Chapter 2 - Rec Needs Issues and Vision_7.18.06Chapter Two Recreation Needs, Issues, the Community Survey & Vision Statement
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 2-1
Adopted 18 July 2006
CHAPTER TWO
RECREATION NEEDS, ISSUES,
THE COMMUNITY SURVEY &
VISION STATEMENT
Existing and anticipated recreation needs for New Scandia Township will be
addressed in this chapter by analyzing relevant demographic characteristics
and reviewing general recreation trends. Specific information regarding
recreation needs will be provided, as indicated in part by feedback generated
from the 2004 New Scandia Township Community Survey. The Community
Survey will be discussed in further detail later in this chapter.
As part of the process of building the Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open
Space and Recreation Plan, the New Scandia Township Park and Recreation
Committee crafted a vision statement to help guide the Township in the
development, maintenance and enhancement of its park system. The vision
statement is included at the conclusion of this chapter.
REGIONAL CONTEXT
New Scandia Township is roughly 35 miles north of the Twin Cities. It
borders Chisago Lake Township and Franconia Township in Chisago
County to the north, the Lower St. Croix Scenic Riverway to the east, May
Township to the south and the City of Forest Lake to the west. William
O’Brien State Park is located within the Township’s southeast corner. The
northern-most portion of Big Marine Regional Park Preserve is located in
the southwest quarter of the Township.
State Highway 97 provides access to 35W and Minneapolis-Saint Paul. State
Highway 95 provides north/south access running along the St. Croix River
and its communities. County Roads 3 and 15 also extend north/south
through the Township. Much of the existing development is along or near
these transportation corridors and around the lakes.
Chapter Two Recreation Needs, Issues, the Community Survey & Vision Statement
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 2-2
Adopted 18 July 2006
Many people are drawn to New Scandia Township for its strong rural
character, abundance of lakes and open space and relative proximity to the
metropolitan region.
DEMOGRAPHICS
The Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan should
adequately address the needs and desires of Township residents, now and in
the future. This section analyzes key characteristics of those who will use
New Scandia Township facilities.
POPULATION GROWTH
In 2004 the Metropolitan Council estimated the population of New
Scandia Township to be approximately 3,970 people; the population is
projected to reach 5,000 residents between 2017 and 2020. New
Scandia Township’s population growth may affect parks, trails, open
space and recreational facilities in several ways:
Statistics from the
Metropolitan Council
showed the 2004
population of New
Scandia Township to
be 3,970. The Met
Council predicts that
between 2017 and
2020, the population
will likely be 5,000 –
an increase of 26%.
1. Pressure to develop in rural and natural areas will increase.
Consequently, without proper planning the rural character that
attracted many residents to New Scandia Township may be
lost.
2. The need to provide additional recreation facilities will
increase.
3. Park dedication and fees in lieu of dedication will increase as
new subdivisions and development occurs.
POPULATION DENSITY
Many residents of New Scandia Township are located in or near the Village
Center and Village Center Expansion (just south of the Village Center) as
identified in the 1998 New Scandia Comprehensive Plan. Within the
township, land adjacent to State Highways 97 and 95 and in close proximity
to several of the lakes are also more densely populated.
people under the
age of 19 will
decrease.
The State
Demographer
predicts that as we
approach the year
2020, the percentage
of people over 65
will increase and the
percentage of
AGE DISTRIBUTION
Recreation activities are used and enjoyed by people of all age groups.
Generally speaking, younger people favor active types of recreation, like
water sports, skateboarding and baseball. Older people may favor more
passive recreation, including walking, birding and picnicking.
Chapter Two Recreation Needs, Issues, the Community Survey & Vision Statement
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 2-3
Adopted 18 July 2006
The 2000 census showed that approximately 29% of the population of New
Scandia Township was under the age of 20 and roughly 9% was over the age
of 65. The State Demographer is projecting that as we approach the year
2020, the percentage of people over the age of 65 will increase and the
percentage of people under the age of 20 will decrease. However, the
Township is in growth mode, it may not age like a fully developed
community. This may affect the types of recreation facilities that New
Scandia Township develops.
