DEPARTMENT: Physical Development Administration
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
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Discussion And Direction On 2050 Parks, Greenways, And Natural Systems 2050 Vision Plan Draft Goals And New Park Units
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Discuss and provide direction on draft goals and potential approaches for new park units as part of the Parks, Greenways, and Natural Systems 2050 Vision Plan.
SUMMARY
The Dakota County Parks Department is currently updating the 2030 Parks System Plan with a Parks, Greenways, and Natural Systems 2050 Vision Plan. In October, the Physical Development Committee of the Whole reviewed Phase I Community Engagement and provided feedback on the draft vision and values. Building on that work, 14 draft goals have been developed and are included in Attachment: Draft Vision Framework.
Analysis of the current Dakota County Parks system points to current service area gaps in the northern and western parts of the County and suburban growth continuing southward. Engagement with the County Board and the community indicates interest in exploring opportunities for new parks, greenways, and community trails and embracing opportunities to protect natural areas. Goal 8, "Locate new park units close to people or to protect community open space and recreation assets," addresses this direction.
To improve access to nature-based recreation, potential future strategies have been identified (Attachment: Park and Greenway Access). Potential approaches include:
A. New search areas to locate new parks and greenways close to people
B. Expand Greenway Collaborative to partner with cities for more nature-based recreation along greenways
C. Community trail loops
Draft goals as well as strategies for park and greenway access will be refined based on discussion with and direction from the Physical Development Committee of the Whole before inclusion within the Draft 2050 Vision Plan document, which will be completed in 2025.
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