Chapter 8 (Includes Trails and Open Space Plans - El Paso County

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Mission Statement The County’s mission for Parks (as updated in 2013) is to enhance quality of life in El Paso County by: Acquiring, developing, maintaining, and preserving regional parks, trails and open space. Providing responsible resource management for open space lands characterized by unique natural environments. Providing natural and cultural history interpretation, education, and information services. Supporting major community events and festivals that celebrate our County’s heritage and culture. Providing and managing visitor destinations and experiences. Goals and Objectives OVERALL SYSTEM MISSION/ROLE Goal 1: Refine the mission statement and role for the El Paso County Parks System Objectives: A. Continue to focus on providing regional facilities and services, and work cooperatively with other providers of park and recreation facilities and services to address existing and future needs. B. Better define El Paso County Parks’ role as a producer of events that align with its essential mission, and in support of large community events and festivals; and as a provider and manager of visitor destinations and experiences (as reflected in revised Mission Statement). Goal 2: Provide a coordinated and connected system of parks, trails, and open space that is equitably distributed based on population and serves the needs of county residents. Objectives: A. Provide regional parks, recreation areas, trails, and open space that meet the needs of residents and that respect the significance of the natural and cultural resources present. B. Continue to participate in development review and long‐range planning with the El Paso County Development Services Department and in transportation planning with the Public Services Department to anticipate future growth and to identify areas where additional park needs are likely to emerge. Work with the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments, the City of Colorado Springs and other communities and organizations to address regional issues and connectivity. C. Balance taking care of current assets and acquiring new assets with an edge towards taking care of and maximizing current assets. 136 El Paso County, Colorado | Parks Master Plan
Goal 3: Balance passive/active use of county parks and open space and determine what is most appropriate for individual sites based on community need and master planning processes. Objectives: A. Refine the working definition of active and passive activities. B. Provide regional‐level active outdoor recreation facilities as part of the balance. C. Balance demand to keep use levels at or below carrying capacity. D. Balance preservation of natural and cultural resources with the need for public use and access. E. Manage the ever increasing demands for active recreation and new types of facilities, focusing uses on the appropriate venues. F. Update individual park master plans at least every 10 years. Goal 4: Provide an overall vision for the recreation and resource preservation network, and identify gaps so that the County, local jurisdictions, and others can work together to fill them. Objectives: A. Convene on a regular basis a local parks and recreation “working group” of representatives from cities and towns to address potential collaborative efforts. The group could help address meeting community needs, integrated planning, funding, best management practices and consistent standards; promote awareness, and sharing of resources and information, training, and use of volunteers, among other topics. B. Continue to develop the GIS database and capabilities and participate in regional efforts to share and disseminate data, including COMap. C. Serve as the local park resource working with small communities, special districts, and other organizations to meet needs to the extent possible. REGIONAL PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS Goal 1: Provide high quality and safe experiences for users of county park facilities and recreational areas. Objectives: A. Provide appropriate recreational access while protecting the natural character and environmental quality of the County’s parks and open space. B. Provide visitors a high quality experience and minimize user conflicts through master planning and thoughtful facility design, sustainable park management and maintenance practices, and appropriate signage and public education. C. Consider public safety in the planning and management of all park facilities. D. Provide access for people of all abilities through the development and implementation of the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Transition Plan. Chapter 8: Master Plan 137
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Chapter 8 (Includes Trails and Open Space Plans - El Paso County

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