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Parks and RecreationDRAFT 5-69 <br />Need for accessibility <br />As the population ages and diversity increases, there are greater numbers of people <br />with special needs. Proving accessible facilities and places gives equal access to all city <br />parks. <br />Dog parks <br />Off-leash dog areas have become popular along with an increase in the number of <br />pets and pet advocacy groups. Dog parks provide a safe and social place to walk and <br />exercise dogs as well as their owners. <br />Flexible spaces <br />Emerging sports and trends, such as rugby, lacrosse and ultimate Frisbee put an <br />increasing demand on field spaces of different sizes and configurations. To meet the <br />growing and ever-changing demands, flexible field spaces are growing in importance. <br />Similarly, to get more use out of existing field spaces, conversions to artificial turf fields <br />can provide greater durability and extended use. Large green spaces can act as a venue <br />for a community celebration and the next day host a soccer tournament. Urban plazas <br />provide space to stroll, sit, eat, read, meet friends as well as act as a site for a farmer’s <br />market, arts and craft shows, theaters or other venues. <br />Other trends <br />The Mounds View School District has experienced an increase in student enrollment <br />for the last several years and this trend is expected to continue for the near term. New <br />Brighton – St. Anthony School District enrollment has remained relatively stable. The <br />area remains attractive to young families but like many built-out communities, New <br />Brighton also continues to age. This trend places greater demand for more passive <br />uses such as walking, nature watching, and gathering. Similarly, interest in public art <br />and other aesthetic improvements can be expected with an aging population. <br />""programs for <br />seniors along with <br />simple improvements <br />to existing parks <br />would be good. Many <br />seniors do not leave <br />for warmer climates <br />each winter and the <br />provision of safe, <br />convenient outdoor <br />activities would be a <br />major improvement.