Parks, Recreation

CHAPTER NINE – PARK, RECREATION,

OPEN SPACE AREAS AND FACILITIES

Park, recreation, and open space areas and facilities play an important role in the everyday life of individuals and help increase the overall quality of life in a community. By addressing parks, recreation, and open space in a comprehensive plan, specific goals for meeting the outdoor and recreational needs of a community are identified. This Chapter complements the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department’s Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan, or PRCMP (adopted 2000, next revision due in 2005), which helps plan for future parks and recreational opportunities for the residents of Lawrence and unincorporated Douglas County.

This Comprehensive Plan also encourages the development of a comprehensive network of open spaces that connects neighborhoods together, provides increased recreational opportunities, preserves natural ecological functions, and promotes an improved quality of life for the community. It is also important to note that drainageways or undevelopable land can be used as connections (i.e., greenways) to and from park, recreational, and open space facilities, but such areas may not be credited towards land dedication requirements if they do not meet the criteria for such facilities as set forth in this chapter, the PRCMP, and in the city/county land subdivision regulations.

This Comprehensive Plan recognizes that the City of Lawrence has four cornerstone natural areas in each quadrant of the community. This Plan further recognizes a need to emphasize these existing facilities and the connections to them by way of a greenbelt/greenway system, such as, along the Kaw, the Wakarusa, and the South Lawrence Trafficway. An example of such a greenway is the Wakarusa River floodplain and the Burroughs Creek Area Plan trail area. Specifically, these four showcase facilities include:

§ Clinton Lake property, leased from the US Corps of Engineers (southwest);

§ Haskell and Baker Wetlands (southeast);

§ Riverfront Park and the Kansas River (northeast);

§ Martin Park and undeveloped parklands (northwest).

This Comprehensive Plan further recognizes that opportunities exist in unincorporated Douglas County for parks, recreation, and open spaces. It is important that the County take an active role in preserving unique landscapes, open spaces, and historic sites that present recreational opportunities. It is also important that the County work in partnership with the communities of Baldwin City, Eudora, Lawrence, and Lecompton to help create a regional park, recreation, and open system that ties the communities together and furthers the intent of each community’s desire to provide quality services to its residents and visitors.

STRATEGIES: PARK, RECREATION, OPEN SPACE AREAS AND FACILITIES

The principal strategies for the development and maintenance of park, recreation, and open space areas and facilities are:

• Continue to develop and improve the community’s park, recreation, and open space system, building upon the existing system and integrating recommendations and direction from the PRCMP, this Comprehensive Plan, and relevant area and neighborhood plans.

• Preserve, protect and utilize natural and environmental features as focal points for new development areas and to the extent possible, new parks and recreational facilities should extend and enhance the existing and/or future open space system.

• Coordinate parks, recreation, and open space planning and development between the City of Lawrence and unincorporated Douglas County to provide overlapping and connecting park and recreation opportunities. Additionally, the City and County should more carefully coordinate park and open space acquisition in the Lawrence Urban Growth Area.

• Development of the park, recreation, and open space system for the City of Lawrence should be based on priorities contained within the PRCMP.

• Improve coordinated planning efforts between the Park and Recreation Department/Advisory Board and the Lawrence/Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Office/Commission in recommendations involving the location and features of future park, recreation, and open space sites.

• Develop a communication network between all city and county departments, the partners who aide in parks and recreation, and the community to increase awareness, understanding, and advocacy.

• Create a better understanding and support of operational costs and funding with key city and county leaders during the design of all capital projects to ensure the operational and maintenance dollars are available prior to construction.

• Develop regional parks that create a strong sense of community pride and livability.

• Coordinate with private property owners to provide additional opportunities for open space preservation beyond publicly owned parks, such as, through agricultural use, land trusts, buffers, and easements.

CITY OF LAWRENCE

This Comprehensive Plan recommends that the existing system be maintained and improved in the future, but also recognizes the importance of selecting new park, recreation, and open space areas and facilities. Selected future locations must relate to existing and planned neighborhood, natural features, and the major street system. The ultimate size, number and location of these parks will vary depending upon the type and intensity of development, the presence of existing facilities and the recreational needs identified for the area. The PRCMP shall serve as the guide for identifying specific improvements for any identified future park, recreation, or open space site or facility.

This Comprehensive Plan encourages open space areas be used as greenways, creating a greenbelt network that connects the community together and provides bicycle and pedestrian access along these corridors. It is also recommended that areas of the City and the Urban Growth Area (UGA) of unincorporated County subject to extensive and/or frequent flooding be a part of this open space network. These areas not only serve as key natural areas of the community, but also serve as ideal and reasonable linkages within and beyond the City of Lawrence and unincorporated Douglas County. Some greenways may be simply for the movement of wildlife and the maintenance of habitat without trails or paths. Areas to be used for recreational activities must be acceptable to the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department.