Particular age groups may be associated with specific areas of the Township.
For example, senior housing is located just west of the Village Center.
Concentrations of families with young children are generally associated with
neighborhoods that have “starter” homes, located in new developments
throughout the Township. Consequently, recreation facilities should relate to
the likely users of the facilities.
PARK USERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
New Scandia Township’s parks, trails, open space and recreational facilities
should provide recreation opportunities for all users – including those with
special needs, whether it’s physical or mental disabilities. People with special
needs have the same interests as the general population, but many encounter
barriers when participating in recreation activities.
It is a popular misconception that people with disabilities make up a very
small percentage of the population. The 2000 Census indicated that roughly
10% of NST residents between 5 to 20 years of age have a disability, as does
almost 16% of the population between 21 to 64 years of age. Approximately
34% of people in the Township over 65 years old have a disability. As the
population continues to grow and age, this percentage will increase. Every
effort should be made to make all parks, trails, open space and recreational
facilities in New Scandia Township barrier-free to meet the guidelines of the
Americans with Disabilities Act.
PARK USE FROM NON-RESIDENTS
Residents are the primary users of New Scandia Township’s parks, trails,
open space and recreation facilities. However, the Township offers
recreation opportunities that attract people from around the region. New
Scandia’s proximity to the Twin Cities metropolitan area, its rural character
and its high percentage of existing open space provide unique recreation
opportunities. In particular, visitors come to New Scandia Township to
enjoy the many water-related recreation activities offered by the Lower St.
Croix River and the area’s many lakes. In addition to boating and fishing,
Chapter Two Recreation Needs, Issues, the Community Survey & Vision Statement
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 2-4
Adopted 18 July 2006
visitors find an opportunity to ride horseback, snowmobile, hunt and explore
the historical Swedish settlement.
New Scandia Township should recognize that some recreation facilities have
potential to attract people from around the area. This can benefit the
Township, especially if planned properly. New Scandia Township should
continue to work with adjacent communities, the Metropolitan Council, the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Washington County when
considering recreation facilities that may draw people from around the
region.
COLLABORATION WITH OTHER ENTITIES
It is the primary responsibility of New Scandia Township to provide its
residents with a park system that meets their requirements. However, others
- including area school districts - can and do help address park and recreation
needs. This section provides an overview of potential collaboration to ensure
that the Township’s park system needs are met.
OTHER GOVERNMENT ENTITIES
The Township’s park system can benefit (and has) through collaborations
with other government entities including the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources, the Metropolitan Council, Washington County and
neighboring communities. Parks with special or regional significance,
regional trails or local trails with regional connections and significant open
spaces hold great opportunities for collaborative efforts that would not only
benefit New Scandia Township, but also the region.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
New Scandia Township residents are served by Forest Lake Area School
District 831 and Chisago Lakes School District 2144. Both School Districts
provides recreation opportunities for students and all residents in the
districts. Although schools are not Township parks, residents of New
Scandia Township use the recreation facilities at schools and participate in
recreation programs sponsored by these Districts.
New Scandia Township and Area School Districts have a synergistic
relationship that allows them to work together to ensure that all residents in
the Township have an excellent park system and recreation program. As
budgets tighten, the need for open communication and cooperation will
become even more critical. The School District’s facilities and their
relationship to the Township park system are described in more detail in
Chapter 6: Recreation Facilities.
