Make improvements within your city's system of parks, offroad trails and open spaces.
Best Practice of this action
Rating Guideline
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Remedy at least one connectivity break by, for example, completing a missing trail section, acquiring a high quality natural area, a priority stormwater management area, vacant space in a high amenity/redevelopment area, a rail corridor. Report remedies for street-to-trail gaps (between city streets and off-road trails/bike trails) under best practice action 11.5. |
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Remedy at least 3 connectivity breaks; fund trails out of adjacent street assessments; sign at least one shared use agreement with a school that allows public use of school outdoor facilities outside of school hours. |
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Remedy/plan/budget for 75% or more of the gaps; add a walking/biking trail that connects your city to a key destination/area/trail outside the city. |
Resources
- Trail Planning, Design, and Development Guidelines (MN Dept. of Natural Resources: 2007).
- Find grants through Minnesota Local Trail Connections and the Minnesota Parks and Trails Council.
- The Center for Changing Landscapes at the University of MN has focused on large linear regional infrastructure (state trails, transit corridors, scenic byways, and highways), their local connections, and the communities along them in rural, suburban, and urban landscapes.
- The National Recreation and Park Association's Park Metrics are the most comprehensive source of data standards and insights for park and recreation agencies. These agency performance resources assist park and recreation professionals in the effective management and planning of their operating resources and capital facilities. This suite of tools allows park and recreation agencies to build customized reports that allow for comparisons with peer agencies.
- Consider Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) when designing parks and recreation.
- Consider lighting improvements. Use the International Dark-Sky Association Light Pollution Solutions guide to promote reduced/smarter outdoor lighting. See the GreenStep Dark Skies best practices for more.
Order Number
1
Action Type
Finite