· Existing Conditions (updated 2005)

The residents of the City of Lawrence enjoy numerous opportunities for active and passive recreation and leisure activities. The Parks and Recreation Department currently maintains over 50 parks, recreational, and open space facilities encompassing over 3,400 acres, over 25 miles of recreational trails, and over 50 miles of both on- and off-street bike routes. The community also enjoys a number of community recreation centers and special use facilities, including the Indoor and Outdoor Aquatic Centers, the Prairie Park Nature Center, Eagle Bend Golf Course, and the YSI Sports Complex. In addition to providing various park, recreation, and open space opportunities, the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department is also responsible for community beautification efforts including numerous street rights-of-way and street trees, gateways into the community, and other public/civic spaces, such as City Hall.

· Public Involvement

In the development of the City’s PRCMP, an extensive public participation process was undertaken. Included in this process was a survey of 1,200 random households, a survey of 373 randomly-selected fourth through eleventh graders in the community’s 27 public and private schools, follow-up citizen interviews of those not returning surveys, and public meetings. Of the household surveys, 573 were returned (including 145 by phone). All 373 student surveys were returned.

As it pertains to land use, the major findings of the household survey showed the majority would like to see an emphasis on improving existing parks. This includes linking neighborhood parks with walking and biking trails, enhancing the landscape, expanding open spaces, and improving playgrounds. The survey further showed interest in emphasizing improvements to the existing parks, recreation, and open space system over the next ten years, acquiring new land for parks and open spaces, and emphasize the construction of new park and recreation facilities. The student survey showed that over two-thirds of the youngsters have a park within walking distance of their home. One-third of those surveyed visit those parks at least once a week and more than half visit those parks at least once a month. Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed indicated they visit other city parks and facilities in addition to the park closest to their home.

For more detailed information on the public participation process, refer to the PRCMP.

· Demand and Needs Assessment

The residents (current and future) of the community determine the demand for parks and recreational opportunities in the community. As demonstrated through the public involvement process in developing the City’s PRCMP, the current demand is primarily for maintaining and improving the existing parks, recreation, and open space system. However, the acquisition of new land for such purposes is consistent with the strategies and goals of this Comprehensive Plan and the City’s PRCMP. The preservation of the community’s natural, scenic, and open space areas should also play a role in the identification, acquisition, and development of future parks, recreation, and open space areas of the community.

n Park Standards – the City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department has identified the following classifications for its parks. These standards are used to quantify program mix, visitor drawing range and assets in each park.

Facility Type	Description
*Neighborhood Playlots/Mini-Parks*	Locations occur within neighborhoods that are highly walkable residential situations (smaller single-family lots and/or a mix of housing types), generally serving a one-quarter (¼) mile radius; sizes generally range between 2,500 square feet & one (1) acre.
*Neighborhood* *Parks* *& Playgrounds*	Represent the basic unit of the park system & serves as the recreational & social focus of the neighborhood, focusing on informal active & passive recreational opportunities; location is determined by uninterrupted non-residential road patterns & other physical barriers, generally serving a single neighborhood & a one-half (½) mile radius; a size of five (5) acres is considered minimum while an area between five (5) & ten (10) acres is considered optimum.
*Community Parks*	Serve a broader purpose than a neighborhood park, where the focus is on meeting community based recreational needs & preserving unique landscapes & open spaces; location is determined by the quality & suitability of the site, generally serves two (2) or more neighborhoods & a one (1) to three (3) mile radius; size varies as needed to accommodate desired uses, usually between thirty (30) & fifty (50) acres.
*Regional Parks*	Areas that serve an entire city or region having natural or man-made qualities for outdoor recreation, such as picnicking, boating, fishing, swimming, camping, & trail uses, or with unique qualities or historical significance; play areas may also be included; size varies as needed to accommodate desired uses, generally fifty (50) acres or greater.
*Special Use Facility*	Typically located & developed to serve one (1) or more recreational, historical, cultural, environmental, or educational activities; may be located independently, or within a community park, regional park, or other park area; intended to serve both immediate neighborhoods & the overall community.
*Trails & Pathways*	Locations should follow logical alignments that serve to connect the community in a holistic manner (this may include riparian areas & stream corridors as well as the street network); generally eight to ten feet (8’-10’) wide.
*Open Space & Greenways*	Generally the criteria listed above for community parks are applicable for open space areas; areas can be used by the public but the purpose is to preserve unique areas such as floodplains, wetlands, wildlife habitat, steep slopes & rock outcroppings, native prairie remnants, historic sites, agricultural lands, & other environmentally sensitive areas.

n Level-of-Service – the Parks and Recreation Department, as identified in its PRCMP, has established twelve (12) to fifteen (15) acres of parkland and open space areas per one thousand residents as its acceptable benchmark standard for level-of-service (LOS). This standard applies to the overall parks, recreation, and open space system.