Chapter Two Recreation Needs, Issues, the Community Survey & Vision Statement
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 2-5
Adopted 18 July 2006
ATHLETIC, NON-PROFIT,
AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
There are many active athletic, non-profit, and community organizations in
New Scandia Township including Scandia Rider’s Club, Forest Lake Area
Athletic Association, Lakes Area Recreation Association, Girl Scouts, Boy
Scouts, 4H Clubs, Campfire Organization, Osceola YMCA, St. Croix Cross
Country Ski Club, to name just a few. These organizations can contribute a
wealth of experience, knowledge, labor, and limited funding that can benefit
the Township’s park system. Conversely, New Scandia Township’s park
system can benefit these organizations by providing them with the facilities
and opportunities they need or desire. It is critical that collaboration between
the Township and other organizations be based on a shared vision of New
Scandia’s park system.
RESIDENTS AND LANDOWNERS
New Scandia Township residents are critical to the success of the
Township’s park system. Collaboration and cooperation between the
Township and its residents can ensure that the park system not only meets
the needs of the residents, but it can also ensure that residents have the
information and tools to help maintain the park and recreation system and
enhance both public and private open space.
RECREATION TRENDS
The Minnesota Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
(SCORP) and the Metropolitan Council Leisure Survey provide
general information about recreation trends in Minnesota. New
Scandia Township may refer to these studies to help determine
recreation trends and needs in the Township. However, it is
important to note that the Metropolitan Council Leisure Survey was
prepared in 1995. Emphasis on some trends will likely change over
the years. Consequently, New Scandia Township may want to
periodically update recreation trends and needs in the community.
1990-1994 MINNESOTA SCORP
The 1990-1994 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
(SCORP) provides a general guide for development of outdoor recreation
facilities in Minnesota. The ’90-’94 SCORP is helpful in that it provides
information on the types of recreation activities Minnesotans view as
important. In addition, State and Federal agencies often review funding
requests in relation to the SCORP. Therefore, it is important for New
Chapter Two Recreation Needs, Issues, the Community Survey & Vision Statement
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 2-6
Adopted 18 July 2006
Scandia Township to recognize how its park and open space needs generally
relate to the SCORP.
Following is a summary of key findings from the 1990-1994 SCORP:
1. Minnesotans were asked to identify the importance of various
recreation facilities. Facilities and activities dealing with natural areas
are at the top of the list (see Table 2-A: Percentage of Minnesotans
that View Recreation Activity as Important). Because New Scandia
Township has a high percentage of undeveloped open space and
several areas that contain significant natural communities, the
Township has a unique opportunity to protect these remaining
natural areas and, where appropriate, incorporate them into its
comprehensive parks, trails, open space and recreation plan.
2. Based on a 1985 survey, Minnesotans spend an average of 225 hours
per capita per year in outdoor recreation activities. Children between
the ages of 7 and 14 spend the most time (345 hours per year) in
participating in recreation activities. Generally, as age increases, the
number of hours spent on outdoor recreation activities decreases.
People over the age of 65 spend an average of 160 hours per year in
outdoor recreation activities.
The difference in time that each age class spends outdoors is
important. The 2000 Census shows almost 29% of the population of
New Scandia Township at age 19 or younger. Providing adequate
recreation activities for children (athletic fields, areas for biking, and
other active forms of recreation) is important. Likewise, 46% of the
population was between the ages of 25 and 54. As these middle-aged
adults grow older, they will spend more time in passive recreation
activities like walking, hiking, nature observation, and golfing.
Table 2-A: Percentage of Minnesotans that View Recreation
Activity as Important (Source: MNSCORP 1990-94)
1. Natural Park Areas .........................................................................91
2. Wildlife and Nature Observation ................................................89
3. Walking Paths .................................................................................84
4. Picnic Grounds...............................................................................83
5. Nature and History Interpretation ..............................................82
6. Swimming Beaches ........................................................................82
7. Lake Accesses .................................................................................78
8. Bicycle Paths and Trails ................................................................78
Field Sports
Minnesotans view
facilities and
activities dealing
with natural areas
as a priority.
