03-31-1997 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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PARKS JUNE, 1980 Orono residents have been blessed with at least three regional recreational assets close enough to be used on a regular basis. Morris T. Baker Park Reserve offers general recreation and a major natural area; the DNR's Luce Line Trail offers hiking and horseback riding to many Orono residents on a dally basis; and Lake Minnetonka provides a multitude of active and passive recreational opportunities. LOCAL PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES ARE INTENDED TO SERVE A RELATIVELY SMALL NEIGHBORHOOD ON A FREQUENT USE BASIS. These facilities should provide sufficient open space and/or special equipment to provide recreation and athletic activities not possible on typical residential properties. Local parks and recreation areas should be designed and located to serve individuals on a familiar, almost daily basis. The service area should be relatively small as should the number of users at any one time. Typical features might include playground equipment, ball fields, tennis courts and gardens or pathways. PRIVATE OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION FACILITIES SHOULD BE AVAILABLE TO COMPLEMENT PUBLIC FACILITIES. Beyond the provision of public recreation facilities at the regional and local level, the private sector provides a large share of the outdoor recreational opportunities, especially in Orono. Examples include several golf courses, riding stables, and commercial marinas offering access to Lake Minnetonka for persons not owning lakeshore. These private facilities lessen demand for Investment in public facilities, produce tax revenue, stimulate secondary services, provide services not available publicly, and provide direct employment opportunities. In addition, the individual ownership of open space on residential lots provides the most accessible, most frequently used recreation opportunity for all citizens. ORONO IS PARTLY IN THE METROPOLITAN URBAN SERVICE AREA AND PARTLY IN THE RURAL SERVICE AREA. Areas generally located along Lake Minnetonka have been developed to urban densities for many years. Areas away from the Lake have remained rural in density and character. The citizens of Orono have determined that a long range planning objective of the City is the permanent retention of the rural community. The Community Management Plan is not a staged growth plan and urban density will not be spread into the rural area. CMP 8-4 n 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 II I I I