2006 Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan - City of Lakeville

Chapter
4
ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Introduction
This chapter of Lakeville’s Comprehensive Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan is the
Issues and Opportunities Summary. This summary entails analysis of information
pertaining to Lakeville’s parks, trails, and open space systems collected through the
1998 Lakeville Growth Strategies Report, the 1998 comprehensive planning process,
the current Parks, Trails and Open Space Inventory, input from City staff and the Parks,
Recreation and Natural Resources Committee during the planning process, review of
community surveys and neighborhood meetings held to solicit public input on the City’s
recreation system.
Issue Summary
Parks, Trails & Open Space System
The Lakeville parks and trails system was described as a superior system in each forum
used to solicit public input. The community survey indicated more than 90 percent of
the households surveyed rate Lakeville’s park facilities as excellent or good. Diversity
of recreational facilities, quality park and trail design, and strong recreational programs
have consistently been citied as strengths of the Lakeville system. The quality of
Lakeville’s recreational facilities has been credited to strong resident support and
proactive administration that includes the City Council, advisory committees, City staff,
and local athletic associations. Through early foresight, continued expansion and
strong administration, Lakeville has been very aggressive and proactive in park and trail
system planning in a successful effort to stay ahead of the City’s pace of land use
development. The Park and Recreation Department’s attention to detail has greatly
contributed to the quality of Lakeville’s park and trail facilities.
Future Growth
Lakeville’s population is anticipated to grow from 50,000 in the year 2005 to 86,000 by
2030. As the community continues to develop and mature, the City will face increasing
demands on the City’s parks, trails and open space system. Along with the new growth,
the City will experience changing demographics within its existing neighborhoods due to
the maturation of existing households. In recognition of these trends, the following
issues are identified:
City of Lakeville, Minnesota
Chapter Four
2006 Comprehensive Parks, Trails, & Open Space Plan Page 71