Facility Type	Description of Need
*Neighborhood Playlots/Mini-Parks*	Future or existing neighborhoods that are highly walkable residential situations (smaller single-family lots and/or a mix of housing types) would be considered as candidates for mini-parks.
*Neighborhood* *Parks* *& Playgrounds*	Maintaining existing & providing new neighborhood parks for the residents of the community is a primary objective of the Parks & Recreation Department; it is the preference of the Parks & Recreation Department that future neighborhood parks be located in a manner that ensures residents of adjacent neighborhoods the ability to enjoy them; coordinated planning efforts with property owners, developers, & other public service agencies are encouraged in planning future neighborhoods.
*Community Parks*	As with neighborhood parks, maintaining existing & providing new community parks is a priority of the Parks & Recreation Department; community parks also serve as neighborhood parks & coordinated planning efforts with property owners, developers, & other public service agencies is encouraged to promote connectivity and easy accessibility to such parks.
*Regional Parks*	Maintaining & enhancing existing regional parks is a primary objective of the Parks & Recreation Department; new regional parks are not anticipated but may be acquired when the opportunity presents itself; regional parks may also serve as neighborhood parks & coordinated planning efforts with property owners, developers, & other public service agencies is encouraged to promote connectivity and easy accessibility to such parks.
*Special Use Facility*	Maintaining & enhancing existing special use facilities is a primary objective of the Parks & Recreation Department; new special use facilities will be considered on an as-needed basis, determined by a community input & visioning process.
*Trails & Pathways*	Connectivity with & between parks, recreational facilities, & open space areas is critical & a high priority of the community; riparian areas & stream corridors offer the greatest potential for providing connections throughout the community (by way of greenways &/or greenbelts) and into developing areas; sidewalks, bikeways, & easements are encouraged for infill & redevelopment of the community’s established neighborhoods.
*Open Space & Greenways*	Natural areas are desired, especially through the establishment of greenbelts & greenways, as the community continues to grow outward into the unincorporated areas of Douglas County; an open space network is envisioned to provide ecological & recreational connections throughout Douglas County preserving the community’s floodplains, wetlands, wildlife habitat, steep slopes & rock outcroppings, native prairie remnants, historic sites, agricultural lands, & other environmentally sensitive areas; greenways would in particular connect people to the Wakarusa and Kansas rivers, and the Clinton Reservoir; a major greenbelt around the city would connect the four cornerstone natural areas.

UNINCORPORATED DOUGLAS COUNTY

This Comprehensive Plan recommends emphasis on the continued development, improvement, and maintenance of the county’s existing regional recreation areas. This Comprehensive Plan also recommends the continued improvement and development of active recreational facilities at school sites and other Douglas County and Township locations. Population density in unincorporated Douglas County is planned to be very low and dispersed making these locations important rural community activity centers. The development of school sites and other public facility sites which provide recreation opportunities would maximize the public's investment in these facilities and be most consistent with the rural character intended for unincorporated Douglas County.

Additionally, this Comprehensive Plan recommends increased preservation of natural areas and open spaces, including floodplains, wooded areas, and prime agricultural lands, in unincorporated Douglas County. Preservation of such areas would serve multiple purposes, including maintaining the rural character of unincorporated Douglas County, providing regional recreational opportunities for trails and community connections, encouraging sustainable agricultural practices, increasing stormwater and floodwater management capabilities, improving wildlife habitat quality, and enhancing overall ecological function of the natural environment. It is recommended that the work of the ECO² Commission be considered in identifying areas appropriate to meet both the community’s preservation and recreation needs.

· Public Involvement

Through the initial development of this Comprehensive Plan a number of priority natural areas in Douglas County were identified which should be protected or acquired due to their unique environmental and natural contributions to the County. These areas include:

1. Natural corridors along the Kansas River, the Wakarusa River and a corridor between Douglas County State Lake, Lone Star Lake and Clinton Reservoir.

2. Clusters of undisturbed tallgrass prairies in northwest and southeast Douglas County.

3. Additionally, there are a number of historic sites in unincorporated Douglas County that hold opportunities for preserving open space and becoming part of the overall park, recreation, and open space system.

· Existing Conditions (updated 2005)

Douglas County is responsible for over 250 acres of park land and open spaces and an extensive trail network that includes recreational trails and on- and off-road bike routes. These areas include Lone Star Lake, Boyd Prairie Preserve (Black Jack/Prairie Park), a portion of Broken Arrow Park, and Wells Overlook. These facilities are primarily regional in nature and include one lake and an abundance of natural open spaces.

· Demand and Needs Assessment

The parks and recreation system of unincorporated Douglas County responds to local and regional interests and demand for park, recreation, and open space opportunities are driven by both residents and non-residents of Douglas County. As indicated in the development and recommendations of this Comprehensive Plan, the County’s focus on parks, recreation, and open spaces is centered on maintaining and improving existing facilities. Especially important is the enhancement of rural school sites to serve as rural community centers and provide for additional recreation opportunities that mirror the functions of a neighborhood or community park in an urban environment.

n Park Standards – Douglas County has not identified specific standards it utilizes in identifying and developing its parklands and open spaces.

n Level-of-Service – Douglas County has not identified any benchmark standards for its park and open space areas and does not appear to have a deficiency of parkland in its overall system. Where a deficiency might occur, however, is within the County’s inventory of natural open space. By having this established park and open space system in place, it allows the County to focus on maintenance and improvements of existing areas. Additionally, it allows the County to be more proactive in acquiring future parklands and open spaces in a thoughtful and planned manner that furthers the intent of this Comprehensive Plan and meets the needs of future residents.

