3(d) Comprehensive Plan Update - Review revisions to Recreation and Natural Resources Sections

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to the City. Situated toward the end of Wilderness Road,the State Wildlife Management Area contains over 200 acres. Both of these areas are available for passive recreation, such as bird watching, walking, hiking,snowshoeing,cross-country skiing and wildlife viewing. The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway,which runs along County Highways 11 and 16 in Pequot Lakes, is another important recreational asset. In addition to providing a "forested gateway" to the City, the byway preserves the scenic value of the area for drivers to enjoy, draws tourists to the City, and provides additional walking and biking surfaces. The 54-mile Byway connects with the Paul Bunyan State Trail in Pequot Lakes and Jenkins. This area may be designated as a Bird City area. Birds are an indicator of the health of the environment. PUBLIC NATURAL AREAS AND PLAYGROUNDS Many large pieces of forested land, wetlands and open space in Pequot Lakes are publicly owned. City, state, and county public land owners and their bureaucracies create challenges in managing the use of land for recreation purposes. Nevertheless, coordination is necessary in order to provide the most benefits to the community. Public land is an important resource for hunting activities.The Pequot Lakes School District provides athletic fields to be used by students and residents.The City operates several city parks providing recreational opportunities and locations for community events. The Minnesota DNR owns the Fire Tower site; the future of the Fire Tower is unknown at this time. ��=��ve rt�i� ur�c��rlir�eci .: vt�� ir(' Ir� (:tr itC3��- cl� 1f1Ptf tTtdY' k)� cl C�E'CI�i t � t)'s; ; �` .A, l�!' r�� ('�U�'i-'y iP�;dtf�itl� �h2 tOW2f pfIOC t0 �ir�-�iii�tf�ar� �)f tli%�; F'i<arf Trailside Park is located in the center of the downtown area. Community festivals, such as Bean Hole Days and Bands in the Park,utilize both sections ofthe park. A I<��e playground i<;�v�iial�le �I� �eaa�e�: Planned improvements to this park include expansion to include Bobber Park, addition of a splash pad,skating rink,a community building,and a flag display. Bobber Park is home to Paul Bunyan's Ox and Paul Bunyan's Chair, as well as the historic Bobber Water Tower. Neighborhood parks are important and provide opportunities for close-to-home recreation. Sibley Lake Park overlooks Sibley Lake. The Sibley Lake Association recently provided the labor to remove the deteriorating steps and revegetate the hillside, along with moving the fishing pier and providing new access steps. A playground was recently donated to be utilized by neighborhood children as well as visitors. Gildner Park and Trailside North Park are neighborhood parks that include playground equipment, picnic tables, and barbeque grills. Pequot Lakes is also home to a Dog Park . The Dog Park is located under the new City Water Tower and is used by residents and visitors. T�^�� Equally important are indoor recreational facilities. The school gym complex and Trailside Center are indoor facilities that can be utilized. �DI\/ATC�A!'ll ITICC r S