PRECM 08-01-1979 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The functionaldifference between local and regional park systems ,must remain clear. The Council should put somewhat greater emphasis on local recreation in the revised policy plan. The Council should consider: (1) Retaining Policy No. 1, which- lists eight factors to be considered in reviewing grant applications for local recreation open space acquisition or development. (Z) Adding a policy that formalizes the current practice of reserving federal and state grants for recreation only for local recreation services, while regional services are funded from regional park funds. (3) Adding a policy that addresses the current practice of reserving a designated percentage of federal and state grant funds for municipal recreation for each of the Council's Development Framework policy areas. (4) Adding a policy that encourages municipalities to require reasonable land dedication for recreation in their subdivision ordinances. (5) Adding a policy that the Council will, after reviewing local comprehensive plans for park and recreation facilities, take action to help municipalities carry out their plans. This could involve assessing changes required in federal and state grant programs, assessing the ability of municipalities to raise local revenue, .and determining the need for additional resources. 2. DEFINITION OF THE REGIONAL PARK SYSTEM Should all similar public facilities still be included in the regional park system? Or should the system include only public facilities provided the implementing agencies that are needed to fill the gap between municipal facilities and state and federal facilities? The Metropolitan Parks Act requires that "the policy plan shall identify generally the areas that should be acquired by a public agency to provide a system of regional recreation open space, comprising park district, county, and municipal facilities, which, together with state facilities, reasonably will meet the outdoor recreation needs of the people of the Metropolitan Area." The current regional park system is functional in nature. Regardless of who owns and operates the facility, if it provides certain kinds of recreation opportunity, meets certain standards as to size, resource characteristics, etc.., it is indentified as being a part of the regional recreation open space system. Thus, the three state parks within the Metropolitan Area and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service activity in the Lower Minnesota River Valley are .included in the regional system. Their acreage is added to the total regional recreation open space available in the Metropolitan Area. But they are not subject to the same classif ication system,-management principles, and overall objectives that govern the parks and park reserves owned and-operated by the implementing agencies. (.counties, municipalities and park.distrcts-~, 3