Chapter Two Recreation Needs, Issues, the Community Survey & Vision Statement
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 2-7
Adopted 18 July 2006
9. Paved Shoulders for Bicycles .......................................................76
Skating Rink
10. Flower Gardens ..............................................................................75
11. Campgrounds .................................................................................72
12. Hiking Trails ...................................................................................72
13. Athletic Fields .................................................................................70
14. Skating and Hockey Rinks ............................................................70
15. Shore Fishing Areas .......................................................................70
16. River and Stream Access ...............................................................65
17. Cross Country Ski Trails ...............................................................63
18. Playgrounds.....................................................................................60
19. Swimming Pools.............................................................................58
20. Downhill Ski Areas ........................................................................52
21. Tennis Courts .................................................................................52
22. Golf Courses ...................................................................................51
23. Waterfowl Hunting Areas .............................................................47
24. Snowmobile Trails .........................................................................41
25. Big Game Hunting Areas..............................................................41
26. Basketball Courts ...........................................................................39
27. Horseback Trails ............................................................................38
28. Upland Game Hunting Areas ......................................................36
29. Shooting Ranges .............................................................................29
30. ATV Trails and Areas....................................................................25
31. Field Dog Training Areas .............................................................20
32. Scuba Diving Areas........................................................................20
33. 4WD Trails and Areas ...................................................................17
Roughly 73% of the time a Minnesotan spends on recreation is spent
within one-half hour of home. People prefer to participate in
recreation activities that are close to home. It is especially important
for children to have safe and easy access to recreation facilities.
Furthermore, many adults who work long hours and commute to
work have more time to participate in recreation activities that are
closer to home. According to feedback from the Community Survey,
over 60% of residents work outside of the Township. Given this,
plus the concern of rising energy costs, the Plan should consider
providing recreation opportunities close to existing and/or proposed
residential developments.
Roughly 73% of the
time a Minnesotan
spends on
recreation is spent
within one-half
hour of home.
3. Trails are becoming an increasingly important part of recreation
plans at all levels of government. New Scandia Township has a
chance to provide trail connections to existing regional trails that are
within or near the Township. Trails may also provide residents with
Chapter Two Recreation Needs, Issues, the Community Survey & Vision Statement
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 2-8
Adopted 18 July 2006
convenient access to proposed recreation areas throughout the
Township.
2003-2008 MINNESOTA SCORP
Enjoying and Protecting Our Land & Water; Minnesota’s 2003-2008
State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) provides an
overview of outdoor recreation issues facing Minnesota and it describes
policies and funding mechanisms to address those issues. Because state and
federal agencies often review local funding requests in relation to the
SCORP, it is important for the Township to recognize how its park system
plan relates to the SCORP. The Minnesota SCORP has two guiding
principles:
1. Encourage a better, highly integrated outdoor system that balances
recreation and protection of natural and cultural resources; and
2. Strengthen the awareness of the connection between outdoor
recreation and good health.
In addition, the 2003-2008 SCORP sets the following seven priorities:
1. Protect and restore the natural resources base on which outdoor
recreation depends – Minnesota’s lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands,
grasslands, and forests;
2. Sustain Minnesota’s existing outdoor recreation facilities for future
generations;
3. In areas of rapid population growth, reserve prime recreation lands –
such as shoreland and significant natural areas – ahead of
development and provide recreation facilities such as parks, trails,
and water accesses;
4. Respond to the demands of Minnesota’s changing population;
5. Expand nature-based outdoor recreation experiences for youth living
in urban areas through “close-by” access to natural areas;
6. Improve coordination of the recreation-related activities of
governmental and non-governmental providers; and
7. Understand the capacity of Minnesota’s natural resources to support
satisfying outdoor recreation opportunities.
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL LEISURE SURVEY
The Metropolitan Council conducted a Leisure Survey in the Fall of 1995.
The University of Minnesota Center for Survey Research surveyed a sample
of 5,400 households in the seven county metropolitan region regarding their
Chapter Two Recreation Needs, Issues, the Community Survey & Vision Statement
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 2-9
Adopted 18 July 2006
interest and participation in leisure activities. The purpose of the study was
to help local and regional governments in planning and implementing park
systems.