PARKLAND AND OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION METHODS

Creative and innovative techniques should be considered, and even encouraged, as direct purchase of land becomes more and more difficult. By utilizing responsible land use planning and development policies, the City of Lawrence and Douglas County should acquire land when opportunities for park, recreation, and open space areas arise in public facilities and capital improvement projects. In all instances of land acquisition, potential sites must be consistent with the provisions and recommendations of the PRCMP, this Comprehensive Plan, and any relevant area or neighborhood plans.

There are several acquisition techniques and strategies available to assist the City of Lawrence and Douglas County in their efforts of providing park, recreational, and open space opportunities to its residents. The following have been identified to provide a range of methods available and to promote innovative and creative thinking for purchase and acquisition of parkland and open space areas.

Technique	Description
*Acquisition by Purchase*	Methods include installment purchase; purchase or leaseback; purchase of tax delinquent land; or excess condemnation. These mechanisms offer financing methods for outright purchase; leaseback without tax payment; the opportunity to bank land until needed or for trade; & the opportunity to acquire excess land when property is condemned for parks & open space purposes.
*Acquisition by Regulatory Techniques*	Methods include subdivision regulations; zoning regulations; & floodplain management regulations. Subdivision regulations may require a development to set aside areas within a subdivision for parks & open space or, when sufficient land is not available, may require a payment in lieu of land dedication which can be used for purchase of sites elsewhere. Zoning regulations can be used to reserve land for parks & open space; through clustering & planned unit developments, a developer can be encouraged to set aside a portion of development for park & recreational areas in exchange for increased density. Floodplain management regulations restrict development of land located in floodplains &/or along intermittent stream corridors subject to flooding to reduce flood damage to people & property & encourages the retention of natural open space for stormwater & floodwater management.
*Special Use Acquisition Techniques*	Methods include scenic easements; historic easements; conservation easements; & licenses. Acquisition of scenic easements permits the community to acquire the landowner’s ability to construct buildings or billboards on a portion of the property. Historic easements can be acquired which restrict the property owners’ ability to make visible alterations to an historic site thus allowing the site to remain in private use while preserving historic benefits to the community. Through the use of conservation easements, the community compensates the property owner for not altering his land, thus preserving it in its natural state. This technique can be used in conjunction with taxing measures to insure that the property is taxed at its current use rather than a market land value based on adjacent property uses. Purchase of a license on behalf of the public can allow the right to fish, hunt or the establishment of riding & hiking trails on private lands.
*Taxing Techniques*	Methods include assessment of land designated for open space according to existing use rather than market value to encourage maintenance as open space & tax deferral to encourage preservation of open space. This method would need to be researched to determine provisions which minimize misuse & compatibility with state law restrictions.
*Financing*	Methods include federal assistance programs; low-interest loans; & revenue sharing funds for planning, acquisition & development of recreational & open space areas. Given the reduction of federal assistance to local government units in recent years, these programs are less likely to be viable alternatives.
*Governmental Indebtedness*	The city may incur indebtedness to finance park & open space acquisition, development, maintenance, & operation. This indebtedness can be repaid by sales tax revenues, general obligation bonds, or revenue bonds.
*Gifts and Trusts*	Voluntary transfer of land for parks & open space is encouraged throughout Lawrence & unincorporated Douglas County. Voluntary acquisition is frequently most effective when directed to sites that are naturally sensitive & contain limitations to urban development. Methods for voluntary protection or acquisition of more naturally sensitive areas in Douglas County include, but are not limited to: donations, conservation easements, & acquisition assistance through the Douglas County Natural Areas Programs.
*Sales Tax and Impact Fees*	Funds from sales tax & impact fees can be earmarked for park land & open space acquisition. The Lawrence Parks & Recreation Department currently has a dedicated portion of the local sales tax (one cent) for this purpose. Impact fees provide another funding source for park, recreation, & open space opportunities. Although not currently in use by the City or County, impact fees are paid when a proposed development increases the demand on existing and for new park, recreation, & open space facilities &/or are paid in lieu of actual land dedication for such purposes where the development proposal does not warrant the dedication of land.
*Grants*	Grants provide a non-repayable funding source to the community for land acquisition of new park land, recreation facilities, or open spaces & for redevelopment & maintenance of existing park lands, recreation facilities, or open spaces. Grants typically require some kind of community match, generally funds or in-kind services. Grants are available from both public & private funding sources, each having their own set of requirements that need to be met prior to receiving funds. In some instances, funds may be available prior to the undertaking of a project. In other instances, funds may be a reimbursement upon a project’s completion. Over the past few years, grant funding has become more difficult to obtain as competition for those funds has increased.

