Parks, Trails, and Recreation Issues

Existing conditions

  • The number of parks has increased from 14 parks in the 1960’s to 49 parks today.
  • Park, open space and recreational facilities have expanded from solely city-owned facilities to joint ownership with:
    • Other public agencies
    • Collaboration with school districts and athletic associations
    • Unique public/private partnerships
  • Park types
    • Community
    • Neighborhood
    • Preserve
    • Special Purpose
  • Since the 1990’s, park efforts concentrated on environmental stewardship and park/facility maintenance.
  • Voter-approved bond referendum in 2001 has allowed for extensive park renewal and preservation of open space

Implications

  • City has sufficient acreage of parkland and a wide variety of park types.
  • New neighborhood parks may be needed due to underserved areas and growing traffic conditions that create access barriers.
  • Certain park areas will undergo future planning for development and/or stewardship, such as the Minnehaha Creek
  • Open space preservation will continue to be a strong issue as the remainder of the city undergoes development/redevelopment.
  • Changing demographics and the potential competition for younger families among communities will affect the park and recreation system.

Issues and opportunities

  • Need to actively promote family-oriented activities and those oriented towards an older population
  • Trail and sidewalk use will continue to grow to meet changing demographics and provide community/neighborhood “links” to transportation routes, schools and other community nodes.
  • Consider promoting health and fitness in our park and recreation planning activities.