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

3. Wherever possible, environmentally sensitive areas with natural or cultural
resources will be included in lands acquired for parkland or conservancy open
space when they exhibit characteristics which will contribute to the
comprehensive system.
4. The acquisition of public facilities shall take into account and recognize private
facilities and services which are offered in order to avoid unnecessary duplication
and conserve financial resources.
Policies - Park Acquisition:
1. The acquisition of planned parks, greenway/conservancy open space and other
recreational facilities shall be accomplished as soon as possible within
developing areas of the City to meet long range public recreation needs before
development pressures render the property too expensive.
2. Private developers and Dakota County CDA shall be required to dedicate a
portion of their land for public use when such a development includes an area
planned for park acquisition. Where such a need is not apparent, the developer
shall contribute cash to be used for the purchase and/or development of public
parks and open space. All developers are subject to current requirements
provided in Section 10-4-8 of the City’s Subdivision Ordinance.
3. Land dedications which serve no system purpose shall not be accepted as part
of required development contributions. Such lands may, however, be accepted
as a donation or a gift.
4. Unsolicited donations and gifts will be accepted as part of the system if they are
free of obligations or impacts which limit later use (by a condition of the gift), do
not offend other segments of the community, or which do not come with a hidden
or delayed price tag for development, operation, or maintenance which cannot be
justified as being in the City’s best interest or within financial resources which are
available.
5. Land included in drainage and/or utility easements will be utilized where feasible
to provide safe and convenient public access routes throughout the City.
6. To the extent possible, grants-in-aid will be sought to help finance the acquisition
of parkland, conservancy open space, trails, greenways and recreational
facilities.
7. All park and open space land acquisitions shall be reviewed by the Parks,
Recreation and Natural Resources Advisory Committee and they shall make
recommendation on such matters to the City Council.
8. Acquisition of high amenity and unique landscape areas will be sought as a
priority in the development of the park system. Such landscapes could include
City of Lakeville, Minnesota
Chapter Five
2006 Comprehensive Parks, Trails, & Open Space Plan Page 85