PARK, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE TERMINOLOGY

The following represents a list of terms commonly used in describing park, recreation, and open space areas and facilities as found in this chapter and Comprehensive Plan. Please note that not all terms listed may be reflected in this Plan.

Term	Definition
*Bikeway*	a general term for any path, lane or route, designated for bicycle use.
*Bike Lane*	a separate space designated with striping, signage, or pavement markings for exclusive use by bicycles within a street or road; generally four feet (4’) wide; also known as a Class II bikeway.
*Bike Route*	a network of streets to enable direct, safe, & convenient access for bicyclists; bike routes are designated with signs that indicate shared-use for automobiles & bicycles; also known as a Class III bikeway.
*Easement, Access*	allows pedestrian access, including bicycles, through private property to parkland or open spaces from public property or right-of-way; may include pedestrian walkways &/or bikeways; routine maintenance, such as mowing & trash pick-up, is the responsibility of the property owner(s) for which the easement is dedicated; generally fifteen (15’) wide.
*Easement, Maintenance*	allows access for park maintenance vehicles & equipment & pedestrian access, including bicycles, through private property to parkland or open spaces from public property or right-of-way; may include pedestrian walkways &/or bikeways; routine maintenance, such as mowing & trash pick-up, is the responsibility of the property owner(s) for which the easement is dedicated; generally twenty-five feet (25’) wide.
*Pedestrian Walkway or Sidewalk*	a walkway within a public right-of-way or easement intended for pedestrian travel; generally six to twelve feet (6’-12’) wide and includes a minimum of five feet (5’) of landscaping on both sides.
*Greenbelt*	a system or network of greenways & open space areas.
*Greenway*	long, relatively narrow lands which follow roads, creeks, ridges, ravines, & other natural or transportation corridors; greenways serve various functions, including protection of environmentally sensitive areas & wildlife habitat, wildlife viewing, environmental education, trails, connectivity, & other passive recreational amenities.
*Natural Area*	describes any area with critical environmental resources such as, native ecosystems including those historically unaltered by man since 1800, riparian forest, wildlife habitat, floodplains & drainageways, steep slopes & rock outcroppings, wetlands, & mature woodlands like the corridor that runs from Baldwin Woods to Clinton lake.
*Open Space Area*	provides visual & psychological relief from the built environment; public access via trails & walkways to these areas is important to provide passive recreational opportunities where it is compatible with resource protection & environmental regulations; open space areas may or may not be improved, but can include playfields, trails, greenbelts/greenways, community gardens, farmed areas, buffers between land uses of differing intensities, such as residential & commercial or industrial activity, areas within community or neighborhood parks which are left in their natural state, & other environmentally sensitive areas.
*Riparian Corridor*	wetland & terrestrial areas within the influence area of the adjacent stream; can also be defined as an area measured horizontally from the top of the bank, or if that cannot be determined, from the ordinary high water mark of the watercourse & water body, or a 100-year floodplain as mapped by FEMA, whichever is greater.
*Recreation, Active*	includes playgrounds, sportfields, trails, camping facilities, or other programmed activities.
*Recreation, Passive*	includes scenic overlooks or areas, seating areas, botanical gardens, arboretums, historic sites, or other self-directed activities.
*Recreational Path*	a separate, shared-use path adjacent to & independent of the street; intended solely for non-motorized travel; generally eight to ten feet (8’-10’) wide; also known as a Class I bikeway.
*Wildlife Habitat*	areas composed of land, water, vegetation, & other natural resources necessary to support fish & wildlife populations.

PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE GOALS AND POLICIES

Guidelines are needed to establish partnerships for the planning and development of the community’s park, recreation, and open space system to maximize resources and to meet the community’s expectations for quality.

GOAL 1: Coordinated and Cooperative Planning and Development

Establish and maintain between city, county, school districts and other public agencies coordinated and cooperative planning and development activities, including funding and capital improvements, for park, recreation, and open space areas and facilities.

Policy 1.1: Avoid Duplication of Services and Facilities

a. For park, recreation, and open space opportunities, encourage cooperation between city and county departments, school districts, and other public agencies in the planning stages of development to avoid duplication of recreational services and facilities and to maximize resources and minimize expenses to the community.

b. Establish and strengthen the partnership between the Lawrence School District/Board, the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department/Advisory Board, and the Lawrence/Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Office/Commission in planning for future school and park sites.

c. Maintain and strengthen the partnership between the Lawrence School District and the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department in acquiring and developing land for future school and park sites.

d. Prepare a coordinated capital improvements program for the City of Lawrence and unincorporated Douglas County to acquire needed open space on an ongoing basis.

e. Establish parks and open space standards for unincorporated Douglas County.

f. Coordinate parks and open space standards between the City of Lawrence and unincorporated Douglas County

g. Designate the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan, or PRCMP, as the primary document of reference for planning, development, and maintenance of the community’s parks, recreation, and open space system.

h. Update the PRCMP on a five-year cycle beginning in 2006. Maps and plans for park improvement projects should be updated annually to reflect the changes in community growth and development patterns.

i. Encourage coordination between city and county public work departments for crosswalks and signage locations at park, recreation, and open space facilities and further coordinate the location of drainage easements for possible greenway linkages.

j. Encourage coordination between city and county utility and public work departments on infrastructure improvement projects for possible greenway linkages or community beautification projects.