One survey question asked households to identify leisure activities that
they were interested in and had participated in at least once over the last
12 months. Table 2-B ranks the responses in order. Passive activities and
activities related to natural areas were ranked highest.
Table 2-B: Percent Interest and Participation in Activities
in Last 12 Months (Source: Metropolitan Council – 1996)
1. Walking in Natural Area/Large Park .................................57
2. Picnicking ...............................................................................52
3. Visiting Zoos .........................................................................49
4. Visiting Conservatory, Arboretums, Gardens ..................39
5. Swimming or Sunbathing at a Beach .................................35
6. Informal Nature Observation .............................................35
7. Camping .................................................................................33
8. Fishing ....................................................................................29
9. Biking Paved Trails in Parks and Natural Areas ..............26
10. Power Boating and Water Skiing ........................................23 Walking in Natural Area 11. Sledding ..................................................................................21
12. Jogging and Running ............................................................20
13. Non-Power Boating .............................................................19
14. Inline Skating, Skateboarding ..............................................14
15. Cross Country Skiing............................................................12
16. Snowmobiling ........................................................................10
17. Horseback Riding on Trails...................................................6
18. Formal Nature Study ..............................................................5
Another survey question asked households to identify leisure activities
that they would like to participate in, but were limited in participating in
because of cost, time constraints, or lack of facilities. Table 2-C ranks
those responses in order. Again, many passive and nature oriented
activities were ranked highest. Some activities, like horseback riding,
were ranked higher than in Table 2-B. This suggests that more people
would like to participate in other activities but they feel constrained by
time, cost, or lack of facilities. The Township can help minimize these
constraints by providing adequate facilities in conveniently accessed
locations.
Chapter Two Recreation Needs, Issues, the Community Survey & Vision Statement
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 2-10
Adopted 18 July 2006
Table 2-C: Percent Interest in Activity But Constrained in
Participating (Source Metropolitan Council – 1996)
1. Visiting Zoos.....................................................................31
2. Visiting Conservatories and Gardens.............................29
3. Fishing................................................................................27
4. Non-Power Boating..........................................................25
5. Camping.............................................................................25
6. Biking Paved Trails in Natural Areas.............................23
7. Picnicking...........................................................................22
8. Swimming or Sunbathing at a Beach .............................21
9. Walking in Natural Areas.................................................21
10. Horseback Riding on Trails.............................................19
11. Sledding..............................................................................19
12. Power Boating and Water Skiing....................................17
13. Cross Country Skiing........................................................16
14. Informal Nature Study.....................................................14
15. Snowmobiling....................................................................12
16. Inline Skating and Skateboarding...................................11
17. Jogging and Running........................................................10
18. Formal Nature Study..........................................................9
RECREATION NEEDS
NATIONAL AND REGIONAL STANDARDS
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) establishes standards
to help communities in planning, acquisition, and development of park and
open space. The NRPA standards are based on the number of recreation
facilities (or acres of park land) per 1,000 people. For example, the NRPA
standard for tennis courts is one tennis court for every 2,000 residents.
Therefore, a Township of 10,000 people should have, based on this
standard, five tennis courts (10,000 residents divided by 2,000 = 5 tennis
courts). However, it is important to recognize that there are recreation
trends, and that certain recreation activities are more significant in different
regions. For example, tennis is currently not as popular as it once was.
Therefore, national standards should be adjusted for local conditions.
NRPA standards serve as a tool to help guide New Scandia Township in
providing a reasonable number of recreation facilities based on population.
Again, it is important to note that these standards provide only a general
guide. The Township should review and modify these standards in light of
current conditions.
