · · · · Survey Residents' Needs Prepare Base Maps and Conceptual Development Plans Evaluate Trott Brook Trail Alignment Develop Pilot Tree Nursery Adopt Maintenance and Trail Standards The City should continue to investigate support for a parks bond issue in conjunction with a survey of residents' needs for parks and recreation programs. The grouping of centralized developed facilities is more cost effective and more responsive to league and organized play where the preference is to have several ballfields available at one location. This, however, has to be balanced with the community needs for neighborhood park development. It is recommended that Central Park be expanded to the east. Approximately 35 acres is undeveloped and provides a logical expansion area for additional soccer, football, softball and baseball fields in addition to other park facilities. 47