Ramsey 2040 Comprehensive Plan No Appendices (2)

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177 Parks and Recreation Goals and Strategies • Prioritize desired recreation amenities with goal for financial stability in complete the Master Park and Recreation Plan. • Preserve and enhance continuous open space corridors. • Balance a variety of smaller neighborhood parks and larger community parks. • Expand opportunities for community recreation programming. • Expand recreation opportunities for aging population. • Ensure equitable access to recreation programs and facilities. • Ensure connected regional and local parks and open spaces. • Coordinated planning efforts across multiple jurisdictions. • Maximize joint use facilities and recreation opportunities. • Strengthen relationships with local youth organizations. • Prioritize desired recreation amenities with goal for financial stability in complete the Master Park and Recreation Plan. Parks and Recreation Introduction Ramsey recognizes parks, trails, and natural open spaces as vital to the quality of life and in many ways define the community. In some ways, Ramsey’s park system emerged from the conversion of agricultural land to suburban in the 1970’s with small park areas—often just open space, dedicated with these subdivisions. Ramsey created its first prominent park in the early 1980’s, largely to meet the demand for youth athletics’ play fields. Originally envisioned as a community park, Central Park serves as our flagship park. In the 1990’s trails were added to Ramsey’s landscape— and these were embraced every bit as much as parks. Citywide, the value of parks, trails and open space continues to grow, mirroring the increasing population, and corresponding with the conversion of open space to residential uses. Taking advantage of its unique geography, cherished natural resources, and a diversity of recreational venues, while responding to its history and recognized rural character, are both determinants and opportunities for future public realm investments in the community. The Public Realm is what gives cities and neighborhoods their identity—typically including streets, parks, plazas, trails and other amenities. This network of connected spaces supports a host of broader city goals, sets the stage for ongoing quality development, and at the same time; promotes Community Parks and Trails, Regional Parks and The COR, to become a vibrant, dynamic, must-experience destinations. Remaking infrastructure (including public space), as Ramsey develops a stewardship plan for a three decade-old ‘built’ park system, invites an opportunity to promote innovative design strategies that embrace the challenges of a growing city. Ramsey also has a bounty of natural resources to build upon, as in the instance of one of the most renowned rivers in the world. Indeed, both the Mississippi River and Rum River are significant water resources, and both part of the State’s Wild and Scenic Rivers system that literally define the borders of the community. These two rivers are also state designated canoe routes, or recreational water trails—reconnecting residents through parks and trails, connects us to our past—as well as our future.