DEPARTMENT: Parks, Facilities, and Fleet Management
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
title
Discussion On Parks, Greenways, And Natural Systems 2050 Vision Plan
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Discuss the Parks, Greenways, and Natural Systems 2050 Vision process and provide input on priority topics for discussion as part of the visioning process.
SUMMARY
The 2030 Parks System Plan was adopted in 2008. The current vision is for:
• Great Places: more to see and do in Dakota County’s Parks
• Connected Places: Greenways that connect parks and community places
• Protected Places: Protecting and managing natural and cultural resources in Dakota County’s Parks
Link to 2030 Park System Plan: <https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/parks/About/ParkMasterPlans/Documents/ParkSystemPlan.pdf>
Over the next several months, the Dakota County Parks Department will be updating the current 2030 Parks System Plan vision and goals and integrating the vision and goals from the Land Conservation Plan into an updated Parks, Greenways, and Natural Systems 2050 Vision (2050 Vision). The result will be a forward-looking 2050 strategic vision and supporting goals that will set the policy foundation for parks, greenways, land protection, visitor services, natural resource restoration, and cultural landscape preservation in Dakota County for the coming years. The 2050 Vision will also address the park’s department’s role in critical issues such as climate, equity, public health, safety, and well-being.
The 2050 Vision will set the stage for the Parks Visitor Services Plan (VSP) and Natural Resources Management System Plan (NRMSP) operational plan updates in 2025. Both the VSP and NRMSP were completed in 2017 and are now seven years old. Bridge goals reflecting County Board direction regarding service levels to continue to meet current plan goals are needed in the 2025 budget cycle, prior to the full update in 2025. The Parks Department will be asking the Dakota County Board to consider bridge goals in April and May of 2024.
The 2050 Vision effort will be completed in 2024 and include extensive engagement with the County Board. (Attachment: Visioning Process Schedule).
Initial County Board feedback on desired updates to the 2030 vision and goals will occur in a series of presentations at upcoming Physical Development Committee Meetings and Dakota County Board Strategic Planning workshops.
• PDC, April 16: Great Places and approval of extended goals for 2017 Visitor Services Plan
• County Board Strategic Planning, May 7: Role of Government in parks, greenways, and natural systems
• PDC, May 14: Protected Places and approval of extended goals for 2017 NRMSP
• PDC, June 11: Connected Places
• County Board Strategic Planning, July 9: Parks, greenways, and natural systems funding
• County Board Strategic Planning, July 30: Role of health and accessibility in parks, greenways, and natural systems
Staff seeks PDC direction on priorities for discussion topics at the upcoming meetings. (Attachment: Discussion), includes topics for future exploration and discussion. (Attachment: Background), contains background information about park, greenway and open space land and visitation.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Information only; no action requested.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
None.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
Information only; no action requested.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
08-162; 04/15/08
17-541; 10/31/17
17-541; 05/23/17
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Background
Attachment: Visioning Process Schedule
Attachment: Discussion Topics
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☒ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Taud Hoopingarner
Author: Lil Leatham