Policy 1.2: Encourage Private/Public Partnerships and Innovative Techniques for Land Acquisition and Open Space Preservation

a. Identify, encourage, and provide incentives for land dedication or other voluntary mechanisms that protect natural and/or historic areas of Lawrence and unincorporated Douglas County for ecological or recreational purposes.

b. Encourage the use of easements, landowner agreements, and deed restrictions across private property for multiple-use trails and open space areas, especially natural and/or historic areas.

c. Establish a public education and awareness program on the benefits of a park, recreation, and open space system, especially those with natural and/or historic areas.

d. Encourage the further evaluation and use of the “Parkland and Open Space Acquisition Methods” outlined in this Chapter (pages 9-7 – 9-9).

Policy 1.3: Provide Funding Mechanisms for Maintenance and Acquisition

a. Establish a dedicated funding source for parkland and open space acquisition in the annual city and county budget to be used for land purchase, purchase of conservation and public access easements, and other applicable acquisition opportunities.

b. Establish a dedicated funding source for park and open space maintenance and community beautification efforts in the annual city and county budget to cover ongoing expenses associated with maintaining and enhancing the community’s parks, recreation, and open space system.

c. Establish a creative and diversified financial program for the park, recreation, and open space system that fully captures potential funding from private, local, state and federal sources.

d. Actively seek out grants, low-interest loans, and other financial assistance mechanisms devoted to the acquisition, planning, development, enhancement, and maintenance of parks, recreation, and open space areas and facilities.

e. Investigate feasibility of utilizing impact or development fees for financing land acquisition of new park, recreation, and open space areas and facilities and development and/or enhancement of existing or new park, recreation, and open space areas and facilities.

f. Investigate feasibility of utilizing sales tax revenues for financing maintenance and improvements to existing park, recreation, and open space areas and facilities.

g. Coordinate funding mechanisms for maintenance and acquisition of park, recreation, and open space areas and facilities with the land dedication and payment in lieu of requirements of the city/county joint subdivision regulation.

Guidelines are needed to allow for and encourage the retention and expansion of the parks, recreation, and open space system throughout the community.

GOAL 2: Protect the Existing Parks, Recreation, and Open Space System

Maintain and enhance the existing parks, recreation, and open space system to meet an expressed community need for improvements to this system and to improve the overall community image.

Policy 2.1: Protect Existing Parkland and Open Space Areas

a. Existing parklands and open space areas should be permanently dedicated for perpetuity and conversion of such areas to non-recreational uses is strongly discouraged.

b. Emphasize within the PRCMP the importance of protecting and maintaining existing parklands and open space areas and identify mechanisms to ensure these areas can be protected and maintained.

Policy 2.2: Maintain and Enhance Existing Park, Recreation, and Open Space Areas and Facilities

a. Invest in improvements to and maintenance of existing park, recreation, and open space areas and facilities.

b. Establish within the PRCMP a Parks Improvement Program that identifies priority enhancement projects.

c. Establish a mechanism for evaluating and updating completed maintenance and improvement projects.

d. Establish performance measures that promote a high level-of-service and increased quality of life in order to meet community demands and expectations.

Policy 2.3: Continue Community Beautification Efforts

a. Enhance the community’s public image by identifying projects through the Parks Improvement Program that support new landscaping, signage, and other amenities throughout the community.

b. Expand the street tree and landscape planting programs on public property and rights-of-way and work with appropriate city and county departments to establish standards for different project types, i.e., arterial versus collector streets; community gateways versus government buildings.

c. Maintain and enhance landscaping efforts at gateways into the community and identify priority gateway locations for future consideration and planning.

d. Incorporate the use of native plant materials and naturalistic landscaping to promote educational awareness of ecological diversity and water conservation techniques.

Guidelines are needed to provide direction on where and how the parks, recreation, and open space system should be located.

GOAL 3: Expand the Existing Parks, Recreation, and Open Space System

Acquire new parkland and open space areas to stay ahead of growth and to meet anticipated community demand and locate such areas in a manner that is consistent with the coordinated planning and development efforts of the community. Within urban areas, work towards providing public green spaces within ¼ mile of each residence.