Chapter Two Recreation Needs, Issues, the Community Survey & Vision Statement
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 2-11
Adopted 18 July 2006
EXISTING FACILITIES
The Township has the primary responsibility to provide recreation facilities
for its residents. However, others can (and do) help address the area’s
recreation needs. Table 3-A: Existing Parks and Recreation Facilities, lists
existing National, State, County, Township, private, and school district
facilities in New Scandia Township. It shows that Scandia Elementary
School provides most of the athletic fields in the community. While this
certainly helps address some issues in New Scandia Township, the Township
should not rely on the school district to meet its recreation needs. The
school district’s athletic fields are primarily for physical education classes and
for organized school sports. Consequently, the school district’s fields may
not serve the needs of adults and organized sports not affiliated with the
schools. For additional information, refer to Chapter 6: Recreation Facilities,
for a detailed description of existing facilities.
William O’Brien State Park
GENERAL ISSUES AND CONCERNS
The New Scandia Park & Recreation Committee began holding monthly
meetings in September 2004 with consultants Sanders Wacker Bergly, Inc.
(SWB) to begin the Comprehensive Park Plan process. At that time, the
committee generated a list of issues and concerns that the Comprehensive
Parks Plan could address:
1. PARKS:
a. Maintenance
b. Inventory of existing facilities
c. Dedicated parkland vs. open space
d. Conservation easements
e. Does the township have enough parkland? Too much?
f. What land to keep/ what to sell?
g. Saving open space in the face of development pressure
h. Desirable type of park system-central vs. network?
i. Capital improvements
2. ATHLETIC FIELDS:
a. Maintenance
b. Inventory of existing facilities
c. Capital improvements
d. Current vs. anticipated use
e. Adult vs. youth facilities
Chapter Two Recreation Needs, Issues, the Community Survey & Vision Statement
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 2-12
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3. SPORTS FACILITIES AND PLAYGROUNDS:
a. Maintenance
b. Inventory of existing facilities
c. Identify need for soccer, basketball, circuit training,
swimming, racquetball, regional park, regional community ‘Y’
facility, climbing wall
4. TRAILS (ON- AND OFF-ROAD): Lacrosse Camp
a. Maintenance
b. Inventory
c. Connectivity
d. Paved vs. unpaved
e. Possibility of hosting Gateway Trail from village center
f. Designated trail connections
g. Respect wish to discourage trails from being routed through
senior community
h. Possibility of route through undeveloped shoreline
5. OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL DIVERSITY PRESERVATION
INCLUDING HABITAT CORRIDORS:
a. Maintenance
b. Inventory
c. Coordination with rural landscape preservation committee
6. WATER RESOURCES (WETLANDS, LAKES, GROUND WATER):
a. Maintenance
b. Inventory
c. Protection
7. YOUTH PROGRAMS:
a. Neighborhood vs. central systems and programs
8. ANCILLARY ASPECTS OF THE PLAN:
a. Develop a strong and clear vision for parks, trails, open space
and recreational facilities in New Scandia Township
b. Cooperation with county, school district, state and federal
agencies, adjacent communities, private land owners and land
preservation entities
c. Township lands not designated as parks or public use areas
d. Develop/refine goals and strategies (guiding principles) to
help guide developers, the Park and Recreation Committee
and the Town Board in park issues related to current
development
Chapter Two Recreation Needs, Issues, the Community Survey & Vision Statement
New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 2-13
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e. Develop a clear understanding of when cash in lieu of land is
appropriate
For additional information, look for specific issues, opportunities, goals and
strategies as they relate to each plan component (i.e. Parks) in their
respective chapters.
THE 2004 NEW SCANDIA TOWNSHIP
COMMUNITY SURVEY
In order to best determine what New Scandia Township residents really
wanted for their park system, the Park and Recreation Committee distributed
a community survey to get a sense of what the community valued, used and
prioritized as being important to their recreation needs.
The community survey provided the following:
• The features and qualities that residents value most about New
Scandia Township’s parks, recreation and open space system.
