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

• Transportation. Integral to the recreation system is the establishment of a trail
system to provide access to park and open space areas and connect them with
principal user destinations. Trail development, as well as development of sidewalks
leading to major trails, have been and will continue to be coordinated with the
development of roadways in the community in association with the 1994
Transportation Plan. Through the establishment of multiple purpose trailways along
arterial and collector streets, a more direct and efficient system of trail corridors can
be established. Street rights-of-way provide readily available area for trail location
and contain few physical limitations. Trail and sidewalk construction, in conjunction
with streets associated with new commercial and residential developments, results
in lower overall costs, better user visibility by motorists, and controlled crossings.
These five basic functions formulate the need to establish and maintain a high quality
comprehensive parks, trails and open space system for Lakeville. The plan must be
built upon the City’s individual characteristics and respond to the current and future
physical growth and social needs.
Mission Statement of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee
The Lakeville City Council is responsible for establishment of policy and implementation
of the Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan. The City has established the Parks,
Recreation and Natural Resource Committee as an advisor to the City Council in such
matters and to represent the citizens of Lakeville. The Parks, Recreation and Natural
Resources Advisory Committee contributes greatly to the success of the community
parks and trails system through their review of site specific projects and development
recommendations. The mission statement of the Parks, Recreation and Natural
Resources Committee is:
“The committee will strive to preserve and wisely use natural
resources; preserve scenic, aesthetic and historical values; promote
equitable distribution of safe, active and passive recreational
facilities; and contribute to the development of a high quality of life
for all Lakeville residents.”
Parks, Trails & Open Space Planning Process
As in 2000, the planning process for preparation of this Parks, Trails & Open Space
Plan has involved several steps. First, background information was assembled on
Lakeville’s development history, physical character, demographics, as well as the future
land use and development objectives identified in the City’s 1998 Comprehensive Plan
(as amended). This information will serve as the base for subsequent steps in the
planning process. Second, an inventory was taken of all existing parks, trails and
recreational resources. The purpose of the inventory was to identify and analyze the
City’s existing parks, trails and open space facilities.
City of Lakeville, Minnesota
Chapter One
2006 Comprehensive Parks, Trails, & Open Space Plan Page 3