Policy 3.1: Identify Future Parklands and Open Space Areas

a. Encourage the location and development of park, recreation, and open space areas and facilities that are consistent with the development standards and design criteria identified in the PRCMP, this Comprehensive Plan, and any relevant neighborhood or area plan. Such areas must reflect Map 9.1 (Priority Areas for Parks and Open Space).

b. Facilitate the development of new park, recreation, and open space areas and facilities as necessary to stay ahead of anticipated growth and to meet community demand or as unique opportunities arise to do so.

c. Locate parklands and open space areas near other community facilities, such as schools, whenever possible to maximize community resources and minimize community expenses.

d. Encourage use of the recommendations of the ECO² Commission in identifying areas appropriate to meet the community’s preservation and recreation needs.

e. Encourage open space uses in the community’s privately or publicly owned floodplains and drainageways. Such uses could be for playfields, trails, passive recreation, greenbelts/greenways, wildlife habitat, agriculture, or similar uses compatible with intermittent flooding and the ecological functioning of these areas.

f. Establish a greenbelt/greenway system that connects the community’s parks, recreation, and open space system and provides increased recreational opportunities, promotes the natural character of the area, and preserves ecological integrity of natural systems.

g. Establish a greenbelt/greenway system encircling the community that connects the four cornerstone natural areas including Clinton Reservoir, the Wakarusa River, and the Kansas River.

h. Reach out to agricultural property owners to facilitate farmland and open space preservation.

i. Use research on historic sites to locate and establish parks and open space that preserve and promote the history of the community.

Policy 3.2: Ensure Adequate Access to New Park, Recreation, and Open Space Areas and Facilities

a. In addition to the site selection criteria below, Map 9.1 (Priority Areas for Parks and Open Space) should be used in determining where new parkland and open space areas are desired. All land proposed to be dedicated through the platting process must be approved by the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department. Where land is not appropriate or acceptable for park use, payment in lieu of land dedication shall be required.

b. Locate new parkland and open space areas in accordance to the following site selection criteria and in a way so that they are readily accessible and can be reached in a safe and convenient manner by pedestrians, bicycles, public transit, and vehicles.

1. Neighborhood Parks

a) Locate to provide a high level of accessibility within the residential neighborhood, ideally adjacent to minor residential streets.

b) Locate close to the center of the neighborhood and within walking distance of the majority of the residents.

c) Locate adjacent to elementary schools or other public facilities, if possible.

2. Community Parks

a) Locate on arterial, collector, or access/frontage street to accommodate vehicular parking and access.

b) Provide pedestrian and bicycle access to park areas.

c) Provide a buffer between a community park and adjacent residential areas to minimize traffic and noise intrusion.

3. Site Selection Criteria

a) Site Suitability - topography, soils, vegetation, wetlands, and other site conditions should be compatible with the intended use of the park or open space. For example, active recreation sites should be relatively flat and free of natural constraints in order to permit recreation improvements.

b) Utilities - types of activities proposed should consider utility requirements. For example, recreation and community centers will likely have greater utility needs than passive or natural sites.

c) Access and Service - scale and intensity of recreation sites will create special demands for access and service. Large active facilities require vehicle parking and building service areas. Site selection should also consider and maximize opportunities for bicycle and pedestrian connections to areas surrounding the site. Facilities intended to serve the community should be located along, or develop strong connections to, these transportation links.

c. Establish and require, as part of the subdivision process, land dedication standards and/or payment in lieu of land dedication consistent with the policies and guidelines of the PRCMP and this Comprehensive Plan.

d. Coordinate locations of park, recreation, and open space areas and facilities with the community’s long-range transportation plan to ensure adequate and appropriate access and to minimize potential conflicts.

Guidelines are needed to establish accessible community connections to and from existing and future parks, recreation, and open space areas and facilities.

GOAL 4: Connectivity To, From, and Between Park, Recreation, and Open Space Areas and Facilities

Provide linkages to the parks, recreation, and open space system that improve community accessibility to such areas and that take into consideration the variety of linkage types available for active and passive recreational needs.

Policy 4.1: Provide Connections for Pedestrian Accessibility

a. Develop parkways and boulevards, greenbelts/greenways, riparian corridors, and movement corridors utilizing existing vegetation and unique landscape features to provide open space areas and connections throughout the community.

b. Use street and utility improvement projects as opportunities to include the addition and/or improvement of sidewalks and trails.

c. Coordinate connections with the community’s Pedestrian Plan and with the community’s public transit services.

d. Consider linkages internal to, or within, the City of Lawrence that provide connections to and from existing areas and newly developing areas.

e. Consider linkages external to, or beyond, the City of Lawrence that provide connections to other communities and regional recreational areas.

Policy 4.2: Provide Connections for Bicycle Accessibility

b. Use street and utility improvement projects as opportunities to include the addition and/or improvement of sidewalks, trails, and bike lanes.

c. Coordinate connections with the community’s Bicycle Plan and with the community’s public transit services.

d. Consider linkages internal to, or within, the City of Lawrence that provide connections to and from existing areas and newly developing areas.

e. Consider linkages external to, or beyond, the City of Lawrence that provide connections to other communities and regional recreational areas.