• Existing facilities New Scandia Township residents use most often.
• Comment on the quality of existing NST facilities.
• Perceived threats to the quality of life in the Township.
Community surveys were distributed to every household in New Scandia
Township. There were 504 respondents; approximately 39% of the total
number of households in the Township responded to the survey.
Community response is as follows:
1. High priorities for most respondents (almost 60%) include
preserving open space, natural areas and rural character1. Parks and
trails are not far behind. Development is a serious concern for many.
1'Rural character' refers to the patterns of land use and development established by
a (township) in the rural element of its comprehensive plan:
(a) In which open space, the natural landscape, and vegetation
predominate over the built environment;
(b) That foster traditional rural lifestyles, rural-based economies, and
Chapter Two Recreation Needs, Issues, the Community Survey & Vision Statement
New Scandia Township
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Adopted 18 July 2006
2. Top five (5) activities reported were walking/jogging/running,
fishing, cycling, swimming and boating.
3. The most-used facility was listed as boat landings.
4. Most frequent requests include the preservation of rural character of
the Township, to improve trails and their respective connections, to
improve youth, adult and disabled programs.
5. Most frequent complaints include too much development, fear of
‘cluster’ development, loss of open space and natural areas, and not
wanting the community to turn into another faceless suburb.
6. When asked to rank the township’s recreational facilities, many
respondents replied in effect “I can’t rate them; I don’t know what
we have.”
For more information, please see Appendix B: 2004 New Scandia Township
Community Survey for complete survey content, accompanied with
corresponding feedback.
Throughout the development of the Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open
Space and Recreation Plan, the Park and Recreation Committee continually
referred to the feedback from the community survey in helping to set the
Plan direction and priorities.
opportunities to both live and work in rural areas;
(c) That provide visual landscapes that are traditionally found in rural
areas and communities;
(d) That are compatible with the use of the land by wildlife and for fish
and wildlife habitat;
(e) That reduce the inappropriate conversion of undeveloped land into
sprawling, low-density development;
(f) That generally do not require the extension of urban governmental
services; and
(g) That are consistent with the protection of natural surface water
flows and ground water and surface water recharge and discharge
areas.
http://nh.gov/oep/resourcelibrary/referencelibrary/r/ruralcharacter/wash
ingtonstatedefinesruralcharacter.htm
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New Scandia Township
Comprehensive Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Plan 2-15
Adopted 18 July 2006
A VISION FOR NEW SCANDIA TOWNSHIP’S
PARKS, TRAILS, OPEN SPACE AND
RECREATION SYSTEM
The following vision statement is based on input from a workshop held in
December of 2004, which included members from the Park and Recreation
Committee, the Town Board and the School District. A vision statement
serves to express a preferred future. It speaks to what the Township wants to
preserve and enhance. It also helps establish goals and strategies for the
community. New Scandia Township should periodically review and update
the vision statement to ensure that it remains relevant.
“We envision New Scandia Township’s parks, trails, open space and
recreation system will preserve our rural character, protect our natural beauty
and recognize our history.
We support our Community Center as the heart of New Scandia Township
from which a strong network of parks and trails extend throughout the
township and beyond to serve the needs and desires of all residents.
We value the natural environment of the Lower St. Croix River Valley and
recognize that the River is a unique regional asset and national icon.
We encourage the stewardship of our lakes, streams, wetlands, woodlands,
prairies and agricultural lands toward a healthy ecology that supports a
diversity of habitat and recreation opportunities.
We strive for New Scandia’s parks, trails, open space, recreation facilities
and programs to be appropriate across all age and ability levels.
We will promote New Scandia Township’s Comprehensive Parks, Trails,
Open Space and Recreation Plan to be a versatile and innovative guide for
our future growth, while encouraging compatible development and preserving
significant open space as a complement to the New Scandia Comprehensive
Plan.”
-Adopted by New Scandia Township’s Town Board
18 July 2006