3(a) Introduction and Community Character Sections

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have the potential to boost Pequot Lak�' local economy, atizeris and visitors alike don't want economic development and e�ansion to occur at the expense of their natural features. Clean lakes,mixed forests,and diverse wetlands all contribute to the scenic beauty and character of Pequot Lakes. These natural features offer restdents and visitors a tranquil respite from the stress and tofl of everyday life.They provide habitat for plant and animal species. Most Icral citizens have a deep respect for the natural environment and are committeti to preserving it.They understand that future development that degrades these resources can I, threaten the very assets that make Pequot Lakes a special and desirable place. �i SOCIAL GATHERING PLACES AND EVENTS Soclal gathering places such as churches and schools are an important part of the cultural fabric. In addition to � providing residents with meeting places,they provide opportunities for citizen involvement in groups and artivities that strengthen the community. � Encouraging public art by students and local avic groups gives young people an opportunity to engage in their '� community, enforctng the concept that Pequot Lakes values its youth and takes pride in their education.Yearly festivals like Bean Hole Days,the 4`''of luly Celebration,Chokecherry Festival,Taste of Pequot,Antique Snowmobile Rendezvous and Music in the Park provlde fun events that celebrate the City's heritage,bring to�ether people of all age groups,and attract visltors from around the state. Pequot lakes alsfl has a tremendous asset with the Trailside Park area, the land between Highway 371 and Government Drive, adjacent to the Paul Bunyan Trail. To provide more benefit to the community for this area, Govemment Drive needs to be reconfigured to provide better connections to the pa�k. The park itself, which functions more as a central °squareD than a traditlonal park,also neetls same definition to make the space more usable.The current layout of the park has a somewhat random feel that would benefit physicalty from some defining boundaries.A better understanding of the role of this vital public space would give context to future improvements. OPPORTUNITIES FOR A BALANCED LIFESTYLE In Pequot Lakes, people have the opportunity to Iive where they also recreate.The Paul Bunyan Trail, numerous lakes, and areas of publicly and prhrately owned land pr�vide residents and visftors with a variety of active and passive recreational opportunitfes.The integration of recreation with everyday life prevalls in the Cfty.Citizens feel strongly that it is worth preserving,partiq�larly as the population in Pequot Lakes grows and existing recreatlonal facilities face increased pressure.A growing awareness of health and fitness issues polnts to a greater demand for recreatfonal opportunitles in Pequot lakes. Until recently, Pequot Lakes has stayed on the periphery of growth and development in the Central Lakes Region, partially due to the fact that it does not sit on or near a four-lane highway.Continued�rowth through the region combined with the widening and realignment of Highway 371 will soon change this.in order to maintain the existtng community charader,residents want the City to capitalize on the components of community character,They wish to mafntain the small-town feel of Pequot Lakes. POLICIES The fallowing policies are proposed to guide all future growth and development and local gavernmerrt adion in Pequot Lakes: Comprehenslve Plan Update—February 2013 8 � P a g e