Policy 4.3: Provide Connections for Vehicle Accessibility

a. Develop parkways and boulevards to provide open space areas and connections throughout the community.

b. Consider the access requirements of maintenance vehicles and equipment to parklands and open space areas.

c. Coordinate connections with the community’s Transportation Plan and with the community’s public transit services.

d. Consider linkages internal to, or within, the City of Lawrence that provide connections to and from existing areas and newly developing areas.

e. Consider linkages external to, or beyond, the City of Lawrence that provide connections to other communities and regional recreational areas.

Policy 4.4: Provide Connections for Ecological Processes

a. Establish a greenbelt/greenway system along the Kansas River, Wakarusa River, and local stream corridors and drainageways to encourage community connectivity and to preserve the natural processes of floodplains, drainageways, and wildlife.

b. Integrate natural areas, such as steep slopes, woodlands, natural prairies, wetlands, lakes/ponds, groundwater recharge, prominent ridgelines, and other environmentally sensitive areas into the parks, recreation, and open space system, wherever possible, to encourage community connectivity and to preserve the natural processes of such areas.

Guidelines are needed to facilitate the compatible transition between residential and/or non-residential land uses.

GOAL 5: Park, Recreation, and Open Space Areas and Facilities as Transitions

Utilize park, recreation, and open space areas and facilities as transitions to and between adjacent residential and non-residential development as a way of ensuring compatible and integrated patterns of development.

Policy 5.1: Use Traditional Transitioning Techniques

a. Promote compatible and integrated transitions between land uses of different intensities that are gradual and that consider the following:

1. Building Relationships

a) A back-to-back building relationship is preferable between land uses whenever possible.

b) Recreational buildings, facilities, and parking areas should have greater setbacks when abutting residential uses when such buildings or facilities pose adverse impacts on residential uses. A buffer and/or increased setback may be necessary beyond what is otherwise required.

c) The height and massing of recreational buildings and accessory structures should be oriented away from residential neighborhoods to avoid creating a negative visual effect. Height and massing should be complementary and reflect the residential architecture and neighborhood character.

d) Building entrances and pedestrian access should be oriented to the street. Access from the surrounding neighborhood is also strongly encouraged.

2. Screening and Landscaping

a) Encourage the creative and extensive use of landscaping and berming techniques for effective buffering when necessary to separate incompatible recreational and non-recreational uses.

b) Avoid the use of fences as a sole means of providing screening and buffering. Where fencing is proposed, additional landscaping may be required to soften the monotonous effect of a fenceline.

c) Use existing vegetation, such as stands of mature trees, as natural buffers.

d) Use high quality materials in the construction of fencing and landscaping to decrease long-term maintenance costs.

3. Lighting

a) Any lighting used to illuminate parking areas, signs or structures shall be placed to deflect light away from any adjoining property or from public streets through fixture type, height and location.

Policy 5.2: Consider Alternative Transitioning Techniques

a. Encourage and incorporate open space areas, especially natural areas, into development to serve as buffers and/or transitions between incompatible land uses.

b. Retain mature trees and natural vegetation to naturally separate incompatible land uses and to serve as amenities for the development.

Guidelines are needed for the preservation of open space and natural features that will enhance the character of the built environment, promote public health and safety, provide for outdoor recreation, provide visual enjoyment, preserve natural ecological functions, and improve the overall quality of life for the community.

GOAL 6: Maintain a Balance Between Natural and Built Environments

Conserve and protect natural features and functions while accommodating new development that is sensitive to both the recreational needs and the environmental/ecological needs of the community.

Policy 6.1: Preserve and Enhance Natural Areas of the Community

a. Incorporate floodplains and drainageways into the park, recreation, and open space system whenever possible to preserve and enhance the hydrological functions, such as flood control and stormwater runoff filtration, and ecological functions, such as air purification and climate control.

b. Incorporate wetlands into the park, recreation, and open space system wherever possible to preserve and enhance the hydrological and ecological function of such areas.

c. Incorporate wildlife habitat into the park, recreation, and open space system wherever possible to preserve and enhance the quality of habitat for the community’s wildlife populations and migratory wildlife.

d. Incorporate steep slopes, rock outcroppings, and other unique landscape features into the park, recreation, and open space system wherever possible to preserve and enhance the character of the community’s physical landscape.

e. Incorporate historic sites and ecosystems historically unaltered by man since 1800, such as, prairies, into the park, recreation, and open space system as the community’s legacy to future generations.

Policy 6.2: Encourage and Maintain a Relationship between Natural Areas and Development

a. Discourage development-related intrusions in natural areas whenever possible to preserve the natural ecological processes of such areas and to maintain the natural character of the community.

b. Encourage and incorporate open space areas, especially natural areas, into development of neighborhood linkages to promote community connectivity and to increase recreational opportunities for adjacent development.

c. Encourage and incorporate open space areas, especially natural areas, into development to increase the overall quality of life for residents of the City of Lawrence and unincorporated Douglas County.